Phased Antenna Beam Nulling for Undesired Radiation Directions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable antenna systems do not efficiently handle undesired radiation directions, leading to unnecessary interference and slow adaptation in network performance.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable antenna arrangement with phase control modules that determine specific phase shifts to create a null or reduced gain in undesired directions, using sub-arrays or digital signal processing to maintain consistent nulls regardless of other adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reconfigurable antenna systems adjust beam patterns to serve traffic hotspots, then network performance is improved, but interference is generated in undesired directions such as towards the horizon or buildings with indoor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating direction-specific gain adjustments in the antenna radiation pattern. Different spatial directions are assigned different quality characteristics: desired directions (traffic hotspots) receive enhanced gain while undesired directions (horizon, buildings with indoor systems) receive reduced gain or nulls. This is achieved through electronic beamforming control that independently adjusts radiation characteristics for different angular sectors, allowing the antenna system to simultaneously optimize for service quality in desired directions while minimizing interference in undesired directions.
2Extent of automation
If SON algorithms tune reconfigurable antennas without considering undesired directions, then automation is maintained, but adaptation speed decreases and temporary performance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the antenna system with knowledge of undesired radiation directions before the SON algorithm begins its optimization process. The system预先 identifies directions such as horizon and buildings with indoor systems that should be excluded from beamforming optimization. This preliminary constraint information is then integrated into the SON algorithm, allowing it to automatically tune the antenna while respecting these pre-established boundaries, thereby maintaining both automation and preventing temporary performance degradation that would occur if the algorithm explored suboptimal directions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna tilt is mechanically adjusted, then beam direction is changed, but system complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing mechanical tilt adjustment mechanisms with electronic beamforming control. Instead of physically moving antenna elements or adjusting mechanical tilt angles, the system uses electronic phase shifters and amplitude controllers to dynamically steer the radiation pattern. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity, reduces adjustment time from mechanical movement times to electronic switching times, while maintaining full adaptability for beam direction control through software-based phase and amplitude management across multiple antenna elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication node (1) comprising at least one antenna arrangement (2, 2', 2''). Each antenna arrangement (2, 2', 2'') comprises at least one antenna port (3), at least two antenna elements (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) arranged for providing an antenna beam pattern (8), and a phase control arrangement (9, 9', 9'') arranged to receive at least one input signal (10) via said antenna port (3) and to determine a plurality of intermediate signal components (11) from said input signal (10) by determining a first set of respective phase shifts (φ1, φ2, 10 φ3, φ4; θ1, θ2, θ3, θ4, θ5, θ6, θ7, θ8) for said input signal (3). The phase control arrangement (9) is further arranged to determine a final signal component (12) for each antenna element (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) from said intermediate signal components (12) by determining a second set of respective phase shifts (β1, β2, β3, β4; Φ1, Φ2, Φ3, Φ4, Φ5, Φ6, Φ7, Φ8) for said intermediate signal components (12), wherein the second set of phase shifts (β1, β2, β3, β4; Φ1, Φ2, Φ3, Φ4, Φ5, Φ6, Φ7, Φ8) is arranged to provide a lowered gain of the antenna arrangement (2, 2', 2'') in at least one direction (D). The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding method.