Segmented Aperture Antenna Beam Steering for Jammer 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, especially 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 gradient and phase shift determination circuitry to dynamically adjust beam patterns, allowing for precise targeting of signals and nulling interference by steering beams into null positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If beamforming is used to create a targeted signal stream, then signal directionality is improved, but the system cannot effectively steer beams to specific receivers due to range limitations
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 beam to be steered in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to overcome range limitations by creating multiple directed beams that can reach specific receivers at various distances and angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the phase of signals across different antenna elements in real-time based on receiver position and channel conditions. This dynamic phase control enables continuous beam steering to track mobile receivers and adapt to changing propagation environments, maintaining reliable connectivity despite range limitations.
2Measurement precision
If a single beam is steered in a specific direction, then signal targeting is improved, but interference from unwanted signals like radio jammers cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the antenna aperture are assigned different phase characteristics to create a multi-lobed radiation pattern. Some lobes are directed toward desired receivers while others are nulled toward jammer locations. This local phase control allows the system to simultaneously enhance signals from specific directions while suppressing interference from other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses knowledge of jammer locations to intentionally create nulls in the radiation pattern toward those directions. By converting the harmful interference into a targeted suppression region, the system transforms the problem of interference into an opportunity to enhance signal-to-interference ratio for desired receivers through adaptive beamforming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency beams are steered in different directions, then service to multiple users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed to handle multiple frequencies and multiple user directions using a unified beamforming architecture. The same phase control mechanisms that steer single-frequency beams are extended to simultaneously control multiple frequency beams, allowing the system to serve multiple users across different frequency channels without requiring separate hardware systems for each frequency.
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 with targeted receivers while minimizing interference from jammers, optimizing signal strength and reducing unwanted signal strength through adaptive beam steering.
Implementation Method 1
phase gradient determination circuitry to determine a first phase gradient for the set of first direction elements and to determine a second phase gradient for the set of second direction elements, wherein the first phase gradient and second phase gradient are based on a first angle of a target with respect to the DSA antenna, a second angle of the target with respect to the DSA antenna, and an operating frequency of the DSA antenna
Implementation Method 2
phase shift determination circuitry to determine a first phase shift, for each of the elements, by multiplying the first phase gradient by the position of the element relative to the common origin of the elements of the array, and to determine a second phase shift, for each of the elements, by multiplying the second phase gradient by the position of the element relative to the common origin of the elements of the array
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.