Information Technology
Wideband Transceiver for Antenna Array
WARF: P150113US01
Inventors: Akbar Sayeed, John Brady
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in improving the performance of wideband communications using a relatively simple design.
Overview
Wideband high-dimensional antenna arrays are expected to play a key role in future wireless systems. Due to narrow bandwidths, phased array/beamforming methods are the natural choice when it comes to designing multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems. However, these methods are inadequate as bandwidth and array dimensions increase. In particular the well-known problem of “beam-squint” in which the beam direction changes with frequency can cause very significant degradation in performance.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a hardware/software-based solution. Their new method quantifies and corrects degradation due to beam-squint, and introduces several small design changes to beamspace MIMO (B-MIMO) systems.
The researchers identified a channel dispersion factor that can be used to quantify the severity of the problem and to select the beams for maximum performance.
The researchers identified a channel dispersion factor that can be used to quantify the severity of the problem and to select the beams for maximum performance.
Applications
- Emerging millimeter-wave technology for gigabit backhaul and mobile access
- Emerging satellite communications applications
Key Benefits
- Improves performance
- Outperforms other designs
- Maintains channel power
- Eliminates pulse distortion
- Could be incorporated into existing phased array designs with relatively minor modifications
- Also applicable to new technologies for multi-beamforming, such as continuous aperture phased MIMO (CAP-MIMO)
Stage of Development
Simulations and calculations show this method should work as expected to improve the use of available bandwidth.
Additional Information
Related Technologies
For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846