Staggered Sub-Array Antenna Layout for Low-Cost Horizontal Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array antennas face challenges in achieving low cost, high antenna gain, and optimal beamforming performance, particularly in mobile communications, due to the need for numerous transceiver modules and beam forming ICs, which increase costs and degrade performance when sub-arrayed.
Innovation Solution
The array antenna is configured with sub-arrays of two or more elements, where vertical elements are sub-arrayed to maintain horizontal beamforming performance and reduce the number of ICs and transceiver modules, while optimizing horizontal beamforming and increasing antenna gain by adjusting element spacing and phase differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve communication capacity and coverage area, then the antenna size and complexity increase, making it difficult to fit into terminal devices with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing multiple antenna elements of different frequencies within a shared antenna unit structure. The first antenna element (first frequency) and second antenna element (second frequency) are nested within the same antenna unit, allowing multiple functions in limited space. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high communication capacity through multiple elements while keeping the overall antenna size compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna arrangements to three-dimensional spatial distribution. Antenna elements are positioned at different heights and orientations within the antenna unit, utilizing vertical and angular dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows more elements to be packed into a smaller footprint, resolving the size-capacity contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are arranged closely to reduce antenna size, then manufacturing precision requirements increase and performance degradation occurs due to mutual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each antenna element distinct spatial characteristics and orientations. Each element is positioned and oriented to optimize its specific frequency performance while minimizing interference with others. This localized optimization allows close spacing without sacrificing manufacturing feasibility or performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shared antenna unit structure as an intermediary that manages the spatial relationships between multiple antenna elements. This intermediary structure provides standardized mounting positions and orientations, reducing the precision requirements for individual element placement while maintaining optimal performance.
3Productivity
If different antenna elements are oriented in different directions to improve signal reception, then the overall antenna structure becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized antenna unit structure that can accommodate multiple antenna elements with different orientations. This universal mounting structure simplifies manufacturing while enabling diverse element orientations for optimal signal reception in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent antenna units, each containing oriented elements. This segmentation allows each unit to be manufactured separately with standardized procedures, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the benefits of multi-directional orientation for improved signal reception.
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 configuration maintains wide-angle steering and high gain, suppressing grating lobes and side lobes, thereby reducing costs and improving beamforming efficiency across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna element and a second antenna element different from the first antenna element are respectively disposed in a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an array antenna that achieves both low cost and optimal horizontal beam forming performance. [Solution] An array antenna has a plurality of elements, and transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the elements. The array antenna has an electromagnetic wave control unit. The electromagnetic wave control unit inclines the direction of transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves in at least a first direction by emitting electromagnetic waves of mutually different amplitudes or phases at the plurality of elements. The array antenna has a plurality of element columns in which two or more N elements are aligned at a prescribed interval d1 in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The element columns are configured as sub arrays. The elements are arranged with a prescribed interval d2 therebetween in the first direction to form element rows, and the element columns are disposed offset in the first direction by approximately d2/2 from elements or element columns adjacent thereto in the second direction.