Base Station Antenna Array Spacing for Lower Inter-Sector Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current base station antenna systems experience significant inter-sector interference due to grating lobes caused by beamforming across correlated antenna arrays, which affects spectral efficiency and data throughput, especially when array separation distances are not optimally set.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing the separation distances between dual-polarized antenna arrays to minimize RF power radiated into adjacent sectors, using specific distances such as 0.5λ, 1.1λ, 1.6λ, 2.7λ, and 3.8λ, to reduce grating lobes and inter-sector interference, while supporting multiple spectrum bands through joint optimization approaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If antenna arrays are placed close together to reduce device size, then device complexity is reduced, but inter-sector interference increases due to grating lobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation distance parameter between antenna arrays to specific values (0.5λ, 1.1λ, 1.6λ, 2.7λ, 3.8λ) to minimize grating lobes and inter-sector interference. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding specific spacing values that reduce interference while maintaining practical device dimensions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If array separation distance is increased to reduce grating lobes, then inter-sector interference decreases, but device size and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies specific separation distance parameters (0.5λ, 1.1λ, 1.6λ, 2.7λ, 3.8λ) that minimize grating lobe radiation. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective interference reduction without unnecessarily increasing the antenna assembly area, resolving the contradiction between interference reduction and space utilization.
3Ease of operation
If non-optimal array separation is used to simplify installation, then ease of operation improves, but spectral efficiency decreases due to increased interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a set of pre-optimized separation distance parameters (0.5λ, 1.1λ, 1.6λ, 2.7λ, 3.8λ) that maximize spectral efficiency by minimizing inter-sector interference. These standardized parameter values simplify the installation process while ensuring optimal performance, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and data throughput.
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 approach enhances spectral efficiency and reduces inter-sector interference, leading to improved data throughput and coverage by carefully positioning multi-array antenna assemblies to achieve optimal beamforming and minimize interference across base station sectors.
Implementation Method 1
inter-sector interference caused by the result of beamforming of user traffic via precoding across a plurality of correlated antenna arrays
Implementation Method 2
grating lobes at angles which fall into adjacent sector service areas; the grating being caused by the precoding weights
Data Source
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AI summary
In one example, a base station system comprises a base station radio unit for at least a first operating frequency and a plurality of linear antenna arrays. Each linear antenna array may comprise a plurality of radiating antenna elements, and the plurality of linear antenna arrays may be disposed in a horizontal plane. In one example, at least one set of linear antenna arrays of the plurality of linear antenna arrays for a first operating frequency has an array separation distance of substantially 1.6+1.1n wavelengths apart for the first operating frequency, where n is an integer greater than or equal to zero. In addition, in one example, the plurality of linear antenna arrays includes at least one linear antenna array for a second operating frequency that is different from the first operating frequency.