Switchable DPD Transmission Paths for mmWave Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array systems face challenges in obtaining accurate transmitter non-linearity measurements due to long, static propagation paths that cause undesired attenuation and phase changes, especially at millimeter-wave frequencies, leading to inaccurate non-linearity measurements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a switchable circuitry that selectively couples transmitter outputs to processing hardware, allowing for multiple electrically short, switchable propagation paths for distortion measurements, suitable for frequencies ranging from 10 GHz to 300 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If long, static propagation paths are used to connect transmitters to processing hardware, then the system structure is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to undesired attenuation and phase changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single long propagation path into multiple short, switchable propagation paths. Each transmitter is connected to the processing hardware through its own dedicated short path equipped with a switch, allowing selective connection without requiring a long common path that would cause attenuation and phase changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability to connect different transmitters to the processing hardware as needed. Instead of a fixed static connection topology, the system dynamically selects which transmitter connects to the processing hardware through electronically controlled switches, enabling short connection paths while maintaining system flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If multiple switchable propagation paths are implemented, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the overall system architecture and implements it as a dedicated switch network layer. This separates the measurement function from the connection management function, allowing each transmitter to have a simple dedicated path while the switch network handles the complexity of selective connection in a modular manner.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems with switchable circuitry configured to selectively couple transmitter outputs to processing hardware, which may selectively route subsets of distortion measurements from transmitters for DPD processing that compensates for the measured distortion. The switchable nature of the distortion measurement propagation paths permits the paths to be made substantially shorter than static paths, resulting in improved (e.g., reduced and/or more uniform) attenuation and/or phase change across a transceiver array. In one example, measurement propagation paths may be no longer than a row or column of the array. In some embodiments, systems described herein may be suitable for implementation at mmW transmit and/or receive frequencies, where the length of measurement paths may have a significant impact on attenuation and phase changes.