Recessed Active Antenna Module for Multi-Band Base Station Heat Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of frequency bands and sectorization in cellular communications systems leads to a significant increase in the number of base station antennas required, which is constrained by local zoning ordinances and weight/wind loading, necessitating multi-band antennas with multiple linear arrays, but these systems face challenges in heat management and efficient frequency band utilization.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a passive antenna assembly with a housing that releasably couples to an active antenna module, featuring frequency selective surfaces and substrates to manage RF energy across different bands, and includes a recessed segment for easy installation and replacement of active modules, with heat management through venting and sealable coupling for environmental protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear arrays of radiating elements are used to support service in different frequency bands, then the number of frequency bands served is increased, but the number of base station antennas increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple linear arrays of radiating elements (low-band, mid-band, and high-band arrays) into a single integrated base station antenna structure. The housing unifies these arrays while the reflector structure enables multiple frequency bands to be served from one antenna unit, reducing the total number of separate antennas needed and thereby reducing overall weight and wind loading.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear arrays of radiating elements are used to support service in different frequency bands, then the number of frequency bands served is increased, but the number of base station antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates low-band, mid-band, and high-band linear arrays within a single housing structure, allowing one base station antenna to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate antennas for each frequency band, directly reducing the quantity of base station antennas deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station antenna is designed as a multi-functional unit capable of operating across multiple frequency bands (617-960 MHz, 1427-2690 MHz, and 3.3-4.2 GHz) through integrated linear arrays. This universal design allows a single antenna to perform the function of multiple specialized antennas, reducing deployment quantity.
3Strength
If base station antennas are mounted on towers with weight and wind loading constraints, then structural safety is maintained, but the number of antennas that can be deployed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple frequency band capabilities into a single antenna unit, the patent reduces the total number of antennas that need to be mounted on the tower. This directly addresses the productivity constraint by enabling more capacity to be achieved with fewer physical antenna installations, thereby maintaining structural safety while increasing deployable capacity.
4Power
If heat is generated by radio circuitry in active antennas, then RF signal processing capability is provided, but heat dissipation becomes a challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radio circuitry into a separate active antenna module that can be releasably coupled to the passive antenna assembly. This modular design allows the heat-generating active components to be separately managed and positioned for optimal heat dissipation, while the passive antenna structure provides RF signal processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflector structure positioned behind the radiating elements that serves as an intermediary to manage RF energy and heat. The reflector helps direct RF energy forward while also providing a thermal management pathway, allowing heat from the active antenna module to be dissipated more effectively through the rear of the housing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for efficient use of multiple frequency bands while reducing the number of antennas needed, enhances heat dissipation, and facilitates easy assembly and replacement of active modules, improving operational efficiency and compliance with structural constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector can include a frequency selective surface configured to reflect RF energy at a low frequency band and allow RF energy at a high frequency band to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
Base station antennas include an externally accessible active antenna module releasably coupled to a recessed segment that is over a chamber in the base station antenna and that is longitudinally and laterally extending along and across a rear of a base station antenna housing. The base station antenna housing has a passive antenna assembly that cooperates with the active antenna module.