Configurable Antenna Array for Multi-Beam Wireless Architectures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Different wireless technologies require distinct beam architectures, leading to the need for manual reconfiguration of antenna elements when migrating between 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver with a configurable antenna array that supports multiple beam architectures, using a combination of beamformer and baseband units to generate and modulate RF signals for various wireless standards and carriers, allowing the same antenna hardware to be reused across different technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of antenna elements is implemented to support different wireless technologies, then compatibility with multiple standards (2G, 3G, 4G) is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal antenna array configuration where the same physical antenna elements can be dynamically assigned to different beam architectures (single-antenna, two-antenna, four-antenna) depending on the wireless technology being deployed. This allows one antenna array to serve multiple functions across 2G, 3G, and 4G networks without requiring separate antenna systems for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic beamformer unit allocation where beamformer units can be activated or deactivated based on the required wireless technology. For example, when deploying LTE with four antennas per cell, the system dynamically configures four beamformer units to work with the antenna array, whereas for GSM it uses only one beamformer unit, allowing flexible adaptation without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional antenna elements are manually added to support LTE with 4 antennas per cell, then support for advanced wireless standards is improved, but deployment cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the antenna array with a maximum capacity of four antenna elements per cell, which can accommodate current and future wireless standards including LTE and beyond. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for future physical additions, as the infrastructure is already prepared to support higher-order MIMO configurations when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The same antenna array infrastructure is designed to universally support multiple wireless standards (GSM, UMTS, LTE) and multiple carriers simultaneously. By establishing this universal platform upfront, the system avoids repeated deployment activities as technology evolves, reducing both cost and time for future upgrades.
3Reliability
If separate antenna configurations are used for different wireless standards, then optimization for each standard is improved, but re-use of existing infrastructure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring beamformer units with standard-specific parameters and beamforming algorithms tailored to each wireless technology. Each beamformer unit can be independently optimized for its designated standard (e.g., GSM beamforming characteristics differ from LTE), ensuring performance optimization while sharing the same physical antenna infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the antenna array into multiple configurable groups, where each group can be independently assigned to different wireless standards or carriers. This segmentation allows the same physical antenna elements to be logically divided and optimized for different technologies simultaneously, maintaining both infrastructure re-use and standard-specific performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an antenna array (230) for supporting multiple beam architectures. For example, a transceiver (200) may include an antenna array (230). The antenna array (230) includes a plurality of antenna elements, where the plurality of antenna elements is configured to support at least two beam architectures in a cell site ( 130). Each beam architecture is associated with a different configuration of sectors and beamforming signals. According to one embodiment, each beam architecture is associated with a different wireless standard. According to another embodiment, each beam architecture is associated with a different carrier within one wireless standard. The antenna elements may be arranged as a circular array.