IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,531,338
Granted Patent B2
US 12,531,338 · App. 18/759,196 · Granted Jan 20, 2026

Reflector array for non-line-of-sight coverage

Inventor: Chad Chun Fai Au (Kirkland, WA)
Assignee: T-MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
H01Q3/46H04B7/04013
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,531,338
App. No.
18/759,196
Granted
Jan 20, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Aspects provided herein provide methods and systems for utilizing an adaptable Van Atta reflective array (A-VARA) system. The system comprises an A-VARA panel comprising variable phase shifters incorporated into transmission lines linking a set of radiating elements. The system also comprises a control that modifies a reflection direction of the A-VARA panel and provides aggregate adjustment to each of the variable phase shifters to steer reflected coverage around an obstacle.

Claims (26)

1 . A method of utilizing an adaptable Van Atta reflective array (A-VARA) panel, the method comprising:

mounting the A-VARA panel comprising variable phase shifters incorporated into transmission lines linking a set of radiating elements; and

modifying a reflection direction of the A-VARA panel utilizing a control that provides an aggregate adjustment to each of the variable phase shifters to steer reflected coverage around an obstacle.

2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising aligning a reference direction of the A-VARA panel using a scope.

3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising aligning a reference direction of the A-VARA panel using a planning tool.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the A-VARA system is utilized for single band operation or multi-band operation.

5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the control comprises a first adjustment knob for single band operation and a second adjustment knob for multi-band operation.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the A-VARA system provides fixed wireless access services, low band services, mid band services, and/or high band services.

7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising amplifiers to boost a reflected signal in power density.

8 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising requiring no electrical power to operate the A-VARA panel.

9 . A method of utilizing an adaptable Van Atta reflective array (A-VARA) panel, the method comprising:

mounting the A-VARA panel comprising variable phase shifters incorporated into transmission lines linking a set of radiating elements; and

aligning a reference direction of the A-VARA panel using a scope or a planning tool to steer reflected coverage around an obstacle.

10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising modifying a reflection direction of the A-VARA panel utilizing a control that provides an aggregate adjustment to each of the variable phase shifters to steer reflected coverage around an obstacle.

11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the A-VARA system is utilized for single band operation or multi-band operation.

12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the control comprises a first adjustment knob for single band operation and a second adjustment knob for multi-band operation.

13 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the A-VARA system provides fixed wireless access services, low band services, mid band services, and/or high band services.

14 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising amplifiers to boost a reflected signal in power density.

15 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising requiring no electrical power to operate the A-VARA panel.

16 . An adaptable Van Atta reflective array (A-VARA) system, comprising:

an A-VARA panel comprising variable phase shifters incorporated into transmission lines linking a set of radiating elements; and

a control that modifies a reflection direction of the A-VARA panel and provides an aggregate adjustment to each of the variable phase shifters to steer reflected coverage around an obstacle.

17 . The A-VARA system of claim 16 , further comprising a scope to align a reference direction of the A-VARA panel.

18 . The A-VARA system of claim 16 , further comprising a planning tool to align a reference direction of the A-VARA panel.

19 . The A-VARA system of claim 16 , wherein the control comprises a first adjustment knob for single band operation and a second adjustment knob for multi-band operation.

20 . The A-VARA system of claim 16 , wherein the A-VARA system provides fixed wireless access services, low band services, mid band services, and/or high band services.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 2, 2024
From: AU, CHAD CHUN FAI
To: T-MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 067896/0122 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20260005435A1 · Jan 1, 2026
References Cited (7)
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