MIMO Antenna Reflector Layout for Grating Lobe Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively mitigating grating lobes and interference in massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) antennas, which are crucial for 5G and beyond networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of antenna panels with different boresight directions, equipped with metallic plates or reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, to reflect and attenuate signals, thereby reducing grating and side lobes, and employing beam scaling and phase selection for coherent superposition to enhance directivity and suppress interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If antenna elements are spaced more than half a wavelength apart to accommodate enhanced directivity, then directivity is improved, but grating lobes and interference are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflector panels that capture and redirect the energy from grating lobes back toward the main beam direction. The harmful grating lobe radiation is reflected by metallic surfaces positioned at specific angles, converting what would be wasted energy into constructive interference that enhances the main beam strength and suppresses sidelobes.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflector panels serve as intermediary elements between the antenna elements and the radiation pattern. These passive reflective surfaces mediate the interaction between the spaced antenna elements and the far-field radiation, enabling coherent superposition in the main beam direction while suppressing grating lobes without requiring active signal processing.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antenna panels with different boresight directions are used to enhance coverage, then coverage area is improved, but beam interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna panel is equipped with reflectors tailored to its specific boresight direction and operational characteristics. The reflector geometry, position, and orientation are locally optimized for each panel's coverage sector, enabling independent control of radiation patterns and interference mitigation for each panel while maintaining overall system coverage.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If antenna panel spacing is increased to reduce mutual interference, then interference is reduced, but directivity and signal power are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from solving the interference problem in the horizontal plane only to utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement. Reflectors are positioned at specific heights and angles relative to antenna panels, creating vertical and angular dimensions for interference management. This 3D configuration enables coherent signal combination while suppressing grating lobes through precise geometric positioning.
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 approach enhances signal power and reduces power consumption by mitigating interference and grating lobes, improving the performance of future wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
At least one antenna panel within the two or more antenna panels may be configured to reflect signals emitted by the two or more antenna panels
Implementation Method 2
the at least one antenna panel may be further configured to attenuate the reflected signals
Implementation Method 3
the at least one antenna panel may be further configured to scatter the reflected signals in a plurality of directions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus (200, 300, 400). The apparatus comprises: Two or more antenna panels (201, 301, 401, 501) with different boresight directions comprising a plurality of antenna elements (504a, 504b, 504c, 504d). At least one antenna panel within the two or more antenna panels is configured to reflect signals emitted by the two or more antenna panels. At least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: Mitigating interference of beams corresponding to the two or more antenna panels.