Switchable Directional Antenna for 5G FR2 Base Station Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile network testing methods for millimeter waves, particularly in the 5G FR2 frequency range, are costly and inaccurate due to the need for phased antenna arrays and phase shifters, which are expensive and introduce bandwidth limitations and attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency scanner system utilizing a switchable directional antenna assembly with multiple directional antennas, controlled by a radio frequency receiver and processing circuit, to determine the angle of arrival and geographic location of base stations, eliminating the need for phased antenna arrays and phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a phased antenna array is used for millimeter wave measurements, then measurement capability for 5G FR2 is achieved, but cost increases and accuracy deteriorates due to phase shifter limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent directional antennas instead of using a single phased array. Each antenna element can be independently controlled through switching, eliminating the need for phase shifters and improving measurement accuracy while maintaining 5G FR2 capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter component is extracted and removed from the system. The patent achieves beamforming and signal processing functionality through alternative means (switching mechanisms and signal processing circuits) without requiring phase shifters, thereby eliminating their accuracy limitations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a phased antenna array with phase shifters is used, then millimeter wave reception is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter component is removed from the system architecture. The patent achieves millimeter wave reception without phase shifters by using a switched directional antenna array where beamforming is accomplished through signal processing rather than phase shifting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/electrical phase shifting mechanism is replaced with a switching mechanism and digital signal processing. Instead of using phase shifters to control beam direction, the system uses switches to select antenna elements and processes signals digitally to achieve the same functionality with reduced complexity.
3Ease of operation
If phase shifters are used in the antenna array, then beamforming is achieved, but bandwidth limitations and signal attenuation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter component is extracted and eliminated from the system. Beamforming is achieved without phase shifters by using switched directional antennas where the beam direction is controlled through switching which antenna element is active, rather than through phase shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifting mechanism is replaced with a switching mechanism. Instead of continuously adjusting phase to achieve beamforming, the system switches between discrete antenna elements, providing beamforming capability without the bandwidth limitations and signal attenuation introduced by phase shifters.
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 enables cost-efficient and accurate mobile network testing for 5G FR2 frequency ranges by using switchable directional antennas to estimate base station locations without the limitations of phased arrays, improving accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The directional antennas are configured to receive at least one radio frequency signal. The radio frequency receiver is configured to process the at least one radio frequency signal received by the switchable directional antenna assembly, thereby converting the at least one radio frequency signal to a baseband signal.
Implementation Method 2
The processing circuit is configured to process at least two baseband signals associated with two different directional antennas in order to determine an angle of arrival (AoA) of the at least one radio frequency signal with respect to the at least one switchable directional antenna assembly.
Implementation Method 3
The processing circuit is configured to estimate a geographic location of a base station emitting the at least one radio frequency signal based on the angle of arrival of the at least one radio frequency signal.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) scanner system (10) for mobile network testing comprises at least one switchable directional antenna assembly (14), a radio frequency receiver (24), and a processing circuit (38). The switchable directional antenna assembly (14) comprises several directional antennas (16) oriented in different directions. The radio frequency receiver (24) is configured to process the radio frequency signal received by the switchable directional antenna assembly (14), thereby converting the at least one radio frequency signal to a baseband signal. The processing circuit (38) is configured to process at least two baseband signals associated with two different directional antennas (16) in order to determine an angle of arrival (AoA) of the at least one radio frequency signal with respect to the at least one switchable directional antenna assembly (14). The processing circuit (38) is configured to estimate a geographic location of a base station (12) emitting the at least one radio frequency signal based on the angle of arrival of the at least one radio frequency signal. Further, a method of mobile network testing is described.