Multi-channel RF Module with Planar Waveguide Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave point-to-point (PtP) communication systems face challenges with high signal attenuation and beam alignment difficulties due to the need for high-gain, highly directional antennas, which are costly and technically complex to implement, especially in millimeter-wave frequency ranges, and suffer from significant losses in high-frequency switching circuits and stringent filter isolation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel radio frequency module with frequency division duplexing using planar waveguide technology and dual-polarized radiating elements, which reduces overall dimensions, weight, and manufacturing complexity, and eliminates the need for high-frequency connections and metal waveguides, achieving efficient electronic beam scanning with minimal signal switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-gain, highly directional antennas are used to compensate for signal attenuation, then signal transmission distance is improved, but beam alignment difficulty increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent radiating elements (at least two) that can be independently controlled. Each element can be individually activated or deactivated, allowing the system to form multiple discrete beams pointing in different directions, thereby simplifying alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system implements dynamic beam switching capability where the beam direction can be electronically changed by activating different radiating elements or combinations thereof. This allows real-time adaptation to maintain optimal signal transmission without mechanical realignment
2Reliability
If classical antenna arrays with huge number of elementary radiators are used to provide required gain, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a huge number of radiating elements, the invention achieves the required gain by strategically positioning and controlling a smaller number of radiating elements (at least two). The system uses partial action by activating only the necessary elements for each beam direction rather than utilizing all possible elements simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of multiple radiating elements into a unified control system that manages beam formation electronically. The phase shifters and control unit merge the individual element contributions to create coherent beams, reducing the total number of elements needed compared to classical arrays
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-frequency switching circuits are used to switch beam direction, then beam scanning capability is achieved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electronic phase shifting. Phase shifters are used to electronically control the phase of signals fed to each radiating element, enabling beam direction changes without mechanical movement or high-frequency switching circuits, thereby minimizing signal loss
4Productivity
If frequency division duplexing with stringent filter isolation requirements is implemented, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the frequency parameters of the radiating elements or the phase shifter settings to enable frequency division duplexing. By operating different radiating elements or beam configurations at different frequencies, the system achieves full-duplex communication with reduced filter isolation requirements compared to traditional approaches
Data Source
AI summary
The multi-channel radio frequency module with frequency division of data reception and transmission contains at least two radiating elements; at least two received signal filters and at least two transmitted signal filters, each of which is tuned to pass the received and transmitted signal accordingly in a certain frequency band; at least two radio frequency receivers, each of which is connected to the received signal filter; and at least two radio frequency transmitters, each of which is connected to the transmitted signal filter. Radiating elements having two input ports; one of which is connected to the received signal filter, and the other to the transmitted signal filter, the passbands of these filters being non-overlapping. Application of the invention allows the miniaturization of the microwave PtP communication station while simultaneously providing efficient electronic beam scanning with small signal loss for beam switching and high isolation between receivers and transmitters.