Circular-Mode Antenna Beam Steering for 360° Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G networks require multiple phased array antennas for 360-degree coverage, which is expensive and complex, and existing antennas suffer from fading and transmission losses due to environmental interactions and obstacles, necessitating a cost-effective solution for full beam formation and steering.
Innovation Solution
A single antenna with a circular ground plane and radially disposed radiating elements that create circularly polarized electromagnetic emissions, allowing for beam forming and 360-degree beam steering through phase and amplitude control, eliminating the need for multiple antennas and reducing environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phased array antennas are used to provide 360-degree coverage, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single circular antenna structure with radially disposed radiating elements. This single antenna can generate omnidirectional circularly polarized radiation and perform beam steering through phase and amplitude control of the radiating elements, eliminating the need for multiple separate phased array antennas while maintaining 360-degree coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The circular antenna with radial elements serves multiple functions: it provides omnidirectional coverage, generates circular polarization, and enables beam steering through electronic phase control. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized antenna arrays, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility
2Device complexity
If linearly polarized beams are used for communication, then antenna design is simplified, but transmission loss increases due to fading and environmental interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization parameter from linear to circular by configuring the radially disposed radiating elements to generate circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. This parameter change makes the system less sensitive to environmental factors such as rain, foliage, and diffraction, thereby reducing transmission loss and fading effects while maintaining manageable antenna design complexity
3Speed
If phased arrays are used for beam steering, then directional communication is improved, but beamwidth increases as beam is steered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a circular antenna geometry with radially disposed radiating elements arranged in a circular pattern. This curved/spheroidal configuration enables beam steering through phase control while maintaining constant beamwidth characteristics, overcoming the beamwidth expansion issue that occurs in conventional planar phased arrays when beams are steered
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 efficient 360-degree beam steering and formation with circular polarization, reducing fading and transmission losses, and maintaining consistent beamwidth, thus enhancing communication reliability and reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
When electrically excited via an electromagnetic source, the radiating elements create a plurality of circularly polarized electromagnetic emissions
Implementation Method 2
provide phase and amplitude control of the excited current on the radiating element for both beam forming and 360 degree beam steering through superposing omnidirectional circularly polarized electromagnetic emissions
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna comprises a substantially circular ground plane with an upper surface and a defined center. A plurality of radiating elements are placed radially on the upper surface, arranged at constant angles around the defined center to, when electrically excited, create a plurality of circularly polarized electromagnetic emissions. Each radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements is in electrical communication with an electromagnetic source via an electrically conductive feed, the electromagnetic source configured, when in use, to create a radial excitation current on the radiating element, and further configured, when in use, to provide phase and amplitude control of the excited current on the radiating element for both beam forming and 360 degree beam steering by superposing omnidirectional circularly polarized electromagnetic emissions.