Quad-Polarized Antenna Array for Low-Correlation Beam Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In massive MIMO systems, interference between contiguous beams increases channel correlation, making it difficult to efficiently utilize spatial resources due to similar dual polarization characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A quad-polarized antenna system with alternately arranged rows of dual-polarized antenna units having different dual polarization characteristics, forming beams with +/−45° and 0°/90° polarizations, and connecting them to separate RF chains to achieve spatial multiplexing without digital signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-polarized antenna units with similar polarization characteristics are used in contiguous beams, then the antenna system can support polarization diversity function, but interference between beams increases channel correlation making it difficult to efficiently utilize spatial resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different polarization characteristics to antenna units based on their spatial location and beam direction. Specifically, antenna units forming beams in different spatial directions are configured with different polarization orientations (e.g., vertical/horizontal for some beams, ±45° for others), allowing each local region to optimize its polarization properties for its specific beam direction while maintaining overall system diversity capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization parameter (orientation angle) of antenna elements according to the beam direction. By adjusting the polarization angle parameter to match the spatial direction of each beam, the system reduces channel correlation between contiguous beams while preserving polarization diversity, thereby improving spatial resource utilization efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beams with similar dual polarization characteristics are formed, then the antenna array can provide coverage in multiple directions, but interference between beams increases channel correlation
Solution Approach 1:
Different polarization characteristics are assigned to antenna units based on their local beam direction requirements. Antenna units directed toward different spatial regions use different polarization orientations, ensuring that each local beam has optimized polarization properties while maintaining orthogonality with adjacent beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in polarization configuration by using non-uniform polarization angles across different beams. Instead of all beams using the same polarization characteristics, the system employs asymmetric polarization assignments (e.g., V/H for some beams, ±45° for others) that correspond to the asymmetric spatial distribution of beam directions, thereby reducing channel correlation
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
Reduces interference between beams by ensuring different dual polarization characteristics, allowing efficient spatial resource utilization and minimizing heat generation and hardware loss, while maintaining accurate beam spacing.
Implementation Method 1
The first dual-polarized antenna unit and the second dual-polarized antenna unit have different dual polarization characteristics from each other. The rows of first dual-polarized antenna units are used to form at least one first beam and at least one second beam which have +/−45° polarizations, and the rows of second dual-polarized antenna units are used to form at least one third beam and at least one fourth beam which have 0°/90° polarizations.
Implementation Method 2
The polarization of an antenna refers to the orientation of an electric field (i.e., E-plane) of a radio wave with respect to the Earth's surface and is determined at least partially by the physical structure and orientation of an antenna element. The first and third beams correspond to main lobes, and the second and fourth beams correspond to grating lobes. The first beam and the second beam are not spatially contiguous to each other, and the third beam and the fourth beam are not spatially contiguous to each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A quad-polarized antenna system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of RF chains, and an antenna array in which rows of first dual-polarized antenna units and rows of second dual-polarized antenna units are alternately arranged in a horizontal direction. The first dual-polarized antenna unit and the second dual-polarized antenna unit have different dual polarization characteristics from each other. The rows of first dual-polarized antenna units are used to form at least one first beam and at least one second beam which have +/−45° polarizations, and the rows of second dual-polarized antenna units are used to form at least one third beam and at least one fourth beam which have 0°/90° polarizations. The first beam, the second beam, the third beam, and the fourth beam are formed towards different spatial directions, and the first and third beams correspond to main lobes, and the second and fourth beams correspond to grating lobes.