Multi-Panel Beamforming Antenna Layout for Full-Azimuth Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased antenna arrays (PAAs) face challenges in achieving full-azimuth coverage with progressive beam intensity reduction and significant scan losses, particularly in the millimetre wave frequency range of 24 to 52 GHz, necessitating improved radiation intensity and scan loss compensation.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system comprising multiple phased antenna arrays with a control unit that adjusts phase shifts to generate primary and secondary radiation beams, achieving constructive superposition to enhance radiation intensity and compensate for scan losses, particularly in the millimetre wave frequency range of 24 to 29 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If multi-faceted PAA configuration is used to achieve full-azimuth coverage, then weight and costs are reduced, but scan losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radiation beams from multiple adjacent phased antenna arrays by steering them to point in substantially the same direction, achieving constructive superposition. This merging of beams from multiple panels compensates for scan losses that would otherwise occur in a multi-faceted configuration, while maintaining the weight and cost benefits of using multiple panels instead of a conformal array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial arrangement of multiple antenna panels in a multi-faceted configuration, leveraging the geometric dimensionality to achieve full-azimuth coverage. By coordinating beams from panels positioned at different angular orientations, the system compensates for scan losses through constructive interference in the far field, transforming the limitation of individual panel scan ranges into an advantage through multi-dimensional beam coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam scanning is performed away from boresight direction, then azimuthal coverage is extended, but beam intensity reduces progressively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radiation beams from multiple adjacent phased antenna arrays by steering them to point in substantially the same direction. This constructive superposition compensates for the progressive beam intensity reduction that occurs when scanning away from the boresight direction of individual panels, maintaining high EIRP across the full azimuthal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates multiple copies of the high-intensity beam pattern from different antenna panels, all pointing in the same direction. This copying approach allows the system to maintain beam intensity at scanned angles by superimposing multiple beam copies constructively, rather than relying on a single panel's degraded beam at large scan angles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional blind spots are eliminated through beam steering, then coverage is improved, but EIRP requires increased input power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines beams from multiple antenna panels through constructive superposition, achieving blind spot elimination and continuous coverage without requiring increased input power per panel. The energy efficiency is maintained by utilizing the existing panel outputs in a coordinated manner rather than increasing individual panel power consumption.
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 system achieves improved Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) by up to 6 dB at critical scan angles, eliminating blind spots and reducing the need for increased input power, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
adjust phase shifts associated with the antenna elements of said phased antenna array to generate an electromagnetic radiation beam
Implementation Method 2
constructive superposition of the electromagnetic fields relevant to the primary and secondary beams is obtained
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an antenna system for antenna beamforming. The system comprises multiple antenna panels, wherein each panel has a rear side and a front side, wherein the front side of each panel comprises at least one phased antenna array (PAA), wherein each phased antenna array comprises at least one array of antenna elements, wherein the antenna panels are positioned such that the phased antenna arrays enable coverage at least along all angular directions of the azimuthal plane.