EP1010212A1 - Antenna array and method therefor - Google Patents

Antenna array and method therefor

Info

Publication number
EP1010212A1
EP1010212A1 EP98948884A EP98948884A EP1010212A1 EP 1010212 A1 EP1010212 A1 EP 1010212A1 EP 98948884 A EP98948884 A EP 98948884A EP 98948884 A EP98948884 A EP 98948884A EP 1010212 A1 EP1010212 A1 EP 1010212A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
far field
field radiation
radiation pattern
antenna array
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98948884A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Behzad Mohebbi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Motorola Solutions UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Motorola Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Motorola Ltd filed Critical Motorola Ltd
Publication of EP1010212A1 publication Critical patent/EP1010212A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/2605—Array of radiating elements provided with a feedback control over the element weights, e.g. adaptive arrays
    • H01Q3/2611—Means for null steering; Adaptive interference nulling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
    • H01Q1/24—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
    • H01Q1/241—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM
    • H01Q1/246—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for base stations

Definitions

  • An antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
  • a method of generating a far field radiation pattern for an antenna array comprising the steps of: -7-
  • a base station comprising an antenna array including a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
  • the present invention relates to an antenna array of the type used in a communications system, for example, a cellular telecommunications system, such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network.
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
  • the present invention also relates to a method of generating a far field radiation pattern for the antenna array.
  • the adaptive antenna array comprises an array of antennas coupled to a beamforming network in order to generate a far field radiation pattern.
  • the far field radiation pattern includes a series of null points independently located therein.
  • an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the -2-
  • the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
  • a base station comprising an antenna array including a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
  • a method of generating a far field radiation pattern for an antenna array comprising the steps of: providing a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, and altering the parameters of the complex signal modifying unit so as to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the antenna array.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus constituting an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of antenna radiation patterns relating to the apparatus of FIG. 1, and
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
  • a base station 101 (FIG. 1) in a communications system includes, inter alia, an adaptive antenna transmitter receiver chain 100, or transceiver.
  • the adaptive antenna transmitter receiver chain 100 (FIG. 1) comprises an antenna array 102 coupled to a duplexer 104.
  • the duplexer 104 is coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter and up-converter 108 and an RF receiver and down-converter 106, the RF transmitter and up- converter 108 being coupled to a baseband beamforming unit 110 having an input terminal for modulated signals to be transmitted.
  • RF Radio Frequency
  • the RF receiver and down- converter 106 is coupled to an optimum reception beamforming unit 112, a direction-of-arrival beamforming unit 114 and a baseband beamforming unit 116, each of which are connected to a summing unit 118.
  • the RF receiver and down- converter 106 is also coupled to a "dummy" interferer addition unit 122.
  • the baseband beamforming unit 116 is coupled to an equaliser 120 having an output terminal.
  • the summing unit 118 is coupled to a "dummy" interferer addition unit 122 which is coupled to an optimum beamforming unit 124.
  • the optimum beamforming unit 124 is coupled to the baseband beamforming unit 110.
  • the complex signal modifying unit can include a digital signal processing unit or a phase and amplitude modifier.
  • a first and second uplink signal u ⁇ , u 12 constituting multipath signals, is received (step 302) by the RF receiver and down- converter 106 via the antenna array 102 and the duplexer 104.
  • the first and second uplink signals u u , u 12 are received from a mobile terminal 126, receipt of transmissions from which is desirable.
  • the optimum beamforming unit 112 then generates (step 304) an optimum beamforming pattern 200.
  • the optimum beamforming pattern 200 is a far field radiation pattern shaped so as to provide gain for signals, the receipt of which is desired, whilst attenuating unwanted signals.
  • the signal is most attenuated at the location of null points 201 in the far field radiation pattern.
  • the direction-of-arrival beamforming unit 114 generates (step 306) a Direction of Arrival (DOA) beam pattern 202.
  • DOA Direction of Arrival
  • the DOA beam pattern 202 is a far field radiation pattern corresponding to all electromagnetic radiation received by the antenna array 102.
  • the optimum beamforming pattern 200 is then subtracted (step 308) from the DOA beam pattern 202 by the summing unit 118 in order to generate an interferer far field radiation pattern 204 having a main lobes corresponding to the existence of an undesired, or interfering, signal 1 ⁇ Similarly, it is also undesirable to cause interference to the source of the interfering signal I 1; for example, another mobile terminal (not shown), when transmitting using the adaptive antenna array 102.
  • the interferer far field radiation pattern 204 is then received by the "dummy" interferer addition unit 122 which generates a modified signal by modelling a predetermined number of additional interference sources.
  • the additional interference sources corresponding to "dummy" sources of interference are superimposed on the signal received from the RF receiver and down-converter 106.
  • the modified signal is then processed by the optimum beamforming unit 124 in order to calculate (step 312) a new set of antenna weights for generating a new far field radiation pattern 206 having null points 208 converging in a -5-
  • Downlink signals are then transmitted by the adaptive antenna array 102 using the new set of weights (step 314).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

An adaptive antenna transmitter receiver chain (100) comprises a 'dummy' interference addition unit (122) for generating far field radiation patterns which are added to the far field radiation pattern of an interfering signal. The resultant pattern is processed by a beamforming unit so as to calculate a set of antenna weights corresponding to a far field radiation pattern having a plurality of null points convergent upon a region of the far field radiation pattern.

Description

-6-
Claims
1. An antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
2. An antenna array as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of null points converge within the far field radiation pattern so as to attenuate unwanted received radiation.
3. An antenna array as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of null points converge within the far field radiation pattern so as to attenuate unwanted transmitted radiation.
4. An antenna array as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the null points are converged by modifying the amplitude and phase of the antenna array in the analogue domain.
5. An antenna array as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is a phase and amplitude modifier.
6. An antenna array as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the null points are converged by modifying the amplitude and phase of the antenna array in the digital domain.
7. An antenna array as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is a digital signal processing unit.
8. An antenna array as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the radiation is electromagnetic radiation.
9. A method of generating a far field radiation pattern for an antenna array, the method comprising the steps of: -7-
providing a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, and altering the parameters of the complex signal modifying unit so as to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the antenna array.
10. A base station comprising an antenna array including a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
ANTENNAARRAYAND METHOD THEREFOR
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna array of the type used in a communications system, for example, a cellular telecommunications system, such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. The present invention also relates to a method of generating a far field radiation pattern for the antenna array.
Background of the Invention
It is known in the art to employ an adaptive antenna array in a cellular communications system. Typically, the adaptive antenna array comprises an array of antennas coupled to a beamforming network in order to generate a far field radiation pattern.
The far field radiation pattern includes a series of null points independently located therein.
However, due to the nature of the null points, a relatively small point in the far field radiation pattern is occupied. It is therefore difficult to effectively attenuate undesirable transmitted signals from the antenna array so as not to cause interference to a given mobile terminal. This is due to the movement of the given mobile terminal and movement of sources of electromagnetic scattering.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above mentioned disadvantages in relation to adaptive antenna arrays.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the -2-
far field radiation pattern, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base station comprising an antenna array including a plurality of antennas having a far field radiation pattern and a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, wherein the complex signal modifying unit is adapted to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the plurality of antennas.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating a far field radiation pattern for an antenna array, the method comprising the steps of: providing a complex signal modifying unit for modifying the shape of the far field radiation pattern, and altering the parameters of the complex signal modifying unit so as to converge a plurality of null points within the far field radiation pattern of the antenna array.
It is thus possible to provide an antenna array and a method therefor which is able to attenuate undesirable signals more effectively.
Other, preferred, features and advantages are set forth in, and will become apparent from, the following description and the appended dependent claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus constituting an embodiment of the present invention; -3-
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of antenna radiation patterns relating to the apparatus of FIG. 1, and
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
Description of a Preferred Embodiment
A base station 101 (FIG. 1) in a communications system (not shown) includes, inter alia, an adaptive antenna transmitter receiver chain 100, or transceiver. The adaptive antenna transmitter receiver chain 100 (FIG. 1) comprises an antenna array 102 coupled to a duplexer 104. The duplexer 104 is coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter and up-converter 108 and an RF receiver and down-converter 106, the RF transmitter and up- converter 108 being coupled to a baseband beamforming unit 110 having an input terminal for modulated signals to be transmitted. The RF receiver and down- converter 106 is coupled to an optimum reception beamforming unit 112, a direction-of-arrival beamforming unit 114 and a baseband beamforming unit 116, each of which are connected to a summing unit 118. The RF receiver and down- converter 106 is also coupled to a "dummy" interferer addition unit 122. The baseband beamforming unit 116 is coupled to an equaliser 120 having an output terminal.
The summing unit 118 is coupled to a "dummy" interferer addition unit 122 which is coupled to an optimum beamforming unit 124. The optimum beamforming unit 124 is coupled to the baseband beamforming unit 110. Together, the summing unit 118, the "dummy" interferer addition unit 122 and the optimum beamforming unit 124 form a complex signal modifying unit. The complex signal modifying unit can include a digital signal processing unit or a phase and amplitude modifier.
Operation of the above apparatus will now be described with reference to FIGs. 2 and 3. The operation of the invention will, for simplicity and clarity of description, only be described in the context of transmission of signals using the adaptive antenna array 102. -4-
A first and second uplink signal uπ, u12, constituting multipath signals, is received (step 302) by the RF receiver and down- converter 106 via the antenna array 102 and the duplexer 104. The first and second uplink signals uu, u12 are received from a mobile terminal 126, receipt of transmissions from which is desirable.
The optimum beamforming unit 112 then generates (step 304) an optimum beamforming pattern 200. The optimum beamforming pattern 200 is a far field radiation pattern shaped so as to provide gain for signals, the receipt of which is desired, whilst attenuating unwanted signals. The signal is most attenuated at the location of null points 201 in the far field radiation pattern.
Either sequentially or in parallel, the direction-of-arrival beamforming unit 114 generates (step 306) a Direction of Arrival (DOA) beam pattern 202. The DOA beam pattern 202 is a far field radiation pattern corresponding to all electromagnetic radiation received by the antenna array 102.
The optimum beamforming pattern 200 is then subtracted (step 308) from the DOA beam pattern 202 by the summing unit 118 in order to generate an interferer far field radiation pattern 204 having a main lobes corresponding to the existence of an undesired, or interfering, signal 1^ Similarly, it is also undesirable to cause interference to the source of the interfering signal I1; for example, another mobile terminal (not shown), when transmitting using the adaptive antenna array 102.
The interferer far field radiation pattern 204 is then received by the "dummy" interferer addition unit 122 which generates a modified signal by modelling a predetermined number of additional interference sources. The additional interference sources corresponding to "dummy" sources of interference and are superimposed on the signal received from the RF receiver and down-converter 106.
The modified signal is then processed by the optimum beamforming unit 124 in order to calculate (step 312) a new set of antenna weights for generating a new far field radiation pattern 206 having null points 208 converging in a -5-
region of the new far field radiation pattern 206 corresponding to the location of the interfering signal I, in the interferer far field radiation pattern 204.
Downlink signals are then transmitted by the adaptive antenna array 102 using the new set of weights (step 314).
Due to the convergence of the null points 208, it is thus possible to form a far field radiation pattern having a reduced probability of causing interference to other mobile terminals substantially immune to movements of the other mobile terminals or movements of sources of electromagnetic scattering.
EP98948884A 1997-08-29 1998-08-24 Antenna array and method therefor Withdrawn EP1010212A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9718192A GB2328800A (en) 1997-08-29 1997-08-29 Antenna array arrangement with converging nulls
GB9718192 1997-08-29
PCT/EP1998/005494 WO1999012232A1 (en) 1997-08-29 1998-08-24 Antenna array and method therefor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1010212A1 true EP1010212A1 (en) 2000-06-21

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Family Applications (1)

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EP98948884A Withdrawn EP1010212A1 (en) 1997-08-29 1998-08-24 Antenna array and method therefor

Country Status (7)

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EP (1) EP1010212A1 (en)
CN (1) CN1272229A (en)
AU (1) AU9534798A (en)
CA (1) CA2302299A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2328800A (en)
RU (1) RU2000107806A (en)
WO (1) WO1999012232A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2349045A (en) * 1999-04-16 2000-10-18 Fujitsu Ltd Base station transmission beam pattern forming; interference reduction
JP3445201B2 (en) 1999-10-21 2003-09-08 松下電器産業株式会社 Array antenna wireless communication apparatus and weighting coefficient generation method
CN1145239C (en) * 2000-03-27 2004-04-07 ***电信科学技术研究院 Method for improving covered range of intelligent antenna array
JP4241440B2 (en) * 2004-03-03 2009-03-18 株式会社日立製作所 Packet scheduling method and wireless communication apparatus
TWI256200B (en) * 2004-08-12 2006-06-01 Fujitsu Ltd Receiver, transmitter, and reception method
JP5556154B2 (en) * 2009-12-03 2014-07-23 日本電気株式会社 Antenna beam directing device and antenna beam directing method
US10256922B2 (en) * 2017-08-04 2019-04-09 Rohde & Schwarz Gmbh & Co. Kg Calibration method and system

Family Cites Families (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5643804A (en) * 1979-02-21 1981-04-22 Ford Aerospace & Communication Null control of multibeam antenna
GB2188782B (en) * 1985-07-18 1989-08-23 Stc Plc Adaptive antenna
US4916454A (en) * 1989-06-05 1990-04-10 Allied-Signal Inc. Adaptive nulling circular array antenna
US5343211A (en) * 1991-01-22 1994-08-30 General Electric Co. Phased array antenna with wide null
US6101399A (en) * 1995-02-22 2000-08-08 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Jr. University Adaptive beam forming for transmitter operation in a wireless communication system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO9912232A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2328800A (en) 1999-03-03
CA2302299A1 (en) 1999-03-11
GB9718192D0 (en) 1997-11-05
WO1999012232A1 (en) 1999-03-11
AU9534798A (en) 1999-03-22
CN1272229A (en) 2000-11-01
RU2000107806A (en) 2002-03-27

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