RF Lens Antenna Array Layout for Compact MIMO Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays face challenges in achieving high MIMO performance while maintaining a compact size due to spacing requirements and engineering constraints, which affect radiation efficiency and coupling between antennas.
Innovation Solution
The use of radio frequency lenses, specifically dielectric lenses with varying dielectric constants, to adjust the wavefront phase of electromagnetic waves, increasing the phase difference between signals from antennas without altering the physical size of the array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the spacing between adjacent antennas is reduced to decrease the antenna array size, then the device size is reduced, but the radiation efficiency is reduced and MIMO performance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna and free space. The lens modifies the electromagnetic wave propagation by creating a phase delay effect, which artificially increases the equivalent electrical distance between antennas. This allows physical antenna spacing to be reduced while maintaining the required phase difference for MIMO operation, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and MIMO performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters of the space between antennas by introducing a dielectric lens with specific permittivity. This parameter change creates an equivalent electrical length extension, allowing the system to achieve the required phase difference (0.5λ or more) with reduced physical spacing. The dielectric constant of the lens material is specifically selected to achieve the desired phase adjustment
2Productivity
If the quantity of antennas is increased to improve system capacity, then the wireless communication capacity is improved, but the antenna array size becomes too large due to spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric lens acts as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between physical spacing and electrical spacing. By placing lenses between antenna elements, the system can pack more antennas into a smaller physical footprint while maintaining the 0.5λ electrical spacing requirement for MIMO performance, thus enabling increased system capacity without proportionally increasing array size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively adds a dimensional transformation by converting physical space into electrical space through the dielectric lens. The lens creates an equivalent electrical path length that is longer than the physical distance, allowing dense physical packing while maintaining electrical spacing requirements. This dimensional transformation enables higher antenna density for improved productivity
3Ease of manufacture
If the spacing between adjacent antennas is reduced to meet engineering limitations, then the appearance and load bearing requirements are met, but the coupling between antennas increases and MIMO performance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric lens serves as a mediator that allows compact physical spacing (meeting engineering constraints for appearance and load bearing) while maintaining proper electrical spacing (0.5λ or more) through phase delay. This enables the system to satisfy both mechanical engineering requirements and electromagnetic performance requirements simultaneously
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
This approach enhances MIMO performance per unit size by reducing coupling between antennas, allowing for a more efficient use of space and improved signal processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency lenses, specifically dielectric lenses with varying dielectric constants, to adjust the wavefront phase of electromagnetic waves
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna array and a wireless device using the antenna array are disclosed. The antenna array includes a first antenna set and a first radio frequency lens set. The first antenna set includes a plurality of antennas, and the first radio frequency lens set includes a plurality of radio frequency lenses. The plurality of antennas and the plurality of radio frequency lenses are arranged according to rules. According to the rules, the first radio frequency lens set can be used to increase a phase difference between radio signals from antennas.