Dual staggered vertically polarized variable azimuth beamwidth antenna for wireless network
AssigneePowerwave Technologies, Inc.
InventorsGang Yi Deng, Bill Vassilakis, Matthew J. Hunton, Alexander Rabinovich
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Abstract
An antenna system for wireless networks having a dual stagger antenna array architecture is disclosed. The antenna array contains a number of driven radiator elements that are spatially arranged in two vertically aligned groups each having pivoting actuators so as to provide a controlled variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern.
Claims25
An antenna for a wireless network, comprising:
- a reflector;
- a first plurality of radiators pivotally coupled along a first common axis and movable relative to the reflector;
- and
- a second plurality of radiators pivotally coupled along a second common axis and movable relative to the reflector;
- wherein the first plurality of radiators and the second plurality of radiators are staggered relative to each other and are configurable at different angles relative to the reflector to provide variable signal beamwidth.
The antenna of claim 6, wherein the reflector is generally planar defined by a Y-axis, a Z-axis and an X-axis extending out of the plane of the reflector, and wherein the actuator is configured to adjust positive and negative X-axis orientation of the first plurality of radiators and the second plurality of radiators relative to the Z-axis of the reflector.
A mechanically variable azimuth beamwidth and electrically variable elevation beam tilt antenna, comprising:
- a reflector;
- a first plurality of aligned pivotal radiators coupled to corresponding first actuator couplings and the reflector;
- a second plurality of aligned pivotal radiators coupled to corresponding second actuator couplings and the reflector;
- at least one actuator coupled to the first and second actuator couplings,
- wherein signal azimuth beamwidth is variable based on positioning of the first plurality of aligned radiators and the second plurality of aligned radiators relative to the reflector;
- and
- an input port coupled to a radio frequency (RF) power signal dividing—combining network for providing RF signals to the first plurality of radiators and the second plurality of radiators;
- wherein the signal dividing—combining network includes a phase shifting network for controlling elevation beam tilt by controlling relative phase of the RF signals applied to the radiators.
A method of adjusting signal beamwidth in a wireless antenna having a first plurality of radiators pivotally coupled along a first common axis relative to a reflector and a second plurality of radiators pivotally coupled along a second common axis relative to a reflector, comprising:
- adjusting the first plurality of radiators to a first angle relative to the reflector and the second plurality of radiators to a second angle relative to the reflector to provide a first signal beamwidth;
- and
- adjusting the first plurality of radiators to a third angle relative to the reflector and the second plurality of radiators to a fourth angle relative to the reflector to provide a second signal beamwidth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.