Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to antenna technology for configurable-circular polarised antenna with higher directivity. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for suppression of radio communication blind spots in a locomotive environment.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Antenna is the key component in design of communication system. Antennas are of different types such as printed PCB antennas, wire antennas and waveguide antennas. Conventionally, microstrip patch antennas are being used in many communication systems. A microstrip antenna using a planar circuit has the advantage of small size, light weight and low fabrication cost. However, the conventional single layer microstrip antenna has limitation on achievable bandwidth. To enhance the bandwidth a multilayer layer EM coupled or aperture coupled configuration has been widely used. Electromagnetic coupled is a proximity coupled feed technique in which two substrates are used such that the feed line is between the two substrate and the radiating patch is on top of the upper substrate. The substrate needs proper alignment in fabrication process. The EMCP antenna array fed with series power distribution followed by Hybrid to make reconfigurable polarization and arrangement of antenna array to supress the blind spot during communication. There are several research patents in the area of multilayer antenna with circular polarization and mounting arrangement of antennas arrays. Disclosed in US 8350771B1 titled " DUAL-BAND DUAL-ORTHOGONAL-POLARIZATION ANTENNA ELEMENT " is a dual-band, dual-orthogonally-polarized antenna element includes a dielectric Substrate having a conductor layer that includes a square ring slot and a shorted square ring, with each having a pair of orthogonal feed points. The shorted square ring is fed to with coaxial probe feeds, while the square ring slots feeds stripe line terminated in open circuit stubs for coupling energy to each pair of orthogonal feed points.
[0004] Disclosed in US20100207830A1 Tilted “PLANAR ANTENNA HAVING MULTPOLARIZATION CAPABILITY AND ASSOCATED METHODS”. is a dual circular or dual Linear polarization. Includes resonant loop is full wave circumference circular conductor called as full wave loop the prior art is linear polarisation adding 90-degree hybrid to make circular LHCP and RHCP polarization. Disclosed in WO2002084801A1 tilted “Dual Circular Polarization flat plate antennas that used multilayer structure with meander lines polariser” is a dual circular polarization in a flat plate antenna comprising a linear polarizer configured to perform linear polarization a meander line polariser positioned on the linear polariser which generate the circular polarization.
[0005] Disclosed in US0018018A1 titled “Planar Polarised feed Network for a dual circular polarised antenna array” is a planar polarizer feed network comprising a six-port branch coupler having two input ports and four output ports. The output ports are designed to have the same amplitude while their phases are sequentially offset by 90 degrees when fed from a first input port or by minus 90 degrees when fed from a Second input port. Each output port is coupled to an aperture coupled antenna array comprising four slots and four patch antenna elements. In this arrangement, an RF signal may be coupled to each of the two input ports to couple properly phased signals to each of the antenna elements to Simultaneously form both right-hand and left-hand circularly polarized Signal emitted from the planar array of antenna elements.
[0006] Disclosed in US4563687 titled “Adjustable antenna mount” is an antenna mount includes a mounting plate which holds an antenna such as a microwave horn. The mounting plate is connected by a hinge to a baseplate. The angle of the mounting plate with respect to the baseplate is controlled by an adjustable brace extending between the antenna mounting plate and a bracket, allowing adjustment of elevation. The baseplate is pivotally mounted on a mechanical ground allowing independent adjustment of azimuth.
[0007] Disclosed in USOO9722296 B2 titled “Clamp device for mounting antenna to rail” is a device includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The first clamp member includes a planar base plate having a first surface and a second surface. The planar base plate has at least two slots spaced apart on a longitudinal axis. At least two extension sections extend from the first Surface of the planar base plate and being spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and closer to a centre than the at least two slots. Each extension section includes a patterned cut out area configured to receive the rail. A plurality of threaded fasteners extends from the first surface of the planar base plate and being positioned outside the patterned cut out area along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second clamp member has a plurality of through holes configured to receive the plurality of threaded fasteners and a planar Surface facing toward the first Surface of the first clamp member.
[0008] To address these limitations, the present invention provides an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for suppression of radio communication blind spots in a locomotive environment.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots during passage of a locomotive between stationary poles.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for eliminating any signal loss zones or areas without a signal ensuring seamless signal handover.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to mitigate blind zone issues in radio communication.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to ensure seamless signal handover even in the presence of potential blind spots.

SUMMARY
[0014] This section is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0015] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an antenna array mounting arrangement for radio communication in a locomotive environment. The antenna array mounting arrangement includes a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna. The C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna includes at least two 4x6 antenna array on a first axis and at least one 2x6 antenna array on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The antenna array mounting arrangement comprising the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array is mounted on one or more locomotive poles to suppress radio communication blind spots in the locomotive environment.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (100) of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (200) of testing an antenna setup of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (300) of an antenna element configuration of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 4A-4B illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (400A-400B) of an equivalent circuit single antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500A) of stack up of an antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500B) of a top layer with antenna patches of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500C) of a feed layer of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5D illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500D) of a fabricated 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600A) of a Top layer with array of antenna patches of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600B) of a middle sandwich between both substrate of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600C) of a side view of an antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 6D illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600D) of a configuration to make LHCP antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 6E illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600E) of a configuration to make RHCP antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (700) of a final model of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800A) of a return loss simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800B) of an axial ratio simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 8C illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800C) of a radiation pattern simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 8D illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800D) of an azimuthal and elevation radiation pattern simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the antenna array mounting arrangement (700) for radio communication in a locomotive environment comprises a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna. The C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna includes at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on a first axis and at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on a second axis. The second axis being perpendicular to the first axis with the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) having a higher directive gain than the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704). The antenna array mounting arrangement including the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array is mounted on one or more locomotive poles to suppress radio communication blind spots in the locomotive environment.
[0038] The C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna features series-fed configuration of array elements and serially power distribution elements both residing on a same layer. Further, the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna is enabled to operate in Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) modes by a hybrid coupler. A directive gain of the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna is increased and a beam width is narrowed by utilizing a horizontal array comprising at least six antennas to multiply number of antennas. Further, the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis are configured to rotate in an azimuthal plane and in an elevation plane to ensure alignment with a line of sight of radio signals. The at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis are adjusted to rotate in an azimuthal plane and in an elevation plane to ensure alignment with a line of sight of radio signals with respect to a locomotive track. A range of the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis is made adjustable to enhance a range in relation to a locomotive track to ensure seamless signal handover.
[0039] Further, the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) are configured through a single PCB design facilitated by a multilayer construction to provide a compact and streamlined design to the antenna array mounting arrangement (700). The C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna uses thin, low-loss substrates for an antenna array feed network and a hybrid coupler. Further, the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis is designed using a square patch radiating element with each element occupying an area of 16 mm × 16 mm. Further, the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis are provided with a radome to protect the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (100) of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Illustrated in the figure is the proposed multilayer antenna that incorporates a series-fed power divider with a hybrid coupler, enabling reconfigurable Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) mode and Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) mode. In high-speed locomotive environments, communication links often experience blind spots as the locomotive approaches near receiving radios. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the antenna array mounting arrangement (also referred to as antenna setup) may employ a low-gain antenna with a wide beam width, oriented perpendicularly to a highly directive antenna, as illustrated in Figure 1. On one axis, a 4x6 directive antenna array may be utilized, while on a perpendicular axis, a 2x6 array antenna may be deployed. The antenna setup (100) is designed to be mechanically adjustable, allowing for azimuthal or elevation rotation to ensure appropriate alignment with a line of sight of radio signals.
[0041] An overview of the antenna setup (100) is given in Fig. 1. The antenna (100) receives a signal input through one or more open-circuit terminated microstrip lines in both vertical and horizontal planes. The one or more microstrip feed lines may be integrated with a series configured power divider, serving both vertical and horizontal feeds. The one or more combined feedlines, for both vertical and horizontal directions, may be ultimately connected to the hybrid coupler, enabling the antenna (100) to operate in both of the Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) mode and the Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) mode.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (200) of testing the antenna array mounting arrangement of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Illustrated in the figure, is a test setup (200) for locomotive radio communication. In an aspect of the present disclosure, an onboard radio with an antenna on top of a locomotive is provided with a side line parallel to the wayside radio with an antenna arrangement of the test setup (200). Each proposed antenna array set is securely mounted on stationary poles spaced approximately 200 meters apart, with one of one or more transmitters utilizing a Circularly Polarized (CP) configuration affixed to the moving locomotive. As the locomotive traverses from pole T1 to pole T4, a signal handover process is triggered from one receiving antenna at a pole to the next. To identify and address one or more potential blind spots during passage of the locomotive, a comprehensive assessment was conducted using the test setup (200). The assessment involved deliberately moving the vehicle at a reduced speed and identifying areas where the signal strength diminished or dropped to null. In the test setup (200) signal loss zones and areas without a signal was almost completely eliminated, ensuring seamless handover even in presence of the one or more potential blind spots.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (300) of an antenna element configuration of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 3, an antenna (300) may be designed with a multilayer configuration. The one or more feedlines may be positioned at a pre-determined location inside an open end for both the vertical mode and the horizontal mode. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the multilayer series fed reconfigurable EHCP/RHCP antenna (300) may be on a multi-layer printed circuit board. The multi-layer printed circuit board may consist of a plurality of feed lines along with a series fed power divider integrated with the hybrid coupler and patch layer.
[0044] FIG. 4A-4B illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (400A-400B) of an equivalent circuit single antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in the figure, the equivalent circuit (400) includes a plurality of RLC components representing resonant behaviour coupled with the patch layer to serve as an impedance transformer. The one or more feedlines connect to the patch layer through the substrate to radiate signals into space. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the equivalent circuit (400), as shown in the figure, has a capacitance between the one or more feed-lines and the patch layer. After theoretical calculation of feed location, the equivalent circuit (400) may be further optimized with a simulation tool to couple the signals at 50? patch location for the best impedance matching at 5.8 GHz. Here the patch feed location is 3.5mm from patch edge.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an Electromagnetic Coupling (EMCP) antenna array with dual-port capabilities for both vertical and horizontal orientations may be employed for enabling radio communication in a locomotive environment by suppressing radio communication blind spots. The EMCP antenna array interfaces with a series power divider and is coupled with the hybrid coupler to facilitate generation of the LHCP mode and the RHCP mode of operation. Fabrication of the EMCP antenna array may be accomplished using a standard multilayer PCB process. In a moving locomotive scenario, communication has to build from an on-board radio to a way side radio. A radio setup has to be there in every 200-meter interval. When the locomotive passes across a communication gets established between the on-board radio and the way side radio. The way side radio antennas are kept side to side to cover the range while the locomotive moves from one direction to another direction. The directive high gain antennas are kept side by side to cover range and signal strength for radio communication. When the locomotive moves at a specific speed, data packets (voice /video) break and to overcome the breakage one more antenna with boarder coverage may be kept in the middle of the way side radio antenna setup. The antenna setup may be arranged in such way that the antenna setup can be rotated horizontally and vertically to adjust coverage and line of sight for communication.
[0046] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the antenna array mounting arrangement includes a multilayer series fed planar antenna with EMCP configuration along with the hybrid coupler for the reconfigurable RHCP mode and the LHCP mode of operation. The antenna array mounting arrangement is provided with an adaptable antenna array mounting setup for track-adjusted positioning of the one or more antenna arrays. The antenna array mounting arrangement is configured to reduce the complexity of the antenna array by using the series power divider in a same plane. Further, the use of the 4x6 directive antenna array in one axis and the 2x6 antenna array in the perpendicular axis in the antenna array mounting arrangement supresses blind spots in radio communication in the locomotive environment.
[0047] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500A) of stack up of an antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500B) of a top layer with antenna patches of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500C) of a feed layer of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5D illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (500D) of a fabricated 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Figs. 5A-5D, the proposed antenna mounting setup and the multilayer antenna is designed over a frequency band ranging from 5.8GHz to 5.9GHz. The antenna is designed by using at least two layers with a dielectric constant of 2.2. The antenna array is designed using a square patch radiating element with each element occupying an area of 16 mm × 16 mm. The feed line is designed to be 50 ? and is sandwiched between the at least two substrates, with the layer acting at the bottom playing the role of a ground plane. Energy is coupled from the feed to the radiating element through EM coupling, which helps in avoiding spurious radiation from conventional patch antennas. Backside radiation in this design may be minimum as the bottom layer is grounded with the conductive layer. Illustrated in Figs. 5A-5D is a final design of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement for suppressing communication blind spots. Fig. 5A shows a stack overview, Fig. 5B shows a top layer with antenna patches, Fig. 5C shows layer 2 sandwiched between the at least two substrates which is a feed layer, and layer 3 which is a bottom layer and is grounded. The fabricated antenna with the 2-unit array of 1×6 is shown in Fig.5D using a substrate having a dielectric constant of 2.2mm and a thickness of 0.508 mm. For the LHCP mode of operation, port 1 of the hybrid coupler has been terminated with a 50 ? resistor. Similarly, for the RHCP mode of operation, port 2 has been terminated with a 50 ? resistor.
[0048] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600A) of a Top layer with array of antenna patches of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600B) of a middle sandwich between both substrate of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600C) of a side view of an antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6D illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600D) of a configuration to make LHCP antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6E illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (600E) of a configuration to make RHCP antenna of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Illustrated in Figs. 6A-6E is an exemplary representation of a unit antenna cell with patch antenna feed through the EMCP. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an Electromagnetic Coupling (EMCP) antenna array with dual-port capabilities for both vertical and horizontal orientations may be employed for enabling radio communication in a locomotive environment by suppressing radio communication blind spots. The EMCP antenna array interfaces with a series power divider and is coupled with the hybrid coupler to facilitate generation of the LHCP mode and the RHCP mode of operation. Fabrication of the EMCP antenna array may be accomplished by using a standard multilayer PCB process. Fig.6A shows the Top layer with array of antenna patches. Fig.6B shows the middle layer sandwiched between both the substrate. Fig. 6C shows an exploded side view of antenna design. Fig.6D shows a configuration to make an LHCP antenna by connecting upper port and lower port with 50ohm. Fig. 6E shows configuration to make the RHCP antenna by connecting lower port and upper port with 50ohm.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation (700) of a final model of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in the figure, the antenna array mounting arrangement (700) for radio communication in a locomotive environment includes the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna. The C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna further includes the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Further, the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array is mounted on the one or more locomotive poles in a way to suppress locomotive radio communication blind spots during locomotion.
[0050] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array may be fed with RF energy by applying corporate binary feed, series feed, hybrid feed, and space feed techniques. The at least two 4x6 antenna array on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array on the second axis may receive signal input through the one or more open-circuit terminated microstrip lines in vertical plane and horizontal plane.
[0051] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the antenna array may be enabled to operate in the LHCP mode and the RHCP mode by the hybrid coupler connected to the plurality of microstrip feed lines integrated with the series configured power divider. Further, the at least two 4x6 antenna array on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array on the second axis may be configured to rotate in the azimuthal plane and the elevation plane to ensure alignment with the line of sight of radio signals. In an example embodiment, the at least two 4x6 antenna array on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array on the second axis are designed using four layers with a dielectric constant of 2.2. Further, the at least two 4x6 antenna array on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array on the second axis may be designed using a square patch radiating element with each element occupying an area of 16 mm × 16 mm. Furthermore, the at least two 4x6 antenna array on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array on the second axis may provide a reconfigurable LHCP/RHCP gain and conical beam width of 19dBi on a side-by-side axis and 15dBi on a perpendicular axis in a middle position.
[0052] FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800A) of a return loss simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Illustrated in Fig. 8A is a graph (800A) representing a simulation and measurement of the return loss for the 2x6 antenna array of the antenna array mounting arrangement. In the graph (800A), the x-axis represents frequency while the y-axis represents |S| parameters in decibels. The dotted line in the graph (800A) represents simulation and the solid line represents measurement of the return loss of the antenna array mounting arrangement.
[0053] FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800B) of an axial ratio simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Illustrated in Fig. 8B is a graph (800B) representing an axial ratio that is simulated and measured for the 2x6 antenna array. In the graph, (800B), the x-axis represents frequency and the y-axis represents axial ratio in decibel. Further, in the graph (800B), the dotted line represents simulation whereas the solid line represents measurement of the axial ratio of the 2x6 antenna array.
[0054] FIG. 8C illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800C) of a radiation pattern simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Illustrated in Fig. 8C is a graph (800C) representing simulation and measurement of radiation pattern for the 2x6 antenna array. In the graph (800C), the x-axis represents degrees of radiation of signal and the y-axis represents radiation pattern. The red line represents H-Pol (simulated), blue line represents V-Pol (simulated), the violet line represents H-Pol (measured), and the green line represents V-Pol (Measured) in the graph (800C).
[0055] FIG. 8D illustrates an exemplary graphical representation (800D) of an azimuth and elevation radiation pattern simulated and measured for 2x6 antenna array of the proposed antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Illustrated in Fig. 8D is a graph (800D) representing simulation and measurement of azimuthal and elevation radiation pattern for the 2x6 antenna array. In the graph (800D), the x-axis represents degrees of radiation of signal and the y-axis represents normalized gain in dBi. The dotted lines represent simulation values while the solid lines represent measured values in the graph (800C).
[0056] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0057] The present disclosure provides an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to suppress radio communication blind spots during passage of a locomotive between stationary poles.
[0058] The present disclosure provides an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for eliminating any signal loss zones or areas without a signal ensuring seamless signal handover.
[0059] The present disclosure provides an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to mitigate blind zone issues in radio communication.
[0060] The present disclosure provides an antenna array mounting arrangement comprising a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna for radio communication in a locomotive environment to ensure seamless signal handover
[0061] The present disclosure provides an antenna with minimum substrate cost with 1X6 array and with reconfigurable circular polarisation antenna.
, Claims:1. An antenna array mounting arrangement (700) for radio communication in a locomotive environment comprising:
a C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna comprising:
at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on a first axis and at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis with the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) having a higher directive gain than the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704),
wherein the antenna array mounting arrangement comprising the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna array is mounted on one or more locomotive poles to suppress radio communication blind spots in the locomotive environment.
2. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna features series-fed configuration of array elements and serially power distribution elements both residing on a same layer.
3. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna is enabled to operate in Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) modes by a hybrid coupler.
4. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a directive gain of the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna is increased and a beamwidth is narrowed by utilizing a horizontal array comprising at least six antennas to multiply number of antennas.
5. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis are adjusted to rotate in an azimuthal plane and in an elevation plane to ensure alignment with a line of sight of radio signals with respect to a locomotive track.
6. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a range of the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis is made adjustable to enhance a range in relation to a locomotive track to ensure seamless signal handover.
7. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) are configured through a single PCB design facilitated by a multilayer construction to provide a compact and streamlined design to the antenna array mounting arrangement (700).
8. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna uses thin, low-loss substrates for an antenna array feed network and a hybrid coupler.
9. The antenna array mounting arrangement (700) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two 4x6 antenna array (702) on the first axis and the at least one 2x6 antenna array (704) on the second axis are provided with a radome to protect the C-band highly directive four-layer reconfigurable circular polarised antenna.