Selective True-Time Delay for Phased Array Beam Squint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronically controlled phased array communication systems face performance losses due to beam squint, especially at wideband frequencies, and the use of true-time delay (TTD) circuits is energy-intensive and costly, making it impractical for large multi-beam systems.
Innovation Solution
A combination of TTD circuits and phase shifters is used to dynamically mitigate beam squint by selectively enabling TTD circuits for scan angles exceeding a threshold angle, while using phase shifters for angles below the threshold to minimize energy costs and maintain performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TTD circuits are used for all beams per antenna element to mitigate beam squint, then beam squint mitigation is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies TTD circuits selectively only to antenna elements whose main lobe beamwidth exceeds a predefined threshold, rather than uniformly to all elements. This local differentiation allows beam squint mitigation where needed while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in elements with sufficient performance using only phase shifters.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying TTD to all antenna elements (excessive action), the patent applies it partially only to those elements that require it based on their beamwidth characteristics. This partial action approach achieves adequate beam squint mitigation for critical elements while reducing overall system energy consumption.
2Reliability
If TTD circuits are used for all beams per antenna element to mitigate beam squint, then beam squint mitigation is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements TTD circuits only in antenna elements where the main lobe beamwidth exceeds a threshold, creating a non-uniform distribution of mitigation resources. This local quality approach reduces the total number of TTD circuits required, thereby lowering system cost while maintaining adequate performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beam squint mitigation partially rather than universally, using TTD circuits only where necessary. This partial action strategy avoids the excessive cost of equipping all antenna elements with TTD circuits while still achieving acceptable beam squint mitigation for the system.
3Device complexity
If phase shifters are used for wideband waveforms to steer beams, then device complexity is reduced, but beam squint error increases with scan angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a hybrid architecture where antenna elements are divided into two groups: those using only phase shifters (simpler, lower cost) and those using both phase shifters and TTD circuits (more complex, better performance). This local quality differentiation allows the system to achieve good beam pointing accuracy where needed while maintaining low device complexity overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite beamforming approach combining two different techniques (phase shifting and true-time delay) within the same antenna array system. This composite strategy leverages the advantages of both methods: phase shifters for simplicity and TTD circuits for accurate beam squint mitigation in specific elements.
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 results in a wideband, energy-efficient phased array communication system that reduces beam squint impacts while optimizing energy usage, enabling effective beam steering across a range of scan angles.
Implementation Method 1
The direction of the transmitted or received electromagnetic energy is also spatially steered by altering the relative time delays or relative phase shift between the antenna elements
Implementation Method 2
constructive interference in the desired direction and destructive interference in other directions
Implementation Method 3
constructive interference in the desired direction and destructive interference in other directions
Implementation Method 4
predictable beam patterns are formed by individually controlling the relative time delay or relative phase shift of the signal between each antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies directed to using selective true-time delay for energy efficient beam squint mitigation in phased array antennas in communication systems are described. One communication system includes a first register to store a first value indicative of a mode of operation of the communication system and a second register to store a value corresponding to a first time duration. The communication system includes antenna elements, digital beamforming (DBF) devices, phase shifters, and delay circuitry. In a first mode, the delay circuitry does not delay a first signal and, in a second mode, the delay circuitry delays a second signal.