Multi-Beam Antenna Devices for Millimeter-Wave Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current millimeter-wave networks face challenges in achieving efficient and reliable signal transmission and reception due to limitations in antenna array designs, which affect transmission reliability and complexity, especially in multi-path environments.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus comprises a plurality of antenna devices and a feeding device that power divide input signals to generate multiple output signals, allowing for phase and amplitude modification by signal processing devices, enabling multi-beam transmission and reception with reconfigurable antenna elements, such as patch or horn antennas, arranged on printed circuit boards for cost-effective production and efficient multi-path radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-gain antenna array is used for signal transmission in millimeter-wave networks, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple independent antenna devices, each capable of receiving and processing signals independently. Each antenna device includes its own signal processing device that can modify phase and amplitude of received signals, enabling distributed signal processing that reduces the complexity of a centralized high-gain antenna system while maintaining transmission reliability through multiple independent signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic signal processing where each antenna device can independently adjust the phase and amplitude of its received signals in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing transmission conditions and optimize signal quality, maintaining high reliability while distributing complexity across multiple simpler, reconfigurable units rather than requiring a single complex high-gain array.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna devices are used for multi-beam transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multi-beam transmission function into multiple independent antenna devices, each with standardized components including patch antennas mounted on printed circuit boards. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where identical or similar antenna devices can be produced using standardized processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to building a single complex multi-beam system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs patch antenna elements with specific geometric parameters and configurations that can be manufactured using standard PCB fabrication processes. By optimizing the antenna device design to use conventional manufacturing techniques and standardized components, the system achieves multi-beam transmission capability without significantly increasing manufacturing costs, while improving transmission reliability through multiple independent signal paths.
3Measurement precision
If signal processing devices modify phase and amplitude of input signals, then reception quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing function is segmented and distributed across multiple independent antenna devices, each with its own signal processing device. Instead of requiring a single complex centralized signal processing system, each antenna device independently performs phase and amplitude modification on its received signals. This distribution of processing complexity reduces the complexity of any single device while improving reception quality through multiple processed signal paths that can be combined.
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 solution provides a low-complexity, cost-effective multi-beam transmission and reception system that enhances transmission reliability and reception quality by enabling multiple beams for signal replication and path diversity, suitable for millimeter-wave frequencies like 5G communications, while maintaining radiation performance.
Implementation Method 1
the feeding device is configured to receive a first input signal, to generate a plurality of first output signals by power dividing said first input signal
Implementation Method 2
a signal processing device configured to determine a second output signal depending on said second input signal by at least temporarily modifying a phase and/or an amplitude of said second input signal
Implementation Method 3
exemplary embodiments enable to transmit said first input signal or a signal derived therefrom in the form of multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of antenna devices, which may be considered as a 'multi-beam antenna element or system', enable multi-path radiation of said signal replicas or copies
Implementation Method 5
the first antenna element and/or the second antenna element of said at least one of said antenna devices is a planar antenna element, preferably a patch antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus comprising a plurality of antenna devices and a feeding device, wherein said feeding device is configured to receive a first input signal, to generate a plurality of first output signals by power dividing said first input signal, and to provide said plurality of first output signals to said plurality of antenna devices, wherein two or more of said antenna devices comprise a first antenna element for receiving at least a portion of said plurality of first output signals as a second input signal, a signal processing device configured to determine a second output signal depending on said second input signal by at least temporarily modifying a phase and/or an amplitude of said second input signal or a signal derived from said second input signal, and a second antenna element, wherein said signal processing device is configured to provide said second output signal to said second antenna element.