Segmented Aperture Antenna Beam Steering for Multi-User Nulling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beamforming technologies in 5G communication face challenges in efficiently steering and directing beams to specific receivers due to range limitations, particularly in scenarios involving multiple users and interference from unwanted signals like radio jammers.
Innovation Solution
A differential segmented array (DSA) antenna system that employs phase shift and time delay mechanisms to dynamically steer beams by calculating phase gradients and shifts based on target angles and frequencies, allowing for optimized signal gain and interference nulling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beamforming is used to create a targeted signal stream, then signal directionality is improved, but the ability to serve multiple users simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna aperture is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or elements. Each segment can apply different phase shifts to the transmitted signal, enabling the formation of multiple simultaneous beams with different directions and characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple users at the same time while maintaining precise signal directionality for each user.
2Speed
If beam steering is used to target specific receivers, then communication range is extended, but interference from unwanted signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the antenna array apply different phase shift characteristics tailored to specific spatial regions or user directions. This local quality differentiation enables the system to enhance signal strength toward intended receivers while simultaneously creating nulls or reduced gain in directions of unwanted signals, thus extending communication range while mitigating interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency beams are steered in different directions, then multi-user support is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed with universal phase shifting capabilities that can operate across multiple frequency bands and serve multiple users simultaneously. The same segmented antenna structure and phase control mechanism handle both single-user and multi-user scenarios, as well as different frequency operations, without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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
Enhances communication gain by directing beams precisely towards intended targets while minimizing interference from unwanted sources, improving signal quality and reducing interference.
Implementation Method 1
Beam steering takes the concept of beam forming a stage further, by changing the phase of the input signal on all radiating elements
Implementation Method 2
Beamforming is the application of multiple radiating elements transmitting the same signal at the same wavelength and phase, which effectively creates a single antenna with a longer, more targeted stream
Data Source
AI summary
A beam steering system includes a differential segmented array (DSA) antenna comprising a plurality of pyramid structures and elements arranged in an array comprising a first and second set of direction elements, where each element is defined between opposing faces of two adjacent pyramid structures and a position of each element is located at a distance from a common origin of the elements of the array; phase gradient determination circuitry to determine a first and second phase gradient for the direction elements, where the phase gradients are based on a first and a second angle of a target with respect to the DSA antenna, and an operating frequency of the DSA antenna; and phase shift determination circuitry to determine a first and second phase shift, for each of the elements, and to determine a resultant phase shift, for each element, by summing the respective first and second phase shifts.