Crossed Dipole Antenna Array Elements for Multi-Port Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for physically small, cost-effective antenna array elements that can be configured for various signal frequencies and are not susceptible to interference, while offering flexibility in antenna array design and coverage for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of crossed dipole antenna elements with adjustable length and height based on the wavelength of the lowest frequency signal, along with a conductive strip and patch component to modify impedance, allows for the creation of compact antenna arrays capable of operating across a wide frequency range from 698 MHz to 2800 MHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antenna array elements are made physically smaller to increase flexibility and reduce size, then the number of elements that can be placed in an array increases, but the antenna elements become more susceptible to interference and interaction with other elements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is divided into separate functional components: crossed dipole arms for radiation, a conductive strip for impedance control, and a patch component for additional impedance adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall performance in compact configurations
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive strip is introduced as an intermediary element between the dipole arms and the ground plane/patch component. This strip acts as a mediator to control the electromagnetic field distribution and impedance, enabling compact sizing while reducing unwanted interactions between adjacent antenna elements in the array
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna array elements are designed to support multiple frequency bands to increase versatility, then the coverage area and signal capabilities improve, but the antenna structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is designed with universal characteristics that enable it to operate across multiple frequency bands (698 MHz to 2800 MHz). The crossed dipole configuration combined with the adjustable conductive strip and patch component creates a multi-functional structure that can be tuned for different bands without requiring separate antenna designs
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure utilizes parameter changes in the conductive strip dimensions and patch component characteristics to adjust the operating frequency. By varying these parameters, the same basic antenna structure can be configured for different frequency bands, achieving versatility without increasing structural complexity
3Reliability
If the length of antenna arms is increased to improve signal capability, then the antenna becomes more effective at lower frequencies, but the physical size and height of the antenna element increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the dipole arms horizontally to achieve the required electrical length for low frequency operation, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the crossed dipoles at a specific height above the ground plane and using the conductive strip and patch component to create the necessary electrical length. This dimensional approach allows achieving low frequency performance without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the antenna structure by using a conductive strip with specific dimensions and a patch component that modify the effective electrical length without proportionally increasing the physical dimensions. This allows the antenna to resonate at lower frequencies while maintaining a compact physical size
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
The solution enables the development of compact, flexible, and interference-resistant antenna arrays that can be configured for multiple frequency bands, enhancing coverage and reducing physical size, allowing for more elements in an array without significant interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of arms extending outwardly from a center and spaced apart from a ground plane, said pair of arms having a combined length ranging from 0.25λ to 0.50λ; wherein said dipole antenna has a height ranging from 0.15λ to 0.25λ as measured from said ground plane; λ being equal to a wavelength of a lowest frequency of a signal to be used with said dipole antenna
Implementation Method 2
To adjust the impedance of the antenna array element, a strip of conductive material is used to enclose an area about the arms of the dipoles
Implementation Method 3
A patch component is also used with the arms being between the patch component and the ground plane
Data Source
AI summary
A dipole antenna array element using crossed dipoles is provided. The arms of the crossed dipoles are spaced apart from a ground plane. The length of the arms of the crossed dipoles, as well as the height of the array element, is dependent on the lowest wavelength of signal for which the element is to be used with. To adjust the impedance of the antenna array element, a strip of conductive material is used to enclose an area about the arms of the dipoles. A patch component can also be used with the arms being between the patch component and the ground plane.