How to Tune Multi-Antenna Systems for Better Wireless Signals
This patent describes a step-by-step method for fine-tuning the many small antennas in an array to make sure they work together perfectly, improving signal quality in wireless communication systems.
Original patent title: “Method for calibrating an array antenna in a wireless communication system and apparatus thereof”
This patent describes a step-by-step method for fine-tuning the many small antennas in an array to make sure they work together perfectly, improving signal quality in wireless communication systems. Granted to LG Electronics in 2021 with 23 claims and 14 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2040.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent outlines a method for calibrating an array antenna, which is a group of individual antennas working together. The process starts by transmitting a radio signal using two antennas from the array: a "first antenna" (which is already calibrated or a reference) and a "second antenna" (an adjacent one that needs calibration). A separate "specific coupling antenna," located nearby, then measures this transmitted radio signal. Based on this measurement, the system calculates an "error" for the second antenna and then adjusts, or "calibrates," it. This sequence of transmitting, measuring, estimating error, and calibrating is repeated until all antennas in the array have been fine-tuned. For example, in a 5G base station with many antennas, this method could calibrate one antenna, then use it as a reference to calibrate the next one in a row or column, and so on, ensuring each antenna contributes correctly to the overall signal.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover calibration methods that do not use a separate "coupling antenna" for measuring the radio signal.
- Does not cover calibration where antennas are not processed iteratively, one by one or in adjacent pairs, until all are calibrated.
- Does not cover systems that do not adjust at least one of the "phase" or "gain" of the radio signal during calibration.
- Does not cover calibration that is not performed by transmitting a signal through a "first antenna" and a "second antenna" simultaneously.
- Does not cover calibration methods that do not involve repeatedly transmitting a radio signal with a changing "pre-configured adjustment value" (claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more → 3-4).
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in the iterative, localized calibration approach. By using an already calibrated or reference antenna alongside an adjacent uncalibrated one, and measuring their combined signal via a separate coupling antenna, the system can precisely pinpoint and correct errors in individual elements within a large array.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
5G base stations
Millimeter-wave communication devices
Satellite communication systems
Radar systems
Wi-Fi 6E/7 routers with multiple antennas
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Array antennas are crucial for modern wireless technologies like 5G, enabling faster speeds and better coverage through techniques like beamforming. Accurate calibration ensures these complex antenna systems work efficiently, preventing signal distortion and maximizing performance. This is vital for reliable communication in dense urban areas and for high-bandwidth applications, making sure your phone gets a strong, clear signal.
Filed
July 10, 2020
Granted
September 7, 2021
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
LG Electronics, the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, continues to be a major player in 5G and telecommunications equipment. Other companies like Samsung, Ericsson, and Huawei, which develop 5G infrastructure and devices, are also actively working on advanced array antenna technologies and their calibration to improve wireless network performance.
Market impact
This type of calibration method is essential for the widespread deployment and performance optimization of 5G and future wireless communication systems. It helps ensure that complex antenna arrays, which are fundamental to technologies like beamforming and massive MIMO, can operate efficiently, leading to more reliable and faster wireless connections for consumers and businesses.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent outlines a method for calibrating an array antenna, which is a group of individual antennas working together. The process starts by transmitting a radio signal using two antennas from the array: a "first antenna" (which is already calibrated or a reference) and a "second antenna" (an adjacent one that needs calibration). A separate "specific coupling antenna," located nearby, then measures this transmitted radio signal. Based on this measurement, the system calculates an "error" for the second antenna and then adjusts, or "calibrates," it. This sequence of transmitting, measuring, estimating error, and calibrating is repeated until all antennas in the array have been fine-tuned. For example, in a 5G base station with many antennas, this method could calibrate one antenna, then use it as a reference to calibrate the next one in a row or column, and so on, ensuring each antenna contributes correctly to the overall signal.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in the iterative, localized calibration approach. By using an already calibrated or reference antenna alongside an adjacent uncalibrated one, and measuring their combined signal via a separate coupling antenna, the system can precisely pinpoint and correct errors in individual elements within a large array.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover calibration methods that do not use a separate "coupling antenna" for measuring the radio signal.
- Does not cover calibration where antennas are not processed iteratively, one by one or in adjacent pairs, until all are calibrated.
- Does not cover systems that do not adjust at least one of the "phase" or "gain" of the radio signal during calibration.
- Does not cover calibration that is not performed by transmitting a signal through a "first antenna" and a "second antenna" simultaneously.
- Does not cover calibration methods that do not involve repeatedly transmitting a radio signal with a changing "pre-configured adjustment value" (claims 3-4).
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Strong
Citation count
23/40
Moderately cited
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$87K – $280K
Midpoint $175K · 13.9 yr remaining · industry ×1.4
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Cho, D., KIM, S., Kim, D., LEE, S., Lee, J., Chung, J., NOH, S., & Keum, S. (2021). How to Tune Multi-Antenna Systems for Better Wireless Signals (U.S. Patent No. 11,115,136). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11115136/method-for-calibrating-an-array-antenna-in-a-wireless-communication-system-and-a
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How to Tune Multi-Antenna Systems for Better Wireless Signals cover?
This patent describes a step-by-step method for fine-tuning the many small antennas in an array to make sure they work together perfectly, improving signal quality in wireless communication systems.
Who owns patent US 11115136?
LG Electronics owns this patent, granted in 2021.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on July 10, 2040, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 11115136 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 14 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
Array antennas are crucial for modern wireless technologies like 5G, enabling faster speeds and better coverage through techniques like beamforming. Accurate calibration ensures these complex antenna systems work efficiently, preventing signal distortion and maximizing performance. This is vital for reliable communication in dense urban areas and for high-bandwidth applications, making sure your phone gets a strong, clear signal.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover calibration methods that do not use a separate "coupling antenna" for measuring the radio signal.
Same assignee
More from LG Electronics
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