Patent attributes
A high gain, multi-beam lens antenna system for future fifth generation (5G) wireless networks. The lens antenna includes a spherical dielectric lens fed with a plurality of radiating antenna elements. The elements are arranged around the exterior surface of the lens at a fixed offset with a predetermined angular displacement between each element. The number of beams and crossover levels between adjacent beams are determined by the dielectric properties and electrical size of the lens. The spherical nature of the dielectric lens provides a focal surface allowing the elements to be rotated around the lens with no degradation in performance. The antenna system supports wideband and multiband operation with multiple polarizations making it ideal for future 5G wireless networks.