阅读说明：本技术 宽带天线 (Broadband antenna ) 是由 C.克里特希达斯 L.约翰逊 S.***特姆 G.A.基里亚库 P.班塔维斯 于 2017-05-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种包括布置在介电衬底(22)上的多个平面缺口辐射元件(41)的单极化辐射器(40)。每个缺口辐射元件(41)包括：在介电衬底(22)的第一侧上跨缺口辐射元件的宽度(w)从缺口辐射元件(41)的前缘(24)延伸到缺口辐射元件(41)的后缘(25)的金属化区(23)；与缺口辐射元件(41)的馈电点相邻的、金属化区(23)中的调谐元件(26)；从调谐元件(26)延伸到缺口辐射元件(41)的前缘(24)由此创建缺口轮廓(29)的缺口(28)；以及金属化区(23)中沿缺口(28)的每侧延伸缺口轮廓(29)的长度的多个凹口(42)。(The invention relates to a single-polarized radiator (40) comprising a plurality of planar notch radiating elements (41) arranged on a dielectric substrate (22). Each notch radiating element (41) comprises: a metallization region (23) extending across a width (w) of the notch radiating element on a first side of the dielectric substrate (22) from a leading edge (24) of the notch radiating element (41) to a trailing edge (25) of the notch radiating element (41); a tuning element (26) in the metallization region (23) adjacent to the feed point of the notch radiating element (41); a notch (28) extending from the tuning element (26) to a leading edge (24) of the notch radiating element (41) thereby creating a notch profile (29); and a plurality of notches (42) in the metalized area (23) extending the length of the notch profile (29) along each side of the notch (28).)

1. A single-polarized radiator (40) comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements (41) disposed on a dielectric substrate (22), wherein each notched radiating element (41) comprises:

-a metallization region (23) on a first side of the dielectric substrate (22) extending across a width (w) of the notch radiating element (41) from a leading edge (24) of the notch radiating element (41) to a trailing edge (25) of the notch radiating element (41),

-a tuning element (26) in the metallization region (23) adjacent to the feed point of the notch radiating element (41),

-a notch (28) extending from the tuning element (26) to the leading edge (24) of the notch radiating element (41) thereby creating a notch profile (29), and

-a plurality of notches (42) in the metallised zones (23) extending the length of the notch profile (29) along each side of the notch (28).

2. The single-polarized radiator of claim 1 wherein the trailing edge (25) of each notched radiating element (41) is connectable to a ground plane (16).

3. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the notch (42) is parallel to the rear edge (25) of the notched radiating element (41).

4. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notches (42) are uniformly distributed along the length of the profile (29).

5. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of notched radiating elements (41) share the same metallization region (23) arranged on the dielectric substrate (22).

6. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first edge element (31) is provided adjacent to a first side (43) of the plurality of planar notched radiating elements (41), and a second edge element (32) is provided adjacent to a second side (44) of the plurality of planar notched radiating elements (41) opposite to the first side (43), each edge element (31, 32) having an edge profile (35) extending from the leading edge (24) of an adjacent notched radiating element to the trailing edge (25) of the adjacent notched radiating element, and wherein at least one meander section (36, 37) is provided in each edge profile (35).

7. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in claim 6, wherein a first meander (36) of the at least one meander is provided at a leading edge (38) of each edge element (31, 32).

8. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein a second meander (37) of the at least one meander is provided at a side edge (39) of each edge element (31, 32).

9. A single-polarized radiator (30, 40) comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements (21, 41) disposed on a dielectric substrate (22), wherein each notched radiating element (21, 41) comprises:

-a metallization region (23) on a first side of the dielectric substrate (22) extending across a width (w) of the notch radiating element from a leading edge (24) of the notch radiating element to a trailing edge (25) of the notch radiating element (21, 41),

-a tuning element (26) in the metallization region (23) adjacent to the feed point (27) of the notch radiating element (21, 41), and

-a notch (28) extending from the tuning element (26) to the leading edge (24) of the notch radiating element (21, 41) thereby creating a notch profile (29),

wherein a first edge element (31) is provided adjacent a first side (33, 43) of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements (21, 41) and a second edge element (32) is provided adjacent a second side (34, 44) of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements (21, 41) opposite the first side (33, 43), each edge element (31, 32) having an edge profile (35) extending from the leading edge (24) of an adjacent notch radiating element to the trailing edge (25) of the adjacent notch radiating element, and wherein at least one meander section (36, 37) is provided in each edge profile (35).

10. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in claim 9, wherein a first meander (36) of the at least one meander is provided at a leading edge (38) of each edge element (31, 32).

11. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any of claims 9 to 10, wherein a second meander (37) of the at least one meander is provided at a side edge (39) of each edge element (31, 32).

12. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the trailing edge (25) of each notched radiating element (21, 41) is connectable to a ground plane (16).

13. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein a plurality of notches (42) are provided in the metallised zones (23) extending the length of the notch profile (29) along each side of the notch (28) of each notch radiating element (41).

14. The single-polarized radiator of claim 13 wherein the notch (42) is parallel to the trailing edge (25) of the notched radiating element.

15. The single-polarized radiator as claimed in any of claims 13 to 14, wherein the notches (42) are distributed uniformly along the length of the notch profile (29).

16. The single-polarized radiator of any one of claims 9-15 wherein the plurality of notched radiating elements share the same metallization region (23) disposed on the dielectric substrate (22).

17. A single polarized broadband antenna (50) comprising at least one single polarized radiator (51), the at least one single polarized radiator (51) comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate according to any of claims 1-16, wherein the trailing edge of each notched radiating element is connected to a ground plane (16), and each single polarized radiator (51) is arranged in a first direction (a).

18. A dual polarized broadband antenna (60) comprising a plurality of single polarized radiators comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate (22) according to any of claims 1-16, wherein the trailing edge of each notched radiating element is connected to a ground plane (16); and at least a first single-polarized radiator (61) of the plurality of single-polarized radiators is arranged in a first direction (a) and at least a second single-polarized radiator (62) of the plurality of single-polarized radiators is arranged in a second direction (B) perpendicular to the first direction (a).

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications. In particular, it relates to a broadband antenna comprising a notch radiating element.

Background

Nodes in wireless communication networks require antennas for communication between the network and the user equipment UE, and the number of antennas varies depending on the number of frequencies used, the type of antennas used, and how spatial diversity is achieved. The typical number of antennas per site is nine, with three per sector. Typical antennas are currently narrowband and fall into two categories, namely low-band and mid/high-band antennas. The low band covers the frequency range of 700-900 MHz, while the mid/high band covers 1700-2600 MHz. Operators often rent site space for antennas from building owners and tower owners, and the number of antennas, antenna size, and weight are factors in determining rental costs. More and larger and heavier antennas result in higher leases.

One current solution to reduce the number of antennas on a site is to combine the low and medium/high band antennas into one antenna, called a multiband antenna. This method has disadvantages in that the product becomes rather expensive and complicated. This requires a large number of cables and phase shifters for elevation since many frequency bands will be put into the same antenna. This material, together with complicated construction practices to achieve good performance, results in expensive products.

Dipole antennas are used primarily in narrowband technology for wireless communication systems. The dipoles are spaced apart to ensure that interaction between the dipoles is minimal, and each dipole array and polarization is interconnected to a common input/output port. In addition, each dipole is designed to cover a particular frequency band or several frequency bands close to each other, and a phase shifter is typically implemented per dipole to achieve a vertical elevation of that array of dipoles. Electrical elevation is achieved with an outer box called remote electrical elevation RET. Implementing several frequency bands in a dipole antenna configuration requires several dipole arrays in the same antenna aperture.

An illustrative schematic diagram of a dual polarized dual band dipole antenna 10 having a phase shifter 11 operating at two different frequencies (denoted a and B) can be seen in fig. 1. Two dual polarized antenna elements 12 are provided for each frequency and are connected to an antenna port 13_AAnd 13_B. The number of antenna elements will vary from antenna to antenna depending on the antenna characteristics.

Narrow band antennas such as those described above also pose additional challenges if a wideband radio is used. This results in additional duplexers causing more site costs and increased power consumption.

Communication is currently at a premium and an exponential increase in the services supported is expected in the next few years. It is envisaged that the next generation base stations can support all wireless business protocols. This requires operation over a wide frequency range.

Different techniques can be used for wideband antenna arrays, such as tapered slots or Vivaldi arrays as disclosed by j. Shin and d.h. Schaubert in the "a parameter study of stripe-fed virtual di not notch-antenna arrays" of IEEE Transactions on Antennas and amplification (vol. 47, no 5, pp.879-886, 5.1999).

Drawbacks with current broadband solutions based on Vivaldi technology are size and performance. The antenna elements are quite large, resulting in a much thicker antenna than conventional dipole-based antennas. In addition, the scan angle of the conventional Vivaldi technique is sometimes limited and there is sometimes energy radiated at the edges, resulting in limited performance. Other broadband technologies like the balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna BAVA and the gyrorotor BOR have similar problems like the traditional Vivaldi technology. Current sheet arrays CSA and patch arrays are quite expensive and patch arrays do not have high bandwidth.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an antenna that seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination.

This object is achieved by a single polarized radiator comprising a plurality of planar notch radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate. Each notch radiating element includes: a metallization region on the first side of the dielectric substrate extending across a width of the notch radiating element from a leading edge of the notch radiating element to a trailing edge of the notch radiating element; a tuning element in the metallization region adjacent to the feed point of the notch radiating element, a notch extending from the tuning element to the leading edge of the notch radiating element thereby creating a notch profile, and a plurality of notches in the metallization region extending the length of the notch profile along each side of the notch.

An advantage with single polarized radiators is a more compact radiator with improved performance compared to prior art broadband solutions.

According to one aspect, the notch is parallel to the trailing edge of the notched radiating element.

An advantage of having the notch parallel to the trailing edge is a more compact design.

According to one aspect, a plurality of notched radiating elements share the same metallization region disposed on a dielectric substrate.

The advantage of sharing the same metallization zones is a less expensive manufacturing process.

According to an aspect, the single-polarized radiator further comprises: a first edge element provided adjacent to a first side of a plurality of planar notch radiating elements; and a second edge element provided adjacent a second side of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements opposite the first side. Each edge element has an edge profile extending from a leading edge of an adjacent notched radiating element to a trailing edge of the notched radiating element, and at least one meander is provided at each edge profile.

The advantage of introducing edge segments for a single polarized radiator is that the scan angle performance and side lobe performance is improved by reducing the edge propagating waves compared to prior art solutions.

This object is also achieved by a single polarized radiator comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate. Each notch radiating element includes: a metallization region on the first side of the dielectric substrate extending across a width of the notch radiating element from a leading edge of the notch radiating element to a trailing edge of the notch radiating element; a tuning element in the metallization region adjacent to the feed point of the notch radiating element; and a notch extending from the tuning element to a leading edge of the notched radiating element thereby creating a notch profile. The single-polarized radiator further includes: a first edge element provided adjacent to a first side of a plurality of planar notch radiating elements; and a second edge element provided adjacent a second side of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements opposite the first side. Each edge element has an edge profile extending from a leading edge of an adjacent notched radiating element to a trailing edge of an adjacent notched radiating element, and at least one meander is provided in each edge profile.

An advantage with single polarized radiators is that the scan angle performance and side lobe performance is improved by reducing the edge-propagating waves compared to prior art solutions.

According to one aspect, a plurality of notches are provided in the metalized region extending the length of the notch profile along each side of the notch of each notch radiating element.

The advantage is that it is more compact than prior art broadband solutions.

According to one aspect, the notch is parallel to the trailing edge of the notched radiating element.

The advantage of the recess being parallel to the trailing edge is a more compact design.

According to one aspect, a plurality of notched radiating elements share the same metallization region disposed on a dielectric substrate.

The advantage of sharing the same metallization zones is a less expensive manufacturing process.

This object is also achieved by a single-polarized broadband antenna comprising at least one single-polarized radiator comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate according to any of claims 1-16. The trailing edge of each notched radiating element is connected to a ground plane, and each single polarized radiator is arranged in a first direction.

This object is also achieved by a dual polarized broadband antenna comprising a plurality of single polarized radiators comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate according to any of claims 1-16. The trailing edge of each notched radiating element is connected to the ground plane; at least a first single-polarized radiator of the plurality of single-polarized radiators is arranged in a first direction, and at least a second single-polarized radiator of the plurality of single-polarized radiators is arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Additional aspects and advantages may be found in the detailed description.

Drawings

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating example embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dual polarized dual band dipole antenna;

fig. 2 is a single polarized radiator with a notched radiating element;

fig. 3 is a single polarized radiator with a notched radiating element and a meandering edge element;

fig. 4 is a single polarized radiator with a notched radiating element provided with notches and optional edge elements and a WAIM layer;

FIG. 5 is a single polarized broadband antenna;

FIG. 6 is a dual polarized broadband antenna; and

fig. 7 is a graph showing the active reflection coefficient of a single polarized radiator having four notched radiator elements and a meandering edge element.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The antennas disclosed herein, however, can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements throughout.

The voltage standing wave ratio VSWR is used to illustrate the efficiency of the example embodiment. The VSWR is a function of the reflection coefficient describing the power reflected from the antenna. If the reflection coefficient passesGiven, then the VSWR is defined by:

the reflection coefficient is also referred to as s11 or return loss. See VSWR table 1 below to see the numerical mapping between reflected power, s11 and VSWR.

VSWR table 1 maps the voltage standing wave ratio with the reflection coefficient (s 11) and the reflected power in% and dB.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Some of the example embodiments presented herein are focused on single polarized radiators. As part of the development of the example embodiments presented herein, problems will first be identified and discussed.

The proposed solution is based on three components that can be applied independently of each other:

notched radiating elements with notches (sometimes referred to as "soft surfaces"),

a wide angle impedance matching WAIM layer, and

-a meandering edge element.

The WAIM layer and the meandering edge elements can be adapted to any broadband technology, such as the ones mentioned in the background section. The soft surfaces on the radiating elements can be adapted to some broadband technologies like Vivaldi and Vivaldi-like technologies, such as gyrorotor BOR.

A WAIM layer (or sometimes referred to as a lens) is placed over the radiating elements and improves scan angle performance. This means that the antenna beamforming performance is improved compared to when no WAIM layer is applied.

The purpose of the meandering edge elements is to prevent energy from leaking on the side instead of radiating in the forward direction. The general performance of image matching, scan angle performance is improved by introducing edge elements with a meandering profile, as will be described in connection with fig. 3 and 4.

The purpose of introducing notches (i.e. soft surfaces) on the radiating element is to reduce the radiating element size. Thus, a broadband antenna including a radiating element with a notch may be thinner than without the introduction of a notch.

Fig. 2 is a single polarized radiator 20 having a plurality of planar notched radiation elements 21 (ten notched radiation elements in this example) arranged on a substrate 22. Each notch radiating element 21 comprises: a metallised region 23 extending across the width "w" of the notch radiating element (as indicated by the dotted line) on the first side of the dielectric substrate 22 from a leading edge 24 of the notch radiating element to a trailing edge 25 of the notch radiating element; a tuning element 26 in the metallised zone 23 adjacent to the feed point 27 of the notch radiating element. The shape of the tuning element 26 may have different forms, such as a circle/ellipse in Vivaldi or a substantially square in BOR.

Each notched radiating element also includes a notch 28 that extends from the tuning element 26 to the leading edge 24 of the notched radiating element 21, thereby creating a notch profile 29, and in this example the notch 28 tapers exponentially, but may have other shapes such as a stepped profile. According to some aspects, a WAIM layer 15 is included as shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is a single polarized radiator 30 having a planar notched radiating element 21 (as described in connection with fig. 2) and meandering edge elements 31 and 32 that reduce edge-propagated waves. A first edge element 31 is provided adjacent a first side 33 of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements 21 and a second edge element 32 is provided adjacent a second side 34 of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements 21 opposite the first side 33. Each edge element has an edge profile 35 extending from the leading edge 24 of an adjacent notch radiating element to the trailing edge 25 of an adjacent notch radiating element, and wherein at least one meander 36, 37 is provided at each edge profile 35.

According to some aspects, a first meander 36 of the at least one meander is provided at a leading edge 38 of each edge element 31, 32 and/or a second meander 37 of the at least one meander is provided at a side edge 39 of each edge element 31, 32 facing away from an adjacent notch radiating element 21.

According to some aspects, the trailing edge 25 of the notched radiating element 21 may be connected to the ground plane 16.

In some aspects, the plurality of notched radiating elements 21 share the same metallization region 23 disposed on the dielectric substrate 22.

Fig. 4 is a single polarized radiator 40 having a plurality of planar notched radiating elements 41 (ten notched radiating elements in this example) disposed on the substrate 22. Each notch radiating element 41 comprises: a metallised region 23 extending across the width "w" of the notch radiating element (as shown by the dotted line) on the first side of the dielectric substrate 22 from a leading edge 24 of the notch radiating element to a trailing edge 25 of the notch radiating element; a tuning element 26 in the metallization 23 adjacent to a feed point (not shown) of the notch radiating element 41. The shape of the tuning element 26 may have different forms, such as a circle/ellipse in Vivaldi or a substantially square in BOR.

Each notch radiating element also includes a notch 28 extending from the tuning element 26 to the leading edge 24 of the notch radiating element 41 thereby creating a notch profile 29 with a plurality of notches 42 in the metalized area 23 extending the length of the notch profile 29 along each side of the notch 28. The notch allows the radiated wave to propagate within the notch to other radiating elements in the radiator with reduced cross polarization. The notch profile tapers exponentially in this example, but may have other shapes, such as a stepped profile. It should be noted that the notch of each notched radiation element 41 may be oriented relative to the trailing edge 24 non-parallel to the trailing edge 24 and also offset between adjacent notched radiation elements to achieve a different radiation pattern than the radiator 40. The distance between the notches 42 in the notch profile 29 can be arbitrary.

Furthermore, by introducing notches in the notch profile, the size of the notch radiating element can be reduced, thereby achieving a more compact radiator with improved performance.

According to some aspects, an optional WAIM layer 15 is integrated, as shown in FIG. 4.

According to some aspects, a trailing edge of each notched radiating element 41 may be connected to the ground plane 16.

According to some aspects, the notch 42 is parallel to the trailing edge 25 of each notched radiating element 41.

According to some aspects, the notches 42 are evenly distributed along the length of the notch profile 29.

In some aspects, the plurality of notched radiating elements share the same metallization region 23 disposed on the dielectric substrate 22.

According to some aspects, the single-polarized radiator 40 includes meandering edge elements 31 and 32 to reduce edge-propagating waves, as described in connection with fig. 3. A first edge element 31 is provided adjacent a first side 43 of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements 41 and a second edge element 32 is provided adjacent a second side 44 of the plurality of planar notch radiating elements 41 opposite the first side 43. Each edge element has an edge profile 35 extending from the leading edge 24 of an adjacent notch radiating element to the trailing edge 25 of an adjacent notch radiating element, and wherein at least one meander 36, 37 is provided at each edge profile 35.

According to some aspects, a first meander 36 of the at least one meander is provided at a leading edge 38 of each edge element 31, 32 and/or a second meander 37 of the at least one meander is provided at a side edge 39 of each edge element 31, 32 facing away from an adjacent notch radiating element 41.

The first meander 36 will reduce the horizontal spatial harmonic frequencies created by edge scattering, while the second meander 37 will reduce the vertical spatial harmonic frequencies created by edge scattering.

The edge elements will improve the dipole pattern (33 and 34 in fig. 3 and 43 and 44 in fig. 4) of the active dipoles positioned close to the left and right sides of the single polarized radiator, since the edge elements provide a similar environment for all active dipoles. The result is a more symmetric dipole pattern.

Fig. 5 is a single-polarized wideband antenna 50 including at least one single-polarized radiator 51 (eight single-polarized radiators in this example). Each single polarized radiator comprises a plurality of planar notched radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate 22 as described in connection with fig. 3 and 4. The trailing edge 25 of each notched radiating element is connected to the ground plane 16 and each single polarized radiator is arranged in the first direction a.

Fig. 6 is a dual polarized broadband antenna 60 comprising a plurality of single polarized radiators each comprising a plurality of planar notched radiating elements arranged on a dielectric substrate 22 as described in connection with fig. 3 and 4. The trailing edge 25 of each notch radiating element is connected to the ground plane 16; at least a first single-polarized radiator 61 of the plurality of single-polarized radiators is arranged in a first direction a, and at least a second single-polarized radiator 62 of the plurality of single-polarized radiators is arranged in a second direction B perpendicular to the first direction a.

Fig. 7 is a graph showing the active reflection coefficient of a single-polarized radiator having four notched radiator elements and a meandering edge element, similar to the single-polarized radiator shown in connection with fig. 4. The active reflection coefficient is simulated and measured for each notch radiating element, i.e. S for the first notch radiating element₁₁S for the second notch radiating element₂₂And the like. The monopole radiator has an operating frequency range of 2 GHz to 5.5 GHz with a VSWR of less than 3, i.e. a reflection coefficient<-6 dB。

Curves 71-74 show the simulated reflection coefficients and curves 75-78 show the measured reflection coefficients. Curves 71 and 75 represent the active notch radiating elements closest to the left edge element, while curves 74 and 78 represent the active notch radiating elements closest to the right edge element. Curves 72-73 and 76-77 represent the center active notch radiating element of a single polarized radiator.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary aspects of the disclosure. However, many variations and modifications can be made to these aspects without substantially departing from the principles of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, of the particular aspects discussed above. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The description of the example embodiments provided herein has been presented for purposes of illustration. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit example embodiments to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various alternatives to the provided embodiments. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various example embodiments and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the example embodiments in various ways and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The features of the embodiments described herein may be combined in all possible combinations of methods, apparatus, modules, systems, and computer program products. It should be appreciated that the example embodiments presented herein may be implemented in any combination with each other.

It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should also be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same piece of hardware.

The term "wireless device" as may be used herein is to be understood broadly to include: radiotelephones having internet/intranet access, web browsers, organizers, calendars, camera devices (e.g., video and/or still image cameras), voice recorders (e.g., microphones), and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver capabilities; personal Communication System (PCS) user equipment that may combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing; a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), the PDA capable of comprising a radiotelephone or a wireless communication system; a laptop computer; camera devices with communication capabilities (e.g., video cameras and/or still image cameras); and any other computing or communication device capable of transceiving, such as a personal computer, a home entertainment system, a television, etc. Furthermore, a device may be understood as any number of antennas or antenna elements.

Although the present description is mainly given for user equipment as a measurement or recording unit, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that "user equipment" is a non-limiting term meaning any wireless device, terminal or node (e.g. PDA, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, fixed relay, mobile relay or even radio base station such as femto base station) capable of receiving in the DL and transmitting in the UL.

A cell is associated with a radio node, wherein a radio node or radio network node or eNodeB, which are used interchangeably in the description of example embodiments, includes in a general sense any node that transmits radio signals for measurements, such as an eNodeB, macro/micro/pico base station, home eNodeB, relay, beacon device or repeater. A radio node herein may comprise a radio node operating at one or more frequencies or frequency bands. It may be a CA capable radio node. It may also be a single or multi-RAT node. The multi-RAT node may include a node with collocated RATs or supporting multi-standard radio (MSR) or a hybrid radio node.

Various example embodiments described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. The computer readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Compact Discs (CDs), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), and the like. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments. However, many variations and modifications can be made to these embodiments. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the embodiments being defined by the following claims.