A fast converging integrated implementation of zero-knowledge beamforming algorithm for phased-array receivers

This paper presents a new implementation of adaptive beamforming algorithm that can be fully implemented on chip. It does not require the knowledge of the incoming signal direction or phase shifter characteristics. Besides, it eliminates the need for the ADC to convert the analog output signal to digital values for the microprocessor and the DAC to apply the calculated values to the control voltages of the analog phase shifters. Thus, it exhibits better convergence speed. In addition, the need for the complex and power-hungry processor is eliminated. Therefore, this implementation consumes less power. Analytical equations and constraints on system design parameters are derived, and the circuit implementation of the proposed method for adaptive beamforming algorithm is presented.