Base Station Antenna Amplitude-Weighted Linear Superposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current base station antennas face challenges in efficiently generating and directing RF beams to cover 120° sectors with sufficient coverage at boresight and minimal weighting loss, especially when accommodating multiple frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple columns of dual-polarized radiating elements with RF signal routing and power-amplifying linear superposition circuits that generate three spaced-apart RF beams with specific amplitude and phase weighting, using diplexers and phase shifters to achieve low weighting loss and enhanced effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional phased array antennas use uniform amplitude weighting to generate multiple beams, then beam coverage is improved, but EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) is reduced due to power distribution across multiple beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-uniform amplitude weighting where different radiating elements receive different power levels based on their position and function. Central elements receive higher power to maintain boresight coverage, while outer elements receive lower power for sector coverage, optimizing the balance between coverage area and EIRP
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts amplitude and phase parameters of RF signals fed to different radiating elements. By changing these parameters, the antenna can generate multiple beams with different characteristics, achieving both wide coverage and high EIRP through parameter optimization rather than uniform distribution
2Area of stationary object
If base station antennas use wide beamwidth (e.g., 65° HPBW) to cover 120° sectors, then sector coverage is improved, but coverage at boresight direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation pattern into multiple functional regions: a central boresight beam for high-intensity coverage and side beams for sector coverage. This segmentation is achieved through amplitude weighting that directs more power to central elements for boresight and uses outer elements for lateral coverage, resolving the contradiction between wide sector coverage and boresight intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The amplitude weighting distribution is asymmetric, with central radiating elements receiving higher power levels than outer elements. This asymmetric power distribution creates a radiation pattern with enhanced boresight coverage while maintaining adequate sector coverage through the combined effect of all elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are supported using separate antenna arrays, then frequency band compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna array structure that serves multiple frequency bands through electronic configuration rather than physical duplication. The same radiating elements are used across different frequency bands by adjusting RF signal parameters, achieving multi-functionality and reducing device complexity while maintaining broad frequency compatibility
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 provides improved coverage over 120° sectors with reduced EIRP loss, maintaining high effective isotropic radiated power levels and accommodating multiple frequency bands, while minimizing the need for physical reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
amplitude-weighted and phase-weighted linear superposition to support high effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) with high boresight coverage
Implementation Method 2
phased-array radiating elements to electronically steer a beam of radio waves in varying directions without physical movement of the radiating elements therein
Implementation Method 3
phase shifters (Φ1-Φ8) may optionally be provided between the power divider and the radiating elements that can be used to establish a desired phase relationship between the radio waves emitted by the spaced-apart radiating elements
Implementation Method 4
accommodating multiple frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
A base station antenna (BSA) system includes a radio-frequency (RF) generator having a plurality of power-amplifying circuits therein, and an antenna, which includes a plurality of columns of radiating elements. These radiating elements are electrically coupled by RF signal routing to a corresponding plurality of ports of the antenna that receive a corresponding plurality of RF input signals. These RF input signals have respective amplitudes and phases that support the concurrent generation of three spaced-apart RF beams by the antenna and are derived from respective RF signals generated by the plurality of power-amplifying circuits. The RF input signals including: (i) a first RF input signal defined by at least two linearly superposed RF signals of equivalent frequency having unequal combinations of amplitude and phase weighting, and (ii) a second RF input signal defined by at least two linearly superposed RF signals of equivalent frequency having unequal combinations of amplitude and phase weighting.