Multi-Beam Base Station Antenna Architecture Using Mixed Element Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-band antennas face issues such as antenna pattern distortion, complexity in manufacturing, and Passive Intermodulation (PIM) due to the non-similarity and different center phases of multi-band and single-band elements, making it challenging to design compact and efficient multibeam multiband antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a combination of different antenna element types, such as dipole and patch antenna elements, interspersed within each other's arrays to minimize coupling effects, along with a new design for an azimuth beamformer that optimizes beam crossover and sidelobe levels, allowing for compact multi-beam multi-band antenna systems without the need for multi-band elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band elements are used in multi-band antennas, then multiple radio frequency bands can be supported, but antenna pattern distortion occurs and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-band antenna into separate single-band elements, each optimized for a specific frequency band. Instead of using complex multi-band elements, the invention segments the antenna into multiple single-band elements that can be independently designed and manufactured, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining multi-band functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Each single-band element is designed with local optimization for its specific frequency band, allowing each element to have ideal characteristics for its designated band. This local quality approach enables better performance than forced multi-band elements while maintaining manageable complexity through specialization
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band elements with different center phases are used, then multiple frequency bands are covered, but dispersion over frequency bands occurs and antenna performance weakens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna into separate single-band elements, each element maintains a consistent center phase optimized for its specific band. This eliminates the dispersion problem inherent in multi-band elements with different center phases, as each segmented element operates at its designated frequency with optimal phase characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or similar single-band element designs across different bands, copying the optimized single-band structure. This copying approach ensures consistent performance characteristics within each band while avoiding the phase dispersion issues of multi-band elements through standardized single-band designs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band elements are used, then dual-band functionality is achieved, but Passive Intermodulation (PIM) issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the antenna into separate single-band elements isolates the electromagnetic fields of different bands, preventing the nonlinear interactions that cause Passive Intermodulation. Each segmented element operates independently at its designated frequency, eliminating the PIM generation mechanism present in integrated multi-band elements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic multi-band functionality from single elements and distributes it across multiple separate single-band elements. This extraction of multi-band operation from individual elements removes the source of PIM issues while preserving dual-band capability through the combined operation of separate elements
4Shape
If planar arrays with multiple single-band and multi-band elements are used, then narrower azimuth beamwidths are achieved, but available space for positioning elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the planar array into sections with identical or similar single-band elements, creating modular units that can be systematically arranged. This segmentation allows for optimized spacing and positioning within each module while maintaining the overall narrow beamwidth through the collective array configuration, effectively managing the limited positioning space
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band generalized antenna architecture using two or more types of antenna element is presented. Linear arrays of a first type of antenna element are used for one or more frequencies while a second antenna element type is used for other frequencies. The second type of antenna element is located between the linear arrays of the first antenna element type. The second antenna element type may be arranged in a staggered configuration or they may be arranged as linear arrays as well. The first type of antenna element may be a patch antenna element while the second type of antenna element may be a dipole antenna element. The patch antenna element may be used for high band frequencies while the dipole antenna element may be used in low band frequencies. The spacing in vertical direction is not equal to minimize the effect of arrays on each other.