Slow-wave RF Transmission Network for Millimeter Wave Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The routing between RF transceivers and antenna arrays in millimeter wave cellular communication systems becomes congested due to the need for identical phase velocities in conventional transmission lines, leading to meandering and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of slow-wave transmission lines with periodic structures that reduce phase velocity, selectively applied to transmission lines adjacent to antennas, while maintaining conventional transmission lines for more remote antennas, alleviates routing congestion and reduces power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transmission lines with identical phase velocities are used for all antenna connections, then phase synchronization is maintained, but routing congestion and power consumption increase due to meandering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission line characteristics to different antenna elements based on their specific routing requirements. Remote antenna elements use slow-wave transmission lines with reduced phase velocity, while nearby elements use conventional transmission lines. This local differentiation allows each transmission line to be optimized for its specific path length and routing constraints, eliminating the need for meandering while maintaining overall phase synchronization across all antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase velocity parameter of transmission lines by introducing periodic structures (such as meander lines or serpentine patterns) in slow-wave transmission lines. This parameter change allows remote antenna elements to achieve the required electrical length without excessive physical routing, thereby reducing routing congestion while compensating for the phase delay through controlled impedance design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission lines are extended to reach remote antennas, then all antennas can be connected, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase velocity parameter by using slow-wave transmission lines with periodic structures for remote antenna elements. This allows the transmission lines to achieve the required electrical length in a more compact physical space, reducing the total length of transmission lines needed and thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining connectivity to all antenna elements.
3Reliability
If meandering transmission lines are used to achieve equal electrical lengths, then phase synchronization is maintained, but routing congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates between remote and nearby antenna elements, applying slow-wave transmission lines only to remote elements that require phase compensation. Nearby antenna elements use conventional straight transmission lines. This selective application eliminates unnecessary meandering in the overall routing while maintaining phase synchronization for remote elements through the controlled phase velocity of slow-wave transmission lines.
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 allows for shorter transmission lines, reducing routing congestion and power consumption while maintaining the required electrical length, enhancing the efficiency of RF signal propagation in antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
the second lead has a periodic structure configured to provide the second transmission line with a second phase velocity that is less than the first phase velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission line network is provided that includes a slow-wave transmission line to couple a first terminal to a first antenna. The transmission line network also includes a conventional transmission line to couple a second terminal to a second antenna.