Spherical Dielectric Lens Multi-Beam Antenna for 5G
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Solution Overview
Problem
Massive MIMO antenna technology faces performance degradation and scan blindness issues at wide angles, along with active VSWR concerns, which are not effectively addressed in existing multi-beam antenna systems for 5G wireless communications.
Innovation Solution
A high gain, multi-beam antenna system utilizing a spherical dielectric lens with radially varying dielectric constant, combining the directivity of massive MIMO with the simplicity of traditional MIMO, featuring radiating antenna elements arranged along the lens surface to achieve broadband, highly directional beams with adaptive beam steering and sidelobe control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If massive MIMO antenna arrays are used to provide highly directional beams, then beam directivity is improved, but scan loss and scan blindness occur at wide scan angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical lens instead of a planar antenna array to achieve wide-angle beam steering. The spherical geometry allows beams to be steered across wide angles without the scan loss and scan blindness problems that plague planar arrays, while maintaining high directivity through the lens's focusing properties
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical lens acts as an intermediary between the antenna elements and free space, refracting electromagnetic waves to achieve beam steering and shaping. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex signal processing in large arrays while avoiding scan-related performance degradation
2Power
If large antenna arrays are used for massive MIMO, then high gain is achieved, but active VSWR problems and power handling issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent radiating elements distributed on the spherical lens surface. Each element operates independently with lower power handling requirements, yet the collective array achieves high gain through constructive interference and beam forming, avoiding the power handling bottlenecks of large conventional arrays
3Manufacturing precision
If spherical lens with radially varying dielectric constant is used, then focusing ability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical lens features a radially varying dielectric constant, where the permittivity changes continuously from the center to the outer surface. This local variation in material property enables superior focusing ability and beam shaping, with the dielectric constant being optimized at each radial position to control wave propagation and achieve precise beam steering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes continuous variation of the dielectric parameter (permittivity) as a function of radial distance from the lens center. This parameter change enables the lens to focus electromagnetic waves more effectively than homogeneous lenses, achieving superior beam quality and steering performance
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 provides an efficient, high-capacity, and affordable multi-beam antenna system that maintains performance across wide angles without scan loss, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies by offering a compact, high-performance solution for 5G wireless communications.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical dielectric lens with radially varying dielectric constant
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric lens is ideally of the Luneburg type where the dielectric constant is radially varying from εr=1 at the exterior of the lens to εr=2 at the center of the lens
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A high gain, multi-beam lens antenna system for future fifth generation (5G) wireless networks. The lens antenna includes a spherical dielectric lens fed with a plurality of radiating antenna elements. The elements are arranged around the exterior surface of the lens at a fixed offset with a predetermined angular displacement between each element. The number of beams and crossover levels between adjacent beams are determined by the dielectric properties and electrical size of the lens. The spherical nature of the dielectric lens provides a focal surface allowing the elements to be rotated around the lens with no degradation in performance. The antenna system supports wideband and multiband operation with multiple polarizations making it ideal for future 5G wireless networks.