Dynamic Modular Antenna Array Partitioning for Multi-Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna systems face challenges in achieving high directivity while providing beamsteering coverage to multiple stations, especially in higher frequency ranges, due to increased propagation losses and attenuation, making it difficult and costly to implement effective wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable modular antenna array (MAA) system that can be reconfigured in real-time to support multiple independent usages by dynamically partitioning antenna modules, using a signal processing module with a dynamic configuration unit and main beamforming unit to adjust antenna beams based on usage requirements, allowing for flexible and adaptive coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phased array beamforming is used to generate narrow beams for high directivity, then propagation losses are compensated, but beamsteering coverage to multiple stations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple independently controllable subarrays or beams. Each subarray can form its own beam, allowing the system to simultaneously provide high directivity to one station while steering other beams to cover multiple other stations, thus resolving the contradiction between narrow beam directivity and wide area beamsteering coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: maintaining high directivity beams for distant stations while also providing steerable coverage beams for nearby stations. The same antenna array structure serves both the high-gain narrow beam function and the wide-area beamsteering function through dynamic configuration
2Reliability
If traditional antenna architectures are used to achieve high directivity, then propagation losses are overcome, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic beamforming where the antenna configuration can be reconfigured in real-time based on traffic demands. Instead of requiring multiple fixed antenna systems for different coverage scenarios, a single dynamic system adapts its beam patterns and directivity levels according to current operational requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high directivity when needed
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
The system provides high directivity and steerable coverage over a wide area, efficiently managing resource allocation and adapting to changing user demands, thereby enhancing communication capabilities and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the RF beamforming circuit to adjust phase shifts associated with the antenna elements to generate an antenna beam associated with the antenna module
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques to dynamically configure a modular antenna array (MAA) for multiple independent uses. An MAA may include a plurality of antenna modules, each of the antenna modules comprising an array of antenna elements coupled to a radio frequency (RF) beamforming circuit, the RF beamforming circuit to adjust phase shifts associated with the antenna elements to generate an antenna beam associated with the antenna module, a dynamic configuration unit to receive an indication of a usage for a one of the plurality of antenna modules, and a main beamforming unit coupled to the dynamic configuration unit and each of the antenna modules, the main beamforming unit to generate signal adjustments relative to the one of the plurality of antenna modules to control the antenna beam associated with the one of the plurality of antenna modules based at least in part on the usage.