Externally Coupled Active Antenna Module for Multi-Band Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of frequency bands and sectorization in cellular communications systems leads to a need for more base station antennas, but physical constraints such as zoning ordinances and weight limitations restrict the number of antennas that can be deployed, necessitating the development of multi-band antennas that efficiently manage different frequency bands without increasing the number of antennas.

Innovation Solution

The design of base station antennas with a passive antenna assembly and a separate active antenna module that can be externally coupled, utilizing a frequency selective surface or substrate to manage RF energy across different frequency bands, allowing for interchangeable active antenna modules to be easily installed or replaced, thereby optimizing antenna performance without increasing physical footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of base station antennas is increased to accommodate more frequency bands and sectors, then the capacity to handle multiple frequency bands improves, but the weight and wind loading constraints on antenna towers worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity to handle multiple frequency bandsVSAvoidweight on antenna tower

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frequency band capabilities into a single multi-band antenna structure. The antenna integrates low-band radiating elements (617-960 MHz) and mid-band radiating elements (1427-2690 MHz) in one unified design, allowing the tower to support fewer antennas while handling more frequency bands. This merging approach directly addresses the contradiction by reducing the number of separate antenna units (and thus total weight) while maintaining multi-band capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linear arrays are mounted in side-by-side fashion to support different frequency bands, then the multi-band capability improves, but the physical footprint and complexity of the antenna structure worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-band capabilityVSAvoidantenna structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the mid-band radiating elements are positioned within the structural framework of the low-band radiating elements. The mid-band elements are arranged in a planar configuration that fits within the overall footprint defined by the low-band elements. This nesting approach allows multi-band capability while reducing the overall physical footprint and simplifying the structural complexity compared to completely separate side-by-side arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from purely two-dimensional side-by-side array arrangements to a three-dimensional nested configuration. The mid-band elements are positioned in a plane that is offset from and within the plane of the low-band elements, creating a layered, multi-dimensional structure. This dimensional change allows efficient space utilization and reduces the overall antenna footprint while maintaining all frequency band capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of base station antennas is increased to accommodate increased sectorization, then the sector coverage capability improves, but the zoning ordinance limitations and tower capacity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesector coverage capabilityVSAvoidtower footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sector serving capabilities into a single antenna unit. By integrating both low-band and mid-band radiating elements with appropriate beamforming capabilities, one multi-band antenna can serve multiple sectors across different frequency bands, reducing the total number of antennas required and thus the tower footprint needed to accommodate them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enhances the capacity of base station antennas to handle multiple frequency bands efficiently, allowing for flexible and cost-effective upgrades and installations while maintaining a compact and lightweight structure, thus addressing the limitations imposed by physical constraints.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a frequency selective surface or substrate to manage RF energy across different frequency bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency selective surface reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12176604B2Base station antennas having an active antenna module and related devices and methods

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

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.