Vehicle Antenna Beam Correction Using Offset Signal Measurements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna systems on moving vehicles face errors in determining the correct antenna beam angle due to vehicle motion and installation misalignment, particularly affecting communication with base stations, especially when using narrow beams like LTE or 5G NR.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system comprising a main antenna and a measurement antenna, with control circuitry that adjusts the main beam's angle by comparing signal metrics received by the measurement antenna at positions to either side of the initial bearing angle, allowing for precise correction of the main beam's direction without interrupting communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If narrow beams are used for communication (LTE or 5G NR), then communication efficiency and data rate are improved, but the margin for error in directing the beam is reduced, making the system more sensitive to positioning and orientation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures signal strength at positions to either side of the initial bearing angle using a measurement antenna, compares these measurements, and determines a correction to be applied to the main beam bearing angle. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of the beam direction to compensate for errors in vehicle position and orientation, maintaining reliable communication even with narrow beams.
Solution Approach 2:
A measurement antenna is introduced as an intermediary component to measure signal strength at offset positions without interrupting the main communication beam. This intermediary measurement system enables correction of the main beam direction while communication continues uninterrupted, resolving the conflict between maintaining narrow beam efficiency and ensuring accurate beam direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle undergoes rapid maneuvering, then operational capability is improved, but errors in measuring position and orientation increase, leading to erroneous antenna beam angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures signal strength at positions to either side of the initial bearing angle using a measurement antenna, compares these measurements, and determines a correction to be applied to the main beam bearing angle. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of the beam direction to compensate for errors in vehicle position and orientation, maintaining reliable communication even with narrow beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively measures signal strength at positions to either side of the initial bearing angle before communication is affected by potential positioning errors. By performing preliminary measurements and determining corrections in advance, the system can adjust the beam direction preemptively to maintain accurate targeting despite vehicle maneuvering.
3Measurement precision
If a measurement antenna is added to correct beam angle errors, then beam direction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures signal strength at offset positions for correction purposes, and can also serve as a communication antenna when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for completely separate measurement and communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement antenna uses the existing communication signal from the base station to perform its measurement function, rather than requiring a separate test signal or external calibration equipment. The system self-calibrates by comparing signal strengths at different positions and automatically determining the correction needed, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system for a moving vehicle, the antenna system comprising: a main antenna to generate a main beam; a measurement antenna to generate a measurement beam; and control circuitry to perform an adjustment process by: rotating the main beam to an initial bearing angle; rotating the measurement beam independently of the main beam to receive signals at positions to either side of the initial bearing angle; comparing at least one metric measured for the signals received by the measurement antenna at the positions to either side of the initial bearing angle to generate a comparison output; and determining, based on the comparison output, a correction to be applied to the initial bearing angle of the main beam.