Dynamic Antenna Array Reconfiguration for 5G Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for 5G communication struggle to efficiently utilize antenna elements for both main communication and advanced techniques like beam forming and beam steering, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of data rates and latency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna system includes multiple antenna arrays with shared antenna elements, where a control circuit dynamically configures these elements to support either secondary functions like MIMO and diversity or beam forming and beam steering, optimizing resource utilization and radio performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antenna elements are dedicated to single functions (MIMO or beam forming), then function reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource utilization efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling antenna elements to dynamically switch between serving as MIMO antenna elements and beam forming/steering antenna elements. The control circuit configures antenna elements in different modes based on communication needs, allowing the same physical antenna structure to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated antenna sets for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing dynamic reconfiguration capability where antenna elements can transition between different operational modes (MIMO mode and beam forming/steering mode) based on real-time communication requirements. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the function assignment of antenna elements, transforming a static antenna system into a dynamically adaptable one that optimizes resource utilization.
2Reliability
If more antenna elements are allocated to beam forming and beam steering, then beam forming performance is improved, but MIMO communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic resource allocation where the control circuit determines the optimal distribution of antenna elements between MIMO communication and beam forming/steering functions based on current communication conditions. The system can dynamically shift antenna elements between these functions to maintain both MIMO data rates and beam forming performance according to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of antenna elements through different configuration modes. The control circuit changes the functional parameters of antenna elements dynamically, allowing the same physical antennas to operate with different characteristics depending on whether they are used for MIMO communication or beam forming, thereby optimizing the trade-off between these functions.
3Productivity
If antenna elements are dynamically reallocated between modes, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit implements multi-functional control by managing antenna elements that can serve multiple purposes. Rather than controlling separate dedicated antenna sets for MIMO and beam forming, the control circuit dynamically assigns antenna elements to appropriate functions based on communication needs, reducing overall system complexity while improving resource utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system includes a first antenna array having a plurality of first antenna elements. The first antenna elements are operable to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocol. The antenna system includes a second antenna array having a plurality of second antenna elements. The antenna system includes a control circuit configured to control operation of one or more of the second antenna elements of the second antenna array in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to provide a secondary function to support communication of the first antenna elements via the communication protocol. In a second mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to support beam forming or beam steering of the first antenna elements.