Patent ID: 12212070

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

High-gain, omni-directional antennas are desirable for a wide range of applications, as higher gain helps improve radio frequency (RF) link performance and reliability. Antenna gain can be increased by reducing beamwidth in either the elevation plane, the azimuth plane, or both planes in combination. It will be understood that in general, the narrower the beamwidth, the higher the gain of the antenna. In general, the present disclosure involves omni-directional orthogonally-polarized antenna systems for MIMO applications. The present disclosure provides several advantages over current and previous technologies referenced above, which will become readily apparent throughout this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a vertically oriented antenna system providing a complete 360 degree radiation pattern in the azimuth plane. The antenna system comprises two arrays of horizontally polarized radiating elements and two arrays of vertically polarized radiating elements. In various embodiments, each array pair produces an approximately 180-degree radiation pattern. In some embodiments, some radiating elements are disposed about a central axis in a common horizontal plane. In certain embodiments, arrays of common polarization can be separated by 180-degrees such that MIMO processing of signals to arrays of common polarization results in a radiation pattern that is substantially constant over 360-degrees in an azimuth plane.

As illustrated inFIG.1, an example antenna system (hereinafter antenna system100) comprises a radome housing102having a base104and a mounting plate106. The antenna system100can be mounted in a vertical direction against a subordinate surface, such as a pole (no illustrated) using the mounting plate106. This orients the antenna system100substantially perpendicularly or orthogonal to the ground. The radome housing102can be constructed from any plastic or polymeric, or other dielectric material.

Referring now toFIGS.1and2A-2Ecollectively, in some embodiments the antenna system100comprises a four-port antenna (where each of four arrays are coupled to a feed) design that achieves a high-gain, omni-directional radiation pattern over a wide frequency range of operation. This antenna system100has dual-polarization for maximum spectral efficiency, and employs two arrays, each polarization to exploit beamforming gain. These two arrays with vertical polarization comprise a plurality of dipole antenna elements. Dipole antenna elements are connected through a corporate feed network. In various embodiments, arrays with horizontal polarization comprise slot antenna elements, which are connected through a corporate feed network.

In some embodiments, the antenna system100as described herein advantageously provides dual polarization (both vertical and horizontal) within a compact single package using four arrays (two vertically polarized and two horizontally polarized). Also, the antenna system100provides beamforming gain between two arrays of vertical polarization and two arrays of horizontal polarization. Thus, embodiments of the present technology as described herein provide uniform coverage in both vertical and horizontal polarization over 360 degrees using beamforming and polarization diversity.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, the design is based on a vertical array to achieve narrow beam-width in the elevation plane, and hence high antenna gain. An omni-pattern in the azimuth is achieved by coherently combining (also known as beamforming) two 180-degree beam patterns that are pointing in opposite directions, thereby realizing beamforming gain in both transmit and receive modes of operation. A first set of two arrays is vertically polarized, each with 180 degree azimuth beamwidth. A second set of two arrays is horizontally polarized, each with 180 degree azimuth beamwidth. One example embodiment of vertical polarization employs vertically oriented dipole antennas. One example of horizontal polarization employs horizontally oriented slot antennas.

One of the advantages of the present technology is that the antenna system100is not frequency dependent. That is, the antenna systems described herein are as frequency independent as possible.

In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the four arrays are fed using a corporate feed fabricated onto a printed circuit board to provide a wide bandwidth of operation. Turning toFIG.2A, an example array assembly108comprises a metal extrusion110, a dipole antenna element array112, and a slot element array114. The metal extrusion110is a generally tubular member having a front surface116with slot openings, such as slot opening118. The dipole antenna element array112comprises a printed circuit board120having a plurality of dipole elements such as dipole element122. Generally, the dipole element122comprises a body124and a head126. The dipole element122has a T-shaped configuration in some embodiments. The body124and the head126of the dipole element122extend beyond an outer peripheral surface of the metal extrusion110when mounted to the metal extrusion110. In some embodiments, the slot element array114is positioned within an interior of the metal extrusion110as will be discussed in greater detail with reference toFIG.5.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, arrays of the antenna system100are designed on a printed circuit board (PCB120). For example,FIG.2Billustrates the dipole antenna element array112formed from the PCB120. The PCB120is manufactured through cutting or printing to form the dipole elements such as the dipole element122.

FIG.2Billustrates a rear plan view of the dipole antenna element array112which includes traces, such as trace130. Each dipole element122is connected to a corporate feed132that is terminally connected to a feed point134. Thus, each of the dipole elements is electrically coupled to the feed point134through the corporate feed132. The PCB120can be manufactured from any suitable material that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG.2Cillustrates a front plan view of the dipole antenna element array112. A front surface136of the dipole antenna element array112is coated with a metallic radiating material137that allows the dipole elements to radiate. Each of the dipole elements such as dipole element122have a line of division138that separate two adjacent portions of metallic radiating material137. The line of division138is not coated or printed with the metallic radiating material137. To be sure, the line of division138separates adjacent radiating portions of each dipole element122. The feed point134illustrated inFIG.2Ais also illustrated in this view.

FIG.2Dis a front plan view of the slot element array114is a PCB140having a plurality of slot elements such as slot element142. Slot elements extend as rectangular tabs that protrude from a body of the PCB140. In one or more embodiments, the PCB140having slot elements forms a saw-tooth pattern.

The slot elements are electrically coupled with a corporate feed144that terminates at a feed point146. The slot element142comprises a coating of metallic radiating material148that allows the slot element142to radiate. In some embodiments, the metallic radiating material148is formed to have a substantially T-shaped configuration. That is, the radiating surface of the slot element142has a radiating portion (e.g., metallic radiating material) that is substantially T-shaped.

In more detail, the metallic radiating material148is electrically coupled to a trace150that is in turn electrically coupled to the corporate feed144. In various embodiments, the plurality of slot elements of the slot element array114align with the slot openings (such as slot element142aligning with slot opening118inFIG.1) of the front surface116of the metal extrusion110.

FIG.2Eis a rear plan view of a ground plane152of the slot element array114. The feed point146is illustrated with respect to the ground plane152. PCB140can be manufactured from any suitable material that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In general, the metallic elements and traces provided on the PCBs120and140are created using any suitable printing process.

One exemplary embodiment of a dipole antenna array uses printed traces on a PCB, one side which routes the corporate feed, and the other side is the array of printed dipole structures with the side routing to the corporate feed. An opposing side of the dipole array has a feed point where radiation is launched by a MIMO radio and processor (see MIMO radio and processor326ofFIG.5). An exemplary embodiment of a slot antenna array comprises printed traces on a PCB, one side of which is the corporate feed routed to each radiating antenna element, and the other side is the ground plane, enclosed in a metal extrusion (e.g., tubular housing) with slot openings that coincide/align with the placement of the radiating antenna elements.

FIGS.3-5collectively illustrate a core assembly300having two of the array assembly108combined together. For purposes of clarity, a first array assembly302(one array assembly108) and a second array assembly304(another array assembly108) are coupled together back-to-back using fasteners, such as fastener305.

InFIG.4, a dipole antenna element array306of the first array assembly302is oriented such that the metallic surfaces of the dipole elements of the dipole antenna element array306are oriented in a first direction. Conversely, the dipole antenna element array307of the second array assembly304is oriented such that the metallic surfaces of the dipole elements of the dipole antenna element array307are oriented in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. That is, the dipole antenna element array306and the dipole antenna element array307face away from one another which allows for the creation of a 180 degree beam pattern in the azimuth plane (see Ap ofFIG.1), referred to as a radiation pattern.

FIG.5is a top-down cross section view of the antenna system100that illustrates the orientation of various components. The first array assembly302and the second array assembly304are illustrated in back-to-back orientation. In the first array assembly302, a slot element array308is positioned in a receiver slot310within the metal extrusion312. The receiver slot310can include channels314and316formed into the sidewall of inner surface of the metal extrusion312. The dipole antenna element array306is mounted to a rear surface318of the metal extrusion312and the dipole elements of the dipole antenna element array306extend outward of the metal extrusion312.

The second array assembly304also comprises a slot element array322. The second array assembly304is configured similarly to the first array assembly302. Thus, the second array assembly304comprises a metal extrusion324. When coupled, the metal extrusion312and the metal extrusion324form an octagonal structure.

In general, the dipole antenna element array306and the dipole antenna element array307are positioned between the metal extrusion312of the first array assembly302and the metal extrusion324of the second array assembly304.

With reference toFIGS.1-5, in operation, the antenna systems disclosed herein enable 180 degree beamwidths in an azimuth plane Ap for horizontal polarization. These 180 degree beamwidths are achieved using the first array assembly302and the second array assembly304coupled together in a center of the radome housing102that houses the two horizontally polarized arrays (e.g., slot element array308and slot element array322).

For the vertical and horizontal polarization, the metal extrusions312and324provide isolation between a front and a back of the core assembly300, which is how the 180 degree beamwidths are achieved. There can be a metal ground plane inside the metal chamber formed by the rear surfaces of the metal extrusion312and the metal extrusion324that acts a ground plane. 180 degree beamwidths in the azimuth plane Ap (seeFIG.1) for vertical polarization are achieved by an outer enclosure325formed by the metal extrusions312and324.

In general, the core assembly300comprises two arrays of horizontally polarized radiating elements (e.g., slot element array308and slot element array322). The core assembly300also comprises two arrays of vertically polarized radiating elements (e.g., dipole antenna element array306and dipole antenna element array307) with each array having roughly 180-degree radiation pattern (seeFIG.5).

The dipole antenna element array306and dipole antenna element array307are disposed about a central axis Ca in a common horizontal plane. In some embodiments arrays of common polarization are separated by 180-degrees, such that MIMO processing of signals (such as by a MIMO processor326) received by the arrays of common polarization results in a radiation pattern328that is substantially constant over 360-degrees in azimuth Ap.

In more detail, the dipole antenna element array306and dipole antenna element array307are aligned with a first plane P1. The slot element array308and slot element array322are spaced apart from and are parallel with the first plane P1. For example, slot element array308is spaced apart from the first plane P1at a distance Dl. Reference lines have been illustrated for the first plane P1and a reference for the distance Dl.

In sum, the antenna system comprises a core assembly comprising two tubular metal extrusions. The two tubular metal extrusions enclosing slot arrays308/322comprising a first pair of printed circuit boards each having slot elements that are horizontally polarized. The antenna system further comprises dipole arrays306/307comprising a second pair of printed circuit boards each having dipole elements that are vertically polarized. The slot arrays and the dipole arrays cooperatively emit a radiation pattern that is substantially constant over 360-degrees in azimuth.

FIG.6illustrates an exemplary computer system600that may be used to implement some embodiments of the present invention. The computer system600ofFIG.6may be implemented in the contexts of the likes of computing systems, networks, servers, or combinations thereof. The computer system600ofFIG.6includes one or more processor units610and main memory620. Main memory620stores, in part, instructions and data for execution by processor units610. Main memory620stores the executable code when in operation, in this example. The computer system600ofFIG.6further includes a mass data storage630, portable storage device640, output devices650, user input devices660, a graphics display system670, and peripheral devices680.

The components shown inFIG.6are depicted as being connected via a single bus690. The components may be connected through one or more data transport means. Processor unit610and main memory620is connected via a local microprocessor bus, and the mass data storage630, peripheral device(s)680, portable storage device640, and graphics display system670are connected via one or more input/output (I/O) buses.

Mass data storage630, which can be implemented with a magnetic disk drive, solid state drive, or an optical disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device for storing data and instructions for use by processor unit610. Mass data storage630stores the system software for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of loading that software into main memory620.

Portable storage device640operates in conjunction with a portable non-volatile storage medium, such as a flash drive, floppy disk, compact disk, digital video disc, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) storage device, to input and output data and code to and from the computer system600ofFIG.6. The system software for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is stored on such a portable medium and input to the computer system600via the portable storage device640.

User input devices660can provide a portion of a user interface. User input devices660may include one or more microphones, an alphanumeric keypad, such as a keyboard, for inputting alphanumeric and other information, or a pointing device, such as a mouse, a trackball, stylus, or cursor direction keys. User input devices660can also include a touchscreen. Additionally, the computer system600as shown inFIG.6includes output devices650. Suitable output devices650include speakers, printers, network interfaces, and monitors.

Graphics display system670include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable display device. Graphics display system670is configurable to receive textual and graphical information and processes the information for output to the display device. Peripheral devices680may include any type of computer support device to add additional functionality to the computer system.

The components provided in the computer system600ofFIG.6are those typically found in computer systems that may be suitable for use with embodiments of the present disclosure and are intended to represent a broad category of such computer components that are well known in the art. Thus, the computer system600ofFIG.6can be a personal computer (PC), hand held computer system, telephone, mobile computer system, workstation, tablet, phablet, mobile phone, server, minicomputer, mainframe computer, wearable, or any other computer system. The computer may also include different bus configurations, networked platforms, multi-processor platforms, and the like. Various operating systems may be used including UNIX, LINUX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, PALM OS, QNX ANDROID, IOS, CHROME, TIZEN, and other suitable operating systems.

Some of the above-described functions may be composed of instructions that are stored on storage media (e.g., computer-readable medium). The instructions may be retrieved and executed by the processor. Some examples of storage media are memory devices, tapes, disks, and the like. The instructions are operational when executed by the processor to direct the processor to operate in accord with the technology. Those skilled in the art are familiar with instructions, processor(s), and storage media.

In some embodiments, the computer system600may be implemented as a cloud-based computing environment, such as a virtual machine operating within a computing cloud. In other embodiments, the computer system600may itself include a cloud-based computing environment, where the functionalities of the computer system600are executed in a distributed fashion. Thus, the computer system600, when configured as a computing cloud, may include pluralities of computing devices in various forms, as will be described in greater detail below.

In general, a cloud-based computing environment is a resource that typically combines the computational power of a large grouping of processors (such as within web servers) and/or that combines the storage capacity of a large grouping of computer memories or storage devices. Systems that provide cloud-based resources may be utilized exclusively by their owners or such systems may be accessible to outside users who deploy applications within the computing infrastructure to obtain the benefit of large computational or storage resources.

The cloud is formed, for example, by a network of web servers that comprise a plurality of computing devices, such as the computer system600, with each server (or at least a plurality thereof) providing processor and/or storage resources. These servers manage workloads provided by multiple users (e.g., cloud resource customers or other users). Typically, each user places workload demands upon the cloud that vary in real-time, sometimes dramatically. The nature and extent of these variations typically depends on the type of business associated with the user.

It is noteworthy that any hardware platform suitable for performing the processing described herein is suitable for use with the technology. The terms “computer-readable storage medium” and “computer-readable storage media” as used herein refer to any medium or media that participate in providing instructions to a CPU for execution. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as a fixed disk. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as system RAM. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, among others, including the wires that comprise one embodiment of a bus. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), any other optical medium, any other physical medium with patterns of marks or holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a FLASHEPROM, any other memory chip or data exchange adapter, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a CPU for execution. A bus carries the data to system RAM, from which a CPU retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by system RAM can optionally be stored on a fixed disk either before or after execution by a CPU.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present technology may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present technology has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Aspects of the present technology are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present technology. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the technology to the particular forms set forth herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the technology should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.