Distributed Phased Antenna Arrays With MRC for Wider 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS) face challenges in achieving wide angle service areas while managing signal loss, thermal issues, and beam size problems, particularly in non-overlapping sections of the service area, which affect coverage and capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-step coherent combination of signals from multiple Phased Antenna Array Modules (PAAMs) using Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) and channel equalization to enhance signal processing, thereby increasing coverage and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If distributed phased antenna arrays are used to increase coverage area, then coverage area is improved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple PAAMs using Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) to merge signal energy constructively. The system combiner coherently combines the first and second combined signals from different PAAMs, achieving signal addition while maintaining power efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by allowing extended coverage through multiple distributed antennas while recovering signal strength through coherent combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-PAAM signal processing to multi-PAAM signal combination, adding a spatial dimension to signal processing. By distributing antennas across multiple PAAMs and combining their outputs, the system extends coverage area while using the additional spatial dimension to recover signal strength through MRC, rather than suffering from increased path loss.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple PAAMs are used to extend service area, then service area is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the overall antenna system into multiple independent Phased Antenna Array Modules (PAAMs), each with its own combiner. This segmentation allows each module to operate semi-independently, processing signals locally before combining at the system level. The modular architecture manages complexity by breaking down the large-scale antenna system into manageable units while still achieving wide coverage through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combiner acts as an intermediary that receives processed signals from multiple PAAMs and performs final coherent combination. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the combination function, rather than requiring complex interconnections between all antenna elements. The channel equalization unit also serves as an intermediary to compensate for channel effects before final signal combination.
3Area of stationary object
If wide angle service areas are supported, then coverage is improved, but beam size control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beamforming capabilities where the phase and amplitude of signals from different antenna elements can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt beam width and direction based on service requirements, enabling both wide coverage areas and precise beam control when needed. The phased array architecture provides flexible, reconfigurable beam patterns rather than fixed geometries.
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
Enhances coverage area, achieves diversity gain, improves signal-to-noise ratio, and supports unsymmetrical bandwidth for uplink and downlink, while reducing signal loss and thermal issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first combiner configured to coherently combine a signal received by the plurality of first antenna elements responsive to the first geometry to generate a first combined signal
Implementation Method 2
a phase (or time delay) controlled array of antenna elements enables beamforming of the transmitted and received RF signals
Implementation Method 3
The system combiner is configured to apply channel equalization to the first and second combined signals responsive to a known reference signal
Implementation Method 4
The system combiner is configured to coherently combine the channel equalized first and second combined signals using Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) to generate a combined output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-step coherent combination of signals received by multiple distributed phased antenna arrays to increase the coverage area of the distributed phase antenna arrays while decreasing the loss of such antennas, particularly in sections of a service area that traditionally are not covered by such antennas. More particularly, the solution presented herein coherently combines, in a multi-step coherent combination process, two or more data streams from two or more Phased Array Antenna Modules (PAAMs) to generate output data for the corresponding wireless device. In so doing, the solution presented herein achieves diversity gain in some scenarios, e.g., when adjacent PAAMs have partially overlapping frequency ranges, facilitates unsymmetrical BW support for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) implementations, and/or provides service to more users.