Three-Column MIMO Antenna Layout for Narrow Beamwidth and High Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular base station antennas face challenges in achieving reduced dimensions while maintaining high signal quality and capacity, particularly with MIMO applications, due to space limitations and the need for narrower azimuth beamwidths, which prior art solutions either result in lower gain or wider elevation beamwidths.
Innovation Solution
A cellular base station antenna design with three columns of radiating elements arranged over a reflector, allowing two interoperating arrays to share column space, producing two 45° beams within a 6-foot length and 540 mm width, using a configuration that combines narrow and wide beams to achieve high gain and narrow elevation beamwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If two stacked three-foot arrays are used to meet signal requirements for 4x4 MIMO antenna with 45° azimuth beamwidth, then the antenna fits within six-foot height, but the elevation beamwidth becomes twice as wide resulting in lower gain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (one dimension) to a horizontal interleaved arrangement across three columns (another dimension). This allows two full-length six-foot arrays to be accommodated side-by-side with interleaved elements, maintaining the required antenna height while achieving the necessary gain through proper horizontal element distribution and spacing.
2Length of stationary object
If two stacked three-foot arrays are used, then the antenna fits within six-foot height, but the elevation beamwidth increases resulting in wider beam spread
Solution Approach 1:
The invention redistributes array elements from a vertical stacking configuration to a horizontal interleaved configuration across three columns. This dimensional change allows the antenna to maintain six-foot height while achieving narrow elevation beamwidth through proper horizontal spacing and element phase control, thereby preserving the desired beam shape.
3Reliability
If more elements are added or spacing is adjusted to improve signal quality and capacity, then MIMO performance improves, but the antenna requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two full-length six-foot arrays into a single antenna structure by interleaving their elements across three columns. This combining approach allows both arrays to share the same vertical space efficiently, achieving high signal quality and MIMO performance without increasing the overall antenna footprint beyond standard dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes horizontal distribution across three columns to accommodate multiple array elements, transforming the space requirement from a vertical expansion problem to a horizontal arrangement solution. This allows dense element placement that improves signal quality while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular base station antenna is provided with a plurality of radiating elements arranged among a plurality of columns disposed over a reflector. In accordance with one embodiment, the first array of antenna elements and second array of antenna elements are arranged across three vertically arranged columns. At least a first array of antenna elements includes at least some of said plurality of radiating elements on each one of the columns operating together to produce a first antenna beam. At least a second array of antenna elements includes at least some other of the plurality of radiating elements on each one of the columns so as to operate together to produce a second antenna beam. As such, each of the three vertically arranged columns include at least some elements from both the first array and the second array.