Staggered RF Lens Antenna Array for Reduced Grating Lobes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple beam antenna systems face challenges with poor beam-to-beam isolation due to high azimuth side lobes, leading to interference and transmit power imbalances, which complicates network capacity enhancement in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of spherical lenses in a staggered arrangement reduces azimuth side lobe levels, combined with mechanically movable RF elements and phase shifters to adjust signal phases, allowing for improved beam configuration and coverage without requiring rapid repositioning of beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple beam antennas are used to increase network capacity, then the number of sectors and data throughput are improved, but beam to beam isolation deteriorates due to high azimuth side lobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple independent lens elements, each capable of forming its own beam. By controlling the amplitude and phase of each lens element individually, the system can shape the overall radiation pattern to reduce side lobes while maintaining multiple beam capability for increased network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different amplitude weights to different lens elements in the array, creating a tapered amplitude distribution across the aperture. This local variation in amplitude quality allows the main beam to maintain high gain while the side lobes are suppressed through reduced excitation of edge elements.
2Device complexity
If common aperture multi-beam antennas are used to add sectors at a given cell site, then device complexity is reduced, but beam to beam isolation worsens due to poor isolation between adjacent beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spherical lenses as intermediary optical elements between the RF feed network and free space. These lenses focus and direct the electromagnetic energy, creating well-defined beams with controlled radiation patterns. The lenses act as mediators that enable multiple beams to be formed from a common aperture while maintaining isolation through their focusing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens elements, specifically their focal lengths and positions, to control the beam formation. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize both beam isolation and coverage characteristics without requiring separate apertures for each beam.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If azimuth side lobe levels are reduced to improve beam isolation, then beam to beam isolation is improved, but antenna gain may deteriorate due to energy redistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam forming capabilities where the amplitude and phase of each lens element can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the balance between main beam gain and side lobe suppression by adapting the amplitude distribution according to operational requirements, such as traffic patterns and interference conditions.
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 enhances beam isolation, reduces interference, and maintains antenna efficiency and gain, enabling increased network capacity while minimizing the impact on beam width and cross-polarization levels.
Implementation Method 1
an array of spherical lenses in a staggered arrangement reduces azimuth side lobe levels
Implementation Method 2
phase shifters to adjust signal phases, allowing for improved beam configuration and coverage
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.