Innovation in Architecture & Design of Green Antennas
The realization of green antenna manufacturing hinges on a synergistic approach that combines innovations in product architecture, production processes, and physical form. These elements are interconnected and must be developed in tandem to maximize environmental benefits.
Table of Contents
Architecture Innovation
The architectural design of antennas plays a pivotal role in determining their energy efficiency, the choice of components and materials, and the optimal production process. As such, architectural innovation is fundamental to achieving green antenna manufacturing
Improve Antenna Energy Efficiency:
Internally, an antenna comprises three primary components: a dipole array at the front, and a feeding network and driving mechanism at the rear. Driven by the increasing demand for beam downtilting and beamforming, antenna feeding networks have become increasingly complex over time. In a typical antenna architecture, a feeding network usually incorporates components like phase shifters, power splitters, and combiners, all interconnected by coaxial cables. Upon entering the antenna port, an RF signal traverses a complex path through the feeding network before reaching the dipole array, which then generates electromagnetic wave radiation.
Requirement of low loss, highly integrated internal architecture
The intricate feeding networks within antennas can degrade RF energy, hindering its efficient conversion into electromagnetic radiation. This energy loss varies across frequency bands, with lower and mid-band frequencies experiencing substantial losses. For example, commonly used 2L4H six-band antennas exhibit approximately 30% internal loss. To optimize antenna and overall base station efficiency, it is crucial to minimize these losses by adopting low-loss, highly integrated
By leveraging SDIF technology, antenna ports can be directly integrated into feeding networks, eliminating the need for internal cables and reducing associated losses. This approach not only minimizes internal losses but also reduces external cable losses, contributing to improved overall energy efficiency.
Signal Direct Injection Feeding (SDIF)
the Signal Direct Injection Feeding (SDIF) architecture consolidates diverse components into a single unit, reducing the number of component connections and replacing coaxial cables with air-type striplines to integrate the dipole array and feeding network. As illustrated in the figure, this significantly simplifies the antenna architecture, leading to a substantial reduction in end-to-end energy loss. For example, the SDIF architecture can reduce the internal overall loss of 2L4H antennas to approximately 17%.
By leveraging SDIF technology, antenna ports can be directly integrated into feeding networks, eliminating the need for internal cables and reducing associated losses. This approach not only minimizes internal losses but also reduces external cable losses, contributing to improved overall energy efficiency.
During site deployment, as feeders or jumpers (flexible coaxial cables with small bending radius between RF unit and antenna) are used to connect RF units and antennas to transmit RF energy, the energy loss in feeders or jumpers should be reduced. As shown in the following figure using the 1/2″ jumper and 2.2 GHz frequency band as an example, the amount of energy loss on jumpers is related to cable types and lengths, and frequency bands. Therefore, the antenna architecture innovation improves the efficiency of not only antennas, but also external RF energy transmission, that is, Antenna & Feeder energy efficiency
Reduce the Use of Plastics and PCBs
The complex architecture of conventional antennas necessitates the use of numerous plastic components, including cable jackets, dielectric layers, PCB-based power splitters, phase shifter striplines, and support structures. For instance, a 2LOW4HIGH six-band antenna can utilize over 3 kg of plastic components. By minimizing the use of these plastics, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of antenna production.
The integrated architecture of antenna arrays and feeding networks, particularly those leveraging SDIF technology, eliminates the need for internal cables. This significantly reduces the use of plastic materials, such as cable jackets and dielectric layers, which typically account for over 60% of the total plastic used in conventional antennas.
The manufacturing of PCBs involves the use of hazardous chemicals and materials, leading to the release of heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, and complexing agents. While PCB recycling remains challenging, the adoption of alternative materials, such as metal-based air-type striplines, can significantly reduce environmental impact
New Low Dielectric Recyclable Radome
High Impact Polystyrene material with low dielectric constant with low loss characterstics. It encompasses low density, lightweight and robust material which is recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Recyclable Packing Material
High Impact Polystyrene material with low dielectric constant with low loss characteristics which is fully recyclable. All packaging materials including pallet, carton, antenna etc are fully recyclable.
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