Multi-feed Antenna Power Distribution for MIMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIMO communication systems face challenges in achieving optimal performance due to space constraints and cost considerations in small devices, as they typically require multiple independent antennas, which are difficult to integrate and expensive to manufacture, and achieving optimal impedance matching and isolation in single-element multi-feed antennas is more complex.
Innovation Solution
The use of single-element multi-feed antennas with two or more spatially separated antenna feeds, where power distribution and modulation/coding schemes are controlled based on antenna feed characteristic indicators and link quality indicators to optimize performance, allowing for unequal power distribution and varying modulation/coding rates across feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple independent antennas are used for MIMO communication, then data rates and throughput are increased, but device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single antenna element with multiple feeds. Instead of using multiple physically separate antennas, the invention integrates multiple feeding points (feeds) within one antenna structure, allowing MIMO communication functionality to be achieved while reducing device volume and simplifying integration in small devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna element with multiple feeds serves multiple functions simultaneously. Each feed can be independently controlled to transmit or receive different signal streams, enabling the single antenna structure to perform the roles of multiple independent antennas while maintaining MIMO capability
2Productivity
If multiple independent antennas are used for MIMO communication, then data rates and throughput are increased, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single antenna element with multiple feeds. Instead of using multiple physically separate antennas, the invention integrates multiple feeding points (feeds) within one antenna structure, allowing MIMO communication functionality to be achieved while reducing device volume and simplifying integration in small devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna element with multiple feeds serves multiple functions simultaneously. Each feed can be independently controlled to transmit or receive different signal streams, enabling the single antenna structure to perform the roles of multiple independent antennas while maintaining MIMO capability
3Ease of operation
If single-element multi-feed antennas are used, then device integration is improved, but achieving optimal impedance matching and isolation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of power distribution among the multiple feeds based on real-time channel conditions and feed characteristics. By adaptively adjusting the power allocated to each feed, the system optimizes impedance matching and isolation dynamically, transforming a static complex matching problem into a manageable dynamic control problem
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power distribution ratios, modulation schemes, coding rates) for different feeds based on their individual characteristics and channel conditions. This parameter optimization approach simplifies the impedance matching problem by allowing post-fabrication tuning rather than requiring precise physical design matching
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for use with a multi-feed antenna used in a MIMO communication system are described herein. A method can include obtaining an antenna feed characteristic indicator associated with each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna, and controlling how power is distributed among the feeds based on the antenna feed characteristic indicator associated with each of the feeds. An antenna feed characteristic indicator can be, e.g., an indicator of impedance matching, in which case power can be distributed among the feeds of the multi-feed antenna based on the indicators of impedance matching associate with each of the feeds. Power can also be distributed based on an indicator of link quality. Additionally, or alternatively, coding rate and/or modulation type can also be controlled for each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna, based on one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators and/or one or more indicators of link quality.