Antenna System With Hybrid Couplers For Radio Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of radios on vehicles requires an expansion of antenna links that can operate simultaneously without interfering with each other, necessitating effective isolation between antenna systems.

Innovation Solution

An antenna system comprising a central antenna and peripheral antennas positioned symmetrically, with hybrid couplers that provide decoupled radio connections, achieving signal separation and cancellation through geometric symmetries and phase differences, allowing for multiple wireless communication links without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the quantity of radios is increased, then the number of available antenna links that can be operated simultaneously is expanded, but the isolation between antennas deteriorates and interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of antenna links operated simultaneouslyVSAvoidinterference between antennas

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system divides the antenna array into multiple independent radio connections, where each connection is served by a dedicated subset of antennas. This segmentation allows multiple radios to operate simultaneously with improved isolation, as each radio has its own allocated antenna resources rather than sharing a common pool, thereby resolving the interference problem while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If antennas are positioned closer together to reduce space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the isolation between antennas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna configuration simplicityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces hybrid couplers as intermediary components between the antennas and radio connections. These couplers act as mediators that manage signal distribution and isolation, allowing antennas to be positioned in a compact symmetric arrangement while maintaining proper signal separation. The couplers enable close antenna positioning without direct interference by providing controlled signal paths and isolation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If traditional antenna configurations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the radiation pattern correlation increases and MIMO performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna system structureVSAvoidMIMO communication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of antennas relative to the hybrid coupler connections, creating non-uniform radiation patterns that reduce correlation between different antenna elements. This asymmetric configuration, combined with the symmetric physical layout, enables better MIMO performance by ensuring that signal paths have distinct characteristics, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 configuration ensures high isolation between radio connections, reducing radiation pattern correlation, eliminating the need for duplexers, and enabling multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems with improved performance in urban environments.

Implementation Method 1

achieving signal separation and cancellation through geometric symmetries and phase differences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase difference:

Implementation Method 2

achieving signal separation and cancellation through geometric symmetries and phase differences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometric symmetry: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

reducing radiation pattern correlation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation pattern:

Data Source

PatentUS9979069B2Wireless broadband/land mobile radio antenna system

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An antenna system. The antenna system includes a central antenna, and a plurality of peripheral antennas positioned symmetrically around the central antenna. A first coupler provides a first radio connection and a second radio connection. A first 180 degree hybrid coupler is coupled to a first two diametrically opposed antennas of the plurality of peripheral antennas. A second 180 degree hybrid coupler is coupled to a second two diametrically opposed antennas of the plurality of peripheral antennas. A third 180 degree hybrid coupler coupled to the first and second 180 degree hybrid couplers, and having a third radio connection and a fourth radio connection. The first, second, third, and fourth radio connections are decoupled from each other, and the first, second, and third system radio connections are also decoupled from the central antenna.