Multi-band RF Antenna with Splashplate Near-field Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF antenna systems face challenges in efficiently supporting multiple frequency bands, particularly with the increasing data traffic demands of 5G, IoT, and Cloud applications, requiring new approaches to enhance capacity and coverage.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band RF antenna system incorporating a primary reflector and a near-field feed arrangement with a multi-band waveguide feed and a splashplate, where the splashplate is positioned within the near-field of both waveguide feeds, optimizing electromagnetic energy coupling and phase center alignment for efficient operation across different frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antenna systems are used for different frequency bands, then each band can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band feeds into a single integrated antenna system. The primary reflector serves multiple frequency bands simultaneously, with different feed arrangements (splashplate for lower bands, horn feeds for higher bands) optimized for their respective bands but unified under one reflector structure. This reduces the number of separate antenna systems needed while maintaining band-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary reflector is designed to serve multiple functions across different frequency bands. The same reflector surface illuminates multiple feeds operating at different frequencies, making the antenna system universal for supporting both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands without requiring separate dedicated reflectors for each band.
2Productivity
If multiple separate antenna systems are deployed to support multiple frequency bands, then coverage and capacity requirements can be met, but tower leasing costs and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple frequency band operations into a single antenna system with one primary reflector serving multiple feeds, the patent reduces the total number of antenna installations required. This consolidation directly reduces installation time and the number of tower mounting locations needed, thereby reducing tower leasing costs while maintaining the capacity to handle multiple frequency bands simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If a single antenna system supports multiple frequency bands, then installation cost and time are reduced, but achieving efficient electromagnetic coupling across different bands becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different feed arrangements optimized for specific frequency ranges: a splashplate feed arrangement optimized for lower frequency bands (sub-6 GHz) and horn feed arrangements optimized for higher frequency bands (mmWave). Each feed type has local electromagnetic coupling characteristics tailored to its frequency range, while all feeds share the common primary reflector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary reflector acts as an intermediary that couples electromagnetic energy from multiple different feed arrangements operating at different frequency bands. It mediates between the diverse feed types (splashplate, horn feeds) and the radiation space, enabling efficient energy transfer across bands through its geometric design that accommodates different focal requirements.
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 enables efficient electromagnetic energy coupling and optimized illumination of the primary reflector, achieving compact, high-performance RF antenna operation across multiple frequency bands, suitable for point-to-point wireless communication and backhaul applications, reducing tower leasing costs and installation time.
Implementation Method 1
a near-field feed arrangement that comprises a multi-band waveguide feed and a splashplate that is located within the near-field of the multi-band waveguide feed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, for example a multi-band radio frequency antenna system, comprising: a primary reflector, for example a parabolic reflector; and a near-field feed arrangement comprising: a multi-band waveguide feed comprising a first waveguide feed for a first frequency band and a second waveguide feed for a second frequency band separate to the first frequency band, wherein the first waveguide feed and the second waveguide feed are co-axial and have, respectively, a first aperture and a second aperture; and a splashplate located within the near-field of the first waveguide feed, located within the near field of the second waveguide feed and configured as a feed for the primary reflector.