Aperture-Fed Stacked-Patch Antenna for Obstructed Backhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microwave backhaul radios struggle with high data rates and long-range connectivity in obstructed line of sight (LOS) conditions, particularly in urban environments, due to the limitations of high gain antennas which require precise alignment and are unsuitable for point to multipoint (PMP) configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an improved antenna assembly using an array of resonant radiating patch antenna elements and transmission line feed networks that are electromagnetically coupled using apertures, and dipole antenna elements with conductive connections, enabling effective communication in obstructed LOS environments and PMP configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high gain antennas are used for microwave backhaul radios, then data rate and range are improved, but alignment precision requirement increases and adaptability to PMP configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple individual antenna elements arranged in an array, where each element contributes to the overall radiation pattern. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high gain through constructive interference while maintaining broader coverage and reduced alignment sensitivity compared to a single high gain antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements are combined to form a phased array system that achieves high gain through coherent addition of signals. The merging of multiple lower-gain elements produces the equivalent of a high gain antenna while providing spatial diversity and flexibility for PMP configurations.
2Speed
If high gain antennas are used for microwave backhaul radios, then data rate is improved, but versatility for PMP configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array system dynamically adjusts the phase and amplitude of signals from individual antenna elements to electronically steer beams and adapt radiation patterns. This dynamic control enables the system to serve multiple access points simultaneously in PMP configurations while maintaining high data rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array system is designed to perform multiple functions including PTP and PMP configurations, beam steering, and adaptive radiation pattern control. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace multiple specialized antenna configurations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional microwave radios are deployed in obstructed LOS environments, then mobility is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes multiple spatial dimensions through the antenna array to create diverse signal paths and employ MIMO techniques. By adding the dimension of spatial multiplexing and diversity, the system maintains reliable connections in obstructed environments while preserving mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements act as intermediaries to create alternative signal paths through multipath propagation. When direct LOS is blocked, signals can reach the receiver through reflected, diffracted, or scattered paths, with the antenna array providing spatial diversity to maintain connection reliability.
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 provides reliable high data rate connectivity over extended ranges in obstructed LOS conditions, enhancing network performance and flexibility by reducing the need for precise alignment and supporting multiple connections simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of resonant radiating patch antenna elements aperture fed by a transmission line feed network
Implementation Method 2
an array of resonant radiating patch antenna elements
Implementation Method 3
dipole antenna elements with conductive connections
Data Source
AI summary
Directive gain antenna elements implemented with an aperture-fed patch array antenna assembly are described. A feed network for the aperture-fed patch array may include offset apertures and may also include meandering feed lines. Scalable aperture shapes and orientations that can be used with antennas operating at any frequency and with dual orthogonal polarizations are also disclosed. Directive gain antenna elements implemented with arrays of orthogonal reflected dipoles are also described with optimal feed networks and parasitic elements to achieve desired directive gain characteristics. Such arrayed dipole antennas feature dual orthogonal polarizations with assembly tabs that lower cost and improve reliability. Backhaul radios that incorporate said antennas are also disclosed.