Reconfigurable Digital Beamforming Network for Non-Uniform Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital beamforming technologies face challenges in reducing computational complexity and accommodating non-uniform antenna arrays and beam directions, which limits their flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for digital beamforming that uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processor to transform input signals from non-uniformly distributed input ports to output signals at non-uniformly distributed output ports, while applying scaling and routing to handle non-uniform configurations and enable reconfigurability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital beamforming is implemented with non-uniform antenna arrays and beam directions, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reconfigurable beamforming network as an intermediary component between the non-uniform antenna array and the uniform FFT processor. This network acts as a mediator that transforms the non-uniform input signals into a format suitable for efficient FFT processing, thereby enabling adaptability to non-uniform configurations without directly increasing the FFT processor's computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The beamforming process is segmented into distinct functional stages: a reconfigurable beamforming network for handling non-uniform antenna arrays, a FFT processor for efficient computation, and a reconfiguration unit for adapting to different configurations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the FFT processor maintaining fixed computational efficiency while the beamforming network handles the variability
2Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurability is added to accommodate changes in antenna arrangement and beam directions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the beamforming network reconfigurable through a reconfiguration unit that can adapt to different antenna arrangements and beam directions. The network's connection topology and weighting coefficients are made dynamic, allowing real-time reconfiguration without requiring physical hardware changes, thus managing complexity through software-based adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable beamforming network is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple antenna configurations and beam direction requirements through a single unified structure. The same network architecture serves different functions by reconfiguring its connection weights and topology, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated hardware configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transforming input signals received at N input signal ports to output signals for output at M output signal ports includes generating, from the input signals, first intermediate signals for processing by a fast Fourier transform (FFT), with a predefined number of input ports and output ports corresponding to a size of the FFT; applying the FFT to the first intermediate signals to obtain second intermediate signals; and generating the output signals from the second intermediate signals. The input signal ports are non-uniformly distributed with respect to the input ports in a first signal domain of the input ports; and/or the output signal ports are non-uniformly distributed with respect to the output ports in a second signal domain of the output ports. The disclosure further relates to beamforming networks, reconfigurability in beamforming and beam steering, wideband and narrowband multibeam antenna array devices, FFT processors, programs, and storage media.