Dual Passive Reflect Array Antenna for Millimeter Wave Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter wave wireless communications in 5G networks face challenges due to high path loss and short range, making it difficult to provide wide-angle radio coverage and requiring a large number of access points, which increases network planning costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A high gain relay antenna system utilizing multiple passive reflect arrays to generate directional beamforming signals, overcoming path loss and interference by positioning two reflect arrays to achieve twice the gain of conventional configurations, allowing for flexible deployment in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional single reflect array configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal gain and coverage range are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent reflect arrays (first reflect array and second reflect array), each handling specific directional coverage. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized for particular spatial regions, achieving higher overall gain and coverage without requiring a single complex large-scale array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane reflect array to a multi-plane three-dimensional configuration. The first and second reflect arrays are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations, creating a volumetric beamforming structure that provides superior coverage in complex propagation environments compared to conventional two-dimensional arrays
2Reliability
If more access points are deployed to overcome path loss, then signal coverage is improved, but network planning cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflect arrays into a coordinated relay system that functions as a single high-gain communication node. By merging the functionality of multiple arrays under unified control, the system achieves coverage equivalent to multiple access points but with simplified network planning and management
3Speed
If millimeter wave frequencies are used, then data transmission speed is improved, but path loss and atmospheric attenuation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite reflect array structures combining conductive elements with dielectric substrates to create high-efficiency millimeter wave reflectors. These composite structures minimize energy loss through optimized electromagnetic impedance matching, enabling effective millimeter wave transmission despite inherent path loss challenges
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 dual-reflect array configuration provides enhanced signal coverage and flexibility, improving network performance while reducing costs by eliminating the need for active devices and minimizing spatial interference, thus addressing the limitations of single array systems in complex propagation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A first passive reflect array may be positioned in an environment to receive an incident signal from a transmitting source. The first passive reflect array may form a beamforming signal from the incident signal. A second passive reflect array may be separated from the first passive reflect array to receive the beamforming signal from the first passive reflect array. The second passive reflect array may form an outbound beamforming signal to reflect to a coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to a high gain relay antenna system that includes a first passive reflect array configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from a transmitting source and generate a transmit beamforming signal with a first gain from the electromagnetic radiation. The high gain relay antenna system also includes a second passive reflect array positioned at a predetermined distance from the first passive reflect array and configured to collimate phases of the transmit beamforming signal from the first passive reflect array and transmit an outbound beamforming signal with a second gain greater than the first gain, to a coverage area. Other examples disclosed herein relate to a dual-reflect array system and a method of high gain relay with multiple passive reflect array antennas.