Small Cell MIMO Antenna Array Layout for 360° Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small cell base station antennas are complex and costly, making it challenging to implement Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) capabilities efficiently, especially in high-density urban environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of base station antennas with four linear arrays of radiating elements mounted on a rectangular tubular reflector assembly, configured to generate peanut-shaped antenna beams in the azimuth plane, providing omnidirectional coverage and supporting MIMO operations with reduced complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional small cell base station antennas are used to provide full 360 degree coverage, then coverage capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into four linear arrays of radiating elements arranged on the faces of a rectangular tubular reflector assembly, with each array independently controllable to provide sector coverage that can be electronically combined to achieve omnidirectional coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system employs electronic beam steering and dynamic control of the four linear arrays to adaptively shape and direct radiation patterns, allowing transition between sector coverage and omnidirectional coverage modes without mechanical movement
2Productivity
If MIMO capabilities are implemented in small cell base stations, then network capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The four linear arrays are designed to serve multiple functions: they can operate independently for MIMO spatial diversity, be combined in pairs for directional sector coverage, or all four combined for omnidirectional coverage, providing versatile operation modes within a single antenna structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines four linear arrays into a unified tubular reflector assembly where elements are strategically positioned to achieve both MIMO spatial separation and constructive interference patterns for omnidirectional radiation, merging multiple functions into a compact structure
3Ease of manufacture
If the number of radiating elements is reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost is improved, but coverage and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar array configurations to a three-dimensional tubular reflector assembly, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to achieve omnidirectional coverage with fewer elements by leveraging spatial distribution in multiple dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular reflector assembly acts as an intermediary structure that focuses and directs radiation from the linear arrays, enhancing the effective coverage and gain of each radiating element through reflective focusing without requiring additional active elements
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 design simplifies MIMO operations in small cell base stations, offering improved coverage and capacity while reducing the number of radiating elements and feed networks, thus lowering costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear array of radiating elements that are mounted in front of a first backplane; a second linear array of radiating elements that are mounted in front of a second backplane; a third linear array of radiating elements that are mounted in front of a third backplane; a fourth linear array of radiating elements that are mounted in front of a fourth backplane
Data Source
AI summary
A base station antenna includes a first set of radiating elements that are configured to generate a first antenna beam that has a first peanut-shaped antenna pattern in an azimuth plane and a second set of radiating elements that are configured to generate a second antenna beam that has a second peanut-shaped antenna pattern in the azimuth plane. A longitudinal axis of the first peanut-shaped antenna pattern in the azimuth plane is rotated approximately ninety degrees from a longitudinal axis of the second peanut-shaped antenna pattern in the azimuth plane.