Small Cell Antennas with Peanut-Shaped Beams for MIMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small cell base station antennas are complex and expensive, limiting the cost-effective deployment of multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) technologies in cellular networks, which are essential for enhancing network capacity and coverage in high-density urban environments.
Innovation Solution
The design of base station antennas featuring linear arrays of radiating elements mounted on a tubular reflector assembly, configured to generate peanut-shaped antenna beams with dual polarization, providing omnidirectional coverage and supporting MIMO operations with reduced complexity and cost by using fewer radiating elements and innovative feed network configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional small cell base station antennas are used to support MIMO operation, then network capacity and coverage are enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple linear arrays of radiating elements (first through eighth linear arrays) mounted on separate backplanes, with each array independently fed by dedicated feed networks. This segmentation allows each subset to be optimized for specific MIMO functions while reducing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Opposite linear arrays are combined to form integrated beam pairs (first and third arrays form first beam, second and fourth form second beam, etc.). This merging reduces the number of independent feed networks required while maintaining MIMO capability, as opposite arrays work together to generate single peanut-shaped beams with dual polarization.
2Productivity
If conventional small cell base station antennas are used to support MIMO operation, then network capacity and coverage are enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is constructed from multiple discrete linear arrays mounted on separate backplanes, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly of each subset. This segmentation enables standardized production of modular components that can be manufactured more cost-effectively than monolithic antenna structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each linear array is designed to serve multiple functions: individual arrays provide spatial diversity, opposite arrays together generate peanut-shaped beams with dual polarization, and the modular structure supports both MIMO operation and omnidirectional coverage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, lowering manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If multiple linear arrays with dedicated feed networks are used for MIMO, then antenna performance is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Opposite linear arrays are merged into integrated beam pairs, where the first and third arrays together form the first peanut-shaped beam, and the second and fourth arrays form the second beam. This merging reduces the number of independent feed networks from eight to four, as each pair shares a common feed structure while maintaining MIMO performance through coordinated operation.
4Area of stationary object
If conventional antenna designs are used, then full 360 degree coverage is achieved, but interference with macro cell increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna generates peanut-shaped beams with concentrated energy distribution in specific azimuth directions rather than uniform omnidirectional radiation. This local quality concentration directs energy precisely where needed while reducing spill-over into regions outside the small cell, thereby minimizing interference with overlaid macro cells while maintaining adequate coverage area.
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 achieves improved capacity and coverage while reducing the number of radiating elements and feed network components, making MIMO technologies more affordable and efficient for small cell base stations, thereby enhancing network performance and capacity without the need for extensive infrastructure changes.
Implementation Method 1
first through eighth linear arrays of radiating elements that are mounted to extend outwardly from respective first through eighth backplanes
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.