Wireless Device Phase Control Circuit Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices performing beamforming face challenges in reducing signal loss while minimizing circuit size and power consumption, particularly in high-frequency applications like millimeter-wave bands, where full-digital systems increase power consumption and analog full connection systems suffer from significant signal loss due to numerous intersecting signal lines.
Innovation Solution
The wireless device employs a configuration with multiple phase control circuits and mixer units that distribute transmission signals in the baseband or intermediate frequency band, reducing signal loss by controlling phase and amplitude, and using a compact mixer configuration to minimize circuit size, including a shared local signal and RF terminal for both transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full-digital array configuration is used for beamforming, then beamforming accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the beamforming function into two segments: a digital beamformer for initial signal processing and phase control, and an analog variable phase shifter for final beam direction control. This segmentation allows digital processing to be limited to necessary stages, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining beamforming accuracy through coordinated digital-analog operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital beamformer is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs both beamforming calculations and provides phase control signals to the analog variable phase shifters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated digital processing units, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining beamforming precision.
2Area of stationary object
If an analog full connection system is used for beamforming, then circuit size is reduced, but signal loss increases due to numerous intersecting signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The signal path is segmented into distinct functional blocks: digital beamformer, analog variable phase shifters, and antenna elements. This segmentation organizes signal flow to minimize unnecessary intersections and connections, reducing signal loss while maintaining a compact circuit layout suitable for integrated implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each analog variable phase shifter is designed with optimized local signal routing tailored to its specific function and position in the antenna array. This local optimization minimizes signal path length and intersections for each individual signal path, reducing overall signal loss while maintaining compact circuit size through targeted rather than universal routing optimization.
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 configuration effectively reduces signal loss and suppresses the increase in circuit size, enabling efficient beamforming with reduced power consumption and compact design, suitable for high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of phase control circuits being configured to output a phase controlled transmission signal by controlling, based on a transmission direction of the corresponding transmission beam, a phase of the corresponding transmission signal
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of mixers being configured to output an up-converted signal by up-converting, in response to inputting of the phase controlled transmission signal from the corresponding phase control circuit, a frequency of the phase controlled transmission signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device includes a phase control circuit and an antenna element. The phase control circuit configured to control each of phases frequencies of the plurality of transmission signals according to a transmission direction of which each the plurality of transmission signals is output, up-convert each frequencies of the plurality of transmission signals of which the phase is controlled. The antenna element configured to radiate a signal obtained by combining the upconverted plurality of transmission signals.