Composite Beampattern Antenna Array for Multi-Lobe Coverage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adaptive antenna array concepts face limitations in system coverage and capacity, particularly due to the need for multiple CPRI links, modified modem software, and potential interference and handover issues in vertical sectorization, as well as redundancy challenges with power amplifier failures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a composite beampattern with multiple main lobes, achieved by superimposing individual beampatterns with different downtilt angles, allows for improved coverage and capacity while maintaining redundancy against power amplifier failures through unequal power distribution and phase adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional adaptive antenna array concepts are used with single main lobe beampatterns, then device complexity is reduced, but system coverage and capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coverageVSAvoidbeampattern structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coverage area into multiple spatial sectors by creating a composite beampattern with multiple main lobes, each pointing in different spatial directions. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple users in different directions simultaneously, thereby improving system coverage and capacity without requiring multiple separate antenna arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple individual beampatterns into a single composite beampattern by superimposing them. This merging approach allows the system to achieve multi-directional coverage using one unified beampattern structure, improving versatility while avoiding the complexity of managing multiple separate beamforming systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If vertical sectorization is implemented to improve coverage, then system capacity increases, but interference and handover issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different beamforming weights to different spatial directions within the same cell, creating localized beam patterns optimized for specific user locations. This local quality approach allows the system to provide targeted coverage without creating the boundary interference problems associated with vertical sectorization, as beams are continuously adapted rather than abruptly switched.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic beamforming where the composite beampattern can be adjusted in real-time based on user positions and channel conditions. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the static sector boundaries that cause handover issues and interference in conventional vertical sectorization, allowing seamless service continuity as users move.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If power amplifiers are used in conventional configurations, then device complexity is minimized, but redundancy against failures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveredundancyVSAvoidpower distribution structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent distributes power amplifier outputs across multiple beamforming paths with different weights, creating a redundant structure where the failure of one power amplifier does not completely degrade system performance. The composite beampattern can be reconfigured to compensate for failed components, providing beforehand cushioning against potential failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of power amplifiers by applying different complex weights to their outputs, creating a flexible power distribution scheme. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt to power amplifier failures by adjusting weights to maintain coverage, thereby improving reliability without requiring additional hardware redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2632058B1Apparatus, method and computer program for providing a composite beampattern

Publication Date: 2016.01.13 ALCATEL LUCENT SA

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c

AI summary

Embodiments relate to an apparatus (400; 500; 600; 700) for providing a composite beampattern (480) for at least two antenna elements (160-n; 460-n) coupled to at least two signal branches (410-a) of a signal (410), the composite beampattern (480) having at least two main lobes (485-m) pointing in different spatial directions, the apparatus comprising means (470) for forming the composite beampattern (480) for the signal (410) by superimposing at least two individual beampatterns (480-m) provided by the at least two antenna elements (160-n; 460-n), wherein each of at least two individual beampatterns (480-m) has a main lobe (485-m), wherein the at least two main lobes (485-m) of the at least two individual beampatterns (480-m) point in different spatial directions, respectively.