Multi-band phase shifter circuit reduces antenna cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual band antennas for wireless communications struggle to accommodate growing wireless data traffic demands, as they often require additional antennas or increased width, which poses issues with tower loading, zoning regulations, and increased cabling complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna system incorporating an array of wide-band radiating elements and a multi-band electrical tilt circuit with variable phase shifters and combiners on a common medium, such as a printed circuit board, allowing independent adjustment of downtilt for each band and reducing cabling and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are added to accommodate LTE and higher frequencies, then frequency band coverage is improved, but tower loading and site permitting issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency bands (GSM900, GSM1800, LTE2.6, WiMax) into a single integrated antenna structure with shared radiating elements and feed network, eliminating the need for multiple separate antennas and reducing tower loading
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design uses wide-band radiating elements that can operate across multiple frequency bands simultaneously, with a multi-band feed network that routes different frequency bands through shared components rather than requiring dedicated antennas for each band
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multiband antenna includes at least one array of radiating elements for each frequency band, then frequency band coverage is improved, but antenna width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency band operations into a single antenna array structure, where wide-band radiating elements handle multiple bands simultaneously, reducing the overall antenna width compared to having separate arrays for each band
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network uses vertical stacking and three-dimensional routing of transmission lines to accommodate multiple frequency bands within a compact planar footprint, effectively moving the solution into the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally
3Area of stationary object
If a tower structure is replaced to accommodate wider antennas, then antenna width is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated multi-band antenna design maintains a compact width that fits existing tower structures, eliminating the need for expensive tower replacement while providing coverage for multiple frequency bands through shared radiating elements and feed network
4Area of stationary object
If diplexers are used to combine LTE and SCDMA frequency bands, then antenna width is reduced, but cabling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency bands into a single feed network with integrated phase shifters and combiners, reducing cabling complexity compared to separate diplexer paths while maintaining compact antenna width through shared transmission lines and common RF components
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band antenna system includes an array of wide-band radiating elements and a multi-band electrical tilt circuit. The multi-band electrical tilt circuit includes a plurality of combiners, a first RF band variable phase shifter and a second RF band variable phase shifter implemented in a common medium. The common medium may comprise a PCB, a stripline circuit, or the like. Each combiner includes a combined port, a first RF band port, and a second RF band port. The combined ports are coupled to the radiating elements. The first RF band phase shifter has a first plurality of variably phase shifted ports connected to the first RF band ports of the combiners via transmission line, and the second RF band phase shifter has a second plurality of variably phase-shifted ports connected to the second RF band ports of the combiners via transmission line. The phase shifters are independently configurable.