THz Array Antenna Beamforming Without Phase Shifters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beamforming systems in the THz band face challenges with high power consumption, heating issues, and power loss due to insertion loss of phase shifters, and pattern reconfigurable antennas are limited by the number of radiation directions and increased antenna size.
Innovation Solution
A beamforming method using an antenna with multiple feeding points and variable reactance elements, such as chip inductors or varactor diodes, allows for adjustable radiation patterns without phase shifters, enabling flexible beamforming and reducing power consumption and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase shifters are used for beamforming in the THz band, then beamforming capability is achieved, but power consumption increases and heat generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes phase shifters from the antenna system entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes high power consumption and heat generation. Instead of using active phase shifting components, the invention employs passive reactance elements (capacitors or inductors) connected to parasitic elements to achieve beamforming through electromagnetic coupling, thereby eliminating the power consumption issue associated with active phase shifters in the THz band
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/active phase shifting mechanism with a passive electromagnetic field-based mechanism. By using reactance elements coupled to parasitic elements, the system achieves phase control through electromagnetic interaction rather than active electronic phase shifting, substituting an active electronic system with a passive electromagnetic field system that consumes no additional power
2Ease of operation
If phase shifters are used for beamforming, then beam direction control is achieved, but insertion loss occurs and power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces parasitic elements as intermediary components that mediate the beamforming function. These parasitic elements, when coupled with reactance elements, create electromagnetic coupling that controls the main beam direction without requiring signal passage through lossy phase shifter components. The parasitic elements act as intermediaries that transfer and control electromagnetic energy field-wise, avoiding the insertion losses inherent in conventional phase shifter pathways
3Adaptability or versatility
If parasitic element switching or ESPAR is used for pattern reconfigurability, then radiation pattern adjustment is achieved, but antenna volume increases preventing array expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of radiation and pattern control into a single integrated antenna structure. By incorporating reactance elements directly onto the parasitic elements of each antenna unit, the invention combines what would traditionally be separate components (radiating elements and pattern control elements) into a unified compact structure. This integration achieves pattern reconfigurability without increasing the overall antenna unit volume, enabling scalable array expansion
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parasitic elements are disposed around the main antenna for pattern reconfigurability, then radiation pattern control is achieved, but the number of radiation directions is limited by the number of parasitic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable reactance elements (such as varactor diodes or tunable capacitors/inductors) that can continuously vary their reactance values. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the antenna to achieve continuous variation in radiation pattern and direction, rather than being limited to discrete directions determined by the number of fixed parasitic elements. The dynamic nature of the reactance elements provides flexible and unlimited pattern reconfigurability without increasing physical antenna complexity
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 enables efficient beamforming with various radiation patterns and reduced power consumption, suitable for THz band applications without the limitations of traditional phase shifters.
Implementation Method 1
a variable reactance element connected to at least one feeding point among the plurality of feeding points
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a beamforming method performed by a wireless device having an array antenna in a wireless communication system comprises the steps of: calculating a phase related to a target beamforming direction; determining antenna patterns related to the target beamforming direction from among antenna patterns preconfigured in relation to beamforming; and applying, to the array antenna, an antenna pattern based on the phase from among the antenna patterns related to the target beamforming direction. Each antenna included in the array antenna includes multiple feeding points and a variable reactance element connected to at least one feeding point among the multiple feeding points. The antenna pattern is related to at least one of i) a selection of at least one feeding point among the multiple feeding points and ii) a reactance value of the variable reactance element.