Abstract: The present disclosure may relate to an antenna structure device [100] for optimizing a coverage area of a network. The device [100] may include an array of two or more dual polarised antenna elements [102] with a first column and a second column. Further, one or more rotary phase shifters [104], with rotary arms, may be connected to at least the array of the two or more dual polarised antenna elements [102]. A beam steering mechanism in azimuth direction may be implemented via the one or more rotary phase shifters [104]. The device [100] may further include antenna ports [106] connected to the rotary phase shifters [104]. The second column in each of the dual polarised antenna elements [102] may be configured to provide a phase difference between the first column and the second column, and facilitate steering of the beam of the device [100] in a pre-defined range. [FIG. 1]
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF 1970) & THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
“AN ANTENNA STRUCTURE DEVICE FOR OPTIMIZING A COVERAGE AREA OF A NETWORK”
We, Jio Platforms Limited, an Indian National, of Office - 101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad - 380006, Gujarat, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
AN ANTENNA STRUCTURE DEVICE FOR OPTIMIZING A COVERAGE AREA OF A NETWORK
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an antenna
structure in a cellular network. More particularly, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to an improved and efficient antenna structure device for
optimizing a coverage area of a network.
BACKGROUND
[002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.
[003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. The fourth-generation (3G) technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth-generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and
the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users.
[004] Beam steering in the azimuth direction for base station antennas may be implemented in a cellular network. Such beam steering involves physically rotating the antenna using either an external motorized bracket or an internal motor controlled remotely. Such approaches necessitate the use of high torque and wattage motors, gear systems, and electronics enclosed in a bracket with IP65 ingress protection to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
SUMMARY
[005] This section is provided to introduce certain 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.
[006] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to an antenna structure device for optimizing a coverage area of a network. The antenna structure device may include an array of two or more dual polarised antenna elements, wherein each of the dual polarised antenna element may include a first column and a second column. The device may further include one or more rotary phase shifters comprising at least one or more rotary arm, wherein the rotary phase shifter is connected to at least the array of the two or more dual polarised antenna elements and a beam steering mechanism in azimuth direction is implemented via the one or more rotary phase shifters. The device may further include one or more antenna ports, wherein the one or more antenna ports is connected to the one or more rotary phase shifters. The device further includes at least one motor connected to the one or more rotary phase shifters. Furthermore, the second column in each of the dual polarised antenna
elements is configured to provide a phase difference between the first column and the second column, and facilitate steering of the beam of the antenna structure device in a pre-defined range.
[007] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more rotary phase shifters are at least a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) based rotary phase shifters.
[008] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the device is further connected to a Network Management System (NMS) of the network via which rotation of the at least one motor is controlled.
[009] In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) feature associated with the device is controlled by the NMS system of the network.
[0010] In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the RET feature is at least one of an upward tilt and a downward tilt associated with the device.
[0011] In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one of one or more rotary arm of the rotary phase shifters is connected to a low-wattage and low-torque motor.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an antenna structure device for optimizing a coverage area of an antenna structure deployed in a cellular network.
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that provides an azimuth beam steering feature by incorporating internal rotary phase shifters within the base station antenna structure.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that provides a phase difference to steer the beam.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed an antenna structure device for optimizing a coverage area of a network, in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of an antenna structure device according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight the advantages of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of an exemplary antenna for optimizing a coverage area of a network, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above.
[0020] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.
[0021] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.
[0022] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smart-device”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and/or computing device
or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment/device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from at least one of a transceiver unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, a detection unit and any other such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.
[0023] As discussed in the background section, implementation of beam steering in the azimuth direction for base station antennas in a cellular network involves physically rotating the antenna using either an external motorized bracket or an internal motor controlled remotely. Such approaches necessitate the use of high torque and wattage motors, gear systems, and electronics enclosed in a bracket with IP65 ingress protection to withstand outdoor weather conditions. Further, the design of the bracket may not be compatible with all types of antennas, requiring the inclusion of additional intermediate plates or different brackets for mounting antennas. Furthermore, as the weight of the antenna increases, the motor torque requirement also rises to maintain the same steering range.
[0024] These limitations hinder the efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness of the beam steering system.
[0025] The current known solutions for optimizing a coverage area of a network have several shortcomings such as the base station antennas, also referred hereinafter as “the base station antenna structure”, currently deployed in a cellular network are equipped with a Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) feature. Said Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) feature enables remote upward or downward tilting of the beam through commands from the Network Management System (NMS). Further, by incorporating the RET feature, the network optimization process is streamlined,
and eliminates the need for on-site personnel operations. However, the current Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) feature fails to enable remote sidewards tilting of the beam through commands from the Network Management System (NMS), thus requires on-site personnel operations for the sidewards tilting of the beam associated with the base station antennas in the cellular networks.
[0026] Therefore, there is a need for an innovative solution that addresses these technical limitations and provides a more reliable and adaptable beam steering mechanism for base station antennas in cellular networks.
[0027] Thus, there also exists an imperative need in the art to optimize a coverage area of an antenna structure deployed in a cellular network, which the present disclosure aims to address.
[0028] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by disclosing an azimuth beam steering feature by incorporating internal rotary phase shifters within the base station antenna structure.
[0029] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by disclosing a novel solution that discloses a beam steering and optimization in base station antennas for cellular networks. By introducing a PCB-based rotary phase shifter network, controlled by a low-power motor, the system enables precise and remote azimuthal beam steering. This innovation eliminates the requirement for frequent onsite visits and manual adjustments, leading to significant cost and time savings. The integration of the Network Management System (NMS) allows for centralized control and monitoring of the system, further enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the system meets IP65 requirements, ensuring durability and protection against environmental elements. This novel solution offers advancements in beam steering technology,
providing increased gain, extended coverage range, and streamlined network optimization processes.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an architecture of an exemplary antenna for optimizing a coverage area of a network, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is described. The antenna [100] comprises at least:
1. A dual polarised antenna element [102];
2. A rotary phase shifter [104];
3. An array of 2 or more dual polarised antenna elements;
4. A rotary arm port; and
5. Antenna ports [106].
[0031] As depicted in FIG. 1, the antenna structure device [100] for optimizing a coverage area of a network, the device may include an array of two or more dual polarised antenna elements, wherein each of the dual polarised antenna element [102] comprises a first column and a second column. The present disclosure encompasses the term dual polarised antenna [102] refers to antenna elements that are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in two orthogonal polarizations, typically vertical and horizontal. Further, the systematic arrangement of multiple antenna elements that are capable of receiving or transmitting electromagnetic waves with two different polarizations, typically vertical and horizontal. This first column is responsible for one set of polarized signals. Also, the second column handles the orthogonal set of polarized signals. Together, the first and second columns enable the antenna element to support dual polarization.
[0032] Further, one or more rotary phase shifters [104] comprising at least one or more rotary arms, wherein the rotary phase shifter [104] is connected to at least the array of the two or more dual polarised antenna elements [102] and a beam steering mechanism in azimuth direction is implemented via the one or more rotary phase
shifters [104], wherein the one or more rotary phase shifters [104] are at least a PCB based rotary phase shifters [104]. The present disclosure encompasses the term rotary phase shifter [104] refers herein that can adjust the phase of an electrical signal by physically rotating a component. This rotary phase shifters [104] used in antenna systems to steer the beam by altering the phase of the signals maintaining the antenna elements and which is connected to the beam steering mechanism in azimuth direction. The term Beam Steering Mechanism allows the direction of the antenna's radiation beam to be altered without physically moving the antenna. This can be achieved through electronic means (such as adjusting the phase of signals supporting the antenna elements) or mechanical means (such as rotating components of the antenna structure) in the horizontal angle or direction in which the antenna beam is pointed. Moreover, the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) board used in electronics to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks, or signal traces. The PCB-based rotary phase shifters incorporate these pathways to manage the phase shifting electronically.
[0033] Further, one or more antenna ports [106], wherein the one or more antenna ports [106] is connected to the one or more rotary phase shifters [104] wherein, at least one of the one or more rotary arms of the rotary phase shifters [104] is connected to a low-wattage and low-torque motor. The present disclosure encompasses the motor that requires minimal power and provides minimal force, suitable for precise and energy-efficient adjustments. The antenna ports [106] are the points of connection for signal input or output. Further, at least one motor is connected to the one or more rotary phase shifters [104]. Moreover, the range of the wattage is <5W and the range of the torque is 1 to 2kg.cm.
[0034] Further, the second column in each of the dual polarised antenna elements [102] is configured to provide a phase difference between the first column and the second column and facilitate steering of the beam of the antenna structure device in
a pre-defined range. The present disclosure encompasses the phase difference is a
difference in phase angle between signals from the two columns that allows the
beam direction to be controlled or adjusted in a specified angular range within
which the beam can be directed, and the phase difference value depends on the
5 wavelength, spacing between columns and desired steering angle
[0035] Further, the antenna structure device for optimizing a coverage area of a network is further connected to a Network Management System (NMS) of the network via which rotation of the at least one motor is controlled. Further, a Remote
10 Electrical Tilt (RET) feature associated with the device is controlled by the NMS
system of the network and the RET feature is at least one of an upward tilt and a downward tilt associated with the device. The present invention encompasses the Network Management System that refers to suite of tools used for managing, monitoring, and controlling network devices and their performance. An NMS can
15 adjust settings, detect issues, and provide a centralized interface for network
operators to manage network elements like antennas, including features like RET. Moreover, the RET allows the tilt angle of an antenna's radiation pattern to be adjusted remotely. This is typically done to optimize coverage and improve network performance by directing the beam up or down without manual intervention.
20
[0036] Further, various features, embodiments and implementations of the present solution has been explained below:
Implementation of Beam Steering:
25
[0037] To implement the azimuth beam steering feature by incorporating internal rotary phase shifters [104] within the base station antenna structure as disclosed by the present solution, an additional column is added to the existing antenna structure. This column is responsible for providing the required phase difference between the
30 elements to steer the beam in the desired direction. The phase shifters within the
11
column can be adjusted remotely, allowing for precise control of the beam direction. This implementation ensures accurate and efficient beam steering capabilities. The phase difference value depends on the wavelength, spacing between columns and desired steering angle. 5
Angular Range and Coverage:
[0038] Further, by adding another column to the existing antenna structure at a
specified distance, the proposed solution achieves beam steering in the angular
10 range of ±20°. This wide steering range achieved by the present solution enables
the optimization of the antenna's coverage area, ensuring signal strength and quality in the desired sectors. The ability to dynamically adjust the beam direction remotely maximizes network performance and facilitates efficient resource allocation.
15 Increased Gain and Coverage Range:
[0039] Further, in addition to beam steering, this innovative solution offers the
advantage of increased antenna gain. By optimizing the beam direction, the antenna
focuses the transmitted signal more effectively, resulting in improved signal
20 strength and coverage range. This increased gain enhances network performance,
allowing for better signal penetration and coverage in challenging environments.
[0040] In other words, the present solution discloses a novel solution for azimuth beam steering in base station antennas through the arrangement of internal rotary
25 phase shifters [104]. The solution comprises a rotary arm connected to a low-power
motor with low torque capabilities. Further, the rotation of the low-power motor may be controlled remotely through commands received from the Network Management System (NMS). By adding at least one additional column to the antenna structure, the proposed solution provides the necessary phase difference
30 between the elements to steer the beam associated with the antenna structure. This
12
allows for precise beam steering within an angular range of ±20°, optimizing the
coverage area of the antenna structure. Additionally, this innovative
implementation results in increased an antenna gain associated with the antenna
structure, improving signal strength associated with the antenna structure and
5 extending the coverage range associated with the antenna structure. The
combination of azimuth beam steering, remote control capabilities, enhanced gain, and extended coverage range presents a unique and valuable contribution to the field of cellular network optimization.
10 [0041] Overall, the proposed beam steering and optimization system for base
station antennas in cellular networks combines the existing RET feature with azimuth beam steering capabilities. The incorporation of internal rotary phase shifters enables precise and remote control of beam azimuth adjustments. This innovation not only enhances the network optimization process but also provides
15 increased gain and coverage range. The system's ability to dynamically steer the
beam improves the overall performance and efficiency of cellular networks, contributing to enhanced user experience and network reliability.
[0042] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically
20 advanced solution for optimizing the coverage area of the antenna structure. By
utilizing a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) based rotary phase shifter network, the
system enables the precise steering of the beam in the azimuth direction. This
advancement allows for dynamic control of the phase by utilizing a low-watt and
low-torque motor connected to a rotating arm. The motor operation can be
25 conveniently controlled remotely from the Network Management System (NMS),
providing efficient and centralized management of the antenna system. Moreover,
the system meets the IP65 requirement, focusing on the motor and electronic PCB
of smaller dimensions, ensuring reliable performance and protection against
environmental factors. By eliminating the need for frequent onsite visits to adjust
30 azimuth settings, the solution significantly reduces operational costs and time
13
associated with network optimization. This technical effect and advancement contribute to improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance in cellular network operations.
5 [0043] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed
implementations, it will be appreciated that many implementations can be made and
that many changes can be made to the implementations without departing from the
principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the implementations
of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to
10 be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative
and non-limiting.
14
We Claim:
1. An antenna structure device [100] for optimizing a coverage area of a
network, the device [100] comprising:
an array of two or more dual polarised antenna elements [102], wherein each of the dual polarised antenna element [102] comprises a first column and a second column;
one or more rotary phase shifters [104] comprising at least one or more rotary arm, wherein the rotary phase shifter [104] is connected to at least the array of the two or more dual polarised antenna elements [102] and a beam steering mechanism in azimuth direction is implemented via the one or more rotary phase shifters [104];
one or more antenna ports [106], wherein the one or more antenna ports [106] is connected to the one or more rotary phase shifters [104];
at least one motor connected to the one or more rotary phase shifters [104]; and
the second column in each of the dual polarised antenna elements [102]is configured to provide a phase difference between the first column and the second column, and facilitate steering of a beam of the antenna structure device [100] in a pre-defined range.
2. The antenna structure device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more rotary phase shifters [104] are at least a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) based rotary phase shifters [104].
3. The antenna structure device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device [100] is further connected to a Network Management System (NMS) of the network via which rotation of the at least one motor is controlled.
4. The antenna structure device [100] as claimed in claim 3, wherein a Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) feature associated with the device [100] is controlled by the NMS system of the network.
5. The antenna structure device [100] as claimed in claim 4, wherein the RET feature is at least one of an upward tilt and a downward tilt associated with the device [100].
6. The antenna structure device [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one of one or more rotary arm of the rotary phase shifters [104] is connected to a low-wattage and low-torque motor.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202321045120-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [05-07-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-07-05 |
| 2 | 202321045120-PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION [05-07-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-07-05 |
| 3 | 202321045120-FORM 1 [05-07-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-07-05 |
| 4 | 202321045120-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [05-07-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-07-05 |
| 5 | 202321045120-DRAWINGS [05-07-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-07-05 |
| 6 | 202321045120-FORM-26 [12-09-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-09-12 |
| 7 | 202321045120-Proof of Right [23-10-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-10-23 |
| 8 | 202321045120-ORIGINAL UR 6(1A) FORM 1 & 26)-211123.pdf | 2023-11-24 |
| 9 | 202321045120-ENDORSEMENT BY INVENTORS [13-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-13 |
| 10 | 202321045120-DRAWING [13-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-13 |
| 11 | 202321045120-CORRESPONDENCE-OTHERS [13-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-13 |
| 12 | 202321045120-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [13-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-13 |
| 13 | Abstract1.jpg | 2024-07-12 |
| 14 | 202321045120-FORM 3 [01-08-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-08-01 |
| 15 | 202321045120-Request Letter-Correspondence [13-08-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-08-13 |
| 16 | 202321045120-Power of Attorney [13-08-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-08-13 |
| 17 | 202321045120-Form 1 (Submitted on date of filing) [13-08-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-08-13 |
| 18 | 202321045120-Covering Letter [13-08-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-08-13 |
| 19 | 202321045120-CERTIFIED COPIES TRANSMISSION TO IB [13-08-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-08-13 |
| 20 | 202321045120-FORM-9 [12-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-12 |
| 21 | 202321045120-FORM 18A [12-11-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-11-12 |
| 22 | 202321045120-FER.pdf | 2025-01-02 |
| 23 | 202321045120-FER_SER_REPLY [31-01-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-01-31 |
| 24 | 202321045120-US(14)-HearingNotice-(HearingDate-15-05-2025).pdf | 2025-04-23 |
| 25 | 202321045120-Correspondence to notify the Controller [12-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-12 |
| 26 | 202321045120-FORM-26 [13-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-13 |
| 27 | 202321045120-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [26-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-26 |
| 28 | 202321045120-FORM 13 [26-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-26 |
| 29 | 202321045120-Written submissions and relevant documents [28-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-28 |
| 30 | 202321045120-ORIGINAL UR 6(1A) AFFIDAVIT-060625.pdf | 2025-06-10 |
| 31 | 202321045120-PatentCertificate30-07-2025.pdf | 2025-07-30 |
| 32 | 202321045120-IntimationOfGrant30-07-2025.pdf | 2025-07-30 |
| 1 | search5120E_05-12-2024.pdf |