Elliptical Waveguide Distributed Antenna System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed antenna systems face high costs and attenuation issues, particularly at higher frequencies, due to the need for multiple discrete antennas and coaxial radiating cables, which are inefficient for frequencies above 4 GHz in long-distance systems.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical waveguide with a plurality of openings is used as a distributed antenna system, offering low attenuation and increased mechanical flexibility, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of RF signals over long distances without the need for repeaters, and can be optimized for various frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coaxial radiating cables are used for RF supply in confined spaces, then coverage along the cable is provided, but attenuation increases significantly at higher frequencies (GHz range)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the transmission medium from coaxial cable to elliptical waveguide structure. This structural parameter change enables low attenuation at high frequencies (above 4 GHz) while maintaining the ability to provide distributed RF coverage along the waveguide path, directly resolving the attenuation problem of coaxial cables at GHz frequencies
2Ease of operation
If discrete antennas are deployed in a spatially distributed fashion, then suitable radio coverage is provided, but installation costs increase due to individual mechanical and electrical installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete antenna functions into a single integrated elliptical waveguide structure. The waveguide itself acts as the transmission medium and distributed radiating element, eliminating the need for separate mechanical mounting and electrical connection of individual antennas, thus reducing installation complexity while providing distributed RF coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial cable diameter is decreased to support higher frequencies, then operational frequency range increases, but attenuation increases with decreasing diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission medium from coaxial cable to elliptical waveguide, fundamentally altering the structural parameters that govern frequency support and attenuation. The waveguide's geometric parameters (cross-sectional dimensions, aspect ratio) can be optimized for specific frequency ranges while maintaining low attenuation, resolving the trade-off between frequency adaptability and energy loss
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 elliptical waveguide system provides a cost-effective and efficient RF signal distribution with reduced attenuation, enabling coverage up to 4 times longer than coaxial cables at high frequencies, and allows for flexible deployment in complex scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an elliptical waveguide having a basically elliptical cross-section and a plurality of openings may advantageously be employed as a distributed antenna system, because the elliptical waveguide as such is optimally suited for transmitting electromagnetic signals, especially in the RF range, over longer distances since it has a particularly low attenuation
Implementation Method 2
the openings allow electromagnetic waves travelling within the waveguide to leave the waveguide at least to some extent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a distributed antenna system for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency, RF, signals, wherein said antenna system comprises at least one elliptical waveguide which comprises a plurality of openings. The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a distributed antenna system of the aforementioned type.