Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated antenna array comprising a plurality of interleaved sub-arrays separately controllable and responding to either the same or separate frequency bands. Both arrays operate with substantially the same phase center and substantially within the same effective aperture. The first sub-array of array comprises of spaced linear radiating elements such as dipoles, log-periodic, Yagi, slotted-waveguide, patch, or array consisting of the same or different elements as used in the first sub-array, either on the same or an entirely different frequency band. Independent beam shaping systems are shown for independent operation of the two arrays.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing improved wireless data communication. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize multiple antenna beams in the forward link to provide increased forward link capacity and/or improved forward link signal quality. Multiple orthogonal sub-pilots are transmitted from a plurality of antenna elements for use in determining forward link channel characteristics according to a preferred embodiment. Forward link channel estimates may then be made by the preferred embodiment subscriber units and provided in a reverse link control channel to the corresponding base station. Multiple beams may also be utilized in the reverse link to provide increased reverse link capacity, such as for use in providing feedback of forward link channel estimates.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which select multiple communication beams for simultaneous use such that potential scatters (e.g. reflectors) are not illuminated by simultaneous transmissions. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for maximizing aggregate throughput by continuously selecting the best subscriber station combination to be serviced simultaneously, such as based upon their spatial status and Quality of Service (QOS) metrics. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the present invention may facilitate demodulation reference using a system common pilot, training sequence, or other system signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing analysis of channel characteristics for determining a optimum beam configuration for use therein are shown. Preferably, the direction and angle spread for subscriber units are determined in order to provide a beam for use therewith. According to a preferred embodiment, forward link characteristics are emulated in the reverse link in order to identify an optimum beam configuration. This optimum beam configuration is then preferably adapted for use in the forward link. Preferably, the present invention operates to recognize subscriber units which are spatially separated such that the optimized beams may be utilized in providing simultaneous communications therewith.

Abstract: A diversity reception handset includes a receiver for receiving pilot and plural increments of traffic sent from a base station within a service area of a wireless communications network. The handset includes at least two antennas, a switch for switching a receiver between the two antennas, a time-of-arrival searcher circuit connected to the receiver and responsive to the pilot for determining time of arrival of the received signals and expected time of arrival of each increment, and a controller for controlling the switch based upon determined expected time of arrival of each increment.

Abstract: A wireless communication system base station uses a dual-polarized antenna array to receive two signal groups having orthogonal polarizations. In a preferred embodiment a first signal group is received using a first sub-array of odd-numbered antenna elements, while a second signal group is received using a second sub-array of even-numbered antenna elements. Dipoles within the odd-numbered elements are selected so that they have a common polarization orthogonal to the dipoles selected in the even-numbered elements. The two signal groups thus have orthogonal polarizations. Base station signal processing hardware performs separate spatial channel estimation for these two groups, and uses the polarization diversity to improve performance in both the uplink and downlink. The use of polarization diversity allows the physical dimensions of the antenna array to be kept to a minimum.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed to schedule frame transmissions in a wireless network. The network includes a plurality of stations configured to communicate on the same frequency channel with a plurality of access points. A central controller examines the transmission characteristics between the various stations and access points and identifies frames that may be simultaneously transmitted by a subset of the access points to their intended stations.

Abstract: The invention provides optimization of communication links by using a control loop with a relatively long time constant and adjusting particular communication links based upon feedback from a virtual communication unit associated with a communication link. A preferred embodiment of the invention optimizes wireless links in a point to multipoint system, such as a cellular communication system, by dividing a service area into segments and adjusting an antenna beam associated with a segment when a mobile unit is operable therein. This preferred embodiment results in convergence upon an optimized communication link over time and is suitable for use even with highly mobile systems. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide control loops for location or segment optimization as well as for individual optimization.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated antenna array comprising a plurality of interleaved sub-arrays separately controllable and responding to either the same or separate frequency bands. Both arrays operate with substantially the same phase center and substantially within the same effective aperture. The first sub-array of array comprises of spaced linear radiating elements such as dipoles, log-periodic, Yagi, slotted-waveguide, patch, or array consisting of the same or different elements as used in the first sub-array, either on the same or an entirely different frequency band. Independent beam shaping systems are shown for independent operation of the two arrays.

Abstract: A wireless communication system base station uses a dual-polarized antenna array to receive two signal groups having orthogonal polarizations. In a preferred embodiment, a first signal group is received using a first sub-array of odd-numbered antenna elements, while a second signal group is received using a second sub-array of even-numbered antenna elements. Dipoles within the odd-numbered elements are selected so that they have a common polarization orthogonal to the dipoles selected in the even-numbered elements. The two signal groups thus have orthogonal polarizations. Base station signal processing hardware performs separate spatial channel estimation for these two groups, and uses the polarization diversity to improve performance in both the uplink and downlink. The use of polarization diversity allows the physical dimensions of the antenna array to be kept to a minimum.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which proactively determine particular access terminals which are compatible for simultaneous communication at a high data rate and preferred embodiments provide scheduling of simultaneous communications such that data communication is optimized. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize a multiple element antenna array, and associated array response vectors associated with narrow antenna beam forming techniques, (adaptive array antennas) to identify compatible access terminals, such as by calculating a correlation between particular access terminals and, preferably utilizing a predetermined correlation threshold, identifying suitably uncorrelated access terminals. Using such information embodiments of the present invention may determine which particular access terminals may be controlled to transmit at a high data rate at a same time. Embodiments of the present invention are operable with respect to the forward and/or reverse links.

Abstract: Methods are provided for choosing mobile stations that have low cross correlations between their array response vectors, thereby minimizing inter-cell interference through uneven average reverse link data rates experienced by the mobile stations and minimizing intra-cell interference without explicit implementation of an interference cancellation algorithm, thereby maximizing the reverse link data throughput of a wireless communication system. Selected mobile stations of one or more are transmitted simultaneously to a base station.

Abstract: Known antenna array manifold information is exploited to provide for fast and accurate channel estimation and demodulation on both the forward and reverse links, thereby increasing capacity in PCS and cellular CDMA networks that use adaptive antenna arrays. On the reverse link, an “extended” array manifold is used to assist the demodulator in maintaining a dynamic estimate of the spatial signature to use for beamforming and coherent demodulation. On the forward link, channel estimation is performed in the handset to provide a robust solution for beamforming.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which provide aggressively sculpted or shaped antenna beams, such as sector antenna beams, for use in communication networks. Preferred embodiments use passive antenna feed networks, preferably configured as personality modules, which are adapted for corresponding topological and morphological features. Preferred embodiment feed networks may be coupled to linear or curvilinear antenna arrays to provide antenna beams having a desired contour. Using the disclosed systems and methods path loss variance is minimized for improved system capacity and/or signal quality. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods provide for reduced average transmission power levels further allowing increased capacity and/or signal quality.

Abstract: The invention provides optimization of communication links by using a control loop with a relatively long time constant and adjusting particular communication links based upon feedback from a virtual communication unit associated with a communication link. A preferred embodiment of the invention optimizes wireless links in a point to multipoint system, such as a cellular communication system, by dividing a service area into segments and adjusting an antenna beam associated with a segment when a mobile unit is operable therein. This preferred embodiment results in convergence upon an optimized communication link over time and is suitable for use even with highly mobile systems. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide control loops for location or segment optimization as well as for individual optimization.

Abstract: Traffic channel signals and pilot channel signals are transmitted from a base station to a mobile station using different beams. The beam carrying the pilot channel signal is a sector-wide beam, while the beam carrying the traffic channel signal has been minimized based on the number of frame errors associated with the traffic channel signal. The pilot and traffic channel signals are also phase matched. All traffic channel antenna beams in the same direction are maintained at approximately the same effective radiated power.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing analysis of channel characteristics for determining a optimum beam configuration for use therein are shown. Preferably, the direction and angle spread for subscriber units are determined in order to provide a beam for use therewith. According to a preferred embodiment, forward link characteristics are emulated in the reverse link in order to identify an optimum beam configuration. This optimum beam configuration is then preferably adapted for use in the forward link. Preferably, the present invention operates to recognize subscriber units which are spatially separated such that the optimized beams may be utilized in providing simultaneous communications therewith.

Abstract: A practical way to enhance signal quality (carrier to interference. C/I) in both up and downlink of wireless point to multi-point CDMA service implements basic radio direction finding techniques to allow for optimal diversity combining in an antenna array employing large number of elements. This approach is facilitated through the use of very small bit counts arithmetic and capitalizing on finite alphabet signal structure (Walsh symbols, for example in IS-95 CDMA) or a known training sequence. Alternate implementations can use floating point data representations. The method facilitates ASIC implementation, thereby enabling distributed processing to achieve the required computation practicality. The method utilizes the uplink channel data to determine the downlink spatial structure (array beams) to enhance downlink C/I and hence, increase downlink capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base station of a wireless communications system including an adaptive antenna array and beam forming means for forming simultaneous multiple forward link beams. Preferably mobile stations are separated into groups of mobile stations corresponding to a maximum number of simultaneous forward link beams for determining which of said groups can be served by compatible simultaneous forward link beams. Preferably, if mobiles remain outside of a compatible group, the number of simultaneous forward link beams is increased and grouping of the mobile stations is repeated until all the mobile stations are included in compatible groups. Preferably simultaneous data beams are formed to mobiles of a said group during a time interval accorded to said group, such that every mobile station receives service data during a full cycle of said time intervals at a rate equal to or in excess of a target service data rate for that mobile.

Abstract: A base station clustered adaptive antenna array includes a plurality of clusters of antenna elements. Each cluster is spaced away from an adjacent cluster by a first predetermined spacing related to receive-mode beamforming and includes a plurality of transmit-receive antenna elements. Each element within the cluster is spaced away from an adjacent element by a second predetermined spacing related to transmit-mode beamforming. In order to reduce the visual impact of the antenna array, each cluster is included within a single exterior housing or radome. A medial receive-only antenna element may be provided between adjacent clusters to enhance beamforming for reverse link reception.