Patent ID: 6603436
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A cellular base station antenna system for adjusting a fixed beam elevation, the system comprising:an elongated panel antenna having a front side and a back side, the front side configured to mount first, second, third and fourth radiating elements thereon, the radiating elements configured to produce a beam; a first mechanical phase shifting component mounted on the back side of the panel antenna and including a first transmission line component electrically connected at a first end to one end of a first signal path, the first signal path coupled at an opposite end to the first radiating element, said first transmission line component being connected at an opposed second end to one end of a second signal path, the second signal path coupled at an opposite end to the second radiating element, and a signal-conducting moveable component configured to move along the first transmission line component to shorten the signal path to one of the first and second radiating elements while lengthening the signal path to the other of the first and second radiating elements; a second mechanical phase shifting component positioned on the back side of the panel antenna and including a second transmission line component electrically connected at a first end to one end of a third signal path, the third signal path coupled at an opposite end to the third radiating element, said second transmission line component being connected at an opposed second end to one end of a fourth signal path, the fourth signal path coupled at an opposite end to the fourth radiating element, and a signal-conducting moveable component configured to move along the second transmission line component to shorten the signal path to one of the third and fourth radiating elements while lengthening the signal path to the other of the third and fourth radiating elements; a moveable mechanical linkage interconnecting the moveable components of the first and second phase shifting components, the linkage configured to simultaneously move the moveable components of the first and second phase shifting components such that a fixed elevation of the beam changes in relation to the direction and magnitude of movement of the mechanical linkage; a motor coupled to the mechanical linkage and responsive to a control signal; and a motor controller located remotely from the panel antenna and electrically connected to the motor, the controller selectively producing a control signal to move the beam from a first fixed elevation to a second fixed elevation.