Antenna Directivity Control via Signal Amplitude Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna technologies face challenges in supporting different antenna characteristics for MIMO spatial multiplexing and beam forming modes, requiring separate antennas due to distinct requirements for each mode, which limits their commonization and utilization in diverse radio wave environments.
Innovation Solution
An antenna directivity control system with a common antenna design featuring multiple antenna elements and distinct feeding points, coupled via electromagnetic field coupling, where a controller adjusts signal amplitudes to control directivity, enabling the system to switch between MIMO spatial multiplexing and beam forming modes based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antennas are used for MIMO spatial multiplexing mode and beam forming mode, then each mode can have optimized antenna characteristics, but the device complexity increases and hardware commonization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna structure that can operate in multiple modes (MIMO spatial multiplexing and beam forming) by using multiple antenna elements with independent feeding points. The antenna system achieves universal functionality by allowing different transmission modes to be supported through controller adjustment of signal weights and phases, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of antenna characteristics through a controller that adjusts weight and phase parameters for each antenna element based on the selected transmission mode. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same physical antenna structure to adapt its radiation pattern and impedance characteristics to match the requirements of different communication modes, resolving the contradiction between fixed optimized characteristics and mode flexibility.
2Device complexity
If a common antenna is used for both MIMO spatial multiplexing and beam forming modes, then hardware complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to provide optimized antenna characteristics for each mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements, each with its own feeding point and controllable parameters. This segmentation allows independent optimization of signal characteristics for each element, enabling the common antenna structure to provide mode-specific optimized performance through coordinated control of individual elements rather than requiring separate physical antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters (weight, phase, amplitude) of the signals fed to each antenna element to achieve different radiation patterns and impedance characteristics suitable for different transmission modes. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the common antenna can provide optimized characteristics for both MIMO spatial multiplexing and beam forming modes without requiring separate hardware configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements with different feeding points are used, then directivity control flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple antenna elements and their feeding points at asymmetric locations on the substrate, allowing independent control of each element's contribution to the overall radiation pattern. This asymmetric arrangement provides flexible directivity control capability while maintaining a planar integrated structure that can be manufactured using standard PCB or substrate fabrication techniques, balancing manufacturing ease with control flexibility.
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
The system allows for efficient operation in various radio wave environments by adjusting antenna directivity, supporting both MIMO spatial multiplexing and beam forming modes with a single antenna, enhancing communication flexibility and reducing hardware complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a radiating element that functions, upon power being fed by establishing electromagnetic field coupling with the feed element, as a radiating conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna directivity control system includes an antenna including a plurality of antenna elements, feeding points for the plurality of antenna elements being mutually different; and a controller for controlling weight for each of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements includes a feed element connected to the feed point, and a radiating element that functions, upon power being fed by establishing electromagnetic field coupling with the feed element, as a radiating conductor, and wherein the controller controls a directivity of the antenna by adjusting an amplitude of a signal at each of the feeding points.