Multi-band Base Station Antennas With Cross-dipole Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of dual-band base station antennas faces challenges in reducing the impact of scattering between radiating elements of different frequency bands, which affects the antenna beam shape, beamwidth, and gain, making it difficult to achieve a compact and efficient multi-band antenna configuration.
Innovation Solution
The use of cross-dipole dual-polarized radiating elements with specific conductive segment configurations and meandered traces creates a high impedance for high-frequency currents, reducing scattering effects and allowing for a more compact antenna design, while conductive plates are used to shift common mode resonances outside the operating frequency band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear arrays of radiating elements are included in a single multi-band base station antenna to increase capacity, then the number of frequency bands supported increases, but the antenna width increases to 600-760 mm resulting in high wind loading and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple linear arrays (two low-band arrays and two high-band arrays) into a single integrated antenna structure with width of 300-380 mm, merging functions that traditionally required separate antennas or larger antenna configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges radiating elements in a three-dimensional configuration along the antenna's length rather than spreading them horizontally, transitioning from a horizontal side-by-side layout to a vertical/longitudinal arrangement that reduces the horizontal footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If two low-band arrays are placed side-by-side with high-band linear arrays arranged therebetween, then multi-band service is provided, but the antenna width increases to 600-760 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes radiating elements along the longitudinal axis of the antenna rather than arranging them side-by-side in the horizontal plane, utilizing the length dimension to accommodate multiple arrays while maintaining a compact 300-380 mm width
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests high-band radiating arrays between low-band radiating arrays along the antenna structure, creating a compact integrated configuration where different frequency band arrays are interlaced within the same spatial envelope
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-band antenna designs are used, then service in multiple frequency bands is provided, but scattering between radiating elements affects antenna beam shape, beamwidth, and gain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different design optimizations to different frequency band arrays: low-band arrays use elements optimized for 694-960 MHz while high-band arrays use elements optimized for 1695-2690 MHz, with each array's characteristics tailored to minimize scattering at its operating frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions dielectric or metallic plates between adjacent radiating arrays to act as scattering reduction intermediaries, blocking or absorbing stray electromagnetic fields that would otherwise cause interference between low-band and high-band elements
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 approach results in a more compact and efficient dual-band antenna with reduced scattering effects, maintaining the desired beam characteristics and allowing for a smaller antenna footprint, thereby reducing wind loading and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first through fourth dipole arms has first and second spaced-apart conductive segments that together form a generally oval shape... creates a high impedance for high-frequency currents
Implementation Method 2
conductive plates are used to shift common mode resonances outside the operating frequency band
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A dual-polarized radiating element for a base station antenna includes a first dipole that extends along a first axis, the first dipole including a first dipole arm and a second dipole arm and a second dipole that extends along a second axis, the second dipole including a third dipole arm and a fourth dipole arm and the second axis being generally perpendicular to the first axis, where each of the first through fourth dipole arms has first and second spaced-apart conductive segments that together form a generally oval shape.