UCA Analog FFT Beam Steering for Low-Complexity LoS MIMO

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Solution Overview

Problem

The computational complexity of precoder-based THz LoS MIMO systems in high data-rate applications is excessive, and misalignments in antenna arrays lead to unsteady communication systems with low signal-to-noise ratios.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a uniform circular array (UCA) assisted with an analog inverse fast Fourier Transform (IFFT)/fast Fourier Transform (FFT) precoder, combined with steerable miniaturized arrays for beam steering, to reduce computational complexity and correct angular misalignments in LoS MIMO networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If precoder-based THz LoS MIMO systems are used for high data-rate applications, then data rate is improved, but computational complexity becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex digital precoding computations with analog beamforming hardware that performs signal processing in the analog domain using phase shifters and signal combining networks. This substitution of mechanical/analog systems for digital computational systems directly reduces the computational complexity while maintaining high data rate capability through efficient analog signal manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional antenna arrays are used, then system implementation is straightforward, but misalignments lead to unsteady communication with low signal-to-noise ratios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem implementationVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability that allows the antenna array to adaptively adjust beam directions and positions in real-time. This dynamic adjustment compensates for misalignments between transmit and receive arrays, maintaining stable communication links and high signal-to-noise ratios even when perfect alignment is not achieved, thereby improving communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If beam steering capability is added to correct misalignments, then communication stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidarray configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the antenna array elements to perform multiple functions: they serve as both transmit and receive antennas, and each element is equipped with phase shifting capability that enables both beam forming and beam steering operations. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve improved communication stability through beam steering without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware components fulfill multiple roles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12512880B2Low complexity LoS MIMO system design for near field communication

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A uniform circular array (UCA) is assisted with an analog inverse fast Fourier Fast transform (IFFT)/fast Fourier transform (FFT) precoder to reduce computational complexity in one or more line-of-sight (LoS) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) networks. Each port of the UCA includes a steerable miniaturized array with beam steering capability. Analog beam steering is performed via one of the analog IFFT/FFT precoder or one of the steerable miniaturized arrays in a port of the UCA, for improving one or more properties of steering one or more beams toward one or more intended destinations in the one or more LoS MIMO networks.