RF Lens Antenna Array for Rectangular Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antennas struggle to create a rectangular pattern coverage that is near maximum over a rectangular footprint and minimum outside this footprint, particularly in large gatherings at stadiums and venues, leading to inefficiencies in network performance.
Innovation Solution
An array of RF elements is used in conjunction with a lens, where a power divider provides unequal amplitude and/or phase to control the beam shape, forming a rectangular beam pattern through a planar array of elements, transforming a wide, square illuminating pattern into a higher gain, square-shaped pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single feed or pair of feeds is used with an RF lens, then the antenna structure is simple, but the beam pattern is circular and does not provide wide rectangular coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single feed into multiple RF elements arranged in a planar array (at least 3 elements along a first axis and at least 3 elements along a second axis). This segmentation allows different amplitude and phase weightings to be applied to each element, enabling the creation of a rectangular beam pattern that provides wider coverage area compared to a single feed circular pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single feed point to a two-dimensional planar array of RF elements. This dimensional expansion from 0D (point) to 2D (plane) enables control of the beam pattern in both horizontal and vertical planes, creating a rectangular coverage area instead of a circular one.
2Shape
If a planar array of elements is used to create a rectangular beam pattern, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies asymmetric amplitude and phase weightings to the RF elements in the planar array. By setting different weights for elements along the first axis versus the second axis, the circular symmetry is broken and a rectangular beam pattern is formed, matching the desired coverage shape.
Solution Approach 2:
Different RF elements in the planar array are assigned different local properties (amplitude and phase weights) based on their position. Elements at the edges of the array receive different weightings compared to central elements, allowing precise control over the rectangular beam pattern shape and coverage distribution.
3Reliability
If traditional round patterns are used, then the antenna structure is simple, but coverage holes appear in rectangular seating arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a power divider that can dynamically adjust the amplitude and phase weights applied to each RF element. This dynamic control capability allows the beam pattern to be optimized for rectangular coverage, eliminating coverage holes in seating areas while maintaining the ability to adapt to different operational requirements.
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 configuration results in improved network performance by conforming to typical seating arrangements, reducing coverage holes, and ensuring consistent power distribution within the desired area.
Implementation Method 1
an array of RF elements that transit and/or receive signals through a lens
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes an array of RF elements that transit and/or receive signals through a lens, and a power divider is configured to provide unequal amplitude and/or phase to at least some of the RF elements. In transmit mode, the shape and direction of the resulting beam is controlled in part by the shape of the array, the relative power distributed to the different RF elements, the operating frequency, the shape of the lens, the position of the lens with respect to the array, and the distance of the lens from the array.