Lensed Base Station Antenna Layout for Stable Multi-Beam Sectorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-beam antennas for cellular communication systems face challenges such as high costs, complex production processes, and performance issues like beam width instability and high cross-polarization levels, particularly in achieving efficient sectorization with a large number of sectors.
Innovation Solution
A multiple beam antenna system utilizing a homogeneous dielectric radio frequency lens with aligned columns of radiating elements, which includes dual polarized box-type dipole arrays and secondary lenses for beam stabilization, allowing for compact and cost-effective design with improved port-to-port isolation and cross-polarization performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of sectors is increased to increase system capacity, then system capacity is improved, but costs and space requirements increase due to wider spacing of radiating elements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sector antennas are merged into a single planar array structure with a shared lens, allowing multiple beams to be formed from one aperture. This consolidation reduces the number of separate antenna units and associated costs while maintaining the capacity benefits of multiple sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
A single planar array antenna system performs multiple functions by generating multiple sector beams simultaneously through the lens, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate sector antennas. This multi-functional approach reduces space requirements and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a multi-layer cylindrical Luneberg lens is used to achieve better antenna performance, then beam performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a homogeneous dielectric lens with uniform material properties throughout, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer structures. This homogeneous approach maintains effective beam forming performance while dramatically simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The homogeneous lens design uses simpler, more cost-effective materials and manufacturing methods compared to precision multi-layer Luneberg lenses, making the system more economically viable for commercial deployment despite potentially shorter operational lifespan of simpler components.
3Shape
If classic Luneberg lens antennas are used to address multi-beam formation, then beam symmetry is improved, but beam width stability over wide frequency band and cross-polarization levels remain problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the lens parameters and radiating element configurations to optimize beam width stability across wide frequency bands. By adjusting the lens diameter, focal length, and element spacing based on frequency requirements, the system maintains stable beam characteristics while preserving symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the homogeneous dielectric lens with specifically designed dual-polarized radiating elements and optional polarization correction networks to achieve both beam symmetry and reduced cross-polarization levels, creating a composite structure that addresses multiple performance requirements simultaneously.
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
The solution provides a high-performance, cost-effective multi-beam base station antenna with stable beam width and reduced cross-polarization, increasing system capacity and reducing antenna count while maintaining efficient sector coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency lens. The radio frequency lens has a third longitudinal axis. The radio frequency lens is disposed such that the longitudinal axes of the first and second columns of radiating elements are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the radio frequency lens, and such that the azimuth angles of the beams produced by the columns of radiating elements are directed at the radio frequency lens
Implementation Method 2
A multiple beam antenna system utilizing a homogeneous dielectric radio frequency lens with aligned columns of radiating elements, which includes dual polarized box-type dipole arrays and secondary lenses for beam stabilization
Data Source
AI summary
A lensed antenna system is provided. The lensed antenna system include a first column of radiating elements having a first longitudinal axis and a first azimuth single, and, optionally, a second column of radiating elements having a second longitudinal axis and a second azimuth angle, and a radio frequency lens. The radio frequency lens has a third longitudinal axis. The radio frequency lens is disposed such that the longitudinal axes of the first and second columns of radiating elements are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the radio frequency lens, and such that the azimuth angels of the beams produced by the columns of radiating elements are directed at the radio frequency lens. The multiple beam antenna system further includes a radome housing the columns of radiating elements and the radio frequency lens. There may be more or fewer than two columns of radiating elements.