60 GHz Receiver Assembly Using N-Array Antenna Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems at high frequencies, such as 60 GHz, face challenges in converting analog signals to digital signals efficiently and cost-effectively, and are susceptible to obstructions that disrupt transmission.
Innovation Solution
A receiver assembly with an N-array antenna system, amplifiers, down converters, demodulators, latches, and logic circuits that utilize antenna diversity, selection diversity, and maximum ratio combining to convert analog signals to digital signals at 60 GHz, providing sectored coverage and error correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional analog-to-digital conversion is used at 60 GHz high frequencies, then data rate requirements are met, but cost effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly is divided into multiple independent antenna elements (N-array), each with its own signal processing chain. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple signals, achieving high data rates through spatial diversity while using conventional, cost-effective components in each segment rather than requiring expensive high-speed ADCs for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-dimension time-domain signal processing to multi-dimensional spatial signal processing by utilizing multiple antenna elements. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve high throughput by processing signals from multiple spatial paths simultaneously, bypassing the need for extremely high-speed single-channel conversion.
2Speed
If line of sight transmission is required at 60 GHz, then transmission speed is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple elements that can independently detect and process signals from different spatial directions. When an obstruction blocks one path, other segments continue to receive signals, maintaining transmission reliability while preserving high-speed communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of obstructions into a beneficial feature by using signal reflections and scattering from obstacles as additional signal paths. The multiple antenna elements can detect both direct line-of-sight signals and reflected signals, turning obstructions from transmission blockers into alternative signal routes that maintain connectivity.
3Reliability
If N-array antenna system with multiple processing chains is implemented, then signal reception reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal processing chains are merged into a unified digital signal processing architecture where signals from all antenna elements are combined and processed together. This merging approach maintains the reliability benefits of multiple independent reception paths while reducing overall system complexity through shared processing resources and centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a receiver assembly for receiving an analog signal and converting the analog signal to a digital signal. The receiver assembly is, preferably, capable of receiving a signal operating at approximately 60 GHz. The receiver assembly includes a filter, a down converter, a demodulator, a latch, a FIFO, and a logic circuit. A method of converting the 60 GHz analog signal to a digital signal is also described.