LPWAN Repeater Antenna Switching for Interference-Resistant Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing repeater systems for Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) face challenges in achieving high transmission/reception sensitivity, particularly in environments with multiple communication devices, where signals from target devices using the LPWAN band are often overwhelmed or not reliably received due to interference from stronger nearby signals.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system with a configurable antenna configuration comprising a dipole antenna, a directional patch antenna, and an omni-directional antenna, controlled by a controller that analyzes signal strength and adjusts the directional patch antenna's position to maximize signal reception and transmission efficiency, ensuring only LPWAN devices can communicate reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a dipole antenna is used for transmitting and receiving in the current LPWAN repeater, then the structure is simple, but the signal of other nearby devices with greater signal strength is received along with the target device signal, causing interference and reducing reception reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single dipole antenna into multiple separate antennas (first dipole antenna, second dipole antenna, and patch antenna), each with different radiation patterns and directivities. This segmentation allows the system to selectively receive signals from different directions, separating the target device signal from interfering signals originating from other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different local qualities (radiation characteristics) to different antennas. The dipole antennas provide omnidirectional coverage in horizontal planes, while the patch antenna provides directional coverage with higher gain in specific directions. This local quality differentiation enables the system to optimize signal reception for specific spatial locations while rejecting interference from other directions.
2Area of stationary object
If the repeater receives signals from all directions using a dipole antenna, then the coverage area is large, but the transmission/reception sensitivity for the target device is reduced due to interference from nearby devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability among multiple antennas based on the spatial location of the target device. The controller dynamically selects which antenna to use for receiving and transmitting signals, adjusting the reception pattern according to the target device's position. This dynamic adaptation maintains wide coverage while ensuring high sensitivity for the target device by actively selecting the optimal antenna configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors signal characteristics and adjusts antenna selection accordingly. By analyzing signal strength and direction information, the system provides feedback to the antenna switching mechanism, ensuring that the most appropriate antenna is selected to maintain both coverage and sensitivity for the target device.
3Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for both transmission and reception, then the device complexity is low, but the transmission/reception sensitivity cannot be optimized according to different communication environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal antenna system where multiple antennas serve different functions depending on the communication environment. The same set of antennas can be configured for omnidirectional reception, directional reception, or even transmission functions, making the system adaptable to various LPWAN communication scenarios without requiring separate dedicated antennas for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the antenna system based on communication environment detection. The controller adjusts which antennas are active and how they are configured based on factors such as target device location, signal strength, and interference levels, enabling the system to adapt its sensitivity and coverage characteristics to match the specific communication environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitting and receiving antenna system of an LPWAN repeater, according to the present invention, comprise: a first antenna and a second antenna that become a transmitting antenna according to a use's setting; a switch coupled to each of the first antenna and the second antenna; a third antenna for reception; an RF receiving end connected to the third antenna for reception; and a control unit for controlling the RF transmitting end and the RF receiving end through switching of the switch, wherein the first antenna is a dipole antenna having multiple directionalities, the second antenna is a directional patch antenna for transmitting signals in one orientational direction, and the third antenna includes an omni-directional antenna.