Switchable Panel Antennas Using Phase Shifters for Gain-Coverage Tradeoffs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antennas lack the ability to seamlessly switch between high gain and sector modes with minimal loss, limiting their adaptability to different coverage areas and applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of switchable antennas with a feed network that includes a phase shifter and power dividers, allowing the antenna to switch between a high gain mode and a sector mode with low insertion losses by adjusting the phase shift of RF signals to the radiating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If an antenna is designed for high gain mode with narrow beamwidth, then the antenna gain is improved, but the coverage area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna gainVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system employs dynamic reconfigurability through phase shifters and power dividers that allow real-time switching between high gain mode (narrow beamwidth for extended range) and sector mode (wider beamwidth for broader coverage). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the antenna to adjust its radiation pattern based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical parameters of the antenna system by using phase shifters to modify the phase of RF signals fed to different radiating elements. By adjusting phase relationships, the antenna can transform its radiation pattern from narrow (high gain) to wide (sector coverage), effectively changing the operational parameters to resolve the gain-coverage tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If an antenna is designed for sector mode with wide beamwidth, then the coverage area is improved, but the antenna gain is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidantenna gain

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system employs dynamic reconfigurability through phase shifters and power dividers that allow real-time switching between high gain mode (narrow beamwidth for extended range) and sector mode (wider beamwidth for broader coverage). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the antenna to adjust its radiation pattern based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical parameters of the antenna system by using phase shifters to modify the phase of RF signals fed to different radiating elements. By adjusting phase relationships, the antenna can transform its radiation pattern from narrow (high gain) to wide (sector coverage), effectively changing the operational parameters to resolve the gain-coverage tradeoff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a switchable mechanism is added to enable mode switching, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidfeed network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed network is segmented into modular components including power dividers and phase shifters that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for manageable complexity by breaking down the switching mechanism into discrete, controllable units rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The phase shifters and power dividers serve multiple functions: they control both the amplitude and phase of signals to different radiating element groups, enabling both high gain and sector modes from the same hardware structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables antennas to operate effectively in both high gain and sector modes with minimal loss, enhancing their adaptability and efficiency in various applications by concentrating RF energy in narrower or wider beamwidths as needed.

Implementation Method 1

The feed network includes a phase shifter and power dividers, allowing the antenna to switch between a high gain mode and a sector mode with low insertion losses by adjusting the phase shift of RF signals to the radiating elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS20240186699A1Switchable panel antennas with phase shifters

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 RUCKUS IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Switchable antennas are provided that include an RF port, an antenna array that includes at least a first column of radiating elements, a second column of radiating elements and a third column of radiating elements, and a feed network coupled between the RF port and the antenna array. The feed network includes a power divider whose input is coupled to the RF port and whose output is coupled to a phase shifter.