Cellular antenna and systems and methods therefor

• US 8,018,390 B2
• Filed: 07/18/2006
• Issued: 09/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CommScope Technologies, LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Andrew LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Inventors: Sorells, Philip, Linehan, Kevin Eldon, Meyer, Louis John, Davidson, Darren, Webb, Bobby
• Primary Examiner(s): DINH, TRINH VO
• Application Number:
  US11/488,216
• Publication Number:
  US 20070063911A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,883 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 343/754
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/246 specially adapted for base stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/26 Turnstile or like antennas comprising arrangements of three or more elongated elements disposed radially and symmetrically in a horizontal plane about a common centre
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/28 Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems multiple beam H01Q25/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/06 over a restricted angle
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/32 by mechanical means

Abstract

A cellular communications antenna including sensors for determining position and/or orientation of the antenna. Position information may be obtained using, for example, a GPS receiver or by triangulation. Orientation information may be obtained using, for example, an electronic compass and/or gyroscope and/or an inclinometer.

Position and/or orientation information may be utilised locally to control attributes of the antenna or may be communicated to a central controller which may control attributes of the antenna. Signals may be sent to a central controller to indicate that an attribute of the antenna is outside a desired range.

Claims

1. A cellular communications antenna comprising:

an array antenna configured to produce a beam and mounted for adjustable orientation;

an antenna orientation sensor mounted on a back side of the array antenna, opposite radiating elements of the array antenna, and configured to develop a signal characterizing the orientation of the antenna;

a plurality of actuators for adjusting the physical orientation of the array antenna and for adjusting attributes of the beam; and

an antenna controller responsive to the sensor signal and configured to control the plurality of actuators to achieve a desired array antenna orientation and beam orientation or configuration, wherein at least some of the plurality of actuators adjust beam azimuth, roll, and down tilt of the array antenna, and wherein at least some of the plurality of actuators adjust beam elevation, azimuth, and width of the beam.

4. A cellular communications antenna as claimed in claim 1 including an RF receiver for receiving transmissions from known locations and determining the position of the array antenna by triangulation.

2. A cellular communications antenna as claimed in claim wherein the antenna orientation sensor includes an electronic compass, inclinometer, or a gyroscope.

3. A cellular communications antenna as claimed in claim including a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver.

5. A cellular communications antenna as claimed in claim wherein the antenna orientation sensor is permanently fixed to the array antenna.

6. A cellular communications antenna comprising:

an array antenna for producing a beam;

antenna position and orientation sensors mounted on a back side of the array antenna, opposite radiating elements of the array antenna, and configured to develop a signal characterizing the position and orientation of the antenna;

a plurality of actuators for adjusting the physical orientation of the array antenna and for adjusting attributes of the beam; and

an antenna controller responsive to the sensor signal and configured to control the plurality of actuators to achieve a desired array antenna orientation and beam configuration, wherein at least some of the plurality of actuators adjust beam azimuth, roll, and down tilt of the array antenna, and wherein at least some of the plurality of actuators adjust beam elevation, azimuth, and width of the beam.