MIMO Antenna Array and Communication Device

Abstract

The present invention provides a MIMO antenna array and a communication device, relating to the technical field of base station antennas. The MIMO antenna array includes: a first sub-array and a second sub-array that are connected to each other in a meshing manner along a first direction; a plurality of meshing points are formed at the meshing positions of the first sub-array and the second sub-array; and, array elements are provided at each meshing point corresponding to the first sub-array and the second sub-array, and each array element includes a plurality of radiation units for signal radiation. The MIMO antenna array and the communication device provided by the present invention can make the whole antenna more compact by forming a MIMO mode through the meshing connection of the first sub-array and the second sub-array along the first direction, which helps to realize the miniaturization development of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of base station antennas, and in particular to a MIMO antenna array and communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communications, spectrum resources and space resources are becoming increasingly tight. Operators have begun to focus on single low-frequency and high-frequency networks. Therefore, MIMO (multiple-in multiple-out) antennas have become the main demand of operators. MIMO antennas can make full use of base station space, deploy multi-sided antennas, and improve the utilization rate of spectrum resources.

[0003] However, the existing MIMO antennas will cause the problem of horizontal sidelobe interference to become prominent when multiple antennas are used in the layout. At the same time, they often occupy a large space and are difficult to deploy in a miniaturized manner. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a MIMO antenna array and a communication device to alleviate the above technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a MIMO antenna array, comprising: a first sub-array and a second sub-array that are interlocked and connected to each other along a first direction; a plurality of interlocking points are formed at positions where the first sub-array and the second sub-array are interlocked; and array elements are provided corresponding to each interlocking point of the first sub-array and the second sub-array, and the array elements each include a plurality of radiation units for signal radiation.

[0006] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the sum of the number of radiation units of the first sub-array and the second sub-array at different bite points is equal.

[0007] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of radiation units included in the array element are arranged along the second direction on the array element; wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0008] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the array elements of the above-mentioned first sub-array include multiple first array elements and multiple second array elements; wherein the number of radiation units included in the first array element is greater than the number of radiation units included in the second array element; the first array elements and the second array elements are alternately arranged along the first direction on the first sub-array; and the first array elements and the second array elements correspond to adjacent bite points respectively.

[0009] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the array elements of the second sub-array include a plurality of third array elements and a plurality of fourth array elements; wherein, the number of radiation units included in the third array element is less than the number of radiation units included in the fourth array element; the third array element and the fourth array element are alternately arranged on the second sub-array along the first direction; and, the third array element and the fourth array element respectively correspond to adjacent ones of the engagement points.

[0010] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the sum of the number of radiation units included in the first array element and the third array element corresponding to the same engagement point is equal to the sum of the number of radiation units included in the second array element and the fourth array element corresponding to adjacent engagement points.

[0011] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the MIMO antenna array further includes input / output ports; wherein, the input / output ports are provided on the first sub-array and the second sub-array, and at the edge positions along the first direction.

[0012] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the spacing between a plurality of the radiation units included in the first array element, or the second array element, along the second direction is 0.6 wavelengths; the vertical spacing between two adjacent radiation units in the first direction among the adjacent first array element and the second array element is 0.85 wavelengths.

[0013] Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the spacing between a plurality of the radiation units included in the third array element, or the fourth array element, along the second direction is 0.6 wavelengths; the vertical spacing between two adjacent radiation units in the first direction among the adjacent third array element and the fourth array element is 0.85 wavelengths.

[0014] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a communication device, and the communication device is configured with the MIMO antenna array described in the first aspect.

[0015] The embodiments of the present invention bring the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The MIMO antenna array and the communication device provided by the embodiments of the present invention include a first sub-array and a second sub-array that are engaged and connected to each other along a first direction, wherein a plurality of engagement points are formed at the positions where the first sub-array and the second sub-array are engaged; and, array elements are provided at the first sub-array and the second sub-array corresponding to each engagement point. Specifically, the array elements each include a plurality of radiation units for signal radiation; wherein, the first sub-array and the second sub-array are engaged and connected to each other along the first direction to form a MIMO manner, which can make the entire antenna more compact and contribute to the miniaturization development of the antenna.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following specification, and in part will be obvious from the specification, or can be understood by implementing the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention are achieved and obtained by the structures specifically pointed out in the specification, claims, and drawings.

[0018] To make the above objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following provides preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and describes them in detail as follows. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a MIMO antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of another MIMO antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of another MIMO antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Icons: 100 - First sub-array; 200 - Second sub-array; 110 - First array element; 101 - Radiation unit; 120 - Second array element; 210 - Third array element; 220 - Fourth array element. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] At present, for existing MIMO antennas, it is difficult to deploy miniaturized antennas during the layout and use of multi-panel antennas. At the same time, the problem of horizontal side lobe interference will also become prominent. The horizontal side lobe will not only interfere with two antennas, but also cause a large amount of radiation power to be wasted outside the coverage area. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to design a miniaturized MIMO antenna with high horizontal side lobe suppression. Based on this, a MIMO antenna array and a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present invention can be deployed in a miniaturized manner, and at the same time, the problem of side lobe interference can be effectively suppressed.

[0027] For the convenience of understanding this embodiment, first, a MIMO antenna array disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention will be introduced in detail.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention provides a MIMO antenna array, as Figure 1 shown in the structural schematic diagram of a MIMO antenna array, including: a first sub-array 100 and a second sub-array 200 that are connected to each other in a meshing manner along a first direction.

[0029] Among them, Figure 1 the direction indicated by the arrow in is the first direction. Usually, this first direction is along the longitudinal direction of the MIMO antenna array body. The first sub-array 100 and the second sub-array 200 are arranged on the radiator of the MIMO antenna array, and the first sub-array 100 and the second sub-array 200 are usually located on both sides of the antenna normal. Among them, the antenna normal is usually along the first direction and is at the center line position of the radiator, and is not shown in Figure 1 .

[0030] Furthermore, a plurality of meshing points are formed at the meshing positions of the first sub-array 100 and the second sub-array 200; that is, Figure 1 in, the toothed positions that mesh with each other. And, array elements are provided at each meshing point corresponding to the first sub-array 100 and the second sub-array 200. Each array element includes a plurality of radiation units for signal radiation.

[0031] Among them, Figure 1 in, both the first sub-array 100 and the second sub-array 200 include a plurality of array elements, such as Figure 1 the array elements shown by the dotted lines in, and each array element shown by the dotted lines includes a plurality of radiation units 101. Specifically, when implemented, Figure 1 the radiation units in the shown MIMO antenna array are the basic radiation units that make up the antenna and can effectively radiate or receive radio waves. For example, they can be radiation units such as Hertz electric oscillators, Hertz magnetic oscillators, and Huygens element radiators. Specifically, they can be set according to actual usage conditions to meet the radiation performance of the antenna. The embodiment of the present invention does not limit this.

[0032] The MIMO antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a first sub-array and a second sub-array that are interlocked and connected to each other along a first direction, wherein the positions where the first sub-array and the second sub-array are interlocked form a plurality of interlocking points; and the first sub-array and the second sub-array are provided with array elements corresponding to each interlocking point, specifically, the array elements each include a plurality of radiation units for signal radiation; wherein the first sub-array and the second sub-array are interlocked and connected to each other along the first direction to form a MIMO mode, which can make the entire antenna more compact and help to achieve the miniaturization of the antenna.

[0033] Furthermore, the above Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first sub-array and the second sub-array are arranged to be interlocked with each other along the first direction, so that the first sub-array and the second sub-array separated on both sides of the antenna normal can be embedded in each other. When the radiating unit is a dual-polarized radiating unit, four independent 33° beams (two +45° and two -45°) can be formed to form a MIMO structure on the radiating surface, which can not only realize the miniaturization requirement of the antenna, but also converge the horizontal beam width to achieve the purpose of horizontal plane sidelobe suppression. Therefore, the above MIMO antenna array has the advantages of small size, horizontal plane beam convergence, and high horizontal plane sidelobe suppression.

[0034] Furthermore, the sum of the number of radiation units of the first sub-array and the second sub-array at different bite points is equal. That is, Figure 1 The number of radiating elements in each row shown is equal.

[0035] Furthermore, the plurality of radiation units included in the array element are arranged along a second direction on the array element, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction in the embodiment of the present invention, that is, the second direction is a lateral direction along the radiation surface of the MIMO antenna array.

[0036] It should be understood that Figure 1 In the embodiment of the invention, a limited number of bite points are shown, and the position corresponding to each bite point is provided with array elements of the first sub-array and the second sub-array. Furthermore, Figure 1 The number of array elements shown, and the number of radiating units included in each array element, are all described by taking a limited number as an example. In actual use, the number of bite points formed by the array elements of the first sub-array and the second sub-array, and the number of radiating units included in each array element can be set according to actual use conditions, that is, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the MIMO antenna array can be set according to actual use conditions, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0037] Further, if Figure 1 As shown, the array elements of the first sub-array include a plurality of first array elements 110 and a plurality of second array elements 120;

[0038] Among them, the number of radiation units 101 included in the first array element 110 is more than the number of radiation units included in the second array element; the first array element and the second array element are alternately arranged along a first direction on the first sub-array; and, the first array element and the second array element respectively correspond to adjacent engagement points.

[0039] Further, as Figure 1 shown, the array elements of the second sub-array include a plurality of third array elements 210 and a plurality of fourth array elements 220;

[0040] Among them, the number of radiation units included in the third array element 210 is less than the number of radiation units included in the fourth array element 220; the third array element 210 and the fourth array element 220 are alternately arranged along the first direction on the second sub-array; and, the third array element 210 and the fourth array element 220 respectively correspond to adjacent engagement points.

[0041] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, on the first sub-array, a plurality of first array elements 110 and a plurality of second array elements 120 are alternately arranged in sequence, on the second sub-array, a plurality of third array elements 210 and fourth array elements 220 are alternately arranged in sequence, and, in actual use, in order to make the sum of the number of radiation units at different engagement points of the first sub-array and the second sub-array equal, usually the array elements are set such that at one engagement point, it corresponds to a first array element of the first sub-array and a third array element of the second sub-array, that is Figure 1 shown in the form, the first engagement point at the top corresponds to the first array element 110 and the third array element 210. At this time, the radiation units included in the first array element 110 and the third array element 210 are arranged along a second direction.

[0042] Similarly, the second engagement point corresponds to the second array element 120 and the fourth array element 220. At this time, the radiation units included in the second array element 120 and the fourth array element 220 are also arranged along the second direction. By the way of alternately arranging the array elements in sequence, an Figure 1 MIMO antenna array as shown can be formed on the radiation surface.

[0043] And, as Figure 1 shown, the sum of the number of radiation units included in the first array element and the third array element corresponding to the same engagement point is equal to the sum of the number of radiation units included in the second array element and the fourth array element corresponding to the adjacent engagement point.

[0044] For example, the number of radiation units included in the first array element is represented by M, the number of radiation units included in the second array element is represented by N, the number of radiation units included in the third array element is represented by P, and the number of radiation units included in the fourth array element is represented by Q. At this time, the number of radiation units included in each array element satisfies: M + P = N + Q.

[0045] In actual use, for the first sub-array, the relationship between the number of radiating elements included in its first element and second element usually satisfies M = N + 1, while for the second sub-array, the relationship between the number of radiating elements included in its third element and fourth element usually satisfies P = Q - 1.

[0046] For example, Figure 1 In the MIMO antenna array shown, M = 3, N = 2, P = 2, Q = 3, which satisfies the above-mentioned quantity relationship.

[0047] In actual use, the specific quantities of the above M, N, P, and Q can be set according to the actual use situation to facilitate satisfying the above-mentioned quantity relationship and the performance requirements of the MIMO antenna array. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0048] Furthermore, the spacing of the multiple radiating elements included in the above first element, or the second element, along the second direction is usually set to 0.6 wavelengths, and the vertical spacing between two adjacent radiating elements in the first direction in the adjacent first element and second element is 0.85 wavelengths.

[0049] That is, on the radiation surface, the distance between two adjacent radiating elements in the transverse direction of the first element is 0.6 wavelengths, and in the longitudinal direction, the distance between two adjacent radiating elements is 0.85 wavelengths.

[0050] Furthermore, the spacing of the multiple radiating elements included in the third element, or the fourth element, along the second direction is 0.6 wavelengths; the vertical spacing between two adjacent radiating elements in the first direction in the adjacent third element and the fourth element is 0.85 wavelengths.

[0051] That is, on the radiation surface, the distance between two adjacent radiating elements in the transverse direction of the second element is 0.6 wavelengths, and in the longitudinal direction, the distance between two adjacent radiating elements is 0.85 wavelengths.

[0052] In actual use, the distance parameters between the radiating elements can also be adjusted based on the actual use situation on the above-mentioned distance spacing. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0053] Furthermore, the above MIMO antenna array further includes input / output ports; wherein, the input / output ports are arranged on the first sub-array and the second sub-array, and at the edge position along the first direction.

[0054] For the sake of easy understanding, on the basis of Figure 1 the structure schematic diagram of another MIMO antenna array is also shown. Figure 2

[0055] Figure 2 ​​It includes a first sub-array 100 and a second sub-array 200 that are engaged and connected to each other along a first direction, and a plurality of first array elements 110 and a plurality of second array elements 120 included in the first sub-array 100, and a plurality of third array elements 210 and a plurality of fourth array elements 220 included in the second sub-array 200; the plurality of first array elements 110 and the plurality of second array elements 120 are alternately arranged in the first direction, and the plurality of third array elements 210 and the plurality of fourth array elements 220 are also alternately arranged in the first direction.

[0056] And, Figure 2 In [reference], it is described by taking a plurality of array elements as an example, and the plurality of array elements are represented by ellipsis in Figure 2 In [reference].

[0057] It should be understood that Figure 2 in [reference], the number of array elements can be set according to actual usage requirements, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0058] Furthermore, in addition to the above structure, Figure 2 [reference] also includes a plurality of input / output ports. Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, it includes four input / output ports: Port1, Port2, Port3, Port4.

[0059] During actual use, Figure 2 in [reference], Port1 and Port2 are a group of input / output ports, that is, one is an input port and the other is an output port; similarly, Port3 and Port4 are also a group of input / output ports. Therefore, Figure 2 in the MIMO antenna array shown in [reference], Port1 and Port2 are both 2T2R; Port3 and Port4 are both 2T2R, thus forming a 4T4R MIMO structure.

[0060] Furthermore, based on the MIMO antenna array shown in Figure 2 [reference], an 8T8R MIMO structure can also be formed. At this time, two Figure 2 MIMO antenna arrays shown in [reference] can be cascaded for use. Specifically, as Figure 3 the schematic structural diagram of another MIMO antenna array shown in [reference], in Figure 3 [reference], it includes two Figure 2 MIMO antenna arrays shown in [reference], where Figure 3 in [reference], the structure of each MIMO antenna array is the same as that in Figure 2 [reference], and Figure 3Among them, in addition to the input / output ports Port1, Port2, Port3, and Port4, there are also input / output ports: Port5, Port6, Port7, and Port8. Among them, the setting methods of the input / output ports Port5 to Port8 can also be set in the same form as the input / output ports Port1 to Port4. Therefore, an 8T8R MIMO structure can be formed.

[0061] In actual use, the number of the above-mentioned input / output ports can also be set according to actual use conditions, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0062] In summary, the MIMO antenna array provided by the embodiments of the present invention can achieve miniaturization of the antenna by connecting the first sub-array and the second sub-array to engage with each other along the first direction to form MIMO. At the same time, it can also expand the horizontal beam width and improve the horizontal side lobe suppression effect, thereby improving the performance of the antenna.

[0063] Further, on the basis of the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention also provide a communication device configured with the MIMO antenna array described in the above embodiments.

[0064] As Figure 4 a schematic diagram of a communication device shown, it includes modules such as an antenna system 410, an RRU (Radio Remote Unit) system 420, a BBU (Building Base band Unit) system 430, a core network system 440, and a terminal 450.

[0065] For the convenience of description, Figure 4 only the parts related to the embodiments of the present invention are shown. It should be understood that Figure 4 the structure of the communication device shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, and it may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0066] Next, Figure 4 a specific introduction to each component of the communication device will be given:

[0067] The antenna system 410 is used for the conversion between space electromagnetic waves and guided waves, especially for receiving and converting space electromagnetic waves into guided waves for RF processing by the RRU, or converting the RF signals transmitted by the RRU into space electromagnetic waves. Generally, the antenna system includes but is not limited to radiation units, reflectors, enclosures, RF cables, control units, etc.

[0068] The RRU system 420 is used for processing the guided wave transceiver processing of antenna end conversion. Generally, the RRU system includes but is not limited to a receiver (RX), a transmitter (TX), a power amplifier, a filter, etc.

[0069] The BBU system 430 is used to implement the encoding and modulation of digital signals. Generally, the BBU system includes but is not limited to a modem, an encoder, a decoder, etc.

[0070] The core network system 440 is the nerve center of the entire communication system, responsible for the instructions and packet switching of the entire communication system. Its main functions are to provide user connections, user management, and service bearers. The core network system includes but is not limited to switches, routers, etc.

[0071] The terminal 450 is the object served by the communication system, the object for task initiation and service termination, and an important human-machine interaction device. Its main function is to complete the communication between humans and machines. The terminal includes but is not limited to mobile phones, computers, etc.

[0072] It can be understood that Figure 4 the structure of the communication device shown is only schematic, and the communication device may also include more or fewer components than those shown in Figure 4 it, or have a different configuration from that shown in Figure 4 it. Figure 4 Each component shown in it can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the same technical features as the MIMO antenna array provided by the above embodiment, so it can also solve the same technical problems and achieve the same technical effects.

[0074] In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0075] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0076] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only specific embodiments of the present invention, which are used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than limiting it. The protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that: any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments or can easily think of changes, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be covered by the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A MIMO antenna array, characterized in that, Comprising: A first sub-array and a second sub-array that are engaged and connected to each other along a first direction; A plurality of engagement points are formed at the engaged positions of the first sub-array and the second sub-array; wherein, the first sub-array and the second sub-array are disposed on a radiator of a MIMO antenna array, and the first sub-array and the second sub-array are located on both sides of the engagement points; Moreover, elements are provided corresponding to each engagement point of the first sub-array and the second sub-array, and the elements each include a plurality of radiation units for signal radiation; wherein, other elements except for the elements at the engagement points are located on both sides of the antenna normal, the antenna normal is along the first direction, and is at the center line position of the radiator; The elements of the first sub-array include a plurality of first elements and a plurality of second elements; Wherein, the number of radiation units included in the first element is more than the number of radiation units included in the second element; The first elements and the second elements are alternately arranged along the first direction on the first sub-array; Moreover, the first elements and the second elements respectively correspond to adjacent engagement points; The elements of the second sub-array include a plurality of third elements and a plurality of fourth elements; Wherein, the number of radiation units included in the third element is less than the number of radiation units included in the fourth element; The third elements and the fourth elements are alternately arranged along the first direction on the second sub-array; Moreover, the third elements and the fourth elements respectively correspond to adjacent engagement points; The sum of the number of radiation units included in the first element and the third element corresponding to the same engagement point is equal to the sum of the number of radiation units included in the second element and the fourth element corresponding to the adjacent engagement point.

2. The MIMO antenna array according to claim 1, wherein The sum of the number of radiation units of the first sub-array and the second sub-array at different engagement points is equal.

3. The MIMO antenna array according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of radiation units included in the element are arranged along a second direction on the element, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

4. The MIMO antenna array according to claim 1, wherein The MIMO antenna array further includes an input / output port; Wherein, the input / output port is disposed on the first sub-array and the second sub-array, and at the edge position along the first direction.

5. The MIMO antenna array according to claim 1, wherein The spacing of the plurality of radiation units included in the first element, or the second element, along the second direction is 0.6 wavelengths; Among adjacent first elements and second elements, the vertical spacing between two adjacent radiation units in the first direction is 0.85 wavelengths.

6. The MIMO antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing of the plurality of radiation units included in the third element, or the fourth element, along the second direction is 0.6 wavelengths; Among adjacent third elements and fourth elements, the vertical spacing between two adjacent radiation units in the first direction is 0.85 wavelengths.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is configured with the MIMO antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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