Active Relay Antenna System for 5G Millimeter Wave Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in providing reliable and efficient millimeter wave wireless communications for 5G networks lies in overcoming high atmospheric attenuation, short range limitations, and interference issues in diverse environments, particularly in dense-scattering areas and extreme climatic conditions, where traditional large array antennas are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A high gain active relay antenna system with modular, phased array antennas and active relays that provide amplification, beam-steering, and beamforming capabilities, allowing for flexible deployment in various environments, including obstructed areas, and enabling efficient network coverage with reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large array antennas are used to provide high gain and narrow beams for millimeter wave communications, then beam steerability and signal quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large array antenna system into multiple smaller antenna elements distributed across different locations. Each small antenna element is simple in structure, but collectively they form a virtual large aperture array that provides high gain and beam steerability through coordinated signal processing, thereby achieving high signal quality without the complexity of a single large physical array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar array to a three-dimensional distributed spatial arrangement of antenna elements. By utilizing vertical and horizontal separation across multiple levels and locations, the system creates a volumetric antenna distribution that achieves large effective aperture and beam control capabilities without requiring a large single-plane array structure.
2Length of moving object
If large array antennas are deployed to overcome atmospheric attenuation and extend range, then communication range is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates in extreme climatic conditions with heavy precipitation and strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
The system breaks down the large antenna structure into multiple small, distributed antenna elements that can be independently installed and maintained. Each small antenna is less susceptible to wind damage and easier to deploy in challenging environments, while collectively providing the necessary communication range through their coordinated operation as a distributed array.
Solution Approach 2:
Each antenna element in the distributed array is optimized for local deployment conditions, with individual elements positioned and configured according to their specific environmental context. This allows the system to maintain overall communication range while adapting local antenna characteristics to withstand extreme climatic conditions, improving ease of operation in diverse environments.
3Reliability
If traditional relay solutions are used in millimeter wave bands, then network coverage is provided, but performance and cost do not meet the varying operational requirements in different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed antenna system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides network coverage extension, creates virtual beamforming capabilities, enables flexible spatial configuration, and adapts to different environmental conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single system architecture to meet varying operational requirements across diverse environments without requiring separate specialized solutions for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic signal processing and beamforming techniques that can adapt in real-time to changing environmental conditions, user locations, and network requirements. The distributed antenna elements can dynamically adjust their transmission characteristics, phase, and amplitude to optimize performance for different scenarios, providing both reliable coverage and environmental adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to a high gain active relay antenna system. The active relay antenna system comprises a first antenna pair having a first receive antenna and a first transmit antenna to communicate wireless signals in a forward link from a base station to a plurality of users; and a second antenna pair having a second receive antenna and a second transmit antenna to communicate wireless signals in a return link from the plurality of users to the base station. The active relay antenna system further comprises a first active relay section and a second active relay section to provide for adjustable power gain in the wireless signals.