Distributed Vehicular Active Antennas for 360-Degree 5G Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular communication systems face challenges with increased complexity due to multiple antennas, requiring improved 180/360-degree hemispherical coverage and efficient data transmission for 5G eMBB, URLLC, and V2X communication, while also needing frequent software updates that are costly and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular communication system with distributed active antennas and adaptive cellphone evolution, utilizing digital links and a central unit, allowing smartphones to switch as network access devices, and integrated access and backhaul nodes for efficient connectivity and reduced software update frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are used for V2X and cellular communication, then communication coverage and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vehicle into multiple communication zones with distributed antennas placed at front, rear, left, and right sides. Each antenna operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive coverage while managing complexity through modular deployment. The segmentation principle enables the vehicle to function as multiple network access points simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to perform multiple functions: V2X communication, cellular communication, and internal vehicle network communication all through the same distributed antenna infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability across different communication protocols.
2Area of stationary object
If distributed antennas are deployed for 180/360-degree coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coverage area is segmented into multiple directional zones (front, rear, left, right, and omnidirectional) each served by dedicated antennas. This segmentation allows the system to achieve 180/360-degree hemispherical coverage by combining simpler directional antenna elements rather than using a single complex omnidirectional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar arrays to three-dimensional spatial distribution around the vehicle. By placing antennas at multiple locations in 3D space (front bumper, rear bumper, side mirrors, roof), the system achieves superior coverage patterns that would be difficult to obtain with conventional 2D configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent software updates are implemented, then system adaptability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic software updating where communication nodes can be remotely configured and updated without physical intervention. The distributed architecture allows individual nodes to receive software updates independently, enabling frequent adaptability improvements while minimizing resource consumption by updating only affected components rather than the entire system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of vehicular systems including distributed active antennas, adaptive cellphone evolution (e.g., via a smartphone, mobile device, user equipment, etc.) and/or integrated access and backhaul. In exemplary embodiments, a distributed antenna system includes a central unit onboard a vehicle. The central unit includes a transceiver configured to operate in a cellular network. The central unit also includes an analog to digital converter/digital to analog converter coupled to the transceiver. Four active antennas are onboard the vehicle. Each active antenna includes an analog to digital converter/digital to analog converter and is configured to communicate with the central unit digitally. A link connects each of the active antennas to the central unit. The link is configured to transmit signals digitally and support at least 10 Gbps of bandwidth between the central unit and the active antennas.