CELLULAR ARRAY WITH STEERABLE SPOTLIGHT BEAMS

摘要

Cellular array implementations with multiple steerable spotlight beams irradiated from a common aperture are disclosed herein. Such an approach can easily be adapted to suit various geographical population densities and distributions. The array is capable of producing multiple 65-degree cellular coverage beams, which may be used for regular coverage or in MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) mode. The array may also produce multiple steerable beams, or “spotlight” beams. These beams may be relatively narrow and may be steered electronically both in azimuth and elevation directions. By steering the beams in this way, the beams are able to provide cellular services at high-demand “hotspot” regions where high capacity service is required. The spotlight beams may also be used to fill voids or deficiencies caused by regular coverage beams.

主权项

1. An antenna array, comprising:
a plurality of rows of discreet radiators; a plurality of discreet radiators at the interior of said rows fed in pair to hybrid couplers, wherein a first output of the hybrid couplers is fed to a first azimuth phase shifter, and a second output of the hybrid couplers is fed to a second azimuth phase shifter; a plurality of radiators at the ends of said rows to produce a first beam at a first elevation phase shifter, and a second beam at a second elevation phase shifter; a third elevation phase shifter for receiving an output of the first azimuth phase shifter to produce a third beam; and a fourth elevation phase shifter for receiving an output of the second azimuth phase shifter to produce a fourth beam, wherein the first and second beams are coverage beams and the third and fourth beams are steerable spotlight beams for providing service specific areas.