Partially Shared Wideband Beamforming Arrays for Compact Base Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base station antennas face challenges in accommodating both T-band and S-band beamforming arrays within the limited width and length constraints, while maintaining optimal performance and reducing insertion loss, as conventional solutions either exceed length limits or compromise on antenna gain due to suboptimal spacing and increased insertion loss from diplexers.
Innovation Solution
A multiband, multi-column beamforming array with three distinct sub-arrays, where the first and third sub-arrays form a T-band beamforming array, and the second and third sub-arrays form an S-band beamforming array, with optimized horizontal and vertical spacing of radiating elements in each sub-array to enhance beamforming and sidelobe performance, and shared diplexers on the third sub-array to reduce insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate beamforming arrays are deployed for T-band and S-band to maintain optimal performance, then antenna gain and beamforming performance are improved, but the number of antennas and overall system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines T-band and S-band beamforming arrays into a single integrated antenna structure. The antenna includes a first beamforming array for T-band and a second beamforming array for S-band, with shared radiating elements and feeding structures. This merging reduces the total number of separate antenna units while maintaining the beamforming capability and antenna gain for both frequency bands through coordinated signal processing and element sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing radiating elements and feeding networks that serve both T-band and S-band operations. The shared radiating elements can be excited by both T-band and S-band signals, allowing a single antenna structure to perform multiple functions (T-band beamforming and S-band beamforming) simultaneously, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving performance.
2Device complexity
If multiband antennas are deployed to reduce the number of antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but insertion loss increases due to diplexer usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna into distinct T-band and S-band beamforming arrays with separate feeding networks for critical paths. By segmenting the signal paths and using dedicated feed networks for each band in certain configurations, the patent avoids the need for diplexers in those paths, thereby reducing insertion loss while still achieving multiband operation through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate feeding structures and coupling mechanisms that enable direct connection between the signal source and radiating elements for both T-band and S-band without requiring diplexer intermediaries. These intermediary feeding networks allow selective excitation of radiating elements, eliminating the need for diplexer-based frequency separation and reducing associated insertion losses.
3Device complexity
If multiband antennas are deployed to reduce the number of antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but the antenna width and length constraints are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the T-band and S-band beamforming arrays are positioned within the same physical envelope. The radiating elements and feeding structures are nested or overlapping in space, allowing both T-band and S-band functionality to coexist within a single antenna footprint that meets width and length constraints, rather than requiring separate antenna installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to accommodate both T-band and S-band beamforming arrays within constrained two-dimensional footprint. By arranging elements in multiple layers and utilizing vertical spacing, the patent fits both frequency bands' required element patterns within the specified width and length limits, effectively adding a third dimension to the antenna design.
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
The solution allows for efficient fitting of both T-band and S-band arrays within the constraints, improving beamforming performance and reducing insertion loss by optimizing sub-array configurations and minimizing diplexer usage on shared elements.
Implementation Method 1
a first sub-array of first radiating elements, a second sub-array of second radiating elements and a third sub-array of third radiating elements. The first radiating elements are configured to operate in a first frequency band, the second radiating elements are configured to operate in a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band, and the third radiating elements are configured to operate in both the first frequency band and the second frequency band
Implementation Method 2
A beamforming array refers to a multi-column array of radiating elements that is capable of generating narrowed antenna beams that can be electronically steered in a desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
Base station antennas comprise a multi-column, multiband beamforming array that includes a first sub-array of first radiating elements, a second sub-array of second radiating elements and a third sub-array of third radiating elements. The first radiating elements are configured to operate in a first frequency band, the second radiating elements are configured to operate in a second frequency band, and the third radiating elements are configured to operate in both the first frequency band and the second frequency band. Each of the first through third sub-arrays has the same number of columns. A width of the first sub-array exceeds a width of the third sub-array, and a width of the third sub-array exceeds a width of the second sub-array.