Switched-Beam Node With Combined Butler-Matrix Beampatterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current switched-beam communication systems are limited in their ability to operate with multiple beampatterns simultaneously, as they can only support one beampattern at a time, which restricts their capacity and efficiency in communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a switched-beam communication node with an (N×N) Butler matrix, a fixed phase network, and a switch network that allows for the selection of either main or combined beampatterns, enabling operation with up to (N-1) concurrent beampatterns by configuring the switch network to connect phase shifters appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional switched-beam system uses a single Butler matrix and switch network, then the device complexity is low, but the system can only support one beampattern at a time, limiting productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the beamforming functionality into multiple independent Butler matrices (first Butler matrix and second Butler matrix), each capable of generating different beampatterns. The switch network segments the signal paths to selectively connect different Butler matrices and phase shifters, enabling concurrent operation of multiple beampatterns without requiring a single large complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to beam pattern selection by enabling time-division multiplexing of multiple beampatterns through the switch network. This allows the system to transition between different beampattern configurations rapidly, effectively supporting multiple concurrent beams by operating in different time slots or frequency channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple concurrent beampatterns using multiple Butler matrices and phase shifters, then the system capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch network serves multiple functions: it connects different Butler matrices to different antenna ports, selects between main beams and combined beams, and enables both sequential and concurrent beam operations. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically controllable phase shifters that can adjust their phase shift values based on the selected beampattern. The switch network and phase shifters work together to dynamically reconfigure the beamforming architecture, allowing the system to adapt between different beam configurations without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switch network connects to multiple phase shifters to support combined beams, then the adaptability increases, but the switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifters are pre-configured with specific phase shift values corresponding to different beam combinations. The switch network is designed with predetermined connection patterns that map switch positions to specific beam combinations. This preliminary configuration simplifies the control logic, as the system only needs to select from pre-defined beam patterns rather than calculating and adjusting phase shifts in real-time.
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 configuration enhances power efficiency, noise factor, and system capacity, supporting multiple concurrent beams with reduced form factor and latency, making it suitable for high-frequency applications and space-division multiple-access systems.
Implementation Method 1
the Butler matrix phase-shifts, routes, and transmits the Tx signal
Implementation Method 2
The Butler matrix 140 phase shifts, routes, combines, and transmits those eight Rx signals
Implementation Method 3
the antenna array wirelessly transmits the eight phase-shifted Tx signals
Implementation Method 4
the antenna array receives wireless signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A switched-beam communication node (e.g., transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) has an antenna array, an (NxN) passive multibeamformer (e.g., Butler matrix (BM)), a phase network, a switch network, and a controller. The phase network has N phase shifters, one for each different beam port of the Butler matrix. The controller configures the node to support either (i) any one of N main beampatterns supported by the Butler matrix by controlling the switch network to select one of the phase shifters and its corresponding BM beam port or (ii) any one of up to at least (N-1) combined beampatterns by controlling the switch network to select two of the phase shifters and their two corresponding BM beam ports. Each combined beampattern is a combination of two phase-shifted main beampatterns. In some embodiments, the node can be configured to provide two concurrent beampatterns for transmit and/or receive operations, thereby supporting space-division multiple-access systems.