Element-Wise Antenna Array Power Tracking for Side-Lobe Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna array designs face inefficiencies due to side-lobe interference and non-uniform power dissipation, leading to reduced system performance and linearization challenges, especially in 5G New Radio systems where power amplifiers near saturation cause distortion and power dissipation issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing element-by-element power tracking using a spatial window, such as a Taylor window, to adjust the power handling capability of each power amplifier to match or exceed the transmitted power, allowing for dynamic biasing and power savings across the antenna array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If amplitude tapering is used to reduce side-lobe levels, then side-lobe suppression is improved, but total transmitted power and EIRP are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different power handling capabilities to different array elements based on their position. Elements closer to the center are assigned higher power handling capabilities while edge elements have lower capabilities, creating a non-uniform power distribution that suppresses side-lobes while maximizing main lobe power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the power handling capability of each array element based on real-time conditions such as link margin and spatial position. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between side-lobe suppression and transmitted power on a per-element basis rather than using static tapering.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If amplitude tapering is used to reduce side-lobe levels, then side-lobe suppression is improved, but main lobe gain is reduced due to broadening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different power handling capabilities to different array elements based on their position. Elements closer to the center are assigned higher power handling capabilities while edge elements have lower capabilities, creating a non-uniform power distribution that suppresses side-lobes while maximizing main lobe power.
3Loss of energy
If power amplifiers are operated near saturation to maximize power output, then power efficiency is improved, but non-linear distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple independent channels, each with its own power amplifier operating at different power levels. This segmentation allows each PA to be optimized for its specific power handling requirements, with edge PAs operating at lower powers and center PAs at higher powers, all near their respective saturation points for maximum efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power handling capability parameter for each array element based on its spatial position and operating conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system allows different PAs to operate at different power levels near saturation, optimizing efficiency while managing distortion through spatial distribution.
4Ease of operation
If uniform power distribution is used across all array elements, then power amplifier operation is simplified, but side-lobe levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different power handling capabilities to different array elements based on their position. Elements closer to the center are assigned higher power handling capabilities while edge elements have lower capabilities, creating a non-uniform power distribution that suppresses side-lobes while maximizing main lobe power.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices addressing power tracking of transmission systems using antenna arrays are disclosed. The disclosed teachings may be implemented on a channel element to channel element basis, are adaptive and can be implemented on short time durations such as time slots. Power efficiency can be improved when applying the described methods to the design of systems with antenna arrays.