MIMO Antenna Beamforming Network for Space Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MIMO implementations face challenges in implementing multiple radio access points without significant space constraints, as mutual coupling among antennas degrades performance and reduces throughput, especially when multiple radios are used.
Innovation Solution
A MIMO antenna system with a plurality of antenna elements configured for different frequency bands, utilizing a beam-forming network to form space diversity beams, allowing for efficient communication and increased coverage area without the need for extensive space, enabling substitution of non-MIMO access points with MIMO ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple antennas are used in MIMO implementation, then communication efficiency and throughput are improved, but mutual coupling among antennas degrades performance and reduces throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple antenna elements (at least two antenna elements) that are spatially separated and configured for different frequency bands. Each antenna element operates semi-independently, reducing mutual coupling effects while maintaining MIMO functionality for improved throughput and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent configures different antenna elements for different frequency bands (first frequency band and second frequency band), creating local specialization. This frequency-specific configuration reduces interference and coupling between antennas while optimizing performance for each band, thereby resolving the contradiction between throughput improvement and performance degradation
2Productivity
If multiple radios are used in an access point, then throughput is increased, but space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radio functions into a single access point unit, integrating multiple radios and their associated antenna elements into one compact device. This merging approach increases throughput by enabling multiple simultaneous radio operations while avoiding the need for separate access point units, thus reducing overall space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functional capability, supporting both MIMO and non-MIMO operations, as well as multiple frequency bands within a single device. This universal design allows the access point to perform multiple functions (different radio standards, different frequency bands) without requiring separate dedicated units, thereby increasing throughput while constraining space usage
3Productivity
If MIMO implementation is added to existing access points, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming capability through a beam-forming network that can adaptively adjust beam directions and characteristics. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize communication efficiency in real-time while managing complexity through software-controlled adaptation rather than fixed complex hardware configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam-forming network as an intermediary component between the antenna elements and the radio interfaces. This intermediary manages the complexity of MIMO operations by providing a structured method for signal processing and beam control, thereby improving communication efficiency while containing overall system complexity through modular architecture
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system connected to a radio in a Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) arrangement and configured to communicate in an area of coverage. The antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements. The plurality of antenna elements further includes a first plurality of antenna elements configured to communicate on a first frequency band and a second plurality of antenna elements configured to communicate on a second frequency band. A plurality of MIMO-configured radio ports on the radio communicates radio signals to and from the antenna elements. A beam-forming network is connected to at least two of the first plurality of antenna elements and to at least two radio ports. The beam-forming network is configured to form space diversity beams in the area of coverage.