Interleaved mMIMO Antenna Arrays with Distribution Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiband antenna systems for cellular mobile communication are space-restricted and require multiple separate antennas for different frequency bands, making them inefficient and difficult to upgrade, especially with the transition to 5G technology and mMIMO systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact multiband antenna system design that interleaves mMIMO antenna arrays with a distribution network and transition device, allowing signal routing through a distribution layer, enabling the reuse of existing sites and reducing the overall size of the antenna system by using standard RF modules and minimizing additional waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequency bands, then each frequency band can be supported with dedicated antenna elements, but the overall system size and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna arrays for different frequency bands (mmMIMO antenna array for first frequency band and second antenna array for second frequency band) into a single integrated multiband antenna system. The antenna elements are interleaved within the same physical structure, allowing both frequency bands to share the same space and support structure, thereby reducing the overall area required while maintaining support for multiple frequency bands.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna arrays are interleaved to reduce size, then space efficiency improves, but signal routing becomes more complex due to distribution network interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal routing paths by providing separate distribution networks for different antenna arrays. The first distribution network routes signals to the mmMIMO antenna array elements, while the second distribution network routes signals to the second antenna array elements. This segmentation allows independent signal routing for each frequency band, reducing the complexity of interconnections despite the interleaved physical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transition devices as intermediary components that facilitate signal routing between the distribution networks and antenna elements. These transition devices provide standardized interfaces and simplify the connection architecture, making the signal routing process more manageable despite the complex interleaved arrangement of antenna elements from different frequency bands.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard RF modules are used, then manufacturing cost and complexity decrease, but integration with specific antenna element locations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal integration architecture where standardized RF module interfaces are decoupled from specific antenna element locations through the distribution network and transition device architecture. The transition devices provide standardized connection points that can interface with standard RF modules regardless of the specific interleaved arrangement of antenna elements. This universal interface design allows standard RF modules to be used while maintaining adaptability to the specific antenna element locations through the flexible distribution network routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiband antenna system comprises a first massive multiple input multiple output (mMIMO) antenna array comprising a plurality of first antenna elements for use in a first frequency band and at least a second antenna array comprising a plurality of second antenna elements for use in a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band. The second antenna array is at least partially interleaved with the first mMIMO antenna array. The multiband antenna system further includes a distribution network for distributing input and/or output signals of the antenna elements of the second antenna array arranged in a distribution layer, and a transition device.