Building-Facade mmWave Antenna Layout for Uniform Cellular Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF communication systems face challenges in efficiently distributing millimeter wave cellular service across the face of a building, particularly in providing uniform coverage and managing resource block allocations effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an antenna assembly with an upper unit extending from the top of a building, featuring a first linear antenna array that radiates a transmit beam with a disc-shaped pattern. This beam is received by a second linear antenna array in a lower unit extending from beneath the building, which operates using different resource block allocations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna array is used to cover the building face, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of signal distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna arrays (first antenna array, second antenna array, third antenna array, fourth antenna array) positioned at different locations on the building. Each array independently covers a specific region, and their combined coverage achieves uniform signal distribution across the entire building face while keeping each individual array relatively simple.
2Speed
If millimeter wave signals are used for cellular communication, then the data transmission speed is improved, but the signal coverage area deteriorates due to high path loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal antenna placement to vertical placement along the building facade. The antenna arrays are arranged in multiple vertical levels (upper, middle, lower portions) and extend in the horizontal dimension, creating a three-dimensional coverage structure that maintains millimeter wave high-speed transmission while expanding the effective coverage area through spatial diversity.
3Productivity
If resource block allocations are optimized for specific regions, then the spectral efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different resource block allocations are assigned to different antenna arrays based on their specific coverage regions and operational characteristics. The first and second antenna arrays use one set of resource block allocations, while the third and fourth antenna arrays use another set. This localized resource optimization improves spectral efficiency without requiring complex centralized resource management across the entire system.
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 configuration enhances cellular coverage across the building's face by ensuring uniform signal distribution and efficient resource management, thereby improving the overall performance of millimeter wave cellular service.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear antenna array configured to radiate a transmit beam having a disc-shaped pattern
Implementation Method 2
a second linear antenna array configured to receive the transmit beam
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for distributing millimeter wave cellular service over a face of a building are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an antenna assembly includes an antenna upper unit configured to extend from a top of a building, such as from a roof. The antenna upper unit includes a first linear antenna array that radiates a transmit beam having a disc-shaped pattern. The antenna assembly includes an antenna lower unit configured to extend from the building beneath the antenna upper unit. The antenna lower unit includes a second linear antenna array that receives the transmit beam.