Reconfigurable Channel Former for Array Antenna Signal Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional channel formers for array antennas are fixed and cannot be reconfigured to perform various operations on radio frequency signals, limiting their ability to group sub-networks in different combinations, which is insufficient for advanced radar processing applications like spatio-temporal adaptive processing.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable channel former is introduced, utilizing sets of switches and adders arranged in a pseudocascade configuration, allowing any combination of radiofrequency signals from sub-networks to be summed into output channels based on switch states, enabling flexible grouping of sub-networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed channel formers are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability is limited and cannot support advanced radar processing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The channel former is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically reconfigurable one using switchable signal paths. The patent implements multiple switches (SP4T, SP2T types) that can dynamically connect different sub-array combinations to different output channels, allowing the system to adapt to various radar processing modes (sum, difference, spatio-temporal adaptive processing) without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel former is designed to perform multiple functions within a single unified structure. It can simultaneously support traditional sum/difference channel formation and advanced spatio-temporal adaptive processing (STAP) applications. The universal design allows any combination of sub-arrays to be grouped and processed through the same hardware infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated channel formers for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed channel formers are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to group sub-networks in different combinations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The switching network is segmented into multiple independent switch modules (first set of SP4T switches, second set of SP4T switches, third set of SP2T switches). Each switch module handles specific routing functions, and their coordinated operation enables flexible sub-array grouping. This segmentation allows complex reconfiguration capabilities while keeping individual switch modules relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate switching stages that act as mediators between sub-array inputs and output channels. The first set of switches provides initial signal routing, the second set provides additional routing flexibility, and the third set provides final signal selection. These intermediary switching layers enable complex sub-array combinations without requiring a single monolithic complex switch.
3Ease of operation
If conventional channel formers are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced due to inability to reconfigure
Solution Approach 1:
The channel former's operational parameters (signal routing configurations) can be changed electronically through switch control without physical modification. The patent implements multiple switchable states that allow different sub-array groupings and signal combinations to be selected through control signals, enabling easy reconfiguration for different radar processing modes while maintaining a fixed manufactured structure.
4Productivity
If fixed channel formers are used, then the device is reliable and simple, but the productivity is limited in advanced radar processing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The channel former is pre-configured with multiple switchable paths and routing options that are prepared in advance through the switching network architecture. The switches are designed to enable various sub-array combinations and signal processing modes without requiring real-time physical reconfiguration. This preliminary structural preparation allows rapid switching between different processing modes, enhancing productivity for advanced radar applications like STAP.
Data Source
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AI summary
The former has a first set (310) of switches (310-1 - 310-16) respectively comprising inputs to receive radiofrequency signals from sub-arrays (301-1 - 301-16) of an array antenna. A second set (A320) of switches (A320-1 - A320-12) respectively has inputs connected to outputs of the first set of switches. A third set (A330) of switches (A330-1 - A330-4) respectively has inputs connected to outputs of the second set of switches. A summer (A34) has inputs connected to outputs of the third set of switches, and outputs forming output channels (A). The inputs of the third set of switches are connected to outputs of the first set of switches, which are not connected to the second set of switches. An independent claim is also included for an antenna device comprising an array antenna.