Smart Antenna Array Dynamic State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart antenna systems face challenges in plug-and-play interoperability and precise calibration due to the complexity and variability of antenna states and calibration data, especially in switched antenna arrays, which hinders efficient wireless communication and location determination.
Innovation Solution
A smart antenna array system comprising a programmable logic device, a memory device, and a block of switches that stores and manages antenna state information, sequences, and calibration data, allowing flexible connectivity and control of antenna elements with transceivers, enabling precise control and calibration for various antenna configurations and frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switched antenna arrays with multiple antenna states are used to improve adaptability, then the number of possible antenna configurations increases, but the complexity of managing antenna states and calibration data increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple independently controllable antenna elements that can be selectively activated. Each antenna element can be individually switched on or off, allowing the system to create multiple antenna states by combining different subsets of elements. This segmentation enables flexible configuration without requiring complex integrated control of the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic antenna configuration through programmable logic devices and control circuits that can change the active antenna elements in real-time. The system can transition between different antenna states by dynamically reconfiguring which elements are active, allowing adaptation to different communication scenarios, frequency bands, and signal conditions without physical reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If extensive calibration data is stored for each antenna state to improve measurement precision, then location determination accuracy improves, but memory requirements and data management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration measurements in advance for each antenna element and stores the results as pre-computed calibration data. This preliminary calibration captures the electrical characteristics, phase relationships, and amplitude responses of individual elements. During operation, the system retrieves and applies these pre-stored calibration values to compensate for variations in different antenna states, eliminating the need for real-time calibration measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stores calibration data in terms of adjustable parameters such as phase shifts, amplitude weights, and timing offsets for each antenna element. By representing calibration information as a set of parameters rather than complete signal measurements, the system achieves precise compensation with compact data storage. These parameters can be applied through programmable logic devices to dynamically adjust the antenna array response.
3Ease of operation
If plug-and-play interoperability is implemented across different antenna arrays to improve ease of operation, then device compatibility increases, but handling variability in antenna states and configurations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal control interfaces and standardized data structures that can accommodate different antenna array configurations. The programmable logic device and control circuits are designed to work with various antenna element counts and arrangements by interpreting configuration data from a centralized location server. This universal approach allows different antenna arrays to be plugged into the same access point infrastructure without requiring device-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the access point queries the antenna array for its configuration capabilities and receives information about available antenna elements, supported frequency bands, and calibration data. The location server receives feedback about the specific antenna array being used and provides tailored configuration instructions and calibration parameters. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to different antenna arrays while maintaining plug-and-play operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises an antenna array, a block of switches, a programmable logic device and a memory device. The antenna array comprises a plurality of antenna elements. The block of switches is configured to selectively connect respective ones of a subset of the plurality of antenna elements to corresponding ones of a plurality of transceivers in a host device. The programmable logic device is configured to communicate with the host device and to control the block of switches. The memory device is coupled to the programmable logic device, and is configured to store information allowing the host device to determine how to control connectivity of individual antenna elements to respective ones of the plurality of transceivers of the host device as part of transmit and/or receive operations of the host device.