Non-Parallel Antenna Panel Beamforming for Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of beams produced by antenna panels deteriorates as the angle between the beam direction and the boresight increases, leading to reduced antenna gain and asymmetric beam shapes, which complicates coverage and beam tracking.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using at least two antenna panels mounted in non-parallel planes, where one panel transmits a first beam and the other panel transmits a second beam to create a spatial overlap, allowing the radio frequency signals to combine constructively or mitigate destructive combining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna panels are used to maintain beam quality at large angles, then beam quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple antenna panels, each capable of independent beamforming. By dividing the overall antenna system into separate panels, the patent enables selective use of panels based on beam direction requirements, maintaining beam quality without requiring all panels to operate simultaneously at full complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different antenna panels based on the current beam direction and angle requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use only the necessary number of panels for each transmission scenario, optimizing the trade-off between beam quality and device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If antenna panels are used to transmit beams at large angles from boresight, then coverage area is increased, but beam quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mounting of antenna panels at different orientations relative to the boresight. By positioning panels at various angles, the system can transmit beams at large angles from the main boresight direction while each panel operates within its optimal angular range, maintaining beam quality across extended coverage areas
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna panels are mounted in non-parallel planes, adding a dimensional aspect to the antenna array configuration. This three-dimensional arrangement enables the system to achieve wide coverage by transmitting beams at various angles from multiple planar orientations, rather than being constrained to a single plane
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 improves beam quality, coverage, and beam tracking by increasing antenna gain and reducing asymmetry, while also reducing the need for additional antenna panels and radio units, thus lowering costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
transmission beamforming is used to focus energy towards an intended receiver device
Implementation Method 2
An example antenna system suitable for transmission beamforming is a phase array antenna module (PAAM) that comprises a plurality of (relatively small) antenna elements that are controllable by programmable amplitude and phase controllers
Implementation Method 3
controlling the second antenna panel to use a second beam to transmit a second instantiation of the radio frequency signal simultaneously with the first beam transmission, wherein the second beam is configured to provide a spatial overlap between the first and second beams
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for controlling beamforming of an antenna system comprising at least first and second antenna panels mounted in non-parallel planes, wherein each of the antenna panels is configured for beamforming transmission. The method comprises determining a first beam for transmission from the first antenna panel, and controlling the first antenna panel to use the first beam to transmit a first instantiation of a radio frequency signal. The method also comprises controlling the second antenna panel to use a second beam to transmit a second instantiation of the radio frequency signal simultaneously with the first beam transmission, wherein the second beam is configured to provide a spatial overlap between the first and second beams. In some embodiments, the method further comprises controlling at least one of the first and second antenna panels to use at least one additional beam to transmit an additional instantiation of the radio frequency signal simultaneously with the first and second beam transmissions, wherein the additional beam is configured to mitigate destructive combining between the first and second beams. Corresponding computer program product, apparatus, arrangement, radio access node, wireless communication device, control node, and wireless communication system are also disclosed.