Patch Antenna Array Layout for Boresight Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array of patch antennas in beam-steering applications face challenges in achieving high cross-polarization discrimination, especially at boresight, which affects the efficiency of beam-steering in multiple user MIMO systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of electrically floating, elongate coupling elements arranged in parallel columns between patch antennas, which increase cross-polarization discrimination by providing a unique alignment and distribution that enhances the antenna array's performance at boresight, while also allowing for phase adjustments to facilitate beam-steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional array of patch antennas is used without coupling elements, then the device complexity is lower, but the cross-polarization discrimination at boresight is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Electrically floating coupling elements are introduced as intermediary components between the patch antennas. These coupling elements mediate the electromagnetic interaction between adjacent antennas, providing a mechanism to control and enhance cross-polarization discrimination without requiring direct modification of the antenna structures themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The characteristics of the coupling elements (such as their position, size, shape, and electrical properties) are optimized to achieve the desired cross-polarization discrimination. By adjusting parameters like the distance between coupling elements and antennas, and the dimensions of coupling elements, the system achieves improved performance without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If coupling elements are added to increase cross-polarization discrimination, then the antenna array performance at boresight is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into functional units consisting of patch antennas and their associated coupling elements. This segmentation allows for modular design and analysis, where each antenna-coupling element pair can be independently optimized while contributing to the overall array performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Systematic parameter optimization is performed on the coupling elements, including their position relative to antennas, their dimensional characteristics, and their electrical properties. This parameter tuning enables achievement of reliable cross-polarization discrimination while controlling the increase in device complexity through efficient design space exploration.
3Measurement precision
If coupling elements are positioned closer to antennas in center columns than in periphery columns, then the cross-polarization discrimination is optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element configuration is made non-uniform across the array, with center columns having different coupling element positions or characteristics compared to periphery columns. This local quality variation optimizes cross-polarization discrimination in the boresight direction while accounting for the specific electromagnetic field distribution patterns in different regions of the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The array exhibits asymmetric coupling element placement relative to the array center, with intentional differences between center and periphery columns. This asymmetric design is optimized to achieve the desired radiation pattern and cross-polarization discrimination characteristics, accepting that it requires precise manufacturing to maintain the intended asymmetric geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising:a ground plane;an array of antennas, wherein the array comprises antennas arranged in parallel rows and parallel columns;for one or more columns of the antennas in the array, there is an aligned arrangement of coupling elements comprising coupling elements between the antennas in the respective column,wherein the coupling elements are separate from the antennas and are electrically floating.