Multi-band Base Station Antenna Feed Stalk Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing base station antennas face performance issues due to the impact of low-band and mid-band radiating elements on high-band radiating elements, which can affect RF performance, beam shape, and size, especially in multi-band configurations.

Innovation Solution

The integration of multi-band radiating units, where low-band and mid-band radiating elements are combined to reduce shielding effects and improve performance, allowing for a more compact and efficient antenna design by using feed stalks that intersect and overlap to minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If low-band and mid-band radiating elements are placed in front of high-band radiating elements, then multi-band coverage is achieved, but RF performance and beam shape of high-band arrays are degraded due to shielding effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-band coverageVSAvoidRF performance of high-band arrays

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional planar arrangement where low-band and mid-band elements are positioned in front of high-band elements to a three-dimensional integrated structure. The feed stalks of low-band and mid-band radiating elements are routed to intersect and pass through the high-band radiating elements, allowing multi-band coverage while minimizing shielding effects on high-band arrays by changing the spatial dimension of element placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate linear arrays for low-band and mid-band are used, then frequency band coverage is achieved, but antenna size and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidantenna size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges low-band and mid-band radiating elements into integrated multi-band radiating units. The feed stalks of low-band and mid-band elements are combined and routed together, allowing them to share the same spatial location and structural support. This integration reduces the overall antenna volume while maintaining coverage of multiple frequency bands (617-960 MHz and 1427-2690 MHz).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the feed stalks of low-band radiating elements are routed to pass through the high-band radiating elements, and mid-band feed stalks are similarly integrated. This nesting allows multiple frequency band elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall antenna footprint while maintaining multi-band functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-band antenna configuration is used, then frequency coverage is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoidantenna manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines low-band and mid-band feed stalks into integrated routing paths that intersect and pass through common structural elements. This merging of feed paths and structural support reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps required, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining support for multiple frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach enhances the performance of active antenna modules by reducing the impact of passive elements on high-band arrays, enabling better beamforming and reducing the size and cost of base station antennas while improving RF efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first of the first frequency band radiating elements and a first of the second frequency band radiating elements are integrated into a multi-band radiating unit... a second feed stalk that extends through an aperture in the first feed stalk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240388009A1Base station antennas having multi-band radiating units that include integrated first and second frequency band radiating elements

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

Base station antennas include a first array having a plurality of first frequency band radiating elements and a second array having a plurality of second frequency band radiating elements, where the second frequency band being different than the first frequency band. A first of the first frequency band radiating elements includes a first feed stalk and a first of the second frequency band radiating elements includes a second feed stalk that extends through an aperture in the first feed stalk.