Reconfigurable Sub-Array Antenna for Upper Side Lobe Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF communication devices face inefficiencies due to wasted energy in upper side lobes of antenna radiation patterns, leading to inter-cell interference and reduced frequency reuse efficiency, and current sub-arrays with single states limit cost-effective solutions for suppressing these lobes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-state reconfigurable sub-array antenna system with a state switching circuit and phase tuning circuit, allowing suppression of upper side lobes for different beam tilting ranges, and a control schematic for low-cost state switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional single-state sub-array is used, then the device complexity is low, but the upper side lobe suppression is insufficient leading to inter-cell interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-state reconfigurable sub-array where the antenna elements can dynamically switch between different operational states. By controlling the phase shifters to adjust the radiation pattern, the system can suppress upper side lobes when needed while maintaining a simpler configuration otherwise, thus reducing inter-cell interference without permanently increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (phase and amplitude) of the antenna elements in the sub-array to achieve different radiation patterns. By adjusting these parameters, the system can suppress upper side lobes to reduce inter-cell interference while maintaining flexibility in adapting to different operational requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical RET modules are used for upper side lobe suppression, then the suppression effectiveness is high, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical RET (Remote Electrical Tilt) modules with an electrical reconfiguration approach using phase shifters and state switching circuits. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same upper side lobe suppression function through electrical control of antenna element phases, thereby reducing cost and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical adjustment to change the radiation pattern, the patent changes the electrical parameters (phase and amplitude) of the antenna elements. This allows for electronic control of the beam direction and side lobe suppression, replacing mechanical systems with a more cost-effective and simpler electrical solution
3Area of stationary object
If the beam tilting range is increased to improve coverage, then the area covered is larger, but the upper side lobe suppression deteriorates causing more interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between different states of the sub-array, allowing the system to adapt the beam tilting range and upper side lobe suppression characteristics based on operational requirements. This dynamic control permits larger coverage areas while maintaining interference suppression through state transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase and amplitude parameters of antenna elements to achieve different beam tilting angles and coverage patterns. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system can expand coverage area while simultaneously suppressing upper side lobes to minimize interference
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
Simultaneously achieves optimal antenna gain and reduced upper side lobe suppression, enabling efficient frequency reuse and reducing inter-cell interference at a lower cost compared to mechanical RET modules.
Implementation Method 1
the phase tuning circuit is configured to tune the phase of the RF signal, which passes through the phase tuning circuit, based on the control signal
Implementation Method 2
a bias-T has a first terminal electrically coupled to a driver integrated chip (IC) to receive a control signal from the driver IC, a second terminal electrically coupled to a transceiver to receive/transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal from/to the transceiver, and a third terminal electrically coupled to a first terminal of a phase tuning circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to an antenna system, a radio frequency (RF) communication device including the same, and a method of operating the same. The antenna system includes an antenna array including one or more sub-arrays of antenna elements in which at least one sub-array being operable in more than one state; a state switching circuit electrically coupled to the at least one sub-array and configured to drive the at least one sub-array to operate in a first state in which an upper side lobe of the antenna array is suppressed for a first beam tilting range or in a second state in which an upper side lobe of the antenna array is suppressed for a second beam tilting range which is different from the first beam tilting range.