Entangled MIMO Side-by-Side Arrays for Narrow Cellular Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular antenna designs face challenges in reducing antenna width without compromising azimuth sidelobe and gain performance, particularly for 4G/5G communication systems where smaller antenna dimensions are required.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an entangled array architecture where alternate rows of mid-band arrays have a different number of columns, with the number of columns assigned in a complementary format to reduce the overall width of the antenna. This approach maintains performance by adjusting the number of columns and power distribution between elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional eight-column mid-band array architecture is used, then azimuth sidelobe and gain performance is maintained, but antenna width exceeds 600 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The mid-band array is segmented into two separate side-by-side arrays (left and right), each with fewer columns. The left array has columns assigned in one pattern while the right array has columns assigned in a complementary pattern, allowing the total column count to be reduced from eight to seven while maintaining performance through the combined effect of both arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The left and right arrays are designed with asymmetric column distributions that are complementary to each other. Instead of both arrays having identical four-column configurations, one array has columns in specific rows while the other array has columns in alternating rows, creating an asymmetric but complementary structure that reduces total width while preserving azimuth characteristics.
2Length of stationary object
If one column is eliminated to reduce antenna width, then antenna width decreases, but azimuth sidelobe and gain characteristics are considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate arrays into a unified entangled array structure. By combining the left and right arrays with complementary column assignments, the system achieves the performance of an eight-column array while physically implementing only seven columns, as the complementary patterns effectively utilize the available spatial resources more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-array architecture to a two-array side-by-side architecture with entangled column assignments. This dimensional change allows the system to distribute antenna elements across two arrays with complementary patterns, effectively using the vertical and horizontal dimensions more efficiently to maintain performance with reduced total width.
3Length of stationary object
If three columns are used instead of four in mid-band arrays, then antenna width is reduced, but performance for azimuth sidelobe and gain is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different rows of the array have different local column configurations. Some rows have three columns while others have four columns, with the specific configuration varying by row and array position. This local variation in column quality allows the system to reduce overall width while maintaining performance in critical rows through the complementary assignment strategy.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular antenna includes at least a first array of elements arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns and at least a second array of elements arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. The first group and the second arrays are arranged at least partially side-by side on the antenna, The elements of the first array are arranged in at least one vertical column of elements that is exclusive to elements of the first array. The elements of the second array are arranged in at least one vertical column of elements that is exclusive to elements of the second array. The antenna includes at least one separate middle vertical column of elements, between the at least one vertical column of elements that is exclusive to elements of the first array and the at least one vertical column of elements that is exclusive to elements of the second array, where the middle vertical column of elements includes some elements in the first array and some elements in the second array.