Differential Patch Antenna Feed Network With Built-In Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing an antenna with moderate radiated gain over a large frequency range, particularly 3.2-3.9 GHz, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure for Massive MIMO systems is challenging due to the need for high gain and wideband radiation, and external filtering masks result in losses and mechanical restrictions.
Innovation Solution
The antenna structure includes a sub-array with quadrilateral patches and a feed network comprising transmission lines that terminate at specific corners of the patches, along with decoupling elements integrated into the feed network to improve radiation efficiency and reduce cross-polarization, eliminating the need for external filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external filtering masks (cavity or surface acoustic wave filters) are used to provide high roll-off for out-of-band rejection, then filtering performance is improved, but system cost, device complexity, and mechanical restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtering function with the feed network by integrating filtering masks directly into the transmission lines that feed the antenna elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate external filters, reducing device complexity while maintaining out-of-band rejection performance. The filtering masks are incorporated as part of the feed network structure itself, so that filtering and signal distribution functions are performed by a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes signals to antenna elements, provides filtering for out-of-band rejection, and maintains proper impedance matching. By making the feed network universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated filtering components, thereby reducing overall device complexity and system cost while achieving the required filtering performance.
2Reliability
If external filtering masks are used to provide high roll-off for out-of-band rejection, then filtering performance is improved, but system cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering masks are merged with the feed network structure, allowing both filtering and signal distribution to be manufactured as a single integrated assembly. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be sourced, assembled, and tested, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production complexity while maintaining the required out-of-band rejection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides signal distribution and filtering capabilities. This universality means that a single manufacturing process can produce both functions, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing steps for filters and feed networks, thereby improving ease of manufacture and reducing production complexity.
3Reliability
If external filtering masks are used, then out-of-band rejection is improved, but losses associated with interconnects, soldering, and mechanical restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the filtering masks with the feed network, the patent eliminates the need for separate interconnects and soldering joints between filters and antenna elements. The integrated structure reduces the number of physical connections required, thereby minimizing interconnect losses and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining effective out-of-band rejection.
4Reliability
If antenna elements are designed for high gain with specific wavelength considerations, then radiation efficiency is improved, but structural complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed network is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a signal distribution system and as an integrated filtering structure. This universality allows the antenna system to achieve high radiation efficiency through optimized feed design without requiring additional separate filtering components, thereby avoiding increased structural complexity and production costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna and a base station including the antenna. The antenna includes a sub-array that includes first and second unit cells and a feed network. The first and second unit cells comprise first and second patches, respectively, having quadrilateral shapes. The feed network comprises a first transmission line terminating below first corners of the first and second patches, respectively; a second transmission line terminating below third corners of the first and second patches, respectively; a third transmission line terminating below a second corner of the first patch and a fourth corner of the second patch; and a fourth transmission line terminating below a fourth corner of the first patch and a second corner of the second patch. The first corners are opposite the third corners on the respective first and second patches and the second corners are opposite the fourth corners on the respective first and second patches.