Antenna Array Power Control for 3D Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays are limited to providing high-quality service only in a fixed horizontal plane, failing to effectively serve user devices at different elevations, such as high-rise structures and ground-level locations, due to their inability to dynamically adjust vertical beamforming.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves individually controlling and adjusting the power supply to each antenna in an array, allowing for dynamic modification of the beamform in three dimensions by altering the phase and amplitude of the power supply, enabling the creation of a cumulative radiation pattern that can serve multiple user devices across varying elevations without physical antenna alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna arrays use fixed power supply to each column of antennas, then horizontal beamforming can be achieved, but vertical beamforming capability is lost and service quality to user devices at different elevations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into individual independent units for each antenna element in the array, rather than using a single power supply per column. This segmentation enables independent control of each antenna's power, phase, and amplitude, which is necessary for achieving 3D beamforming capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of power supply parameters (power level, phase, amplitude) for each antenna element based on real-time user device locations and service requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt beamforming patterns in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, transforming a static system into a flexible 3D beamforming system
2Productivity
If power supply to entire column of antennas is controlled, then horizontal beamforming is achieved, but capability to serve user devices at different elevations simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by allowing each antenna element to have independent power, phase, and amplitude settings tailored to its specific spatial position and function in the 3D beamforming pattern. This localized control enables different portions of the antenna array to serve different elevation zones simultaneously, improving both service coverage and adaptability to diverse user locations
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical means such as actuators and motors are used for 3D beamforming, then vertical beamforming capability is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beamforming systems (actuators, motors, wave guides) with an electronic control system that adjusts power supply parameters to each antenna element. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical complexity while achieving the same 3D beamforming capability through electronic phase and amplitude control, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for dynamically adjusting the beamform of an antenna array. A first beamform produced by an emission from a first antenna and an emission from a second antenna are determined, each of the first antenna and the second antenna having separate power supplies. Positions of user devices served by the cell of the antenna array are determined and compared to the first beamform. If it is determined that a second beamform would provide better coverage to any one or more of the user devices served by the cell, any one or more of the power supplies to individual antennas may be modified. Any one or more power supplies may utilize changes in the phase and/or amplitude of the power supplied to an antenna to change the emission of at least one antenna, producing a second beamform. The second beamform, in particular, may permit dynamic targeting of various vertical distributions of user devices within the cell.