Method and apparatus for forming a beam

摘要

A device for forming a beam of an antenna array, the device including: an antenna array having a plurality of spatially distributed elements; a processor for selectively switching said elements between first and second states wherein, in said first state, said elements are configured to receive an incoming signal; and a receiver operatively associated with said antenna array and said processor for generating a reference signal, mixing said incoming signal with a modified reference signal to generate a mixed signal and summing the mixed signal over a predetermined period to generate an accumulated signal, wherein said reference signal is modified prior to being mixed with said received signal such that said accumulated signal is indicative of the direction and magnitude of the beam of the antenna array.

主权项

1. A device for forming a beam of an antenna array, said device including:
an antenna array having a plurality of spatially distributed elements; a processor for selectively switching said elements between first and second states, wherein said elements are configured to receive an incoming signal in said first state and configured to not receive an incoming signal in said second state; and a receiver operatively associated with said antenna array and said processor, said receiver configured to: generate a reference signal; modify said reference signal in substantial synchronisation with said elements being switched to said first state; mix said incoming signal with the modified reference signal to generate a mixed signal; and sum said mixed signal over an integration period to generate an accumulated signal, such that said accumulated signal is indicative of the direction and magnitude of said beam of said antenna array.