Modular Antenna Reflector Assembly for Low-PIM Multi-Band Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-band base station antennas face challenges in flexibility and frequency coverage due to difficulties in manufacturing wider aluminum profiles with tight tolerances, and the need for diverse frequency band combinations across different geographic locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular reflector design for multi-radiator antennas using electrically conducting reflector parts interconnected by connector devices with metallic films and dielectric coatings, allowing for indirect electrical connections and mechanical holding elements to accommodate varying distances and reduce passive intermodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single extruded aluminium profile is used to form multiple reflectors/feeding networks, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in extruding wider profiles with strict tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple separate reflector parts (first reflector part, second reflector part, etc.) that can be manufactured independently using standard extrusion processes. Each part maintains strict dimensional tolerances because they are produced separately within conventional extrusion capabilities, rather than attempting to produce a single large-profile extrusion that would exceed manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
Connector devices with metallic films serve as intermediary elements to electrically interconnect the separate reflector parts. These connectors bridge the gap between individually manufactured reflector parts, achieving the electrical continuity that would otherwise require a single monolithic extrusion, while allowing each component to be manufactured within standard tolerance ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna arrays for different frequency bands are integrated into a multi-band antenna, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reflector parts are designed with universal connecting features (connecting portions) that allow them to be assembled in different configurations. The same basic reflector part design can serve different frequency bands (Low Band, High Band) by simply changing the arrangement and number of parts, rather than designing completely different antenna structures for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure allows for dynamic reconfiguration by assembling different numbers and types of reflector parts based on the required frequency coverage. Operators can select combinations of reflector parts to create antennas tailored to specific frequency band requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different operational needs without redesigning the entire antenna structure.
3Reliability
If connector devices with direct metal-to-metal contact are used to interconnect reflector parts, then electrical connection strength is improved, but passive intermodulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric coating or layer is applied to the metallic film in the connector device, serving as an intermediary between the metal surfaces. This dielectric barrier prevents direct metal-to-metal contact that would generate passive intermodulation, while the metallic film behind the dielectric maintains strong electrical connection through capacitive coupling or close proximity conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device uses a composite structure combining metallic film (for electrical conductivity) with dielectric coating (for passive intermodulation reduction). This composite material approach allows simultaneous achievement of strong electrical connection and low passive intermodulation by leveraging the complementary properties of metal and dielectric materials in the same component.
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 modular design enhances frequency flexibility, reduces production costs by allowing customizable assembly, and minimizes passive intermodulation issues while reducing the overall width and wind load of the antenna.
Implementation Method 1
The indirect interconnection may be capacitive
Implementation Method 2
The electrical interconnection is indirect by means of a dielectric coating or layer arranged on the metallic film and/or on the connecting portions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A reflector for a multi-radiator antenna which comprises electrically conducting reflector parts and one or more connector device. At least two reflector parts are each provided with at least one connecting portion. At least one connector device is adapted to provide an electrical interconnection between at least two of the reflector parts. At least one connector device comprises a metallic film and one or more holding elements. The metallic film is adapted to be arranged in abutment with connecting portions of the at least two of the reflector parts to achieve the electrical interconnection. At least one of the holding elements has at least one holding portion adapted to connect to a connecting portion of a reflector part with said metallic film sandwiched therebetween. The electrical interconnection is indirect by means of a dielectric coating or layer arranged on the metallic film and/or on the connecting portions, or by means of a dielectric film arranged between the metallic film and the connecting portions.