Switched Spherical Lens Beam Array for Better Beam Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple beam antennas face challenges with poor beam-to-beam isolation, leading to unwanted signal interference and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) alarms, particularly due to high azimuth side lobes and grating lobes, which affect network performance and capacity.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of spherical lenses in a staggered arrangement, combined with pre-tilt techniques for RF elements, reduces azimuth side lobes and grating lobes, enhancing beam isolation and reducing unwanted signal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple feeds are placed behind a single lens to create multiple beam antenna, then beam count is increased, but beam-to-beam isolation deteriorates due to high azimuth side lobes and grating lobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single lens into multiple spherical lens elements arranged in a staggered configuration. Each lens element processes a portion of the signal, allowing multiple beams to be formed while maintaining isolation through the spatial separation and staggering of elements, thereby reducing azimuth side lobes and grating lobes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging lens elements in a staggered three-dimensional configuration rather than a flat planar arrangement. This dimensional change creates better spatial separation between beams, improving beam-to-beam isolation while maintaining high beam count capability
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat plate antenna approaches are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but performance deteriorates due to scan angle and beam tilt angle limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional flat plate antenna structures with spherical lens elements. The curved spherical geometry inherently provides superior scan angle capability and beam tilt performance compared to flat plates, while the modular lens element design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized components
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam switching is implemented to track satellites, then tracking capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the antenna system to automatically track satellites through the coordinated operation of multiple spherical lens elements and RF feeds. The system self-adjusts beam formation and switching based on satellite position without requiring complex external control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tracking capability
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 approach improves beam isolation and reduces interference, maintaining high signal integrity and network capacity while minimizing the need for phase shifters, thus optimizing antenna performance and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
Lens based antennas using light weight dielectric material have seen a growing market for several applications including base station antennas, stadium antennas, special event antennas, and satellite tracking antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency antenna array uses lenses and RF elements, to provide ground-based coverage for cellular communication. The antenna array can include two spherical lenses, where each spherical lens has at least two associated RF elements. Each of the RF elements associated with a given lens produces an output beam with an output area. Each lens is positioned with the other lenses in a staggered arrangement. The antenna includes a control mechanism configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically phase compensate the output beams produced by the RF elements based on the relative distance between the RF elements.