Multi-Beam Electromagnetic Lens Antenna With Electrical Downtilt Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single lens antennas are insufficient for meeting the requirements of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, particularly in mobile communications, as they can only achieve 2T2R and lack the ability to adjust beam downtilt angles conveniently, leading to large and cumbersome designs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-frequency and multi-beam independent electrically adjustable antenna is designed with cylindrical electromagnetic lenses, a reflecting plate, and phase shifters, allowing for flexible beam direction adjustment and compact size, enabling 4T4R configurations to meet MIMO channel requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lens antenna is used, then the structure is simple, but it can only achieve 2T2R and cannot meet MIMO channel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single lens antenna into multiple independent lens units (first electromagnetic lens and second electromagnetic lens). Each lens unit can independently focus electromagnetic waves to form separate beams, enabling multiple transmit and receive channels. This segmentation allows the antenna system to achieve 4T4R capability while maintaining relatively simple individual lens structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna system to perform multiple functions: it can simultaneously support multiple transmit channels, multiple receive channels, and adjustable beam directions. The electromagnetic lenses and oscillators are configured to enable both 4T4R operation and beam downtilt adjustment, making the system versatile for different MIMO applications.
2Ease of operation
If beam direction is adjusted by moving oscillator or electromagnetic lens, then beam direction can be changed, but the antenna size becomes large and installation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of moving oscillators or lenses with an electrical phase shifting system. Phase shifters are introduced to control the phase of electromagnetic signals fed to each oscillator, enabling electronic beam steering without any mechanical movement. This substitution dramatically reduces the antenna size while maintaining beam direction adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable beam directions through phase shifters that can change phase characteristics in real-time. The beam downtilt angle can be electrically adjusted without moving any physical components, allowing the antenna to adapt its radiation pattern dynamically while maintaining a compact fixed structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple oscillators and phase shifters are added to achieve 4T4R, then MIMO requirements are met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into modular units: multiple oscillators, multiple electromagnetic lenses, and phase shifters are organized as distinct functional modules. This modular segmentation makes the complex 4T4R system easier to design, assemble, and maintain compared to a fully integrated approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase shifters as intermediary components between the signal source and the oscillators/lenses. These phase shifters provide a convenient interface for controlling beam directions and simplifying the overall system architecture, making the complex multi-channel system more manageable through a unified control mechanism.
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 solution provides a compact, scientifically designed antenna that can flexibly adjust beam directions and meet the channel requirements of MIMO technology, improving signal coverage and reducing the complexity of beam control.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnetic lens, a second electromagnetic lens... The first electromagnetic lens and the second electromagnetic lens are both cylindrical lenses
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting plate... The reflecting plate is bent to form a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, a third reflecting surface and a fourth reflecting surface
Implementation Method 3
a first phase shifter to a twelfth phase shifter C1 to C12... each of the first phase shifter to the sixth phase shifter C1 to C6 is linked with a corresponding one of the seventh phase shifter to the twelfth phase shifter C7 to C12 through a corresponding one of the first push component to the sixth push component D1 to D6
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-frequency and multi-beam independent electrically adjustable antenna includes: a first electromagnetic lens, a second electromagnetic lens, a mounting plate, a reflecting plate, oscillator units, oscillator units, and phase shifters. The oscillator units have a higher operating frequency than the oscillator units. The first electromagnetic lens, the second electromagnetic lens, the reflecting plate and the mounting plate are fixed relative to each other. The oscillator units and the oscillator units are all mounted on a reflecting surface of the reflecting plate. The phase shifters are all mounted on the mounting plate. The present application is characterized by simple structure, scientific design, small size, flexible setting of beam direction and etc.