Multi-Antenna System Single Feed Line Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-antenna systems for radio frequency applications are costly, space-consuming, and inefficient due to the need for individual feed lines for each antenna, making them unsuitable for automotive applications, and they struggle with antenna selection, power management, and diagnosis when using a single feed line.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band, multi-antenna system with a frontend portion and a backend portion connected by a feed line, featuring multiple antennas, control units, and crossover networks that allow for efficient signal transmission and control signal modulation, enabling antenna selection, power management, and diagnosis through a single feed line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple antennas are connected to multiple receivers/transmitters via individual feed lines, then each antenna can be independently controlled and diagnosed, but the system becomes costly, space-consuming, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feed lines into a single shared feed line that connects the antenna system to the receiver/transmitter. This single feed line carries both RF signals and control signals, eliminating the need for separate feed lines for each antenna and reducing system weight and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single feed line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits RF signals from multiple antennas to the receiver, delivers power to active antennas, and carries control signals for antenna selection and diagnosis. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each function.
2Weight of stationary object
If a single feed line is used to connect multiple antennas to receivers/transmitters, then system cost and space are reduced, but antenna selection, power supply, switching, and diagnosis become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch matrix as an intermediary component within the receiver/transmitter that manages the connection between the single feed line and multiple antennas. The switch matrix handles antenna selection, signal routing, and coordination of control signals, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the signal paths within the receiver/transmitter using the switch matrix, which can independently route signals from different antennas to different receivers or transmitters. This segmentation allows individual antenna control and diagnosis while sharing the common feed line infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for wide frequency range operation, then frequency coverage is improved, but manual antenna selection and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna selection where the system automatically switches between different antennas based on the operating frequency and signal conditions. The switch matrix dynamically reconfigures the antenna connections without manual intervention, allowing the system to adapt to different frequency ranges and optimize performance automatically.
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 solution allows for efficient operation over multiple frequency ranges, reduces costs and space requirements, and facilitates seamless antenna selection, power management, and diagnosis, making it suitable for automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first crossover network (4, 5) that connects the feed line (3) to the frontend portion (1) and the control unit (7) via a splitter network (6)... and at least one second crossover network (8, 9) that connects the feed line (3) to the backend portion (2) and the receivers (RCV1, RCV2...RCVN)
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system is disclosed that includes a frontend portion and a backend portion. The frontend portion includes multiple antennas that supply antenna signals, a first control unit for controlling the frontend portion dependent on control signals received from the backend portion, and a first crossover network that connects a feed line to the first crossover network and the first control unit. The backend portion includes multiple receivers, a second control unit that provides the control signals for the first control unit, and a second crossover network that connects the feed line to the second crossover network and the receivers. The frontend portion is configured to transmit via the feed line antenna signals to the backend portion in a certain frequency range. The backend portion is configured to transmit the control signals to the frontend portion in a frequency range other than the certain frequency range.