Coplanar Waveguide Calibration Circuit for Interference-Shielded Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and sensitivity to interference in base station antenna systems due to multi-band and MIMO technology integration pose a challenge in achieving high anti-interference performance at a reasonable cost, as existing calibration networks are either complex to manufacture or costly.

Innovation Solution

A calibration device with a dielectric substrate and a metal pattern featuring coplanar waveguide transmission lines, divided into two portions with coplanar ground areas and slots to reduce interference, mounted on a baseplate with a groove to avoid direct contact, and connected via conductive structures, providing a single-layer printed circuit board configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-band and MIMO technology are integrated in base station antennas, then wireless communication capacity and throughput are improved, but the antenna system becomes more complicated and more sensitive to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-band and MIMO capabilityVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the calibration circuit and feed network into a single integrated structure using coplanar waveguide transmission lines printed on a dielectric substrate. This merging of functions reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining multi-band and MIMO capabilities, directly addressing the technical contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-band and MIMO technology are integrated in base station antennas, then wireless communication capacity and throughput are improved, but the antenna system becomes more sensitive to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-band and MIMO capabilityVSAvoidinterference sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses coplanar ground areas and slots to convert potential interference paths into shielding structures. The coplanar ground areas act as electromagnetic shields that block interference from reaching sensitive calibration circuits, while slots provide controlled coupling. This transforms the potential harm of interference into a beneficial shielding mechanism, reducing interference sensitivity while maintaining multi-band and MIMO functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If complex calibration networks are used to improve anti-interference performance, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-interference performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical calibration networks with printed coplanar waveguide transmission lines on a dielectric substrate. This substitution of mechanical assemblies with printed circuit board technology significantly simplifies manufacturing while maintaining anti-interference performance through the inherent shielding properties of the coplanar ground areas and slot structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the anti-interference performance of the antenna system while maintaining a compact structure and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, effectively shielding RF signals from external interference.

Implementation Method 1

the first portion and/or the second portion of the calibration circuit are/is constructed as coplanar waveguide transmission lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoplanar waveguide transmission: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

a first coplanar ground area and a second coplanar ground area are printed on both sides of at least some of the first conductive traces and at least some of the second conductive traces, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3916913B1Calibration device, base station antenna and a communication assembly
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
  • EP3916913B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3916913B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3916913B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A calibration device for an antenna includes a dielectric substrate and a metal pattern printed on the dielectric substrate. The metal pattern includes at least a portion of a calibration circuit, where a first portion of the calibration circuit is on a first major surface of the dielectric substrate, a second portion of the calibration circuit is on an opposed second major surface of the dielectric substrate. The first portion and/or the second portion of the calibration circuit may be constructed as coplanar waveguide transmission lines.