Reconfigurable Phase Array with Integrated Transceiver Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face high bill of material costs, inefficiencies in energy usage, and large physical sizes due to complex circuit boards with numerous components, which hinder performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reconfigurable phase array system using transceiver modules with injection locked oscillators, digital modulators, and power amplifiers, along with a synchronization signal to align phases and combine signals efficiently, allowing for beam forming and adaptive configuration of antenna arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional communication systems use complex circuit boards with numerous components, then system functionality is achieved, but bill of material costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (oscillators, modulators, amplifiers, TDCs) into integrated transceiver modules that are directly mounted on antenna elements. This merging eliminates the need for complex circuit boards and reduces bill of material costs while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each transceiver module is designed as a universal unit that integrates multiple functions (signal generation, modulation, amplification, time-to-digital conversion) into a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If traditional communication systems use numerous discrete components, then system functionality is achieved, but physical size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested architecture where transceiver modules are integrated directly onto antenna elements, creating a compact phased array system. This nesting eliminates the need for separate circuit boards and reduces the overall physical footprint while maintaining system performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional communication systems use discrete components on circuit boards, then system assembly is straightforward, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple discrete components into integrated transceiver modules with direct antenna mounting, the patent reduces the number of interconnections and signal paths. This integration minimizes energy loss and improves overall energy efficiency while maintaining ease of assembly through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces material costs, enhances energy efficiency, and minimizes physical size while improving communication system performance by enabling adaptive beamforming and efficient signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
each transceiver module may include an injection locked oscillator (ILO) that locks to the synchronization signal
Implementation Method 2
the transmit modulated signals may be combined as electromagnetic energy by connecting each power amplifier to one of a plurality of dipole antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable array having a plurality of antenna elements arranged in at least four adjacent groups of array elements on a panel array, the first group of elements having an inter-element spacing based on a transmit signal wavelength, a second group of elements having an inter-element spacing based on a receive signal wavelength, and a third and fourth group of elements having an inter-element spacing based on a wavelength between the transmit signal wavelength and the receive signal wavelength.