Row-Column Phased Array Beamforming With Fewer Phase Shifters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array technologies face challenges in reducing design complexity and power loss due to the need for numerous phase shifters and complex signal distribution, especially in arrays with small pitch distances and MEMS elements.
Innovation Solution
A phased array beamforming and beamsteering method using a row/column approach with externally fed passive phase generation, employing multiplication of signals at fractions of the desired frequency to generate output signals, and using non-linear convex optimization to determine phase shifts, thereby reducing the need for phase shifters and minimizing dynamic power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional phased array architecture with individual phase shifters for each transducer is used, then beamforming capability is achieved, but device complexity and power loss increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phased array into row groups and column groups, applying row phase shifts to all transducers in a row group and column phase shifts to all transducers in a column group. This segmentation reduces the number of independent phase control signals needed, thereby reducing device complexity and power consumption while maintaining beamforming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines row phase shifters and column phase shifters to control multiple transducers simultaneously. By merging the control functions, each transducer is controlled by the combination of its row and column phase shifts rather than requiring a dedicated phase shifter, reducing overall device complexity and power loss.
2Area of moving object
If small pitch distances and MEMS elements are used to increase array density, then array compactness is improved, but design complexity increases due to tighter spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-density array into row groups and column groups, managing the complex signal distribution through organized phase shift applications. This segmentation approach makes the signal distribution more manageable despite the small pitch distances and high array density, reducing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal row-column phase shifter architecture where the same row phase shifters and column phase shifters serve multiple transducers simultaneously. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of phase shifters needed, simplifying the design despite the high array density achieved through small pitch distances.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a phased array beamforming and/or beamsteering method and device, for forming an acoustic transmit beam at a predetermined frequency and focusing the transmit beam. The method comprises: applying first signals to first nodes of the columns of the driven set of transducers, the first signals having a first frequency and being at a first phase shift with respect to each other; applying second signals to second nodes of the rows of the driven set of transducers, the second signals having a second frequency and being at a second phase shift with respect to each other; generating an output signal for each transducer based on a multiplication of the respective first and second signals of the corresponding column and row. The first and second frequencies are fractions of the predetermined frequency, such that the output signal is at the predetermined frequency as a result of the multiplication.