Distributed Vehicle Array Antennas for High-QoS MIMO Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of providing high data rate and quality of service (QoS) wireless communication in vehicles is hindered by the difficulty in attaching large array antennas due to aerodynamic and exterior design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle communication apparatus comprising a plurality of remote units with array antennas distributed on the vehicle body, connected to a central unit, which collectively control and transmit/receive signals to/from a mobile communication network, enabling a MIMO system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large array antenna is used to provide high data rate and high QoS, then communication performance is improved, but it becomes difficult to attach to the vehicle due to aerodynamic structure and exterior design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large array antenna into multiple smaller remote units (RUs) that can be distributed and attached to different locations on the vehicle body. Each RU contains a subset of antenna elements, allowing the system to achieve the benefits of a large array while overcoming installation constraints. The central unit (CU) coordinates these distributed RUs to function as a unified MIMO system.
2Reliability
If multiple remote units with array antennas are distributed on the vehicle body, then penetration loss is reduced and diversity is secured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distributed remote units into a unified MIMO system controlled by a central unit. The CU manages signal coordination, beamforming, and resource allocation across all RUs, allowing the system to achieve diversity and penetration loss reduction while presenting a simplified interface for vehicle integration and operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle communication apparatus includes a plurality of remote units (RUs) configured to transmit signals to a mobile communication network and to receive signals from the mobile communication network, and a central unit (CU) configured to provide data based on the signals received through the plurality of remote units to one or more devices located in a vehicle. The plurality of remote units includes an array antenna attached to a body of the vehicle.