Switchable Directional Antenna Assembly for 5G AoA Base Station Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network testing methods for millimeter waves (5G FR2) are costly and inaccurate due to the need for phased antenna arrays, which require dedicated control units and phase shifters, making them expensive and affecting overall accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency scanner system using a switchable directional antenna assembly with multiple directional antennas, a radio frequency receiver, and a processing circuit to determine the angle of arrival (AoA) of signals, estimating the geographic location of base stations based on these measurements, thereby eliminating the need for phased antenna arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a phased antenna array is used for millimeter wave measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases due to dedicated control units and phase shifters
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent directional antennas instead of using a single phased array. Each antenna element can be independently controlled and switched, eliminating the need for complex phase shifters and control units while maintaining measurement capability through sequential activation of antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different directional antennas based on the desired measurement direction. This dynamic selection mechanism replaces the static phased array structure, allowing flexible beam steering without requiring expensive phase shifters and control electronics for each antenna element.
2Measurement precision
If a phased antenna array is used for millimeter wave measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to influence of control units and phase shifters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic phase shifters and dedicated control units from the antenna system. By using simple directional antennas without these components, the system eliminates the sources of measurement error while maintaining the ability to perform millimeter wave measurements through a different architectural approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, inexpensive directional antennas that can be easily switched between different orientations. These simple antenna elements replace complex phased array components, providing sufficient measurement accuracy without the cost and complexity of phase shifters and dedicated control electronics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional antennas are used for receiving radio frequency signals, then signal reception from entire environment is achieved, but bandwidth limitations and attenuation effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using omnidirectional antennas that uniformly receive signals from all directions, the patent employs directional antennas with specific beam patterns. Each antenna element has optimized local characteristics for receiving signals from particular directions, improving bandwidth performance and reducing attenuation effects while maintaining overall environmental coverage through systematic activation of multiple antennas.
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 system provides accurate and cost-effective mobile network testing by determining the geographic location of base stations with reduced bandwidth limitations and attenuation effects, avoiding the use of phase shifters and maintaining high performance with omnidirectional scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The radio frequency receiver is configured to process the at least one radio frequency signal received by the switchable directional antenna assembly, thereby converting the at least one radio frequency signal to a baseband signal
Implementation Method 2
The processing circuit is configured to process at least two baseband signals associated with two different directional antennas in order to determine an angle of arrival (AoA) of the at least one radio frequency signal with respect to the at least one switchable directional antenna assembly
Implementation Method 3
The directional antennas are configured to receive at least one radio frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency scanner system for mobile network testing includes at least one switchable directional antenna assembly, a radio frequency receiver, and a processing circuit. The antenna assembly includes several directional antennas oriented in different directions. The radio frequency receiver is configured to process the radio frequency signal received by the antenna assembly, thereby converting the at least one radio frequency signal to a baseband signal. The processing circuit is configured to process at least two baseband signals associated with two different directional antennas in order to determine an angle of arrival (AoA) of the at least one radio frequency signal with respect to the at least one antenna assembly. The processing circuit is configured to estimate a geographic location of a base station emitting the at least one radio frequency signal based on the angle of arrival of the at least one radio frequency signal.