Differential-Mode Aperture-Coupled Patch Antenna for Full-Duplex Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional broadband dual-polarized aperture-coupled stacked patch antennas exhibit inadequate polarization isolation, typically ranging from 20 dB to 30 dB, which is insufficient for full-duplex base station antenna array configurations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a single-ended feed configuration for the transmit port and a differential-mode feed configuration for the receive port, featuring distinct electrical path lengths for signal coupling, which enhances isolation by rejecting interference signals, achieving improved port isolation of 10 dB to 20 dB more than conventional designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional single-ended feed configuration is used for both transmit and receive ports, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the polarization isolation between orthogonal ports is insufficient (20-30 dB)
Solution Approach 1:
The receive feed circuit is segmented into two separate feed circuits (first receive feed circuit and second receive feed circuit) corresponding to two orthogonal polarizations. Each feed circuit independently processes signals for one polarization, enabling better isolation between orthogonal ports while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric feed configurations where the transmit port uses a single-ended feed while the receive ports use differential-mode feeding with unequal electrical path lengths. This asymmetry creates polarization discrimination that improves isolation between orthogonal ports, achieving 40-50 dB isolation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Productivity
If the antenna is designed for full-duplex operation, then communication efficiency is improved, but self-interference between transmit and receive signals increases due to insufficient isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful self-interference signal into a useful discrimination mechanism by utilizing the orthogonal polarization properties. The differential-mode receive feeding with unequal path lengths causes the transmit signal (which couples equally to both receive ports) to be rejected through differential processing, while the desired receive signal (which has different polarization components) is preserved. This achieves 40-50 dB isolation enabling full-duplex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical path length parameter between the two receive feed circuits, creating a deliberate asymmetry in the differential-mode feeding network. This parameter change enables polarization discrimination that rejects the transmit signal while preserving the receive signal, allowing full-duplex communication with minimal self-interference.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional aperture-coupled stacked patch antennas are used in closely packed array configuration, then space utilization is improved, but isolation between adjacent elements degrades to 20-30 dB
Solution Approach 1:
The receive signal is segmented into two independent feed circuits that process orthogonal polarizations separately. This segmentation enables each antenna element to independently handle multiple polarizations with high isolation, allowing closely packed array configurations to achieve 40-50 dB isolation between adjacent elements while maximizing space utilization.
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 achieves isolation in the range of 40 dB to 50 dB between orthogonal transmit and receive ports, enabling effective full-duplex communications and reducing self-interference, making it suitable for full-duplex phased arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a first slot-shaped aperture for electromagnetic coupling of a reception signal from the at least one radiating patch to first and second receive ports
Implementation Method 2
a second slot-shaped aperture, orthogonal to the first aperture, for electromagnetic coupling of a transmission signal from a transmit port to the at least one radiating patch
Implementation Method 3
Using a differential-mode feed configuration for the receive port enables rejection of potential interference signals from the transmit port, during full-duplex communications
Data Source
AI summary
An aperture-coupled patch antenna is described. The antenna includes at least one radiating patch. A first aperture couples a reception signal from the patch to first and second receive ports. A second orthogonal aperture couples a transmission signal from a transmit port to the patch. The transmit feed circuit is a single-ended feed circuit. The receive feed circuit is a differential-mode feed circuit. The receive feed circuit defines a difference port, where the electrical path lengths from the first receive port to the difference port and from the second receive port to the difference port differ by an odd integer multiple of half a signal wavelength. The receive feed circuit also defines a sum port, where the electrical path lengths from the first receive port to the sum port and from the second receive port to the sum port are equal in path length.