Reconfigurable Over-Indexed Antenna Array for Shadowing Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G wireless systems require antenna arrays operating at high frequencies, but 'shadowing' effects from objects, such as a user's hand, can lead to reduced antenna gain and inability to meet communication requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable over-indexed antenna array system that uses sensors to identify blocked and unblocked antenna elements, allowing the controller to switch active and passive/sensor configurations to maintain required antenna gain and scanning angles, even when some elements are obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If antenna elements are increased to meet 5G communication requirements, then spectral efficiency and data rates are improved, but the device becomes more susceptible to shadowing effects from objects like user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where antenna elements can be switched between active and inactive states in real-time based on detected shadowing conditions. The controller receives sensor input indicating object blocking and reconfigures the antenna elements accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain reliable communication performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of antenna elements by switching them between active and inactive states. This parameter change allows the antenna array to optimize its performance by activating only the necessary subset of elements when shadowing is detected, thereby maintaining spectral efficiency while reducing the impact of blocking objects.
2Reliability
If all antenna elements are kept active to maintain communication performance, then antenna gain is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of antenna elements required to meet communication performance requirements. When shadowing is detected, the controller determines the minimum number of active elements needed and deactivates the remainder, thereby maintaining adequate antenna gain while reducing power consumption by avoiding excessive activation of all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array system performs self-service by autonomously monitoring shadowing conditions through sensors and automatically reconfiguring its element activation state. The controller receives sensor input and independently decides which elements to activate or deactivate, eliminating the need for external intervention and optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption dynamically.
3Use of energy by moving object
If antenna elements are deactivated to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to meet antenna gain and scanning angle requirements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring shadowing conditions through sensors and using this information to make informed decisions about element activation. The controller receives sensor input indicating object blocking and uses this feedback to determine the optimal subset of active elements, ensuring that power is reduced only when communication requirements are still met with fewer elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the antenna array with over-indexed elements, providing a reserve of additional elements that can be activated when needed. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly switch between different activation configurations in response to shadowing conditions without compromising the ability to meet antenna gain and scanning angle requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna array is made reconfigurable to adapt to shadowing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as radiating elements and as detectable targets for shadowing detection. The same physical structure performs multiple roles: active elements for communication and passive elements for shadowing detection, reducing the need for separate dedicated sensor components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple independently controllable elements, allowing selective activation and deactivation. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to shadowing conditions by activating only the necessary subset of elements, providing adaptability while managing complexity through modular control of individual elements rather than treating the array as a single unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for reconfiguring over-indexed antenna arrays in mobile devices are provided. For example, the method includes receiving sensor input that indicates an object blocking a first subset of reconfigurable antenna elements but not blocking a second subset of reconfigurable antenna elements of an over-indexed antenna array. The method also includes configuring, based on the sensor input, a number of the antenna elements in the first subset as non-active for radiating energy and a number of the antenna elements in the second subset as active for radiating energy.