Multi-beam Phased Antenna Structure for mmW 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communications, particularly for mmW 5G applications, traditional phased array antennas require multiple sets to achieve directional beams with sufficient coverage, but they have narrow beamwidths, necessitating beam steering or multi-beam coverage to compensate for propagation loss.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam phased antenna structure is developed, comprising a main antenna array and auxiliary arrays with a passive beam forming circuit, where the first and second main antennas are interleaved and phase-shifted by 180°, allowing for adjustable beamwidth and overlapping, and inhibiting side lobes through a unimodal symmetric power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple sets of phased array antennas are used to achieve multi-directional beam radiation, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna sets into a single integrated phased array structure. By using a unified antenna array with multiple radiation elements that can be independently controlled, the system achieves multi-directional beam radiation without requiring separate antenna sets for each direction, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability within a single phased array system. By dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals across different radiation elements, the system can electronically steer beams in multiple directions without physically moving or switching between multiple antenna sets, reducing structural complexity while providing comprehensive coverage.
2Loss of energy
If directional beams with high gain are used to compensate propagation loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but beamwidth becomes too narrow to provide sufficient coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation pattern into multiple simultaneous beams rather than using a single narrow high-gain beam. By dividing the total radiation energy across multiple directional beams, each beam maintains sufficient gain to compensate for propagation loss while the collective coverage of all beams provides adequate overall coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can generate multiple directional beams with high gain for energy efficiency while also providing broad overall coverage through the combined radiation patterns. This multi-functional capability allows the system to address both propagation loss compensation and sufficient coverage requirements with a single configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If beam steering or multi-beam coverage is implemented to provide sufficient coverage, then coverage area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electronic phase shifting and amplitude control. By using phase shifters and amplitude controllers to electronically steer beams and create multi-beam patterns, the system achieves the required coverage area without the mechanical complexity of moving parts, switches, or physically reconfigurable antenna structures.
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 reduces the number of antenna arrays required, enabling wider coverage with narrower beamwidths and adjustable overlapping, while maintaining minimal size and inhibiting side lobes, thus enhancing radiation efficiency in mobile communications.
Implementation Method 1
The main phase shifters are electrically coupled to the second main antennas, such that a difference between a first phase of each of the first main antennas and a second phase of each of the second main antennas is substantially 180°
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-beam phased antenna structure and a controlling method are provided. The multi-beam phased antenna structure includes a main antenna array and a passive beam forming circuit. The main antenna array includes a plurality of first main antennas and a plurality of second main antennas. The first main antennas are spaced out a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is related to a coverage of the multi-beam phased antenna structure. The first main antennas and the second main antennas are interleaved. The second main antennas are spaced out the predetermined distance. The passive beam forming circuit includes a plurality of main phase shifters. The main phase shifters are electrically coupled to the second main antennas, such that a difference between a first phase of each of the first main antennas and a second phase of each of the second main antennas is substantially 180°.