Integrated structure of combiner and phase shifter and electrically adjustable antenna

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of antennas and provides an integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter and an electrically adjustable antenna. The integrated structure of the combiner and the phase shifter comprises a first PCB board and a second PCB board. A first split-feed output port on a first phase shifter on the first PCB board is electrically connected to a first input port on a first combiner circuit on the first PCB board through a connecting line. The first phase shifter works at a first frequency band. A second split-feed output port on a second phase shifter on the second PCB board is electrically connected to a second input port on a second combiner circuit on the second PCB board through a connecting line. The second phase shifter works at a second frequency band. The first combiner circuit and the second combiner circuit are electrically connected to form a combiner. An output port of the combiner is arranged on the first PCB board. Thus, the combiner and the phase shifter are integrated, the structure is compact, a large number of connecting cables are saved, and the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and more particularly to an integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter, as well as an electrically adjustable antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile communication, base station antennas are becoming more multi-frequency, multi-port, and miniaturized. The number of phase shifters and combiners is also increasing with the increase in the number of antenna frequency bands and ports, and the number of cables is also increasing exponentially. In addition, with the separation of frequency bands, the number of cables will double again, resulting in a large number of cables in a limited space, making the overall layout of the antenna difficult.

[0003] In existing technologies, electrically tunable antennas utilize separate combiners and phase shifters. There are various implementation methods for these combiners, such as cavity combiners, stripline combiners, and microstrip combiners. Due to limitations in size and wiring methods, separate combiners have a complex structure and require a large number of cables. In terms of manufacturing, the large number of combiners increases the number of solder joints and makes the process more cumbersome. Furthermore, separate combiners are relatively expensive.

[0004] In conclusion, the existing technology obviously has inconveniences and defects in practical use, so it is necessary to improve it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide an integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter, as well as an electrically adjustable antenna, which integrates the combiner and the phase shifter into one compact structure, saves a large number of connecting cables, and reduces costs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter, including a first PCB board and a second PCB board, wherein the first PCB board is located above the second PCB board;

[0007] The first PCB board is provided with a first phase shifter and at least one first combiner line; the first phase shifter includes at least one first feeder output port; the first combiner line includes a first input port; one first feeder output port and one first input port are electrically connected through a connecting line; the first phase shifter operates in a first frequency band;

[0008] The second PCB board is provided with a second phase shifter and a second combiner circuit; the second phase shifter includes at least one second split-feed output port; the second combiner circuit includes a second input port; one second split-feed output port and one second input port are electrically connected via a connecting line; the second phase shifter operates in a second frequency band;

[0009] The first combiner circuit and the second combiner circuit are electrically connected to form a combiner, and the output port of the combiner is located on the first PCB board.

[0010] According to the integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter, the connecting line is a microstrip line.

[0011] According to the integrated structure of the combiner and the phase shifter, the first combiner line and the second combiner line are electrically connected through a plug-in board;

[0012] The plug plate has the same circuit on both sides and is provided with metal vias; the plug plate is soldered to the first combiner circuit and the second combiner circuit.

[0013] According to the integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter, the first combiner line and the second combiner line are electrically connected by wires.

[0014] According to the integrated structure of the combiner and the phase shifter, the first phase shifter further includes a first main feeder input port and a first phase shifter plate; a first coupling power distribution line is provided on one side of the first phase shifter plate; the first coupling power distribution line is connected to the first feeder line where the first feeder output port is located and the first main feeder line where the first main feeder input port is located; and the first coupling power distribution line on the first rotating shaft end of the first phase shifter plate is connected to the first main feeder line.

[0015] The second phase shifter further includes a second main feed input port and a second phase shifter plate; a second coupling power distribution line is provided on one side of the second phase shifter plate; the second coupling power distribution line is connected to the second sub-feed line where the second sub-feed output port is located and the second main feed line where the second main feed input port is located; and the second coupling power distribution line on the second rotating shaft end of the second phase shifter plate is connected to the second main feed line.

[0016] According to the integrated structure of the combiner and the phase shifter, the first PCB board is provided with a first decoupling area, which is provided between each of the first feeder lines and in the surrounding area of ​​the plug-in board on the first PCB board.

[0017] The second PCB board is provided with a second decoupling area, which is located between each of the second feeder lines and around the perimeter of the plug-in board on the second PCB board.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an electrically adjustable antenna, comprising an integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter as described in any of the preceding claims, and a radiating element;

[0019] The main feed lines of each phase shifter in the integrated structure are connected to the main feed line through their main feed input ports, and the output ports of each synthesizer in the integrated structure are connected to each of the radiation units through cables.

[0020] This invention provides an integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter. The combiner is distributed on a first PCB board and a second PCB board via first and second combiner lines, respectively. This facilitates connection with the first phase shifter on the first PCB board and the second phase shifter on the second PCB board, reducing cable usage and solder joints, thus simplifying manufacturing and lowering costs. When the first and second combiner lines are electrically connected, a complete combiner is formed, which combines the signals from the first and second phase shifters for output. Therefore, this invention integrates the combiner and phase shifter into a single, compact structure, saving a significant amount of connecting cables and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first PCB board of the integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second PCB board of the integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the insert plate of the integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first phase shifter connected to multiple first feeder output ports in an integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection input port and output port of the combiner, which is an integrated structure of combiner and phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the first decoupling region of the integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrically adjustable antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0029] It should be noted that references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this specification refer to the described embodiment including specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment must include these specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such expressions do not refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when describing specific features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, it is indicated that incorporating such features, structures, or characteristics into other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0030] Furthermore, certain terms are used in the specification and subsequent claims to refer to specific components or parts. Those skilled in the art will understand that manufacturers may use different names or terms to refer to the same component or part. This specification and subsequent claims do not distinguish components or parts by differences in name, but rather by differences in function. The terms "comprising" and "including" used throughout the specification and subsequent claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to." Additionally, the term "connection" here includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Indirect electrical connection means include connections made through other means.

[0031] See Figures 1-6 In the first embodiment of the present invention, an integrated structure 100 of a combiner and a phase shifter is provided, including a first PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 10 and a second PCB 20, wherein the first PCB 10 is located above the second PCB 20.

[0032] The first PCB board 10 is provided with a first phase shifter 30 and at least one first combiner line 41; the first phase shifter 30 includes at least one first feeder output port 311; the first combiner line 41 includes a first input port 411; the first feeder output port 311 and the first input port 411 are electrically connected by a connecting line; the first phase shifter 30 operates in a first frequency band.

[0033] The second PCB board 20 is provided with a second phase shifter 50 and a second combiner line 61; the second phase shifter 50 includes at least one second feeder output port 511; the second combiner line 61 includes a second input port 611; the second feeder output port 511 and the second input port 611 are electrically connected by a connecting line; the second phase shifter 50 operates in the second frequency band.

[0034] The first combiner line 41 and the second combiner line 61 are electrically connected to form a combiner, and the output port 70 of the combiner is located on the first PCB board 10.

[0035] In this embodiment, the phase shifter is a crucial component for adjusting the electrical downtilt angle in an electrically tunable antenna. In mobile communication systems, to optimize the coverage of wireless signals in service areas and suppress interference between signals on the same frequency, the downtilt angle of the electrically tunable antenna needs to be adjusted appropriately. The phase shifter continuously adjusts the antenna's feed network, continuously changing the phase of each radiating element in the antenna array, thereby achieving continuous adjustment of the antenna's electrical downtilt angle without changing the antenna's physical position. The combiner can transmit signals from multiple frequency bands simultaneously. The combiner is distributed on the first PCB board 10 and the second PCB board 20 via a first combiner line 41 and a second combiner line 61, respectively, facilitating connection with the first phase shifter 30 on the first PCB board 10 and the second phase shifter 50 on the second PCB board 20. This reduces the use of cables and solder joints, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs. When the first combiner line 41 and the second combiner line 61 are electrically connected, a complete combiner is formed, which combines the signals from the first phase shifter 30 and the second phase shifter 50 for output. Therefore, the combiner and phase shifter are integrated into one unit, resulting in a compact structure, saving a significant amount of connecting cables, and reducing costs. Optionally, the number of first combiner lines 41 corresponds to the number of first feeder output ports 311 of the first phase shifter 30; similarly, the number of second combiner lines 61 corresponds to the number of second feeder output ports 511 of the second phase shifter 50. Preferably, there are six first feeder output ports 311 and six second feeder output ports 511, corresponding to six first combiner lines 41 and six second combiner lines 61. Optionally, the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band.

[0036] As an optional embodiment, the connecting line is a microstrip line, reducing the use of cables, thereby reducing solder joints and improving production efficiency. Optionally, the electrical length of the connected microstrip line needs to be phase-matched. The purpose of phase matching is to ensure that the length of the cable connected to the same output port 70 of the integrated structure 100 remains consistent when operating in two different frequency bands. This is achieved by adjusting the difference between the electrical length of the line from the first feeder output port 311 of the first phase shifter 30 operating in the first frequency band to the output port 70 of the combiner and the electrical length of the line from the second phase shifter 50 operating in the second frequency band to the output port 70 of the combiner.

[0037] As an optional embodiment, see Figures 1-3 The first combiner line 41 and the second combiner line 61 are electrically connected via a plug plate 80;

[0038] The plug-in board 80 can be a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The plug-in board 80 has the same circuit on both sides and is provided with metal vias 82. The metal (e.g., copper) on the vias 82 can connect the circuits on both sides. The plug-in board 80 is soldered to the first combiner circuit 41 and the second combiner circuit 61 to realize the electrical connection between the first combiner circuit 41 and the second combiner circuit 61.

[0039] As an optional embodiment, the first combiner line 41 and the second combiner line 61 are electrically connected by wires.

[0040] As an optional embodiment, see Figures 1-2 The first phase shifter 30 also includes a first main feed input port 321 and a first phase shifter 33; a first coupling power splitter line 331 is provided on one side of the first phase shifter 33; the first coupling power splitter line 331 is connected to the first sub-feeder line 31 where the first sub-feed output port 311 is located and the first main feeder line 32 where the first main feed input port 321 is located; and the first coupling power splitter line 331 on the first rotating shaft end 332 of the first phase shifter 33 is connected to the first main feeder line 32.

[0041] The second phase shifter 50 also includes a second main feed input port 521 and a second phase shifter 53; a second coupling power splitter line 531 is provided on one side of the second phase shifter 53; the second coupling power splitter line 531 is connected to the second feeder line 51 where the second feeder output port 511 is located and the second main feeder line 52 where the second main feed input port 521 is located; and the second coupling power splitter line 531 on the second rotating shaft end 532 of the second phase shifter 53 is connected to the second main feeder line 52.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first phase shifter 30 obtains the phase shift amount of each first sub-feed output port 311 by rotating the first phase shifter 33, and the second phase shifter 50 obtains the phase shift amount of each second sub-feed output port 511 by rotating the second phase shifter 53, thereby realizing the adjustment of the antenna beam downtilt angle.

[0043] As an optional embodiment, see Figure 6 The first PCB board 10 is provided with a first decoupling area 91, which is provided between each of the first feeder lines 31 and in the surrounding area of ​​the plug-in board 80 on the first PCB board 10.

[0044] The second PCB board 20 is provided with a second decoupling area 92, which is located between each of the second feeder lines 51 and around the perimeter of the plug-in board 80 on the second PCB board 20.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first decoupling region 91 is used to reduce the coupling between lines and guide part of the current to the ground plane of the first PCB board 10; the second decoupling region 92 is similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] See Figure 7 The second embodiment of the present invention provides an electrically adjustable antenna 1000, including an integrated structure 100 of combiner and phase shifter as described in any of the above claims and a radiating element 1100;

[0047] The main feed lines of each phase shifter in the integrated structure 100 are connected to the main feed line 1200 through their main feed input ports, and the output ports of each synthesizer in the integrated structure are connected to each of the radiation units 1100 through cables 1300.

[0048] It should be noted that the integrated structure 100 of the combiner and phase shifter of the electrically tunable antenna 1000 provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same specific implementation and technical effects as those in the foregoing embodiments. For the sake of brevity, any parts not mentioned in the embodiments of the electrically tunable antenna 1000 can be referred to the corresponding content in the foregoing embodiments.

[0049] In summary, this invention provides an integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter. The combiner is distributed on a first PCB board and a second PCB board via first and second combiner lines, respectively. This facilitates connection with the first phase shifter on the first PCB board and the second phase shifter on the second PCB board, reducing cable usage and solder joints, thus simplifying manufacturing and lowering costs. When the first and second combiner lines are electrically connected, a complete combiner is formed, which combines the signals from the first and second phase shifters for output. Therefore, this invention integrates the combiner and phase shifter into a single, compact structure, saving a significant amount of connecting cables and reducing costs.

[0050] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated structure of a combiner and a phase shifter, characterized in that, It includes a first PCB board and a second PCB board, with the first PCB board located above the second PCB board; The first PCB board is provided with a first phase shifter and at least one first combiner line; the first phase shifter includes at least one first feeder output port; the first combiner line includes a first input port; one first feeder output port and one first input port are electrically connected through a connecting line; the first phase shifter operates in a first frequency band; The second PCB board is equipped with a second phase shifter and a second combiner circuit. The second phase shifter includes at least one second split-feed output port; the second combiner line includes a second input port; One of the second feeder output ports is electrically connected to one of the second input ports via a connecting line; the second phase shifter operates in the second frequency band; The first combiner circuit and the second combiner circuit are electrically connected to form a combiner, and the output port of the combiner is located on the first PCB board; The first combiner circuit and the second combiner circuit are electrically connected via a plug-in board; The plug plate has the same circuit on both sides and is provided with metal vias; the plug plate is soldered to the first combiner circuit and the second combiner circuit.

2. The integrated structure of combiner and phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting line is a microstrip line.

3. The integrated structure of combiner and phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first combiner line and the second combiner line are electrically connected by wires.

4. The integrated structure of combiner and phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first phase shifter further includes a first main feed input port and a first phase shifter plate; a first coupling power distribution line is provided on one side of the first phase shifter plate; the first coupling power distribution line is connected to the first feeder line where the first feeder output port is located and the first main feeder line where the first main feed input port is located; and the first coupling power distribution line on the first rotating shaft end of the first phase shifter plate is connected to the first main feeder line. The second phase shifter further includes a second main feed input port and a second phase shifter plate; a second coupling power distribution line is provided on one side of the second phase shifter plate; the second coupling power distribution line is connected to the second sub-feed line where the second sub-feed output port is located and the second main feed line where the second main feed input port is located; and the second coupling power distribution line on the second rotating shaft end of the second phase shifter plate is connected to the second main feed line.

5. The integrated structure of combiner and phase shifter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first PCB board is provided with a first decoupling area, which is located between each of the first feeder lines and around the perimeter of the plug-in board on the first PCB board. The second PCB board is provided with a second decoupling area, which is located between each of the second feeder lines and around the perimeter of the plug-in board on the second PCB board.

6. An electrically adjustable antenna, characterized in that, Includes the integrated structure of the combiner and phase shifter as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and the radiating unit; The main feed lines of each phase shifter in the integrated structure are connected to the main feed line through their main feed input ports, and the output ports of each synthesizer in the integrated structure are connected to each of the radiation units through cables.

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