Ring Antenna Array Layout for Compact 5G Base Station Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems for 4.5G and 5G base stations require large dimensions for far-field measurements, leading to high costs and complexity, and mechanical movement of antenna elements results in wear and tear, making maintenance expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
A compact antenna arrangement with electrically controlled antenna elements in a circular or ring-shaped configuration, using plane wave synthesis to create far-field conditions, allowing for sub-array grouping with adjustable amplitude and phase settings, and integrating all elements on a single printed circuit board, enabling stationary operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If far-field measurements are performed with large antenna dimensions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays that can be independently controlled and switched. This segmentation allows the system to achieve far-field measurement conditions through coordinated operation of smaller sub-arrays rather than requiring a single large antenna system, thus reducing overall size while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear antenna arrangements to a two-dimensional array structure with sub-arrays positioned at different locations. This dimensional change enables the system to synthesize far-field conditions through spatial distribution of multiple smaller elements rather than requiring a single large antenna, resolving the contradiction between size and measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical movement of antenna elements is used, then measurement flexibility is improved, but wear and tear increases maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement of antenna elements with electronic switching between fixed sub-arrays. Instead of physically moving antennas to change measurement configurations, the system electronically activates different sub-arrays, eliminating mechanical wear and tear while maintaining measurement flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves dynamic reconfiguration capability through electronic switching between multiple fixed sub-arrays rather than mechanical movement. This allows the antenna system to adapt to different measurement requirements by selectively activating appropriate sub-arrays, providing flexibility without the complexity and wear associated with mechanical systems.
3Device complexity
If sub-array grouping with electrical control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple sub-arrays with independent electrical control, reducing overall device complexity by allowing selective activation of only the necessary sub-arrays for each measurement scenario. This segmentation maintains measurement precision through coordinated operation of smaller, simpler units rather than requiring control of a single large complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sub-array is optimized for specific measurement functions with localized electrical control, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision in targeted areas while keeping overall device complexity manageable. The local optimization of each sub-array contributes to global measurement accuracy without requiring complex centralized control of the entire antenna system.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective 4.5G and 5G base station testing in smaller spaces with improved performance and reduced complexity, maintaining accuracy without mechanical movement, and extending the antenna array's frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
Plane wave synthesis is used here when generally describing the used method. The PWG is a device, which creates a plane wave to a near field.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an antenna arrangement for 4.5G or 5G base station testing purposes. The antenna elements are placed in concentric rings and in a star-shaped arrangement around a center spot. All antenna elements within the same ring are controlled by the same amplitude and phase control signal. The test system processor also selects dedicated rings into use and switches the rest of the rings off. The ring spacing, i.e. the mutual antenna element distance along the same radial line will be determined based on highest frequency within the desired wide frequency band. A bowtie dipole type of antenna can be used. The antenna elements can be fixed on a printed circuit board, and thus, they remain mechanically stationary.