Configurable Antenna Array with Stacked Polarization Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antennas face challenges in supporting multiple radio frequency streams, peak gain, polarizations, and frequency bandwidths within a compact package, particularly in wireless local area networks (WLANs), where compact size and adaptive beam capabilities are desired while maintaining high performance.
Innovation Solution
A configurable dual-band antenna array with multiple units, each supporting selectable polarization diversity, comprising inverted-F antenna elements and folded monopole antenna elements, connected through tunable elements that allow for omni-directional or directional polarization modes, and operated in different frequency bands to enhance spectral efficiency and link reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If arrays of antenna elements are deployed to achieve advanced antenna functionality (beam forming, polarization diversity), then high gain and polarization diversity are improved, but the size and profile of the antenna array increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a stacked antenna configuration where a first antenna array and a second antenna array are positioned at different heights above the ground plane, with the second array nested within the spatial footprint of the first array. This vertical nesting allows multiple antenna elements to occupy a compact horizontal area while maintaining polarization diversity through their stacked arrangement at different elevations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal array layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration by positioning antenna arrays at different vertical heights above the ground plane. This dimensional change enables polarization diversity and beam forming capabilities while reducing the horizontal footprint of the antenna system.
2Productivity
If multiple antenna elements are used to support multiple RF streams and frequency bands, then spectral efficiency and link reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the stacked antenna arrays with elements that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi bands) simultaneously. The same physical antenna structure supports multiple RF streams through spatial multiplexing and polarization diversity, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each frequency band and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase shifters and amplitude controllers associated with each antenna element to dynamically adjust the radiation patterns, beam directions, and polarization states in real-time. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to different communication conditions, support multiple RF streams, and optimize spectral efficiency without requiring additional static antenna structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) antenna unit that includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is positioned on a reflector element, and includes at least three inverted-F antenna (IFAs) elements that are electrically connected to a first RF signal port and that each have an associated tunable element that controls excitation of the IFA element, the tunable elements being operative to control a polarization direction of the first antenna. The second antenna is co-located on the reflector element with the first antenna, and includes a plurality of antenna elements.