Building-Face mmWave Antenna Assembly for Uniform Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF communication systems face challenges in efficiently distributing millimeter wave cellular service over the face of a building, particularly in providing uniform coverage and managing resource block allocations effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an antenna assembly with an upper unit extending from the top of a building, featuring a first linear antenna array that radiates a transmit beam with a disc-shaped pattern. This beam is received by a second linear antenna array of a lower unit extending from beneath the building, which operates using different resource block allocations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna unit is used to provide cellular service, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage uniformity and signal distribution across the building face deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent units (first antenna unit, second antenna unit, third antenna unit) positioned at different locations on the building. Each unit contains its own antenna array and can be independently configured to provide coverage to specific regions, ensuring uniform signal distribution across the entire building face while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Speed
If millimeter wave signals are used to provide cellular service, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal penetration and coverage area deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different antenna units are positioned at specific locations (roof, wall surfaces) to create localized high-quality signal zones. The first antenna unit provides coverage to a first region, the second antenna unit to a second region, and the third antenna unit to a third region. This localized approach ensures that millimeter wave signals maintain high data transmission speeds in each specific area while collectively achieving broad building-wide coverage through strategic positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna arrays are extended to cover the entire building face, then coverage area is improved, but installation complexity and structural load deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple discrete units distributed at different building locations rather than using a single large extended array. This segmentation reduces installation complexity by allowing independent installation of each unit at manageable locations while collectively achieving comprehensive building face coverage through the distributed configuration of multiple units.
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 enhances cellular coverage across the building's face by ensuring uniform signal distribution and efficient resource management, thereby improving the overall performance of millimeter wave cellular service.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear antenna array configured to radiate a transmit beam having a disc-shaped pattern
Implementation Method 2
a second linear antenna array configured to receive the transmit beam
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for distributing millimeter wave cellular service over a face of a building are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an antenna assembly includes an antenna upper unit configured to extend from a top of a building, such as from a roof. The antenna upper unit includes a first linear antenna array that radiates a transmit beam having a disc-shaped pattern. The antenna assembly includes an antenna lower unit configured to extend from the building beneath the antenna upper unit. The antenna lower unit includes a second linear antenna array that receives the transmit beam.