阅读说明：本技术 使用天线阵列的波束成形和波束转向 (Beamforming and beam steering using antenna arrays ) 是由 O.帕若纳 于 2020-06-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了天线系统。在一个示例中,天线系统包括具有多个第一天线元件的第一天线阵列。第一天线元件能够操作为在多输入多输出(MIMO)模式下经由通信协议通信一个或多个信号。天线系统包括具有多个第二天线元件的第二天线阵列。天线系统包括控制电路,该控制电路被配置为在第一模式或第二模式下控制第二天线阵列的第二天线元件中的一个或多个天线元件的操作。在第一模式中,第二天线元件中的一个或多个天线元件被配置为提供辅助功能以支持第一天线元件经由通信协议的通信。在第二模式中。第二天线元件中的一个或多个天线元件被配置为支持第一天线元件的波束成形或波束转向。(An antenna system is provided. In one example, an antenna system includes a first antenna array having a plurality of first antenna elements. The first antenna element is operable to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocol in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode. The antenna system includes a second antenna array having a plurality of second antenna elements. The antenna system includes control circuitry configured to control operation of one or more of the second antenna elements of the second antenna array in either the first mode or the second mode. In a first mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to provide an auxiliary function to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol. In the second mode. One or more of the second antenna elements are configured to support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna elements.)

1. An antenna system, comprising:

a first antenna array having a plurality of first antenna elements operable to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocol in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode;

a second antenna array having a plurality of second antenna elements; and

control circuitry configured to control operation of one or more of the second antenna elements of the second antenna array in a first mode or a second mode;

wherein in the first mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to provide an auxiliary function to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol; and

wherein in the second mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna element.

2. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the communication protocol is a 5G communication protocol.

3. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary function comprises providing one or more additional antenna elements to support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode communication via the communication protocol.

4. An antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary function comprises providing one or more additional antenna elements to act as diversity antenna elements.

5. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein in the first mode, a first subset of the second antenna elements are configured to provide the auxiliary function to support communication of the first antenna elements via the communication protocol, and a second subset of the second antenna elements are configured to support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna elements.

6. The antenna system of claim 5, wherein in the second mode, a third subset of the second antenna elements is configured to support beamforming or beam steering, wherein the third subset has one or more additional second antenna elements relative to the second subset.

7. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna array comprises a 4 x 4MIMO antenna array.

8. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the second antenna array comprises a 4 x 4MIMO antenna array.

9. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array are operable to communicate in a frequency band ranging from about 24GHz to about 86 GHz.

10. The antenna system of claim 1, further comprising a third antenna array having a plurality of third antenna elements, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control operation of one or more of the third antenna elements in the third antenna array in the first mode or the second mode, wherein in the first mode, the one or more of the third antenna elements provide an auxiliary function to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol, wherein in the second mode, the one or more of the third antenna elements support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna element.

11. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises:

a first switch assembly having one or more first switches coupled to the first antenna array;

a second switch assembly having one or more second switches coupled to the second antenna array; and

a phase shifting component coupled between the first switching component and the second switching component.

12. The antenna system of claim 11, wherein the phase shifting component comprises one or more phase shifters.

13. The antenna system of claim 11, wherein the phase shifting component comprises one or more transmission lines of different electrical lengths.

14. A mobile device, comprising:

a first antenna array having a plurality of first antenna elements operable to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocol in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode;

a second antenna array having a plurality of second antenna elements; and

control circuitry configured to control operation of one or more of the second antenna elements of the second antenna array in a first mode or a second mode;

wherein in the first mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to provide an auxiliary function to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol; and

wherein in the second mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna element.

15. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array are located near different surfaces of the mobile device.

16. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array are located near a same surface of the mobile device.

17. A method of configuring an antenna system, comprising:

operating a plurality of first antenna elements to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocol in a multiple-input multiple-output mode;

operating one or more second antenna elements in a first mode to provide an auxiliary function to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol; and

adjusting operation of the one or more second antenna elements from the first mode to a second mode to provide beamforming or beam steering to the plurality of first antenna elements.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the auxiliary function comprises operating the one or more second antenna elements to support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode communication via the communication protocol.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the auxiliary function comprises operating the one or more second antenna elements to act as diversity antenna elements.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the communication protocol is a 5G communication protocol and the one or more signals are in a frequency band ranging from about 24GHz to about 86 GHz.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to antenna systems for wireless communication systems, such as antenna systems for 5G cellular communication systems.

Background

Electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, IoT (internet of things) devices, and the like, may operate to communicate over a cellular network. Cellular networks operating in 4G are heavily used and have recently evolved to provide medium to high data rate transmission and voice communications in stable and reliable networks over large areas. Communication systems are transitioning to 5G protocols and networks. The 5G network can provide substantially higher data rates and lower latency, and can be applied to voice, data, and IoT applications.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an antenna system. The antenna system includes a first antenna array having a plurality of first antenna elements. The first antenna element is operable to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocol in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode. The antenna system includes a second antenna array having a plurality of second antenna elements. The antenna system includes control circuitry configured to control operation of one or more of the second antenna elements of the second antenna array in either the first mode or the second mode. In a first mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to provide an auxiliary function to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol. In the second mode. One or more of the second antenna elements are configured to support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna elements.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the relevant principles.

Drawings

A detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which:

fig. 1 depicts a mobile device having an antenna system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 depicts a configuration of antenna array(s) in an antenna system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

3A, 3B, and 3C depict example beamforming and beam steering according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 depicts an example control circuit for configuring an antenna system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 depicts a flowchart of an example method according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure encompass such modifications and variations.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for beamforming and/or beam steering (steering) using antenna array(s) in a communication system, such as a 5G communication system. For example, an antenna system for a device may include multiple different antenna arrays. Each antenna array may have a plurality of different antenna elements. Antenna elements may be shared between the arrays to provide auxiliary functions (e.g., multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), diversity), support primary communication via a communication protocol (e.g., a 5G communication protocol), or support beamforming and/or beam steering.

For example, the 5G communication protocol may be implemented using an antenna array configured for MIMO communication and/or communication at higher frequency bands (e.g., frequency bands ranging from about 24GHz to about 86 GHz). Each of the antenna arrays may include a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna elements may be individually and/or collectively controlled to communicate signals (e.g., RF signals) in a MIMO mode (e.g., a 4 x 4MIMO mode). This may provide higher data rates and lower latency in wireless communications.

An electronic device (e.g., a mobile device, IoT device, or other electronic device) may include multiple different antenna arrays (e.g., two antenna arrays, three antenna arrays, four antenna arrays). One of the antenna arrays (e.g., the main antenna array) may be used for main communication via a communication protocol (e.g., a cellular communication protocol such as 3G, 4G (lte), 5G protocol). One or more different antenna arrays may be used to provide auxiliary functions to support communication for the main antenna array. For example, the antenna array may be used to further enhance MIMO and/or diversity operation of the main antenna array.

According to example aspects of the present disclosure, selected antenna elements from a plurality of different antenna arrays may be used to support "beamforming" or "beam steering" of a primary antenna array. Beamforming refers to the combination of different antenna beams to increase the signal strength in a particular direction (e.g., the direction of a base station) to enhance a communication link. "beam steering" refers to dynamically steering an antenna beam such that a high gain direction of the antenna beam points in a particular direction (e.g., the direction of a base station).

For example, one or more antenna elements of the main antenna array may be switched from for supporting MIMO and/or diversity to for beam steering or beamforming. Additionally, and/or alternatively, one or more additional antenna elements from different antenna arrays may be switched from for supporting MIMO and/or diversity to for beam steering or beamforming. In this way, aspects of the present disclosure may have the following technical effects: allowing different antenna elements in different antenna arrays to be shared for supporting MIMO/diversity and/or for beam steering or beamforming to enhance the use of available resources within the antenna array and enhance radio performance.

As used herein, a "mobile device" is an electronic device that is capable of communicating wirelessly and that is capable of being carried by a user's hand while in normal operation. Example mobile devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable devices, personal digital assistants, and portable digital music players. As used herein, the use of the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value is meant to be within 10% of the stated numerical value.

Fig. 1 depicts an example mobile device 100 supporting cellular communications and having beam steering or beamforming capabilities in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the mobile device includes a housing 104. The housing 104 may include a number of different surfaces (e.g., edge surfaces). For example, the housing 104 has a first surface 107 and a second surface 109, as well as other surfaces (not indicated). The mobile device 100 may include interface elements (e.g., touchscreen, touchpad, keyboard, camera, microphone) to allow a user to interact with the mobile device 100.

The housing 104 houses three antenna arrays: a first antenna array 110, a second antenna array 120, and a third antenna array 130. For purposes of illustration and discussion, three antenna arrays are shown. Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that more or fewer antenna arrays may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each of the first antenna array 110, the second antenna array 120, and the third antenna array 130 may include a plurality of antenna elements. Each antenna element may be configured to communicate one or more signals via a cellular communication protocol, such as a 5G communication protocol. Each antenna element may be configured to communicate one or more signals in a frequency band ranging from about 24GHz to about 86 GHz. In some embodiments, each antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., radiating elements) arranged on a substrate (e.g., a circuit board).

The first antenna array 110 and the second antenna array 120 are shown near the same surface (i.e., surface 107) of the mobile device 100. The third antenna array 130 is shown on a different surface (e.g., surface 109) relative to the first antenna array 110 and the second antenna array 120. In this manner, the antenna arrays may be located near the same surface or near different surfaces of the mobile device 100.

Fig. 2 depicts an example configuration of a first antenna array 110 and a second antenna array 120 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, in the configuration 202, the plurality of first antenna elements 112 are configured to support primary communication via a communication protocol (e.g., a 5G communication protocol). The plurality of first antenna elements 112 may communicate via a communication protocol in a MIMO mode. For example, the plurality of first antenna elements 112 may be configured to operate in a 4 x 4MIMO mode.

In the configuration 202, the plurality of second antenna elements 122 associated with the second antenna array 120 are configured to provide an auxiliary function to support primary communication for the first antenna elements 112 in the first antenna array 110. For example, the plurality of second antenna elements 122 of the second antenna array 120 may provide additional MIMO capability and/or diversity for the first antenna elements 112 in the first antenna array 110.

In the configuration 202, the first subset 126 of the second antenna elements 122 is configured to provide an auxiliary function to support the first antenna elements 112 of the first antenna array 110. The first subset 126 includes all of the second antenna elements 122 in the second antenna array 120. A second subset (without antenna elements) of the second antenna array 120 is configured to support beam steering or beamforming of the first antenna elements 112 of the first antenna array 110.

According to an example aspect of the disclosure, the control circuitry may adjust the configuration of the first antenna array 110 and the second antenna array 120 from the configuration 202 to the configuration 204. In the configuration 204, the subset 124 of the second antenna elements 122 has been configured to support beam steering or beamforming of the first antenna elements 112 of the first antenna array 110. The subset 126 of the second antenna elements 122 remains configured to support the auxiliary functions (e.g., MIMO, diversity) of the first antenna elements 112 of the first antenna array 110.

For purposes of illustration and discussion, the example of fig. 2 discusses the configuration of antenna elements across two antenna arrays. Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an antenna element may be associated with a single antenna array or more than two antenna arrays without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the antenna elements 112 and 122 may be all parts of a single antenna array without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As another example, antenna elements spanning the first antenna array 110, the second antenna array 120, and the third antenna array 130 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the mechanism for configuring the antenna elements for beamforming or beam steering in this example may be implemented, for example, by introducing a phase shift in the signals communicated to the antenna elements. In some embodiments, the phase shift may be implemented using a delay line that introduces a time delay in signals communicated using the delay line. In some embodiments, phase shifting may be achieved using phase shifters.

Fig. 3A-3C show examples of three different radiation patterns (patterns) corresponding to three different phase shifts achieved between antenna elements. In this example, the mobile device is configured to include: a first antenna array or one or more first antenna elements of the first antenna array that produce a first radiation pattern having the highest gain in the Y-direction; and a second antenna array or one or more second antenna elements of the second antenna array which produce a second radiation pattern having the highest gain in the Z-direction. Fig. 3A shows a first mode in which the time delay or phase shift is set such that the contribution from the second radiation pattern is almost negligible, resulting in a combined radiation pattern with the highest gain in the Y-direction. Fig. 3B shows a second mode in which the time delay or phase shift is set such that the first and second radiation patterns coexist in phase, resulting in a combined radiation pattern with the highest gain in the Y + Z direction. Fig. 3C shows a third mode in which the time delay or phase shift is set such that the contribution from the first radiation pattern is almost negligible, resulting in a combined radiation pattern with the highest gain in the Z-direction.

Fig. 4 depicts a schematic diagram of an example control circuit 200 configured to configure an antenna array in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. This example shows a case where the first to nth protocols including the 5G communication protocol support the first antenna 110 having a plurality of antenna elements. The first antenna array 110 may be similar to the first antenna array 110 shown in fig. 1 and 2. The second antenna array 120 having multiple antenna elements may be used to support communication for the first antenna array 110 by being configured for auxiliary functions (e.g., MIMO, diversity) or being configured for beam steering or beamforming. The second antenna array 120 may be similar to the second antenna array 120 shown in fig. 1 and 2.

The control circuit 200 is operable to configure the antenna elements in the first antenna array 110 and the second antenna array 120 between supporting the assist function and supporting beam forming or beam steering.

First through nth transceivers 302 are associated with the first antenna array 110 for processing signals according to first through nth protocols, including a 5G communication protocol. Other protocols supported by the transceiver 302 may include 2G protocols, 3G protocols, 4G protocols, and the like. The (N +1) th through (N + M) th transceivers 304 are associated with the second antenna array 120 for performing the originally intended functions in conjunction with one or more of the first through nth protocols, including the 5G communication protocol. Other protocols supported by the transceiver 304 may include 2G protocols, 3G protocols, 4G protocols, and the like.

The control circuit 200 may include a first switching component 220 and a second switching component 224. First switching component 220 and second switching component 224 may be coupled to each other via a phase shifting component 227. The phase shifting component 227 may be configured to provide a plurality of phase shifts between signals communicated between the antenna elements of the first arrays 110 and 120 to implement beam steering and/or beam forming functions.

For example, phase shifting component 227 may include a plurality of transmission lines of different electrical lengths that may be used as delay lines that may be selectively coupled to one or more antenna elements using first switching component 220 and second switching component 224. Additionally and/or alternatively, phase shifting component 227 may include one or more phase shifters configured to effect a phase shift in a signal communicated via phase shifting component 227.

The first switching component 220 may include a plurality of first switches (e.g., transistors or other switching devices) configured to selectively couple individual antenna elements of the first antenna array 110 to the phase shifting component 227. The second switching component 224 may include a plurality of second switches (e.g., transistors or other switching devices) configured to selectively couple individual antenna elements of the second antenna array 120 to the phase shifting component 227. As indicated at block 236, the first switch assembly 224 may include a path that is disconnected, grounded, or shorted to a component or module in the system.

The control circuit 200 may include a module 240 configured to select one or more of the transceivers 302 to couple to respective antenna elements of the first antenna array 110 during a time period. The module 240 may be coupled to a power combiner/splitter 242, and the power combiner/splitter 242 may be configured to select between providing signals to the antenna array 110 and/or the first switching assembly 220. The control circuitry 200 may include a module 245, the module 245 configured to select one or more of the transceivers 304 to couple to respective antenna elements of the second antenna array 120 during the time period.

A controller 244 (e.g., a processor, microprocessor, etc., configured to execute computer readable instructions stored in one or more memory devices) may be coupled to various components of the control circuit 200, such as the first switching component 220, the second switching component 224, the phase shifting component 227, the module 240, the module 245, and the power combiner/splitter 242 to control the selection of paths/phase shifts.

The control circuit 200 may control the elements to communicate one or more signals via the communication protocol by coupling selected ones of the transceivers 302 to one or more antenna elements in the first antenna array 110 through the control module 240. The communication protocol may be, for example, a 5G communication protocol. One or more of the antenna elements in the first antenna array 110 may be configured to communicate signals via a communication protocol in a MIMO mode.

The control circuitry 200 may configure one or more of the antenna elements in the second antenna array 120 to be in the first mode or the second mode. In the first mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to provide auxiliary functions (e.g., MIMO, diversity) to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol.

More specifically, when one or more antenna elements of the second antenna array 120 are used for MIMO or diversity, the controller 244 may control the second switching assembly 224 and the module 245 to selectively couple one or more of the antenna elements of the second antenna array 120 to an appropriate one of the transceivers 304. Further, the controller 244 may control the first switching assembly 224 to selectively couple one or more of the antenna elements of the first antenna array 110 to the block 236 (e.g., open circuit, ground, short circuit, etc.). The controller 244 may also control the components to otherwise decouple one or more antenna elements of the first antenna array 110 from one or more antenna elements of the second antenna array 120.

When in the second mode, the control circuitry 200 may control one or more of the antenna elements of the second antenna array 120 and/or the first antenna array 110 to support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna elements. For example, the first and second switching components 220, 240 may be controlled by the controller 244 to connect the path(s) to the phase shifting component 227 to couple two or more antenna elements in the first antenna array 110 and/or the second antenna array 120. The phase shifting component 227 may be a phase shift between radiation patterns associated with antenna elements used for beamforming or beam steering.

Fig. 5 depicts a flowchart of an example method (400) according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (400) may be implemented, for example, using the antenna system(s) shown in fig. 1-4. For purposes of illustration and discussion, FIG. 5 depicts steps performed in a particular order. Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various steps of any of the methods described herein may be adjusted, omitted, rearranged, include steps not shown, performed concurrently, and/or modified in various ways, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

At (402), the method may include selecting a communication protocol for communicating with the antenna system. The communication protocol may be, for example, a 5G communication protocol. The 5G communication protocol may require MIMO operation of the antennas and/or communication in higher frequency bands, such as frequency bands ranging from about 24GHz to about 86 GHz.

At (404), the method may include configuring the first antenna element to communicate via a communication protocol. For example, multiple antenna elements across one or more antenna arrays in a mobile device may be coupled to a transceiver to communicate signals via a 5G communication protocol, e.g., in a multiple-input multiple-output mode.

At (406), the method may include operating one or more second antenna elements to provide an auxiliary function to support communication of one or more signals by the first antenna element via the communication protocol. The auxiliary function may include configuring the second antenna element to support MIMO communication via the communication protocol. The auxiliary function may comprise operating one or more second antenna elements to act as diversity antenna elements. The one or more second antenna elements may be part of the same antenna array as the first antenna elements and/or part of a different antenna array.

At (408), the method may include receiving a signal to adjust an operating mode of the second antenna element to support beam steering or beamforming. In some embodiments, the signal to adjust the mode of operation may be based on a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) associated with a communication link between the antenna system and the base station. For example, a signal to adjust the mode of operation may be implemented to increase the CQI of the communication link. Example CQIs include one or more of a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), a Bit Error Rate (BER), and other metrics, referred to as Channel Quality Indicators (CQIs). Other triggers/signals may be used to adjust the operating mode of the second antenna element(s), such as expiration of a period of time at regular intervals when communicating with certain base stations, and so forth.

At (410), the method may include operating one or more second antenna elements to support beam steering or beam forming, as described in detail above. For example, the signal may pass through a phase shifter module comprising one or more delay lines, phase shifters, etc. to achieve beam steering and/or beam forming with the second antenna element.

At (412), the method may include receiving a signal to adjust an operating mode of the second antenna element to support the auxiliary function. In some embodiments, the signal to adjust the mode of operation may be based on a CQI associated with a communication link between the antenna system and the base station. For example, a signal to adjust the mode of operation may be implemented to increase the CQI of the communication link. Other triggers/signals may be used to adjust the operating mode of the second antenna element(s), such as expiration of a period of time at regular intervals when communicating with certain base stations, and so forth.

Upon receiving (412) the signal, the method may return (406) and operate the one or more second antenna elements in a mode providing auxiliary functionality to support communication of the first antenna element via the communication protocol. In this way, communication link quality may be enhanced by dynamic adjustment of the second antenna element between support for auxiliary functions (e.g., MIMO, diversity) and support for beam steering or beamforming.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.