Automatic Antenna Alignment Using Regular Scan Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for antenna alignment, particularly at high frequencies like E-band, fail to efficiently align narrow beam transceivers used in cellular backhaul connections, as they lack automatic alignment techniques suitable for narrow beam widths, leading to communication link establishment issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatic alignment of directional beam antennas using a steering unit to scan points in a regular pattern based on determined beam width, with signal quality metrics feedback for coarse and fine alignment, enabling efficient mutual transmission alignment without initial communication between antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional alignment methods are used for narrow beam antennas at high frequencies, then the alignment process becomes extremely time-consuming and complex, but existing methods break down and cannot achieve reliable alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing initial communication links between antenna pairs before final alignment is achieved. The alignment controller identifies candidate antenna pairs and establishes preliminary communication channels that guide the subsequent automated alignment process, allowing the system to start with rough positioning and refine to precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment controller continuously monitors communication link quality between antenna pairs and uses this feedback to adjust antenna positions and orientations. The system measures signal strength and communication quality metrics, then iteratively refines alignment based on this feedback until optimal alignment is achieved, resolving the contradiction between precision and time.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used for narrow beam antennas, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system performs self-service by automatically identifying candidate antenna pairs, establishing preliminary communication links, and guiding the alignment process without requiring manual intervention. The alignment controller autonomously monitors communication quality and directs antenna positioning, eliminating the need for operators to manually align narrow beam antennas while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated electronic control system. The alignment controller uses electronic signal monitoring and communication quality measurements to guide the alignment process, substituting human operators and manual mechanical adjustments with an automated feedback-controlled system that achieves both precision and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If automated alignment is implemented without initial communication channels, then alignment speed improves, but the system cannot establish alignment without some form of initial communication
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is segmented into distinct phases: initial candidate identification, preliminary communication establishment, and final automated alignment. This segmentation allows the system to break down the complex task into manageable steps, establishing simple initial communication links between candidate pairs before proceeding to more sophisticated automated alignment, thereby improving speed without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing basic communication links between candidate antenna pairs before final alignment is achieved. These preliminary communication channels provide the foundation for automated alignment without requiring complex initial setup, enabling the system to quickly identify viable pairs and proceed with automated refinement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatic alignment of two directional beams having a known path attenuation, and an antenna gain pattern, for mutual transmission, comprises: determining a beam width between two angles of minimal detectable connection on either side of a beam maximum; then mapping points onto a scan field in a regular pattern, the pattern based on the beam width, such that a beam with the determined beam width is detected once if the beam is in the scan field at all; scanning the first antenna over the mapped scan points; and for each point allowing the second antenna to scan over all of its own set of mapped scan points, thereby providing a coarse alignment of the two antennas to achieve at least a minimal mutual connection. The coarse alignment may be followed by a fine alignment to maximize the signal.