WARF TECHNOLOGIES

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.

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.

• Emerging millimeter-wave technology for gigabit backhaul and mobile access
• Emerging satellite communications applications

• 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)

Simulations and calculations show this method should work as expected to improve the use of available bandwidth.

Related Technologies

• WARF reference number P110040US01 describes the researcher’s compatible transmitter system, known as a continuous aperture phased MIMO (CAP MIMO) system.

Tech Fields

• Information Technology : Networking & telecommunications