Extending beamforming capability of a coupled voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) array during local oscillator (LO) signal generation through a circular configuration thereof
US9837714B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q3/42
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method includes separating phase of Local Oscillator (LO) signals generated by individual Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) of a coupled VCO array through varying voltage levels of voltage control inputs thereto. The method also includes coupling the individual VCOs of the coupled VCO array to one another in a closed, circular configuration to increase phase difference between the phase separated LO signals generated by the individual VCOs compared to a linear configuration of the coupled VCO array. Further, the method includes mixing outputs of the individual VCOs of the circular 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 during performing beamforming with the antenna array.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.