Beamforming Angle Research Articles

Multilayer-laminated optically transparent 300-GHz-band transmissive beamforming metasurface for wireless communication.

A 300-GHz-band transmission-type multilayer metasurface beamformer based on a Jerusalem cross geometry is presented. A metamaterial cell with a continuous 2π phase variation for the radius change was designed and used in the fabrication of a reference device and three types of beamforming devices. The beamforming metasurface devices achieved steering angles of θ = 18°, θ = 30°, and θ = 38°, which were in good agreement with simulated results. A broadband operation in a 40 GHz band, from 280 GHz to 320 GHz was evaluated, showing only minor frequency dependence of the beamforming angles. The design and fabrication methodology can be applied to various types of metasurface devices, such as circular and fan lenses, beamformers, polarization switches, and so on for millimeter-wave frequency bands that are considered to be used in future 6 G wireless network systems.

Beamforming for Sensing: Hybrid Beamforming based on Transmitter-Receiver Collaboration for Millimeter-Wave Sensing

Previous mmWave sensing solutions assumed good signal quality. Ensuring an unblocked or strengthened LoS path is challenging. Therefore, finding an NLoS path is crucial to enhancing perceived signal quality. This paper proposes Trebsen, a Transmitter-REceiver collaboration-based Beamforming scheme SENsing using commercial mmWave radars. Specifically, we define the hybrid beamforming problem as an optimization challenge involving beamforming angle search based on transmitter-receiver collaboration. We derive a comprehensive expression for parameter optimization by modeling the signal attenuation variations resulting from the propagation path. To comprehensively assess the perception signal quality, we design a novel metric perceived signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (PSINR), combining the carrier signal and baseband signal to quantify the fine-grained sensing motion signal quality. Considering the high time cost of traversing or randomly searching methods, we employ a search method based on deep reinforcement learning to quickly explore optimal beamforming angles at both transmitter and receiver. We implement Trebsen and evaluate its performance in a fine-grained sensing application (i.e., heartbeat). Experimental results show that Trebsen significantly enhances heartbeat sensing performance in blocked or misaligned LoS scenes. Comparing non-beamforming, Trebsen demonstrates a reduction of 23.6% in HR error and 27.47% in IBI error. Moreover, comparing random search, Trebsen exhibits a 90% increase in search speed.

Low complexity on-board vector calibration network for optimal microwave wireless power transmission and enhanced RF-to-DC conversion efficiency

A low complexity on-board vector calibration network for optimal microwave wireless power transmission (MWPT) efficiency is proposed in this work. The proposed technique is based on sequentially tracking the minimum power level of two antenna elements in an array for both phase and amplitude error discrimination. Unlike conventional vector calibration networks based on a down-conversion topology, the proposed architecture can perform vector calibration by only monitoring the magnitude of each antenna element. Thus, high system efficiency can be achieved by reducing hardware costs and eliminating any unnecessary power consumption by extra active devices. Further, phase and amplitude imbalances between antenna elements in an array can be accurately captured with higher precision compared to the conventional rotating-element electric-field vector (REV) method. The proposed technique achieved higher resolutions for both amplitude and phase error detection than REV, which suffers from low resolution near the maximum or minimum field crests. To verify the MWPT efficiency improvement based on the proposed calibration network, a 1 × 4 phased array MWPT system was fabricated and tested at 5.8 GHz with a reference rectenna. With the calibrated power transmission, the total RF-DC conversion efficiencies at ± 45° beamforming angles were improved by up to a maximum of 138.79%.

3D beamforming in Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS)-assisted multi-user cognitive radio networks

In this paper, we consider a multi-user cognitive radio network (CRN) equipped with an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS). We examine the network performance by evaluating the fairness of the secondary system, which is satisfying the minimum required signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) for each secondary user (SU). The minimum SINR of the SUs is maximized by joint optimization of the beamforming vector and three-dimensional beamforming (3DBF) angles at the secondary base station (SBS) and also the phase shifts of the IRS elements. This optimization problem is highly non-convex. To solve this problem, we utilize Dinkelbach’s algorithm along with an alternating optimization (AO) approach to achieve some sub-problems. Accordingly, by further applying a semi-definite relaxation method, we convert these sub-problems to equivalent convex forms and find a solution. Furthermore, analytically we propose an algorithm for optimizing 3DBF angles at the SBS. Through numerical results, the improvement of the sum SINR of the secondary system using the proposed method is illustrated. Moreover, it is shown that as the number of reflecting elements of IRS increases, the sum SINR significantly augments while satisfying fairness. Also, the convergence of the proposed algorithm is verified utilizing numerical results.

Low loss silicon nitride 1×4 microwave photonic beamforming chip.

In this paper, based on the low loss double strip silicon nitride platform, we designed and fabricated an ultra-low loss 1×4 microwave photonic beamforming chip, which contains a 1×4 beam splitter and four 5-bit optical delay lines. Each optical delay line can achieve 32 delay states varying from 0 ps to about 130 ps, which can support 21 different beamforming angles covers from -56.42° to 56.68° for 10 GHz RF signal. A low on-chip insertion loss of about 4 dB is achieved for each 5-bit optical delay line. Furthermore, a very low loss delay ratio of about 0.0016 dB/ps is achieved and a recorded low loss fluctuation of about 0.3 dB is obtained during the 32 states delay switching. In addition, the switching speed and driving power consumptions of the proposed beamforming chip were investigated. The proposed beamforming chip could have great potential in optical controlled phased antenna arrays systems.

Design and Evaluation of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces in Real-World Environment

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have promising coverage and data-rate gains for wireless communication systems in 5G and beyond. Prior work has mainly focused on analyzing the performance of these surfaces using simulations or lab-level prototypes. To draw accurate insights about the actual performance of these systems, this paper develops an RIS proof-of-concept prototype and extensively evaluates its potential gains in the field under realistic wireless communication settings. In particular, a 160-element RIS, operating at a 5.8 GHz band, is designed, fabricated, and accurately measured in the anechoic chamber. This surface is then integrated into a wireless communication system and the beamforming gains, pathloss, and coverage improvements are evaluated in realistic outdoor communication scenarios. When both the transmitter and receiver employ directional antennas, the developed RIS achieves 15–20 dB gain in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in a range of ±60° beamforming angles. In terms of coverage, and considering a far-field experiment with a blockage between a basestation and a grid of mobile users and with an average signal path of 35 m, the RIS provides an average SNR improvement of 6 dB (max 8 dB) within an area > 75 m². Thanks to the scalable RIS design, these SNR gains can be directly increased with larger RIS areas. For example, a single 1,600-element RIS with the same design is expected to provide 26 dB SNR gain for a similar deployment (theoretical estimation). These results draw useful insights into the design and performance of RIS systems and provide an important proof for their potential gains in real-world far-field wireless communication environments.

Analyze the FMCW Waveform Skin Return of Moving Objects in the Presence of Stationary Hidden Objects Using Numerical Models

In this paper, a high-performance antenna array system model is presented to analyze moving-object-skin-returns and track them in the presence of stationary objects using frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW). The main features of the paper are bonding the aspects of antenna array and electromagnetic (EM) wave multi-skin-return modeling and simulation (M&S) with the aspects of algorithm and measurement/tracking system architecture. The M&S aspect models both phase and amplitude of the signal waveform from a transmitter to the signal processing in a receiver. In the algorithm aspect, a novel scheme for FMCW signal processing is introduced by combining time- and frequency-domain methods, including a vector moving target indication filter and a vector direct current canceller in time-domain, and a constant false alarm rate detector and a mono-pulse digital beamforming angle tracker in frequency-domain. In addition, unlike previous designs of using M × N fast Fourier transform (FFT) for an M × N array, only four FFTs are used, which tremendously save time and space in hardware. With the presented model, the detection of the moving-target-skin-return in stationary objects under a noisy environment is feasible. Therefore, to track long range and high-speed objects, the proposed technique is promising. Using a scenario having (1) a target with 17 dBm2 radar cross section (RCS) at about 40 km range with 5.936 Mach speed and 11.6 dB post processing signal to noise ratio, and (2) a strong stationary clutter with 37 dBm2 RCS located at the proximity of the target, it demonstrates that the root-mean-square errors of range, angle, and Doppler measurements are about 26 m, 0.68 degree, and 1100 Hz, respectively.

Analysis of Beamforming Antenna for Practical Indoor Location-Tracking Application.

The single antenna used in conventional ultra-wideband radar has difficulty tracking targets over a wide range because of a relatively narrow beamwidth. Herein, we propose a beamforming antenna that can track targets over a wide range by electronically controlling the main beam of the antenna. The proposed beamforming antenna was fabricated by connecting a 1 × 4 linear array antenna and a 4 × 4 Butler matrix. The Butler matrix was fabricated in a laminated substrate using two TRF-45 substrates. Furthermore, the input Ports 1–4 generate a phase difference at regular intervals in each output port, and the output phase is fed to the array antenna. The proposed tapered-slot antenna was fabricated on a Taconic TLY substrate, and the impedance bandwidth of the antenna was achieved within a wide bandwidth of 4.32 GHz by satisfying a VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) ≤2 within the 1.45–5.78 GHz band. Furthermore, the fabricated antenna has directional radiation patterns, which was found to be a suitable characsteristic for location tracking in a certain direction. Finally, the beamforming antenna has four beamforming angles, and to verify the performance for an indoor location tracking application of impulse-radio ultra-wideband radar, it was connected to an NVA-R661 module.

공용데이터링크를 위한 공대지 채널 모델링

본 논문에서는 고속의 공용데이터링크(common data link, CDL)를 위한 새로운 채널 모델을 제안한다. 송신기의 고도가 수km ~ 수십km이고 통달거리가 수백km인 경우 지구 곡률에 의해 송신신호가 수신기의 앞 쪽에서 지면에 반사되어 들어오는 Two-ray 채널이 발생할 가능성이 크다. 송수신기의 빔포밍(beamforming) 각도와 안테나 방사 패턴(radiation pattern)에 따라 반사 경로로 들어오는 신호의 최대 지연 시간(maximum delay)과 전력 지연 프로파일(power delay profile)을 추정하여 Two-ray 채널을 모델링한다. 제안하는 채널 모델에서는 통달거리가 길기 때문에 전력 지연 프로파일이 최대 지연 시간보다 신호 대 잡음비(signal to noise ratio, SNR)에 대한 비트 오류율(bit error rate, BER)에 더 큰 영향을 미친다. The new channel model for high data rate common data link(CDL) is proposed. The Two-ray channel, which is composed of the reflected signals on the front ground of the receiver, is considered in this paper. This channel arises due to the curvature of the earth when the altitude of the transmitter is tens of kilometers and distance between the transmitter and the receiver is hundreds of kilometers. The Two-ray channel is modeled by estimating the maximum delay profile and the power delay profile, depending on the transmitting and receiving beamforming angle and the radiation pattern of antenna. The power delay profile has a larger effect on the bit error rate(BER) over signal to noise ratio(SNR) than the maximum delay profile, because the distance range is too long in the proposed channel model.

Arbitrary-Angle Squint-Free Beamforming in Series-Fed Antenna Arrays Using Non-Foster Elements Synthesized by Negative-Group-Delay Networks

Beamforming in series-fed antenna arrays can inherently suffer from beam-squinting. To overcome the beam-squinting problem, low-dispersion, fast-wave transmission lines can be employed. Such transmission lines can be designed by loading a regular transmission line with non-Foster reactive elements (e.g., negative capacitors and inductors). As a result of a recent development, these non-Foster reactive elements can be implemented using loss-compensated negative-group-delay (NGD) networks, providing a solution to the stability issues associated with conventional non-Foster networks. In this work, transmission lines augmented by loss-compensated NGD networks, representing the non-Foster reactive-element loading, are employed for designing wideband fast-wave, low-dispersion transmission lines. This work consolidates this non-Foster reactive element loading method with earlier efforts where NGD networks were used to implement zero-degree phase shifters for beamforming at the broadside direction, and generalizes these methods for arbitrary-angle beamforming from backfire to endfire including the broadside direction. Experimental results are presented for a wideband linear four-element transmitting array feed network for beamforming at 30° with respect to the broadside direction in the frequency range 1-1.5 GHz. By connecting this feed network to four wideband tapered-slot antennas, the beamforming performance is experimentally verified inside an anechoic chamber. Moreover, the antenna array is experimentally tested for transmission of a narrow pulse, where low distortion is observed at the beamforming angle over the entire operating bandwidth. The physical length of the feed network is realistic and is 0.96 wavelengths long at the center of this frequency range. In addition, switched-line phase shifters are employed for squint-free beamforming in three other angles: 60°, 0°, and $-30^{\circ}$.

A 65-nm CMOS Fully Integrated Shock-Wave Antenna Array with On-Chip Jitter and Pulse-Delay Adjustment for Millimeter-Wave Active Imaging Application

This paper presents a 65-nm CMOS 8-antenna array transmitter operating in 117-130-GHz range for short range and portable millimeter-wave (mm-wave) active imaging applications. Each antenna element is a new on-chip antenna located on the top metal. By using on-chip transformer, pulse output of each resistor-less mm-wave pulse generators (PG) are sent to each integrated antenna. To adjust pulse delays for the purpose of pulse beam-forming, a 7-bit digitally programmable delay circuit (DPDC) is added to each of PGs. Moreover, in order to dynamically adjust pulse delays among eight SW's outputs, we implemented on-chip jitter and relative skew measuring circuit with 20-bit digital output to achieve cumulative distribution (CDF) and probability density (PDF) functions from which DPDC's input codes are decided to align eight antenna's output pulses. Two measured radiation peaks after relative skew alignment are obtained at (θ; φ) angles of (-56°; 0°) and (+57°; 0°). Measurement results shows that beam-forming angles of the fully integrated antenna array can be adjusted by digital input codes and by the on-chip skew adjustment circuit for active imaging applications.

Optimality of Beamforming for MIMO Multiple Access Channels Via Virtual Representation

In this correspondence, we consider the optimality of beamforming for achieving the ergodic capacity of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multiple access channel (MAC) via virtual representation (VR) model. We assume that the receiver knows the channel state information (CSI) perfectly but that the transmitter knows only partial CSI, i.e., the channel statistics. For the single-user case, we prove that the capacity-achieving beamforming angle (c.b.a.) is unique, and there exists a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) threshold below which beamforming is optimal and above which beamforming is strictly suboptimal. For the multi-user case, we show that the c.b.a is not unique and we obtain explicit conditions that determine the beamforming angles for a special class of correlated MAC-VR models. Under mild conditions, we show that a large class of power allocation schemes can achieve the sum-capacity within a constant as the number of users in the system becomes large. The beamforming scheme, in particular, is shown to be asymptotically capacity-achieving only for certain MAC-VR models.

Quickest Detection of a Random Signal in Background Noise Using a Sensor Array

The problem of detecting the onset of a signal impinging at an unknown angle on a sensor array is considered. An algorithm based on parallel CUSUM tests matched to each of a set of discrete beamforming angles is proposed. Analytical approximations are developed for the mean time between false alarms, and for the detection delay of this algorithm. Simulations are included to verify the results of this analysis.