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EP-4740269-A1 - ANTENNA MODULE FOR MMWAVE RADIO SYSTEMS

EP4740269A1EP 4740269 A1EP4740269 A1EP 4740269A1EP-4740269-A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an antenna module (202) for transmitting radio wave signals in an mmWave frequency range. The antenna module (202) comprises at least one Radio frequency (RF) component(s) (208) configured to perform transmission and reception of radio wave signals and a covering (206) defining a dome profile enclosure such that distance travelled by the radio wave signals through the covering (206) is nearly uniform at higher incidence angles. The present disclosure aims to ensure a more uniform path length for the radio waves, even at high steering angles maintain optimal signal strength and minimize performance degradation.

Inventors

  • BHATNAGAR, PRADEEP KUMAR
  • SHAH, BRIJESH
  • Verma, Vijay Mohan
  • Penta, Praveen Kumar
  • BHATNAGAR, AAYUSH

Assignees

  • Jio Platforms Limited

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20240701

Claims (5)

  1. 1. An antenna module (202) for transmitting radio wave signals in an mmWave frequency range, the antenna module (202) comprising: at least one Radio frequency (RF) component(s) (208) configured to perform transmission and reception of radio wave signals; a covering (206) defining a dome profile enclosure such that distance travelled by the radio wave signals through the covering (206) is nearly uniform at higher incidence angles, wherein the covering (206) has a uniform thickness, and wherein the dome profile of the covering (206) is configured to minimize transmission loss at a larger beam steering angle.
  2. 2. The antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dome profile shape defines a hemispherical surface or a segmental dome.
  3. 3. The antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the covering (206) is formed of a transparent or a semi-transparent material.
  4. 4. The antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna module is configured to comprise: a heat sink unit (204), antenna elements (210), Printed circuit board (PCB) (212), and communication interface(s) (214).
  5. 5. An assembly (300) for transmitting radio wave signals in an mmWave frequency range, including an antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1.

Description

ANTENNA MODULE FOR MMWAVE RADIO SYSTEMS RESERVATION OF RIGHTS [0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but are not limited to, copyright, design, trademark, integrated circuit (IC) layout design, and/or trade dress protection, belonging to Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) or its affiliates (hereinafter referred as owner). The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. All rights to such intellectual property are fully reserved by the owner. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to phased array system which employs an array of antennas. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an antenna module for a millimetre wave (mmWave) radio system. DEFINITION [0003] The following description of 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 be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art. [0004] A radome (a portmanteau of radar and dome) is a structural, weatherproof enclosure that protects a radar antenna. [0005] A larger beam steering angle refers to an angle at which the direction of the main lobe of an antenna’s radiation pattern deviates from its normal or boresight direction (which is typically perpendicular to the antenna array). [0006] These definitions are in addition to those expressed in the art. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0007] 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 an admission of the prior art. [0008] In general, a radio system antenna is designed to operate in the millimeter wave frequency range and has a directional radiation pattern, which means it concentrates the power in a particular coverage region of a cellular network. [0009] A cover is essential for shielding the antenna and associated electronics from harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, ice, sand, and ultraviolet rays. This protection ensures the longevity and reliability of the antenna system, preventing damage and degradation caused by environmental elements. In addition to environmental protection, the cover serves to obscure the antenna and its electronics from public view. This concealment can be important for aesthetic reasons, reducing visual clutter, and for security purposes, protecting sensitive equipment from potential tampering or vandalism. [0010] Also, a key design consideration for the cover is to minimize any weakening of the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna. The material and shape of the cover are carefully selected to ensure that it provides the necessary protection without significantly attenuating the signal, thus maintaining the performance of the antenna system. Further, the shape of the cover significantly impacts the distance the signal travels through the material. For instance, a flat cover will cause the signal to travel a longer distance through the material at higher angles compared to a direct head-on path. This can result in increased attenuation at these higher angles, potentially degrading the signal quality. Therefore, the design of the cover must account for these variations to ensure consistent performance. [0011] In an existing state of the art, depicted by FIG.l, the cover (102) is provided to protect a Printed circuit board (PCB) (104) and antenna elements. Further, the shape or profile of the existing cover (102) exhibits very little impact on the Sub-6GHz frequencies, whereas its shape is crucial for mmWave frequencies used for beam-forming applications. The distance travelled in the cover (102) material is angle-dependent based on the shape of the design of the cover (102). For the cover (102) that has a flat shape, the distance traversed by the signal through the cover (102) wall would be larger at higher grazing angles compared to a normal incidence of the signal. The electrical distance travelled through the cover (102) in boresight is equivalent to the thickness of the cover (102). However, this distance increases as the angle of incidence increases, and this results in a higher insertion loss and changes the phase coherence between signals. The impact of signal traveling