Active-Passive Antenna Array for Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communications network operators seek to reduce the size and cost of active antenna arrays while maintaining high antenna gain and tilt range without increasing the antenna size or complexity, as existing solutions either sacrifice gain or efficiency for beam tilting flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The active antenna array design incorporates a central subset of active elements dynamically coupled with passively combined sub-arrays, using static phase relations and beam forming parameters to achieve tapered patterns and improved side lobe suppression, employing optimization techniques like swarm optimization and genetic algorithms to determine complex weights for beam synthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna array uses a uniform linear array configuration with all elements actively controlled, then beam steering flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into two distinct segments: an active central subset of antenna elements that are dynamically controlled for beam steering, and passive sub-arrays at the ends that are statically configured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve beam steering flexibility through the active elements while reducing overall complexity by having the passive elements perform only fixed functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Power
If the antenna array size is increased to improve antenna gain, then antenna gain is improved, but device length and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the antenna array are assigned different functional qualities: the central subset of elements is actively controlled to provide dynamic beam steering and high gain in specific directions, while the end sub-arrays are passively configured to provide structural extension and additional gain without requiring complex control. This local differentiation allows the array to achieve high antenna gain without proportionally increasing overall array length and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical tilting or remote electrical tilt systems are used to achieve beam tilting, then tilt range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering through phase and amplitude control of the active central antenna elements, replacing the need for mechanical tilting systems or complex remote electrical tilt mechanisms. By dynamically adjusting the complex weights of the active elements, the system achieves a range of tilt angles through signal processing rather than physical movement or additional hardware, thereby maintaining tilt adaptability while reducing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna array (3000) having a plurality of antenna elements (3001-1 to 3001-8) is disclosed. The antenna array comprises: a plurality of transceiver modules (3003-1 to 3001-6); an active antenna element subset (3001-3 to 3001-6) of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the active antenna element subset comprises at least one active antenna element being actively coupled to an associated transceiver module (3003-3 to 3003-6) of the plurality of transceiver modules; and at least one passively combined sub-array (3005-1,3005-2) of at least two antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements. A method for generating antenna patterns with the antenna array (3000) is also disclosed.