Dielectric Lens Beam Steering for 5G Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic (EM) phased array communication systems face limitations in steering capability due to the reduction in effective aperture as the steering angle increases, requiring additional base station segments or non-planar arrays, which incur increased costs and hardware complexity.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional dielectric lens with spatially varying dielectric constant, featuring at least three regions with local maxima, strategically configured to cooperate with a phased array antenna for beam steering up to ±90 degrees, enhancing signal coverage without the need for additional base station segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more phased array antenna base station segments are employed to improve steering capability, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the phased array antenna and free space. The lens has a specific refractive index profile (e.g., gradient index or layered structure) that manipulates electromagnetic wave propagation, enabling wide-angle beam steering without requiring additional antenna segments. The lens acts as a mediator that transforms the wavefront from the antenna into directed beams at various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dielectric lens with spatially varying refractive index parameters. By changing the refractive index distribution within the lens (e.g., gradient index profile where n varies with radial distance from the optical axis), the system achieves different beam steering angles and focal points. This parameter variation allows a single antenna segment to serve multiple steering functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Luneburg lenses are used to improve steering capability, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to non-planar arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric lens exhibits local quality variations through its spatially dependent refractive index. Different regions of the lens have different refractive indices tailored to specific functions: the central region may have higher index for focusing, while outer regions have lower indices for beam steering. This local optimization allows the lens to perform multiple functions simultaneously without requiring complex non-planar array configurations.
3Reliability
If the number of phased array antenna base station segments is increased to maintain gain at large steering angles, then signal coverage is improved, but loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric lens enables a single phased array antenna segment to perform multiple steering functions that would otherwise require multiple segments. By manipulating the wavefront through the lens's refractive index profile, the same antenna can steer beams to various angles (e.g., ±90 degrees) while maintaining gain, making the system more universal and reducing the quantity of hardware needed.
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 increased signal coverage and beam steering capabilities up to ±90 degrees with minimal gain drop, reducing the number of base station segments required and maintaining efficiency across 5G millimeter wave frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
A three-dimensional dielectric lens with spatially varying dielectric constant, featuring at least three regions with local maxima, strategically configured to cooperate with a phased array antenna for beam steering up to ±90 degrees
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric lens, includes: a three-dimensional, 3D, body of dielectric material having a spatially varying dielectric constant, Dk; the 3D body having at least three regions R(i) with local maxima of dielectric constant values Dk(i) relative to surrounding regions of respective ones of the at least three regions R(i), locations of the at least three regions R(i) being defined by local coordinates of: azimuth angle(i), zenith angle(i), and radial distance(i), relative to a particular common point of origin associated with the 3D body, where (i) is an index that ranges from 1 to at least 3; wherein the spatially varying Dk of the 3D body is configured to vary as a function of the zenith angle between a first region R(1) and a second region R(2) at a given azimuth angle and a given radial distance.