Gregorian Reflector Beamforming for High-Gain Fixed Wireless Access

Solution Overview

Problem

Fixed wireless access communication systems face challenges in achieving high antenna gain at higher frequencies, such as 60 GHz, to maintain communication over long distances due to limitations in the number of antenna elements in the array.

Innovation Solution

The use of an offset Gregorian antenna arrangement with a primary reflector dish, a secondary reflector, and an array of antenna elements as a feed for the secondary reflector, combined with a beamforming network and a processor that provides pre-determined antenna weight vectors to form a plurality of beams arranged in a grid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If an array of antenna elements is used to provide high gain antenna beams, then the antenna gain is improved, but the gain is limited by the number of elements in the array

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna gainVSAvoidnumber of antenna elements

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where an array of antenna elements is positioned within the focal region of a parabolic reflector dish. The antenna array generates electromagnetic signals that are reflected and focused by the parabolic surface, creating a nested configuration where the smaller antenna array is contained within the larger reflector structure. This nesting allows the system to achieve high directional gain by combining the beamforming capability of the antenna array with the focusing property of the parabolic reflector, effectively multiplying the gain without proportionally increasing the number of antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The parabolic reflector dish serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the antenna array and the propagation medium. The reflector takes the signals from the antenna elements and shapes them into a focused directional beam, acting as an intermediate structure that transforms the radiation pattern. This intermediary reflector allows the system to achieve higher gain by providing additional focusing capability beyond what the antenna array alone could produce, effectively amplifying the directional concentration of energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the number of antenna elements is increased to provide greater beam gain, then the antenna gain is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam gainVSAvoidarray complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where an array of antenna elements is positioned within the focal region of a parabolic reflector dish. The antenna array generates electromagnetic signals that are reflected and focused by the parabolic surface, creating a nested configuration where the smaller antenna array is contained within the larger reflector structure. This nesting allows the system to achieve high directional gain by combining the beamforming capability of the antenna array with the focusing property of the parabolic reflector, effectively multiplying the gain without proportionally increasing the number of antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The parabolic reflector dish serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the antenna array and the propagation medium. The reflector takes the signals from the antenna elements and shapes them into a focused directional beam, acting as an intermediate structure that transforms the radiation pattern. This intermediary reflector allows the system to achieve higher gain by providing additional focusing capability beyond what the antenna array alone could produce, effectively amplifying the directional concentration of energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a conventional antenna array is used to form beams, then the system is simple in structure, but the beam gain is limited and cannot provide sufficient system gain for long distance communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidsystem gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where an array of antenna elements is positioned within the focal region of a parabolic reflector dish. The antenna array generates electromagnetic signals that are reflected and focused by the parabolic surface, creating a nested configuration where the smaller antenna array is contained within the larger reflector structure. This nesting allows the system to achieve high directional gain by combining the beamforming capability of the antenna array with the focusing property of the parabolic reflector, effectively multiplying the gain without proportionally increasing the number of antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The parabolic reflector dish serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the antenna array and the propagation medium. The reflector takes the signals from the antenna elements and shapes them into a focused directional beam, acting as an intermediate structure that transforms the radiation pattern. This intermediary reflector allows the system to achieve higher gain by providing additional focusing capability beyond what the antenna array alone could produce, effectively amplifying the directional concentration of energy.

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 significantly increases the gain of beams, allowing for effective communication over long distances at higher frequencies, while also enabling efficient beam steering and tracking of movement due to wind loading.

Implementation Method 1

an offset Gregorian antenna arrangement comprising a primary reflector dish and a secondary reflector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12267142B2Forming a beam from a subscriber module of a fixed wireless access communication system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 CAMBIUM NETWORKS

AI summary

A subscriber module of a fixed wireless access communication system comprises an offset Gregorian antenna arrangement, an array of antenna elements arranged as a feed, a beamforming network and a processor. The processor is configured to provide, to the beamformer, a pre-determined plurality of antenna weight vectors configured to form a plurality of beams, the orientations of the plurality of beams being arranged in a grid comprising a plurality of rows, each of the pre-determined plurality of antenna weight vectors being configured to form a respective beam from the primary reflector dish of the Gregorian antenna arrangement by forming a respective feed beam from the array of antenna elements. The relationship between the azimuth and elevation direction of each feed beam and the azimuth and elevation direction of the respective beam from the primary reflector dish is a non-linear function of azimuth and elevation.