A dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array and method based on a filtered cross-connector

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of multi-beam antenna arrays and discloses a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array and method based on filter jumpers. The structure is integrated by vertically stacking the energy feed module, beamforming network, and dual-polarization antenna module. The beamforming network uses multiple sets of orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices, with filter jumpers embedded at the crossover nodes. In-channel and out-of-channel operation is achieved through independent frequency control of the vertical and horizontal channels. This antenna array, through the synergistic effect of the filter jumpers and Butler matrices, simultaneously realizes multi-band filtering, beamforming, and dual-polarization functions in a single system. It effectively solves the problems of single-band frequency and insufficient polarization capability in traditional solutions, significantly improving the frequency band adaptability and polarization diversity capability of the antenna array in complex environments, and providing a more compact, multifunctional, and high-performance RF front-end solution for 5G / 6G communication systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of multi-beam antenna array technology, and particularly relates to a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array and method based on a filter jumper. Background Technology

[0002] In the current field of wireless communication, multi-beam antenna array technology has become a key technology for communication frequency bands below terahertz due to its low cost, low loss, and flexible beam steering capabilities. With the widespread adoption of 5G and active exploration of future 6G, the demand for high-performance, highly integrated radio frequency (RF) front-ends in wireless communication systems is becoming increasingly urgent. Filtering, as an important means of suppressing incoherent signal interference in the RF front-end, combined with multi-beam antenna arrays, provides a highly promising solution for 5G and future 6G wireless communication systems. The core of implementing a filtered multi-beam antenna array lies in the beamforming network, which must simultaneously possess three key functions: power distribution, phase control, and filter integration.

[0003] However, the current wireless communication field faces numerous challenges. Early methods of simply cascading filters and beamforming networks, while achieving some functionality, significantly increased system size, failing to align with the miniaturization and integration trends of modern communication equipment. While numerous integrated design solutions have emerged since then, such as integrating filtering functions into beamforming network components to reduce size and increase integration density—for example, Chinese patent application publication number CN117239427A discloses a 4×8 filtered Butler matrix that endows the entire beamforming network with filtering capabilities by enabling couplers, thereby improving system performance—most existing filtered multi-beam antenna arrays can only operate in a single frequency band and lack polarization diversity capabilities. This limits the adaptability and reliability of communication systems in complex and ever-changing communication environments.

[0004] It is evident that existing filtered multi-beam antenna array technology is insufficient in terms of frequency band adaptability and polarization diversity capability, making it difficult to meet the requirements of 5G and future 6G wireless communication systems for high-performance, multi-functional RF front-ends. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array and method based on a filter jumper. This dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array can operate in single-frequency or dual-frequency mode and has polarization diversity capability, making it suitable for 5G and future 6G wireless communication systems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical content:

[0007] A dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper includes an energy feeding module, a beamforming network, and a dual-polarized antenna module arranged sequentially from bottom to top;

[0008] The beamforming network includes at least two sets of orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices; a filter jumper is provided at each cross node; wherein, the cross node is formed by two sets of mutually intersecting 2D Butler matrices;

[0009] Each 2D Butler matrix is ​​connected to the dual-polarized antenna module through the energy feeding module;

[0010] At least one set of 2D Butler matrices forms a vertical channel with all filter jumpers in the first direction;

[0011] At least one set of 2D Butler matrices forms a horizontal channel with all filter jumpers in the second direction;

[0012] By controlling the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in both directions, the vertical and horizontal channels can be made to operate at the same or different frequencies;

[0013] The energy feeding module is used to feed the energy of the beamforming network to the dual-polarized antenna module to excite the horizontal polarization mode or the vertical polarization mode.

[0014] Furthermore, each group of 2D Butler matrices includes at least four directional couplers; all directional couplers in the same group of 2D Butler matrices operate at the same frequency; the beamforming network also includes substrate integrated waveguide transmission lines; and the directional couplers are connected to each other using substrate integrated waveguide transmission lines.

[0015] Furthermore, the energy feeding module includes a first metal layer; a first dielectric substrate is disposed above the first metal layer; and a second metal layer is disposed above the first dielectric substrate.

[0016] The substrate integrated waveguide transmission line is constructed based on the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the metal vias of the first dielectric substrate.

[0017] Furthermore, at least two sets of microstrip line groups are disposed on the first metal layer; the microstrip line groups are connected between the 2D Butler matrix and the dual-polarized antenna module, and each set of microstrip line groups is connected to a set of the 2D Butler matrix;

[0018] The microstrip line group includes at least four microstrip lines, and all microstrip lines in the same group are connected to the same 2D Butler matrix.

[0019] Furthermore, multiple microstrip line input ports are formed around the second metal layer. The microstrip line input ports are connected to the 2D Butler matrix and are connected to the corresponding microstrip line groups after signal amplitude and phase control by the beamforming network.

[0020] A second dielectric substrate is also disposed on top of the second metal layer;

[0021] The end of each microstrip line passes sequentially through the first dielectric substrate, the second metal layer, and each metal via on the second dielectric substrate before connecting to the dual-polarized antenna module.

[0022] Furthermore, the dual-polarized antenna module includes a third metal layer;

[0023] The third metal layer includes at least four first-stage dual-polarized patch antennas, each of which supports both horizontal and vertical polarization and is connected to the energy feeding module.

[0024] Furthermore, the dual-polarized antenna module also includes a third dielectric substrate and a fourth metal layer; the fourth metal layer is disposed above the third dielectric substrate;

[0025] The fourth metal layer includes at least four second-stage dual-polarized patch antennas, which are used to broaden the bandwidth of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array.

[0026] Furthermore, the energy feeding module, the beamforming network, and the dual-polarized antenna module all include a dielectric substrate and a metal layer; all dielectric substrates are made of high-frequency microwave composite material; and all metal layers are made of copper.

[0027] A method for operating a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper, characterized by comprising:

[0028] Control the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in both directions to make the vertical and horizontal channels operate at the same or different frequencies;

[0029] The energy feed module is used to feed the energy of the beamforming network to the dual-polarized antenna module to excite the horizontal polarization mode or the vertical polarization mode.

[0030] Furthermore, controlling the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in both directions to make the vertical and horizontal channels operate at the same or different frequencies includes:

[0031] When f1=f2, the vertical and horizontal channels operate at the same frequency.

[0032] When f1 < f2 or f1 > f2, the vertical and horizontal channels operate at different frequencies.

[0033] Where f1 is the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in the first direction; and f2 is the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in the second direction.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] This invention provides a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on filter jumpers. The structure is integrated by vertically stacking an energy feed module, a beamforming network, and a dual-polarization antenna module. The beamforming network employs multiple orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices, with filter jumpers embedded at the crossover nodes. Independent frequency control of the vertical and horizontal channels enables same-frequency / different-frequency operation. The orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices achieve frequency-selective coupling at the crossover nodes through the filter jumpers. The energy feed module excites the horizontal or vertical polarization units of the dual-polarization antenna module with the filtered signal, thereby synthesizing beams with different polarization modes in space. Through the synergistic effect of the filter jumpers and Butler matrices, this antenna array simultaneously achieves multi-band filtering, beamforming, and dual-polarization functions in a single system. This effectively solves the problems of single-band frequency and insufficient polarization capability in traditional solutions, significantly improving the antenna array's frequency band adaptability and polarization diversity capability in complex environments. It provides a more compact, multifunctional, and high-performance RF front-end solution for 5G / 6G communication systems.

[0036] This invention also provides a method for operating a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper. Based on the aforementioned dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper, this method independently controls the operating frequency of orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices, allowing the vertical and horizontal channels to flexibly operate in the same or different frequency bands. Furthermore, an energy feed module is used to directionally excite the dual-polarization antenna module with the energy of the filtered beamforming network, thereby selectively exciting either horizontal or vertical polarization modes. This method adjusts the frequency band configuration of the two sets of 2D Butler matrices, enabling the filter jumper to achieve reconfigurable coupling at the crossover nodes. The energy feed module then distributes the signal to the corresponding polarization port according to polarization requirements, ultimately forming a radiation beam with frequency-polarization dual degrees of freedom in space. This method breaks through the limitations of traditional single-band single-polarization architecture. By dynamically configuring the operating frequency band and polarization mode, it significantly improves the spectrum utilization and anti-interference capability of the antenna array in complex electromagnetic environments, while maintaining a high degree of structural integration. It provides a smart beam control solution for 5G / 6G systems that adapts to the communication needs of multiple scenarios and multiple standards. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper, provided for an embodiment of the present invention; wherein, (a) represents a top view of the first metal layer; (b) represents a top view of the first dielectric substrate and the second metal layer; and (c) represents a top view of the second dielectric substrate, the third metal layer, the third dielectric substrate, and the fourth metal layer;

[0038] Figure 2 The experimental results of the reflection coefficient and port isolation of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on the filter jumper under port 1 excitation provided in the embodiments of the present invention are shown in the figure.

[0039] Figure 3 The experimental results of the reflection coefficient and port isolation of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on the filter jumper under port 5 excitation provided in the embodiments of the present invention are shown in the figure.

[0040] Figure 4 The normalized radiation pattern of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array provided in this embodiment of the invention, simulated and tested at 4.7 GHz;

[0041] Figure 5 The normalized radiation pattern of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array provided in this embodiment of the invention, simulated and tested at 6.7 GHz;

[0042] Figure 6 Gain diagrams from simulations and tests of a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array under port 1 excitation, provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 Gain diagrams for simulation and testing of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array provided in this embodiment of the invention under port 5 excitation.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 1. First metal layer; 2. First dielectric substrate; 3. Second metal layer; 4. Second dielectric substrate; 5. Third metal layer; 6. Third dielectric substrate; 7. Fourth metal layer; 8. First microstrip line; 9. Second microstrip line; 10. Third microstrip line; 11. Fourth microstrip line; 12. Fifth microstrip line; 13. Sixth microstrip line; 14. Seventh microstrip line; 15. Eighth microstrip line; 16. First microstrip line input port; 17. Second microstrip line input port; 18. Third microstrip line input port; 19. Fourth microstrip line input port; 20. Fifth microstrip line input port; 21. Sixth microstrip line input port; 22. Seventh microstrip line input port; 23. 24. Eighth microstrip line input port; 25. First directional coupler; 26. Second directional coupler; 27. Third directional coupler; 28. Fourth directional coupler; 29. ​​Fifth directional coupler; 20. Sixth directional coupler; 30. Seventh directional coupler; 31. Eighth directional coupler; 32. First filter jumper; 33. Second filter jumper; 34. Third filter jumper; 35. Fourth filter jumper; 36. First patch antenna; 37. Second patch antenna; 38. Third patch antenna; 39. Fourth patch antenna; 40. Fifth patch antenna; 41. Sixth patch antenna; 42. Seventh patch antenna; 43. Eighth patch antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects clearer, the following specific embodiments provide a further detailed description of the present invention. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0048] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0049] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0050] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0051] To facilitate a better understanding of the technical solution of this invention, the following technical terms are explained:

[0052] Polarization diversity capability: By utilizing orthogonal polarization methods, such as vertical polarization and horizontal polarization, ±45° polarization, the independence of signal fading characteristics can be achieved, which is a key technology to improve the anti-fading capability of wireless communication systems.

[0053] 2D Butler Matrix: A 2D Butler matrix is ​​a passive feed network used for two-dimensional beamforming. It controls the phase and amplitude of each element in the antenna array through matrix operations to achieve fixed pointing and orthogonal coverage of multiple beams.

[0054] As mentioned in the background section, most of the currently proposed filtered multi-beam antenna arrays can only operate in one frequency band and do not have polarization diversity capabilities.

[0055] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper. This dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array has single-frequency or dual-frequency operation and polarization diversity capability, which can meet the development needs of 5G and future 6G wireless communication systems.

[0056] This embodiment provides a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper, including: an energy feed module, a beamforming network, and a dual-polarized antenna module; the energy feed module, beamforming network, and dual-polarized antenna module are arranged sequentially from bottom to top.

[0057] The beamforming network includes at least two sets of orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices; a filter jumper is provided at each crossover node; the crossover node is formed by two sets of mutually intersecting 2D Butler matrices; each 2D Butler matrix is ​​connected to the dual-polarized antenna module through the energy feeding module; at least one set of 2D Butler matrices and all filter jumpers form a vertical channel in a first direction; at least one set of 2D Butler matrices and all filter jumpers form a horizontal channel in a second direction; by controlling the operating frequencies of the 2D Butler matrices in the two directions, the vertical channel and the horizontal channel can operate at the same frequency or different frequencies; the energy feeding module can feed the energy of the beamforming network to the dual-polarized antenna module to excite the horizontal polarization mode or the vertical polarization mode.

[0058] The dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array provided in this embodiment will be further explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0059] This embodiment provides a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper, specifically a filter Butler matrix design based on a filter jumper and its application in a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array. It comprises three dielectric substrates and four metal structures printed on these three dielectric substrates respectively.

[0060] The first dielectric substrate and the first and second metal layers printed on it constitute a filtered Butler matrix. The filtered Butler matrix includes two orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices and four filter jumpers located at the intersection of these two 2D Butler matrices. Each 2D Butler matrix includes four directional couplers. By controlling the operating frequency of the directional couplers in the two sets of 2D Butler matrices, the entire filtered Butler matrix can operate at single or dual frequencies. The second and third dielectric substrates, along with the second, third, and fourth metal layers printed on these two dielectric substrates, together constitute a dual-polarized antenna array. The second metal layer acts as a metal ground plane, and rectangular metal regions etched on the third and fourth metal layers serve as radiating patches for radiating energy. The size of the rectangular metal regions can be adjusted to accommodate the required single or dual-frequency operation.

[0061] In this embodiment, the more specific structure is as follows:

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper is composed of three dielectric substrates and four metal layers, which are, from bottom to top, the first metal layer 1, the first dielectric substrate 2, the second metal layer 3, the second dielectric substrate 4, the third metal layer 5, the third dielectric substrate 6 and the fourth metal layer 7.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown in Figure (a), the first metal layer 1 mainly includes connection units for the beamforming network and the antenna array. Specifically, the connection units include a first microstrip line 8, a second microstrip line 9, a third microstrip line 10, and a fourth microstrip line 11, which are respectively connected to a 2D Butler matrix in the beamforming network and feed energy to the antenna array to excite the horizontal polarization mode. The connection units also include a fifth microstrip line 12, a sixth microstrip line 13, a seventh microstrip line 14, and an eighth microstrip line 15, which are respectively connected to another orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrix in the beamforming network and feed energy to the antenna array to excite the vertical polarization mode.

[0064] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown in Figure (b), the second metal layer 3 has eight microstrip line input ports around its perimeter. These include a first microstrip line input port 16, a second microstrip line input port 17, a third microstrip line input port 18, and a fourth microstrip line input port 19, which are connected to a 2D Butler matrix in the beamforming network. After signal amplitude and phase control by the beamforming network, these ports are connected to the first microstrip line 8, the second microstrip line 9, the third microstrip line 10, and the fourth microstrip line 11. Meanwhile, a fifth microstrip line input port 20, a sixth microstrip line input port 21, a seventh microstrip line input port 22, and an eighth microstrip line input port 23, which are connected to another 2D Butler matrix in the beamforming network. After signal amplitude and phase control by the beamforming network, these ports are connected to the fifth microstrip line 12, the sixth microstrip line 13, the seventh microstrip line 14, and the eighth microstrip line 15.

[0065] In this embodiment, the entire beamforming network employs a substrate-integrated waveguide transmission line; wherein the transmission line is composed of a first metal layer 1, a second metal layer 3, and a metal via in the middle of a first dielectric substrate 2. The beamforming network includes two orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices and four filter jumpers located at the intersection nodes of the 2D Butler matrices, each 2D Butler matrix containing four directional couplers.

[0066] The first 2D Butler matrix consists of a first directional coupler 24, a second directional coupler 25, a third directional coupler 26, and a fourth directional coupler 27. Each directional coupler has the same operating frequency f1 and is connected by a substrate-integrated waveguide transmission line.

[0067] The second 2D Butler matrix consists of a fifth directional coupler 28, a sixth directional coupler 29, a seventh directional coupler 30, and an eighth directional coupler 31. Each directional coupler has the same operating frequency f2 and is connected by a substrate-integrated waveguide transmission line.

[0068] In this embodiment, four filter jumpers are located at the intersection of the two 2D Butler matrices, allowing the two sets of 2D Butler matrices to be laid out and implemented on the same dielectric substrate, thus enabling the beamforming network to possess filtering characteristics. The four filter jumpers include a first filter jumper 32, a second filter jumper 33, a third filter jumper 34, and a fourth filter jumper 35, each with the same structure. It can be observed that the vertical channels of all filter jumpers are connected to the first 2D Butler matrix, therefore operating at frequency f1, while the horizontal channels are connected to the second 2D Butler matrix, operating at frequency f2. Therefore, it can be concluded that by controlling the operating frequencies of each set of 2D Butler matrices and the corresponding horizontal and vertical channels of the filter jumpers, the beamforming network can achieve either same-frequency or different-frequency operation. Specifically, when operating at the same frequency, the operating frequencies f1 and f2 of the two sets of 2D Butler matrices and the corresponding filter jumpers are set to be equal. In this case, all directional couplers have the same structure, the intermediate resonant cavity of the filter jumper is a square cavity, and it operates in the orthogonal degenerate modes TE102 and TE201. For the different frequency state, it is preferable to set f1 < f2, the operating frequencies of the directional couplers in the two sets of 2D Butler matrices are inconsistent, and the intermediate resonant cavity of the filter jumper is a rectangular cavity. When the frequency ratio is small, the rectangular cavity still operates in the TE102 and TE201 modes, while when the frequency ratio is large, the vertical channel can operate in the TE101 mode and the horizontal channel in the TE102 mode. A small single-mode resonant cavity is coupled around the intermediate resonant cavity of each filter jumper to achieve a third-order filtering response.

[0069] For example, the ends of each microstrip line in the first metal layer 1 pass through the first dielectric substrate 2, the second metal layer 3, and the second dielectric substrate 4 via metal vias, and are connected to the first-stage dual-polarized patch antenna located in the third metal layer 5.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure (c), the third metal layer 5 includes four first-stage dual-polarized patch antennas: a first patch antenna 36, ​​a second patch antenna 37, a third patch antenna 38, and a fourth patch antenna 39. Each patch antenna has the same size and supports both horizontal and vertical polarization. The desired operating frequencies f1 and f2 can be obtained by changing the size of the patch antennas, where the vertical polarization mode is excited at f1 and the horizontal polarization mode is excited at f2.

[0071] For example, there are four identical second-stage dual-polarized patch antennas on the fourth metal layer 7 of the third dielectric substrate 6, namely the fifth patch antenna 40, the sixth patch antenna 41, the seventh patch antenna 42, and the eighth patch antenna 43. They are located above the first-stage dual-polarized antennas to extend the bandwidth of the entire antenna array.

[0072] Finally, the various parts are connected together through a dielectric substrate to form the proposed dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array.

[0073] As another preferred embodiment, the three dielectric substrates, namely the first dielectric substrate 2, the second dielectric substrate 4 and the third dielectric substrate 6, are all made of F4BM (high-frequency microwave composite material); wherein, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric substrate 2 is 4.3, the dielectric constant of the second dielectric substrate 4 and the third dielectric substrate 6 is 2.2, and the thickness is determined according to whether the designed frequency is single-frequency or dual-frequency.

[0074] As another preferred embodiment, all metal layers, namely the first metal layer 1, the second metal layer 3, the third metal layer 5 and the fourth metal layer 7, are made of copper and have a thickness of 0.018 mm.

[0075] As another preferred embodiment, the diameter of all metal vias on the metal layer is 0.8 mm, and the interval between adjacent vias is 1.5 mm.

[0076] Therefore, this dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array can achieve single-frequency or dual-frequency operation and polarization diversity capability through a single-layer beamforming network, exhibiting a compact structure and high integration. Furthermore, the application of filter jumpers in this dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array integrates the filtering function of the beamforming network, enhancing the overall system integration.

[0077] Compared to existing multi-beam antenna arrays, the dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array provided in this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0078] This technical solution achieves a highly integrated design through vertically stacked power feed modules, beamforming networks, and dual-polarized antenna modules. The invention employs orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices with embedded filter bridges at the crossover nodes. By independently controlling the operating frequencies of the two Butler matrices, the vertical and horizontal channels can flexibly operate in same-frequency or different-frequency modes. Simultaneously, the power feed module directionally excites the dual-polarized antenna module with the filtered signal to select horizontal or vertical polarization. Highly efficient interconnection of the multi-layer structure is achieved through substrate-integrated waveguides and microstrip lines, and dual-polarized patch antennas are used to extend the bandwidth. This dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array breaks through the limitations of traditional single-band, single-polarization architectures. Through frequency band reconfigurability and polarization switching mechanisms, it significantly improves the antenna array's spectral adaptability and anti-interference capabilities while maintaining a compact integrated structure, providing a high-performance, multi-functional RF front-end solution for 5G and future 6G communication systems.

[0079] This multi-beam antenna array employs a beamforming network structure based on filter jumpers. This structure integrates two sets of orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices and is implemented on a single-layer dielectric substrate through four filter jumpers, significantly reducing the need for multi-layer dielectric substrates.

[0080] Meanwhile, due to the filtering characteristics of the filter jumper, the entire beamforming network has a filtering response, which improves the functional integration of the entire system.

[0081] Furthermore, by independently controlling the operating frequencies f1 and f2 of the vertical and horizontal channels of the two sets of 2D Butler matrices and filter bridges, this multi-beam antenna array is capable of single-frequency or dual-frequency operation. Moreover, its dual-polarized antenna configuration provides polarization diversity capability.

[0082] In this embodiment, a specific experimental implementation was carried out for a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper. The specific implementation results are as follows:

[0083] In this embodiment, the reflection coefficient and isolation of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array under excitation at ports 1 and 5 are as follows: Figure 2 and 3 As shown, both the reflection coefficient and isolation are less than -10dB. Among them, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, solid lines represent test results, and dashed lines represent simulation results. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this context, S-parameters are scattering parameters of microwave networks, used to describe the reflection and transmission characteristics of ports in radio frequency and microwave circuits; frequency is used to show how S-parameters change at different frequencies. Figure 2 and Figure 3In the diagram, S11, S21, S31, S41, S51, S61, S71, and S81, as well as S15, S25, S35, S45, S55, S65, S75, and S85, represent the S-parameters corresponding to each port. The numbers following the S-parameters indicate the input ports, and the numbers preceding the S-parameters indicate the output ports. For example, S51 represents the S-parameters (electromagnetic wave power) from the input at port 1 to the output at port 5.

[0084] In this embodiment, the normalized radiation patterns of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array, simulated and tested at 4.7 and 6.7 GHz, are as follows: Figure 4 and 5 As shown, where Figure 5 The legend and Figure 4 The results are identical. It can be seen that stable tilted radiation beams were obtained at both frequencies, thus verifying the feasibility of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, Ф represents the angle between the tangent plane and the x-axis in a spatial rectangular coordinate system; for example, Ф=45° means that the angle between the tangent plane and the x-axis in a spatial rectangular coordinate system is 45°; P1—P8 represent ports 1 to 8 respectively.

[0085] In this embodiment, the simulated and tested gain of the dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array in two frequency bands is as follows: Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the gain at both frequencies is greater than 7 dBi.

[0086] In summary, this invention provides a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array and method based on a filter jumper, which has the following advantages compared to existing multi-beam antenna arrays:

[0087] This invention constructs a beamforming network using orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices and filter jumpers, combined with a dual-polarized antenna module and a power feeding module, to achieve flexible control of a dual-polarized multi-beam antenna. It can independently adjust the operating frequency in the vertical and horizontal directions, and supports same-frequency or different-frequency operating modes. At the same time, it improves antenna performance by utilizing a multi-layer metal structure and dielectric substrate design, enhancing signal transmission efficiency and bandwidth expansion capability. The overall structure is compact and easy to integrate, making it suitable for various communication scenarios.

[0088] The above embodiments are merely one of the implementation methods for achieving the technical solution of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but also includes any variations, substitutions and other implementation methods that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper, characterized in that, It includes, from bottom to top, an energy feed module, a beamforming network, and a dual-polarized antenna module; The beamforming network includes at least two sets of orthogonally arranged 2D Butler matrices; a filter jumper is provided at each cross node; wherein, the cross node is formed by two sets of mutually intersecting 2D Butler matrices; Each 2D Butler matrix is ​​connected to the dual-polarized antenna module through the energy feeding module; At least one set of 2D Butler matrices forms a vertical channel with all filter jumpers in the first direction; At least one set of 2D Butler matrices forms a horizontal channel with all filter jumpers in the second direction; By controlling the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in both directions, the vertical and horizontal channels can be made to operate at the same or different frequencies; The energy feeding module is used to feed the energy of the beamforming network to the dual-polarized antenna module to excite the horizontal polarization mode or the vertical polarization mode.

2. The dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each 2D Butler matrix includes at least four directional couplers; all directional couplers in the same 2D Butler matrix operate at the same frequency; the beamforming network also includes a substrate integrated waveguide transmission line; the directional couplers are connected to each other using substrate integrated waveguide transmission lines.

3. The dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The energy feeding module includes a first metal layer (1); a first dielectric substrate (2) is disposed above the first metal layer (1); and a second metal layer (3) is disposed above the first dielectric substrate (2). The substrate integrated waveguide transmission line is formed by the metal through-holes of the first metal layer (1), the second metal layer (3), and the first dielectric substrate (2).

4. The dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least two sets of microstrip line groups are provided on the first metal layer (1); the microstrip line groups are connected between the 2D Butler matrix and the dual-polarized antenna module, and each set of microstrip line groups is connected to a set of the 2D Butler matrix; The microstrip line group includes at least four microstrip lines, and all microstrip lines in the same group are connected to the same 2D Butler matrix.

5. A dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 4, characterized in that, Multiple microstrip line input ports are provided around the second metal layer (3). The microstrip line input ports are connected to the 2D Butler matrix and are connected to the corresponding microstrip line group after signal amplitude and phase control by the beamforming network. A second dielectric substrate (4) is also disposed on the top of the second metal layer (3); The end of each microstrip line passes through the metal vias on the first dielectric substrate (2), the second metal layer (3), and the second dielectric substrate (4) in sequence, and is then connected to the dual-polarized antenna module.

6. The dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dual-polarized antenna module includes a third metal layer (5); The third metal layer (5) includes at least four first-stage dual-polarized patch antennas, each of which supports both horizontal and vertical polarization and is connected to the energy feeding module.

7. A dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 6, characterized in that, The dual-polarized antenna module further includes a third dielectric substrate (6) and a fourth metal layer (7); the fourth metal layer (7) is disposed above the third dielectric substrate (6); The fourth metal layer (7) includes at least four second-stage dual-polarized patch antennas, which are used to broaden the bandwidth of the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array.

8. A dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy feeding module, the beamforming network, and the dual-polarized antenna module all include a dielectric substrate and a metal layer; all dielectric substrates are made of high-frequency microwave composite material; and all metal layers are made of copper.

9. A method for operating a dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper, wherein the dual-polarized filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper as described in any one of claims 1-8 is characterized in that, include: Control the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in both directions to make the vertical and horizontal channels operate at the same or different frequencies; The energy feed module is used to feed the energy of the beamforming network to the dual-polarized antenna module to excite the horizontal polarization mode or the vertical polarization mode.

10. The operating method of a dual-polarization filtered multi-beam antenna array based on a filter jumper according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control of the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in both directions, so that the vertical and horizontal channels operate at the same or different frequencies, includes: When f1=f2, the vertical and horizontal channels operate at the same frequency. When f1 < f2 or f1 > f2, the vertical and horizontal channels operate at different frequencies. Where f1 is the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in the first direction; and f2 is the operating frequency of the 2D Butler matrix in the second direction.

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