Antenna Phase Shifter with Movable Circuit Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-station antennas and low-gain directional antennas have fixed beam widths, which cannot be adjusted to meet varying coverage requirements, making them inadequate for different application scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter with a dielectric plate and movable circuit layers that control the connection/disconnection of radiation units, allowing for adjustable beam width and down-tilt angle adjustments, enabling the antenna to cover different areas effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional micro-station antennas or low-gain directional antennas are used, then the antenna size is reduced and site selection becomes easier, but the beam width is fixed and cannot be adjusted to meet varying coverage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna system adjustable through a phase shifter that can dynamically change the number of active radiation units. This allows the beam width to be adjusted from narrow to wide coverage patterns, transforming a static antenna into a dynamic system that can adapt to different coverage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna into multiple independent radiation units that can be selectively activated or deactivated. By controlling which radiation units are connected to the feed network through the phase shifter, the system can adjust the effective aperture and thus the beam width, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and adjustable performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of radiation units is increased to narrow the beam width, then the coverage area becomes more focused, but the down-tilt angle adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the phase of signals for down-tilt angle adjustment and also controls the connection state of radiation units for beam width adjustment. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both down-tilt angle adjustment and beam width control through a single device, expanding the overall adaptability without increasing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed beam width antenna is used, then the structure is simple and compact, but it cannot adapt to different coverage scenarios requiring varying beam widths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static antenna structure into a dynamic system by incorporating a phase shifter that can change the operational state of radiation units. This allows the same physical structure to produce different beam widths by selectively activating radiation units, achieving manufacturing simplicity with operational versatility.
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 solution allows for flexible beam width adjustment and down-tilt angle control, enhancing the antenna's coverage capabilities and adapting to various scenarios with a simple and compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
By moving a dielectric plate of the phase shifter, the overlap area between the dielectric plate and the first circuit layer can be changed, thereby adjusting the down-tilt angle of the antenna
Implementation Method 2
the second circuit layer being move relative to the first circuit layer, and, when the second circuit layer moves to a first position relative to the first circuit layer, the first output branch being disconnected from the input branch
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are an antenna and a phase shifter. The phase shifter comprises: a first circuit layer, wherein the first circuit layer is provided with an input branch and a first output branch, and the first output branch and the input branch are insulated from each other; a second circuit layer capable of moving relative to the first circuit layer, wherein when the second circuit layer is moved to a first position relative to the first circuit layer, the first output branch is disconnected from the input branch, and when the second circuit layer is moved to a second position relative to the first circuit layer, the first output branch is connected to the input branch; and a dielectric plate capable of moving relative to the first circuit layer, and driving the second circuit layer to switch between the first position and the second position. The antenna using the phase shifter can adjust electrical down-tilt angle and beam width value.