High Frequency Node Thermal Management and Interference Shielding

Solution Overview

Problem

In fixed wireless access networks, endpoint nodes require compact, robust, and cost-effective solutions for high-frequency communication, with challenges in thermal management and interference shielding, as well as precise antenna calibration for reliable data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A node design featuring a one-dimensionally electronically steered patch antenna array, a mechanical pointing system for elevation adjustment, and a network processor for phase adjustments, combined with thermal management using a center heat sink and radome for shielding, enabling efficient high-frequency signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If high frequency components are used for data transmission, then communication speed and bandwidth are improved, but thermal generation increases and requires effective heat dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidthermal generation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The node is divided into distinct functional sections: a first section housing high frequency components (24-300 GHz) and a second section housing lower frequency components (baseband to several GHz). This spatial segmentation prevents thermal interference and allows independent thermal management for each frequency band, enabling high speed communication while controlling temperature effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A ground plane is introduced as an intermediary structure between high frequency and lower frequency components. This ground plane serves as both an electrical reference and a thermal barrier, conducting heat away from high frequency power amplifiers while providing electromagnetic shielding, thus managing thermal generation during high speed data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If high frequency components are placed close to lower frequency components for compact design, then device compactness is improved, but electromagnetic interference between frequency bands increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The node is divided into distinct functional sections: a first section housing high frequency components (24-300 GHz) and a second section housing lower frequency components (baseband to several GHz). This spatial segmentation prevents thermal interference and allows independent thermal management for each frequency band, enabling high speed communication while controlling temperature effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A ground plane is introduced as an intermediary structure between high frequency and lower frequency components. This ground plane serves as both an electrical reference and a thermal barrier, conducting heat away from high frequency power amplifiers while providing electromagnetic shielding, thus managing thermal generation during high speed data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If antenna array is made electronically steerable for flexible pointing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna steering flexibilityVSAvoidantenna system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical antenna pointing mechanisms with electronic beam steering using phased array technology. By controlling the phase and amplitude of signals across multiple antenna elements, the beam can be electronically steered to different directions without moving parts, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining steering flexibility for acquiring and tracking aggregation nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can electronically steer beams in different directions, maintain connections with moving aggregation nodes, and provide spatial diversity for reliable communication. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single phased array structure rather than multiple specialized antenna systems, managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for flexible and reliable communication links with reduced interference and effective thermal management, enabling stable and efficient data transmission in fixed wireless access networks.

Implementation Method 1

a front heat sink for dissipating heat generated by the high frequency power amplifiers to the environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a rear heat sink for dissipating heat generated by the lower frequency power amplifiers to the environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a radome for shielding the high frequency components from external interference and for protecting the internal components from environmental factors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11706637B2Nodes for high frequency fixed wireless access network

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A high frequency data network access system leverages commodity WiFi chipsets and specifically multi spatial stream (e.g., 802.11 ac) chipsets in combination with electrically steered patch array antenna systems at the subscriber nodes. In addition, for thermal control, the high frequency components are mounted to a main body that includes a heat sink and a chimney. These components are also separated from components operating at baseband to avoid interference.