6G • RAN
True-Time-Delay (TTD) Beamformer
Wideband Dispersion-Free True-Time-Delay Phased Array Architecture
Beamformer hardware replacing phase shifters with calibrated delay lines to eliminate beam-squinting across ultra-wideband 6G signals.
Technical Explanation
When transmitting wideband signals (such as a 5 GHz wide carrier at 140 GHz) using conventional phase shifters, the outer frequencies bend at different angles, causing the beam to wander away from the user—a catastrophic defect known as 'beam squint'. True-Time-Delay (TTD) beamformers replace phase shifters with precise variable physical delay lines. Because time delay is independent of frequency, the entire multi-gigahertz signal points in the exact same spatial direction without dispersion.
Key Functions
- Eliminates beam-squint distortion across ultra-wide multi-gigahertz carriers
- Ensures identical spatial pointing angle for all sub-carriers across the channel
- Maximizes delivered SNR to wideband mobile users and radar targets
- Utilizes switched optical or electronic transmission lines for nanosecond delays
Specifications
IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory and Techniques TTD Special Issue, 3GPP Rel-19
Interfaces
True-Time-Delay Switch ArrayAntenna Feed Matrix
Related 6G Concepts
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