Three-Column Phased Array Antenna Azimuth Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-beam cellular antennas have narrower azimuth beam patterns compared to single-beam antennas, limiting their coverage and efficiency in three-sector networks, and existing three-column antenna designs are not suitable for dual-beam applications.
Innovation Solution
A mixed structure dual-band dual-beam three-column phased array antenna is developed, featuring a dual-band radiating element with low-band and high-band patches, arranged in a three-column array, and a 3×2 azimuth beam forming network that applies phase shifts and mixes signals to produce orthogonal beams in two frequency bands, enhancing beam shaping and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-beam antenna is used to provide narrower azimuth beam patterns for three-sector networks, then beam directionality and sector coverage are improved, but the number of required antenna elements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into three distinct columns, with each column responsible for forming one of the three azimuth beams. This segmentation allows independent control of each beam while simplifying the overall beamforming network design, as each column processes signals for a specific beam direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar array configurations to a three-dimensional column-based structure. By arranging elements in three vertical columns and using 3D printed substrates with varying thicknesses, the system achieves compact azimuth beam formation with reduced element count compared to conventional dual-beam antennas
2Productivity
If traditional planar array configurations are used for azimuth beam formation, then structural simplicity is maintained, but aperture efficiency and beam pattern control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are nested within a compact three-column structure where multiple radiating elements are integrated into vertical columns. This nesting approach maximizes the effective aperture within a small footprint, achieving high aperture efficiency without requiring large planar arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the thickness parameters of the 3D printed substrates in different columns to optimize beamforming performance. By changing physical dimensions (substrate thickness) rather than merely rearranging elements, the system achieves improved aperture efficiency and beam control with minimal structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Dual-band antenna elements can be used to construct a dual-beam three-column antenna array. The dual-band antenna elements include both a high-band and a low-band radiating element, which allows the dual-band antenna elements to radiate signals in two frequency bands. The dual-band antenna elements also include a resonating box to isolate the co-located radiating elements from one another, as well as to mitigate inter-band distortion. The dual-band antenna elements may be interleaved with single-band elements to achieve a dual-beam three-column antenna array. Individual elements in the dual-beam three-column antenna array may be separated by non-uniform offsets/spacings to achieve improved performance.