Differential Antenna Transmitter With 180° Phase-Shifted Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication systems face issues with degradation in Tx output power and phase imbalances due to the use of baluns for differential to single-ended conversion in antenna arrays, which introduce losses and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter arrangement that performs differential to single-ended conversion using a 180° phase shift on one differential path with a low-loss transmission-line, eliminating the need for baluns and ensuring in-phase signal combination in the air, thereby reducing losses and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If baluns are used for differential to single-ended conversion in antenna arrays, then the conversion can be achieved, but Tx output power degrades and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balun conversion element from the system entirely. Instead of using a balun for differential to single-ended conversion, the invention directly connects differential antenna elements to the transmission line, eliminating the source of losses and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transmission line as an intermediary that directly carries differential signals to antenna elements without requiring balun conversion. This transmission line serves as the mediator between the signal source and antenna, avoiding the lossy conversion process.
2Manufacturing precision
If baluns are used for differential to single-ended conversion, then conversion is achieved, but phase imbalances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the balun conversion element that causes phase imbalances. By directly connecting differential antenna elements to the transmission line without balun conversion, the system achieves better phase balance and eliminates the complexity that leads to phase errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric connection structures where differential antenna elements are connected directly to transmission lines without symmetric balun conversions. This asymmetric approach simplifies the conversion process and improves phase balance by eliminating the inherent asymmetries in balun designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If additional conversion elements like baluns are used, then differential to single-ended conversion is achieved, but device complexity and production steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balun conversion element from the device, significantly reducing the number of components and simplifying the manufacturing process. By eliminating the need for baluns and their associated conversion mechanisms, the invention reduces both device complexity and production steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the differential antenna element connections directly with the transmission line, eliminating the need for separate balun conversion elements. This integration reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall device structure, making manufacturing easier.
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 proposed solution achieves high power efficiency and reduced losses, allowing for a more integrated and flexible design of antenna arrays while maintaining signal quality, suitable for 5G and other user scenarios with various beam steering requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The first transmission line element is configured such that signals applied to respective inputs of the at least two antenna elements are substantially in-phase with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates inter alia to a transmitter arrangement (1), in particular for radio communication, comprising at least two antenna elements (31, 32), spaced apart by a defined distance and a differential output amplifier (20) with a first output (21) coupled to a first (31) of the at least two antenna elements (31, 32) and with a second inverted output (22) coupled to a second (32) of the at least two antenna elements (31, 32). A first transmission line element (50) is arranged between at least one of the first and second outputs (21, 22) and the respective one of the at least two antenna elements (31, 32) and is configured such that signals applied to respective input taps (310, 320) of the at least two antenna elements (31, 32) are substantially in-phase with each other.