Reflector Antenna Panels for MIMO Grating Lobe Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in effectively suppressing 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 two or more antenna panels with different boresight directions, equipped with metallic plates or reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, to reflect and redirect signals, thereby mitigating interference and reducing grating lobes through beam phase manipulation and scaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

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

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedirectivityVSAvoidgrating lobes

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reflector panels that convert the harmful grating lobes generated by wide-spaced antenna elements into beneficial reflected signals. The reflectors are positioned and oriented to capture grating lobes and redirect them toward the main beam direction, thereby transforming interference into constructive signal energy that enhances overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Reflector panels serve as intermediary elements between the antenna elements and the propagation medium. These panels intercept electromagnetic waves that would otherwise form grating lobes and redirect them through controlled reflection, acting as a mediator that transforms the radiation pattern without requiring changes to the antenna element spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple antenna panels are used to cover different boresight directions, then coverage area is improved, but interference between beams increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidbeam interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector panels capture the harmful interference beams generated by multiple antenna panels and redirect them to constructively interfere in the desired coverage directions. By positioning reflectors strategically, the system converts what would be harmful inter-panel interference into beneficial signal reinforcement across the coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If metallic plates are added to increase reflector size for better signal reflection, then reflection efficiency is improved, but wind load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reflectionVSAvoidwind load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin metallic plates or mesh structures as reflector surfaces instead of solid large-area plates. These thin-film structures provide sufficient electromagnetic reflection capability while presenting minimal physical profile to wind forces, thereby maintaining signal reflection efficiency without significantly increasing wind load on the antenna system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Power

If beam power is increased to improve signal strength, then signal power is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal powerVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector panels enable the system to achieve higher effective signal power by redirecting energy that would otherwise be wasted as grating lobes. This passive energy redirection allows the system to maintain lower transmit power while achieving the same effective signal strength, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing signal power in the main beam directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 directivity while minimizing power consumption by adjusting beam phases and switching off panels or elements, effectively suppressing side and grating lobes in the radiation pattern.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250233317A1Antenna with reflectors for MIMO radio units

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus. The apparatus comprises: Two or more antenna panels with different boresight directions comprising a plurality of antenna elements. 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.