Transceiver Element with Switchable Amplitude and Phase Adjusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active, electronically controlled antenna systems are limited to a specific frequency band, restricting the ability to perform reliable signal evaluation outside of this band, and cannot be easily adapted to change frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver module with single-pole multiple-throw switches and multiple amplitude and phase adjuster pairs allows for flexible frequency band operation by synchronously switching between different amplitude and phase adjuster pairs, enabling operation across various frequency bands such as L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transceiver module uses fixedly installed amplitude and phase adjusters tuned to a specific frequency band, then reliable signal evaluation is achieved within that frequency band, but the system cannot operate effectively outside this predefined frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency band adaptability by replacing fixedly installed amplitude and phase adjusters with switchable configurations. Multiple amplitude adjusters (AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4) and phase adjusters (PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4) are provided, each tuned to different frequency bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka bands). Single-pole multiple-throw switches enable dynamic selection of the appropriate adjuster pair based on the operating frequency band, allowing the system to maintain reliable signal evaluation across varying frequency conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the transceiver module by introducing multiple sets of amplitude and phase adjusters with different frequency tunings. By switching between these pre-configured parameter sets (each optimized for specific frequency bands), the system adapts its characteristics to match the operating frequency, thereby maintaining reliable signal evaluation across L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka bands without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement of components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplitude and phase adjuster pairs are added to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency band adaptation function into multiple independent amplitude and phase adjuster pairs, each dedicated to specific frequency bands. Instead of using a single complex broadband adjuster, the system divides the frequency coverage into discrete segments (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka bands) with specialized adjusters for each segment. This segmentation allows for simpler, more efficient adjuster designs while maintaining overall system versatility through selective activation of the appropriate segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-pole multiple-throw switches serve multiple functions: they select between different amplitude adjusters, different phase adjusters, and coordinate their simultaneous activation. This multi-functional switch design reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each adjuster, thereby managing device complexity while achieving comprehensive frequency band coverage across L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka bands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-pole multiple-throw switches are used to switch between different amplitude and phase adjuster pairs, then frequency band switching capability is improved, but the number of switches and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of amplitude and phase adjuster selection into a unified switching mechanism. The single-pole multiple-throw switches coordinate the selection of both amplitude and phase adjusters simultaneously, ensuring that the correct pair is activated together for each frequency band. This merging of control functions reduces the total number of independent switches needed compared to separate control mechanisms for each adjuster, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatile frequency band switching capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver element for an active, electronically controlled antenna system includes a transmit path, a receive path and single-pole change-over switches having a common central connection and two connections for switching between the transmit path and the receive path. An amplitude controller and a phase adjuster are arranged between the common center connections of a first and second single-pole change-over switch. Single-pole multiple toggle switches having a common central connection and a number N of connections are present. The common central connection of the first and second single-pole change-over switch is connected to the common central connection of a first and a second single-pole multiple toggle switch respectively, and an amplitude controller and a phase adjuster are connected between each connection of the number N of connections of the first multiple toggle switch and the second multiple toggle switch.