Multi-Branch Antenna Structure for Millimeter-Wave Beam Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G NR millimeter wave antenna arrays with a large number of elements in a small space, beam angle control is difficult, leading to inter-beam and sidelobe interference, high power consumption, and high cost.
Innovation Solution
An antenna structure with a substrate, ground layer, and multi-branch circuit, where the length difference between path lengths of feeding branches controls beam angles, and unequal Wilkinson power dividers improve isolation and antenna gain, reducing sidelobe interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large quantity of antenna elements is installed in a small space to support multiple users, then the system can serve more users simultaneously, but beam angle control becomes difficult and inter-beam interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple independent sub-arrays, each capable of independent beamforming. This segmentation allows each sub-array to control its own beams independently, making beam angle control manageable even when serving multiple users simultaneously. The feeding network is also segmented into multiple independent feeding branches, each serving a specific sub-array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic beamforming by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each antenna element through the multi-branch feeding network. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt beam angles in real-time for different users, maintaining effective beam control despite the large number of antenna elements and users.
2Productivity
If a large quantity of antenna elements is installed in a small space, then more beams can be transmitted, but inter-beam interference and sidelobe interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing different feeding branches with specific phase and amplitude characteristics tailored to each sub-array's position and function. Each feeding branch is optimized to produce the desired radiation pattern for its associated sub-array, reducing interference with other beams. The unequal Wilkinson power dividers provide different power ratios to different branches, further optimizing local beam characteristics.
3Productivity
If a large quantity of antenna elements is installed in a small space, then more beams can be transmitted, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large antenna array into multiple smaller sub-arrays with independent feeding branches. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary sub-arrays for current communication needs, rather than powering all antenna elements continuously. The multi-branch feeding network enables independent power control for each sub-array, reducing overall power consumption when full array capability is not required.
4Measurement precision
If beamforming is implemented with multiple antenna elements, then signal directionality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex antenna array into multiple simpler sub-arrays, each with its own feeding branch. This segmentation reduces the complexity of beamforming calculations and signal processing, as each sub-array can be controlled independently with simpler algorithms. The modular structure also simplifies physical implementation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sub-arrays to achieve the overall beamforming effect. By merging the outputs of multiple independently controlled sub-arrays, the system achieves high signal directionality and gain while maintaining manageable complexity through the modular architecture. The combined effect of multiple sub-arrays provides the desired performance without requiring a monolithic complex design.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna structure is provided, which includes a substrate, a ground layer, a multi-branch circuit, and multiple antenna elements. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface. The ground layer is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The multi-branch circuit is disposed on the first surface, wherein the multi-branch circuit includes a signal feeding terminal and multiple signal output terminals, wherein multiple feeding branches are formed between the signal feeding terminal and the multiple signal output terminals. The multiple antenna elements is disposed on the second surface, wherein the multiple antenna elements are connected to the multiple signal output terminals through respective via holes, and are configured for beamforming, wherein a length difference between path lengths of the feed branches of two adjacent antenna elements in a horizontal direction is configured for controlling a beam angle of the multiple antenna elements.