Multi-Stage True Time Delay Fine-Tuning for Beam Steering Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In antenna systems employing multiple phase array antennas, especially in wide instantaneous bandwidth applications like millimeter wave 5G communication, the beam steering is severely affected, leading to beam shift phenomena at frequencies other than the set frequency. Additionally, True Time Delay (TTD) devices manufactured in CMOS processes face challenges with increased area and decreased quality coefficient as the number of phase array antennas increases.
Innovation Solution
A fine-tuning method for a true time delay system is implemented, which configures the true time delay circuit in multiple stages and controls the delay time of each stage in multiple steps. This method uses MOS capacitors and inductors to adjust delay times, allowing for precise control of delay times in multiple stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a True Time Delay (TTD) device is employed to adjust delay time for beam steering, then beam steering accuracy is improved, but the area of the TTD device increases and quality coefficient decreases when the number of phase array antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TTD device is divided into multiple stages, with each stage handling a portion of the total delay requirement. This segmentation allows the overall function to be achieved while reducing the area burden of any single stage and improving modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from controlling delay time through a single dimension (continuous adjustment) to multiple dimensions by introducing multi-stage architecture with coarse and fine adjustment levels, effectively adding a hierarchical dimension to the control structure.
2Measurement precision
If a True Time Delay (TTD) device is employed to adjust delay time for beam steering, then beam steering accuracy is improved, but the quality coefficient of the TTD device decreases when the number of phase array antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the TTD device into multiple stages distributes the functional load and reduces the complexity of each individual stage, thereby maintaining higher quality coefficients while achieving the required overall delay precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control through multi-stage architecture where each stage can be independently adjusted, allowing the system to adaptively maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions and antenna configurations.
3Measurement precision
If delay time is controlled at fine intervals, then delay precision is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into coarse adjustment and fine adjustment components. The coarse adjustment handles large delay steps while the fine adjustment provides precise incremental control, reducing the overall control complexity compared to a single fine-adjustment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control strategies where the adjustment step size varies based on the current delay state, using larger steps initially and transitioning to finer steps for precision, thereby optimizing the balance between control complexity and delay precision.
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
The method effectively controls delay time at fine intervals, allowing for precise adjustment of delay times in multiple stages, thereby addressing the beam shift issues in wide bandwidth applications while maintaining a smaller area and higher quality coefficient for the TTD circuit.
Implementation Method 1
the first delay unit or the second delay unit may include a first MOS capacitor, an inductor, and a second MOS capacitor... by adjusting magnitude of bias voltages applied to the gate of the first MOS capacitor and the gate of the second MOS capacitor, the first delay time or the second delay time may be controlled in multiple stages
Data Source
AI summary
A fine-tuning method of a true time delay system includes: a first reference unit for transmitting an applied RF signal without time delay; a first delay unit for transmitting the applied RF signal to be delayed as much as a first delay time; an input unit for transmitting the applied RF signal to the first reference unit or the first delay unit; a second reference unit for transmitting the RF signal transmitted from the first reference unit or the first delay unit without time delay; a second delay unit for transmitting the RF signal; a 12th switching unit for transmitting the RF signal transmitted from the first reference unit or the first delay unit to the second reference unit or the second delay unit; and an output unit for outputting the RF signal.