N-Drive-M Beamforming Network for Wide Sector Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile communication systems face challenges in achieving 120° sector area coverage due to difficulties in implementing a 65° beamwidth with a single-column horizontal plane, leading to poor coverage outside the sector area and increased interference with neighbor cells, while existing multi-beamforming methods result in narrow beams that fail to provide simultaneous coverage.

Innovation Solution

A beamforming network architecture of an N-drive-M network is introduced, comprising a first circuit for digital weighting and analog processing, a second circuit for antenna output, and a connection circuit for power splitting, allowing for flexible beam formation and power sharing, enabling wide and narrow beam implementation with reduced component losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a single-column horizontal plane beamwidth of 65° is implemented, then the beamwidth parameter is achieved, but the 120° sector area coverage cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebeamwidthVSAvoidsector area coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into multiple columns (at least two columns of dual-polarized antennas) and processes each column's horizontal plane separately through independent beamforming networks. This segmentation allows each column to contribute to the overall 120° sector coverage, with the first column forming a first horizontal plane beam and the second column forming a second horizontal plane beam, thereby achieving the required sector area coverage that a single column cannot provide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-column single-plane beamforming approach to a multi-column multi-plane approach. By adding the vertical plane dimension and processing multiple horizontal planes separately, the system achieves 120° sector coverage in the horizontal dimension while maintaining proper beamwidth control, effectively using dimensional expansion to resolve the coverage limitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multi-beamforming is implemented to achieve wide beam coverage, then sector coverage is improved, but only narrow beams are formed and simultaneous coverage cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesector area coverageVSAvoidsimultaneous coverage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables simultaneous formation of multiple wide beams through independent beamforming networks that operate in parallel. The first beamforming network continuously forms a first wide beam while the second beamforming network simultaneously forms a second wide beam, allowing continuous coverage across the 120° sector area without sequential switching, thereby achieving both wide beam coverage and simultaneous coverage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the beamforming function into multiple independent beamforming networks, each capable of forming wide beams independently. This segmentation allows each network to operate autonomously and simultaneously, creating multiple wide beams that collectively provide continuous sector coverage, rather than relying on a single network that would require sequential beam switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional beamforming networks are used, then beam formation is achieved, but component losses are high and engineering implementation is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam formation capabilityVSAvoidcomponent losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs digitally controllable beamforming networks that can dynamically adjust beam parameters such as width, direction, and shape through digital signal processing. This dynamic control eliminates the need for complex mechanical or analog switching components, reducing component losses while maintaining flexible beam formation capability. The digital control allows real-time optimization of beam patterns without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If conventional beamforming networks are used, then beam formation is achieved, but device complexity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam formation capabilityVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex analog beamforming components with digitally controllable beamforming networks. The digital signal processing approach substitutes mechanical or analog switching mechanisms with software-based control, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving beam formation capability. The digital architecture allows for programmable beam patterns and easier system reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12489219B2Beamforming network architecture of N-drive-M network

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A first circuit includes at least one bridge, where input ends of the at least one bridge are coupled to digital channels in N analog networks, to perform digital weighting and analog on a received electrical signal; a second circuit includes at least one bridge, where output ends of the at least one bridge are coupled to M antennas, to perform digital weighting and analog on a received electrical signal; and a connection circuit includes at least one power splitter.