Interleaved Antenna Array Layout for Fewer RF Isolators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G-NR radio nodes face challenges in meeting stringent RF performance requirements due to nonlinearity distortion and signal leakage from power amplifiers and antenna paths, leading to increased cost, size, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implement an interleaved antenna array configuration with a mixture of isolated and non-isolated antenna elements, using antenna isolators for isolated elements and simplified DPD circuits for non-isolated elements, interleaved in each row and column to reduce the number of isolators and satisfy RF performance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antenna isolators are used for all antenna elements to reduce signal leakage, then RF performance is improved, but cost and device footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different isolation strategies to different antenna elements based on their specific coupling conditions. Isolated antenna elements are equipped with antenna isolators while non-isolated elements rely on spatial separation and simplified DPD circuits. This localized differentiation reduces the overall number of isolators needed while maintaining RF performance where most critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is segmented into isolated and non-isolated antenna elements with distinct protection mechanisms. Isolated elements use traditional isolators, while non-isolated elements use a combination of spatial arrangement and digital pre-distortion. This segmentation allows optimization of each subset according to its specific requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If the number of antenna isolators is reduced to lower cost and footprint, then device complexity is improved, but signal leakage and RF performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Simplified DPD circuits act as intermediaries for non-isolated antenna elements, providing a degree of signal conditioning and interference mitigation without requiring full isolators. The interleaved arrangement of isolated and non-isolated elements also serves as a spatial intermediary strategy, where isolated elements provide protection for their neighbors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the isolation parameter from binary (all elements have isolators) to a spectrum where different elements have different isolation levels. Some elements have full isolators, others have no isolators but enhanced DPD, and the arrangement itself provides spatial isolation. This parameter differentiation maintains overall RF performance while reducing the total number of isolators.
3Reliability
If traditional antenna array configuration with all isolated elements is used, then RF performance is maintained, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly applying isolation to all antenna elements, the patent applies isolation only where most needed (isolated elements with potential coupling issues) and uses lighter-weight solutions (spatial arrangement and simplified DPD) for other elements. This localized approach reduces overall power consumption while maintaining RF performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and power-hungry isolators with cheaper and more power-efficient alternatives for certain antenna elements. Simplified DPD circuits and spatial arrangement provide adequate protection for non-isolated elements without the continuous power consumption of active isolator components.
4Device complexity
If interleaved configuration of isolated and non-isolated elements is implemented, then cost and footprint are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct steps for creating isolated and non-isolated elements, with clear differentiation in their protection mechanisms. The interleaved pattern provides a regular, predictable structure that can be programmed into manufacturing equipment, making the increased complexity manageable through systematic production approaches.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
An interleaved antenna array configuration in a radio node is disclosed. The antenna array includes a mixture of isolated and non-isolated antenna elements interleaved in each row and each column of the antenna array. Each isolated antenna element is only adjacent to one or two non-isolated antenna elements in each row and each column. Each non-isolated antenna element is only adjacent to one or two isolated antenna elements in each row and each column. By interleaving the isolated and non-isolated antenna elements in each row and column of the antenna array, it is possible to reduce a number of antenna isolators, thus helping to reduce cost and footprint of the radio node. Further, by using a combination of antenna isolators and simplified digital pre-distortion (DPD) actuators in association with the interleaved antenna array, the radio node is able to satisfy stringent radio frequency (RF) performance requirements.