Dual Passive Antenna Assembly for Wide Active Module Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passive/active antenna systems face challenges in integrating wide active antenna modules with narrow passive base station antennas, particularly when deploying 5G multi-column beamforming arrays, as the active modules are wider than the passive antennas, leading to installation issues.

Innovation Solution

The passive/active antenna systems incorporate an active antenna module mounted directly behind a pair of passive base station antennas, with a multi-column array of radiating elements, allowing transmission through both antennas and utilizing frequency selective surfaces to manage frequency ranges, enabling efficient integration and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an active antenna module is mounted behind a single passive base station antenna, then the integration is simple, but the active module width exceeds the passive antenna width causing installation issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration complexityVSAvoidinstallation feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two passive base station antennas into a single mounting structure, creating a combined antenna assembly that provides sufficient width to accommodate the active antenna module. This combining approach resolves the width mismatch problem while maintaining integration simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combined passive antenna structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the active antenna module, maintains legacy service coverage, and enables 5G service through the active module. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to address both installation feasibility and service requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the active antenna module width is reduced to fit the passive antenna, then installation becomes feasible, but the beamforming capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation feasibilityVSAvoidbeamforming performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of reducing the active antenna module width to fit the passive antenna, the patent inverts the approach by enlarging the passive antenna structure (by combining two antennas) to accommodate the full-width active module. This preserves the active module's beamforming capability while achieving installation feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If two passive base station antennas are mounted side-by-side, then the active module can be mounted behind both, but the antenna count increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration feasibilityVSAvoidantenna count

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two passive base station antennas into a single integrated mounting structure, allowing the active antenna module to be mounted behind both antennas simultaneously. This approach increases integration feasibility while the combined structure is treated as a single logical unit, mitigating the increase in antenna count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a frequency selective surface is added to manage frequency ranges, then service separation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency range managementVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency selective surface acts as an intermediary component that separates frequency ranges for legacy and 5G services. It is integrated into the existing antenna structure, providing frequency management functionality without requiring separate complex filtering systems, thus balancing adaptability with acceptable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for the seamless integration of active antenna modules with narrow passive base station antennas, supporting both legacy and 5G services without increasing antenna count, enhancing redundancy and reducing installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing frequency selective surfaces to manage frequency ranges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency selective transmission: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

an active antenna module mounted behind two passive base station antennas and configured to transmit RF signals through both passive base station antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250309548A1Passive/active antenna systems having an active antenna module mounted behind two passive base station antennas

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A passive/active antenna system comprises a first passive base station antenna that has a first radome, a second passive base station antenna that has a second radome, the second passive base station antenna mounted adjacent the first passive base station antenna, and an active antenna module mounted behind both the first passive base station antenna and the second passive base station antenna and configured to transmit RF signals through both the first passive base station antenna and the second passive base station antenna.