Coupled VCO Array Phase Shift Circuit for Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupled Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arrays in Local Oscillator (LO) signal generation for beamforming face limitations in differential phase shift generation due to injection locking breakdown, requiring high injection energy and restricted phase-steering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Injecting a reference input signal into each VCO of the coupled VCO array and utilizing phase shift circuits between VCOs or in the signal injection paths to reduce injection energy and phase-steering requirements, allowing for extended phase difference ranges and improved beamforming performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the reference input signal is injected at an end of the coupled VCO array, then the injection energy is high, but the phase-steering capability is limited and injection locking breaks down beyond certain phase shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The reference input signal is segmented and injected into each individual VCO element of the coupled VCO array separately, rather than injecting a single reference signal at one end. This segmentation allows each VCO to be independently controlled with appropriate phase shifts, enabling extended phase-steering capability while reducing the injection energy required for each individual VCO to maintain injection locking.
2Reliability
If injection locking is used to control the coupled VCO array, then the operating frequency is controlled, but the differential phase shift is limited to a certain level
Solution Approach 1:
Different phase shift values are applied to different local VCO elements within the coupled array. Each VCO receives the reference input signal with a specific phase offset tailored to its position and function in the beamforming application. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain injection locking for reliable frequency control while achieving a wide range of differential phase shifts across the array elements.
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 reduces the phase-steering requirement and enhances the range of differential phase shifts, leading to more efficient and flexible beamforming capabilities with lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Injection locking between the individual VCOs that are part of the coupled VCO array and between the VCOs and the external reference signal may limit the differential phase shift generation to a certain level
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a phase shift circuit: between individual VCOs of the coupled VCO array and/or in a path of injection of the reference input signal into one or more VCO(s) of the individual VCOs
Implementation Method 3
mixing outputs of the number of VCOs of the coupled VCO array with signals from antenna elements of an antenna array to introduce differential phase shifts in signal paths coupled to the antenna elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes injecting a reference input signal into each Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) of a number of VCOs forming a coupled VCO array to reduce a level of injection energy required therefor. The reference input signal is configured to control operating frequency of the coupled VCO array. The method also includes utilizing a phase shift circuit: between individual VCOs of the coupled VCO array and/or in a path of injection of the reference input signal into one or more VCO(s) of the individual VCOs, and mixing outputs of the number of VCOs with signals from antenna elements of an antenna array to introduce differential phase shifts in signal paths coupled to the antenna elements during performing beamforming with the antenna array. Further, the method includes reducing a phase-steering requirement of the coupled VCO array during the beamforming based on the utilization of the phase shift circuit.