Curved Antenna Array Layout for Line-of-Sight MIMO Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signals in line-of-sight conditions due to differences in aperture sizes between on-axis and off-axis antennas, leading to unnecessary cross-talk and complexity in signal separation.

Innovation Solution

The use of an antenna array with a curved configuration, where antennas are arranged along a convex structure opposite to the transmission or reception direction, ensures that off-axis antennas are positioned closer to the lens, reducing aperture size differences and minimizing cross-talk, while an anti-reflective coating and non-spherical lens are employed to mitigate aberrations and enhance signal clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antennas are arranged in a traditional planar configuration, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but aperture size differences between on-axis and off-axis antennas cause unnecessary cross-talk and signal separation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal separation qualityVSAvoidantenna array structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by arranging antennas on a curved surface (cylinder or sphere) rather than a flat plane. This spherical/curved configuration ensures that all antennas are equidistant from the focal point, eliminating aperture size differences and reducing cross-talk between MIMO signals while maintaining structural feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by positioning each antenna at a specific location on the curved surface optimized for its function. Each antenna experiences uniform aperture characteristics relative to the focal point, creating locally optimized signal paths that collectively improve overall signal separation quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If off-axis antennas are positioned farther from the lens, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but aperture size differences increase causing more cross-talk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal separation qualityVSAvoidantenna positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By using a curved surface configuration, the patent naturally positions all antennas at equal distances from the focal point through the geometric properties of spheres and cylinders. This eliminates the need for complex individual positioning adjustments while ensuring uniform aperture characteristics for all antennas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved surface structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions all antennas at optimal distances, provides structural support, and creates the necessary geometric relationships for uniform aperture sizes. This multi-functionality simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate adjustment mechanisms needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 facilitates the effective separation of multiple line-of-sight MIMO signals with similar aperture sizes, improving network performance by reducing unnecessary cross-talk and simplifying signal analysis, thereby enhancing communication efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an anti-reflective coating and non-spherical lens are employed to mitigate aberrations and enhance signal clarity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-reflective coating: Anti-Reflective Coating

Implementation Method 2

an anti-reflective coating and non-spherical lens are employed to mitigate aberrations and enhance signal clarity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS11894612B2Antenna array having a curved configuration
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 QUALCOMM INC
  • US11894612B2 patent drawing
  • US11894612B2 patent drawing
  • US11894612B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a first network node may transmit a first signal using a first antenna of the antenna array, the antenna array having a plurality of antennas that are arranged along a curved structure, wherein the curved structure is convex in a direction opposite a transmission direction, and wherein the first antenna is located at a first position on the curved structure so that the first signal has a first aperture with respect to the lens. The first network node may transmit a second signal using a second antenna of the plurality of antennas, wherein the second antenna is located at a second position on the curved structure so that the second signal has a second aperture with respect to the lens. Numerous other aspects are described.