Radiating elements, antenna assemblies and base station antennas

Abstract

This invention relates to a radiating element comprising a feed post and a radiator mounted on the feed post. The feed post includes a dielectric substrate, a first metal pattern printed on a first main surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second metal pattern printed on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface. The first metal pattern includes a first feed transmission line and a first feed soldering region, the first feed transmission line being electrically connected to the first feed soldering region, and the second metal pattern including a second feed soldering region electrically connected to the first feed soldering region. Furthermore, this invention also relates to an antenna assembly and a base station antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to radio communications, and more specifically, to a radiating element, antenna assembly, and base station antenna for a cellular communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Cellular communication systems are well known in the art. In a cellular communication system, a geographical area is divided into a series of regions, which are referred to as “cells” served by various base stations. A base station may include one or more base station antennas configured to provide bidirectional radio frequency (“RF”) communication with mobile users within the cell served by the base station.

[0003] In many cases, each base station is divided into "sectors." In the most common configuration, a hexagonal cell is divided into three 120° sectors, each served by one or more base station antennas with an azimuth half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of approximately 65°. Typically, base station antennas are mounted on a tower structure, with the radiation pattern (also referred to here as the "antenna beam") generated by the base station antenna pointing outwards. Base station antennas typically consist of linear or two-dimensional arrays of radiating elements, such as crossed dipoles or patch radiating elements.

[0004] The ever-increasing demand for wireless communication has led to the rapid development of multi-band, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), and beamforming technologies to support diverse services. However, the integration of more and more frequency bands and / or RF ports into a single base station antenna has made antenna systems, such as the feed network on the feed board, more complex. This complex feed network increases design difficulty, such as wiring complexity, and the size of the feed board, resulting in a larger and / or heavier base station antenna, which is undesirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a radiating element, antenna assembly, and related base station antenna that can overcome at least one defect in the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a radiating element is provided, the radiating element comprising a feed post and a radiator mounted on the feed post, the feed post comprising a dielectric substrate, a first metal pattern printed on a first main surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second metal pattern printed on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface, the first metal pattern comprising a first feed transmission line and a first feed soldering region, the first feed transmission line being electrically connected to the first feed soldering region, and the second metal pattern comprising a second feed soldering region being electrically connected to the first feed soldering region.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first power-feeding welding region is electrically connected to the second power-feeding welding region through a metallized via through the dielectric substrate.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first feed welding area and a second feed welding area are disposed on the support end of a feed column, which can be mounted on a feed plate for a radiating element by means of the support end, thereby configuring the first feed welding area and the second feed welding area to be welded to the feed welding area on the feed plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first power supply transmission line is configured as a power supply balun.

[0010] In some embodiments, the power supply balun is printed integrally with the first power supply welding area.

[0011] In some embodiments, the feed post includes a first feed post and a second feed post, and the radiator includes a first radiator and a second radiator. The first radiator is mounted on the first feed post, and the second radiator is mounted on the second feed post. The first feed post and the second feed post are arranged in an intersecting manner, wherein a first feed welding area on one of the first feed post and the second feed post are arranged face-to-face with a second feed welding area on the other feed post.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second metal pattern includes a first ground welding area and a ground metal area, wherein the ground metal area is electrically connected to the first ground welding area.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second power-feed welding area is spaced apart from the first ground welding area and the ground metal area, and the metal cladding within the space is removed, so that the second power-feed welding area remains electrically isolated from the first ground welding area and the ground metal area.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first grounding welding area and the second power supply welding area are arranged side by side.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first grounding welding area is disposed on the support end of the feed post, which is mounted on a feed board for a radiating element by means of the end, such that the first grounding welding area is configured to be welded to a grounding pad on the feed board.

[0016] In some embodiments, the grounding metal region is printed integrally with the first grounding welding region.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first power supply transmission line is configured as a feed line for RF signals, while the grounded metal region is configured as a return line for RF signals.

[0018] In some embodiments, the grounded metal region is electrically connected to the feed end of the feed post via an inductor-capacitor filter circuit, and the feed end is welded to the radiator.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, an antenna assembly is provided, comprising a feed plate and a radiating element mounted on the feed plate, the radiating element comprising a first feed post and a first radiator mounted on the first feed post, and a second feed post and a second radiator mounted on the second feed post, characterized in that each of the first and second feed posts comprises a dielectric substrate, a first metal pattern printed on a first main surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second metal pattern printed on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface, the first metal pattern comprising a first feed transmission line and a first feed soldering region, the first feed transmission line being electrically connected to the first feed soldering region, and the second metal pattern comprising a second feed soldering region being electrically connected to the first feed soldering region, wherein the first feed soldering region on one of the first and second feed posts is arranged face-to-face with the second feed soldering region on the other feed post.

[0020] In some embodiments, the feed board is provided with a first RF feed source, a second feed transmission line electrically connected to the first RF feed source, and a first feed board feed welding area electrically connected to the second feed transmission line; and a second RF feed source, a third feed transmission line electrically connected to the second RF feed source, and a second feed board feed welding area electrically connected to the third feed transmission line. The first feed welding area on one of the first and second feed posts is welded to the first feed board feed welding area, while the second feed welding area on the other feed post is welded to the second feed board feed welding area.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first power-fed welding region is electrically connected to the second power-fed welding region via a metallized via.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first power supply transmission line is configured as a power supply balun.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second metal pattern includes a first grounded welding area and a grounded metal area, the grounded metal area being electrically connected to the first grounded welding area, the second power-feeding welding area being spaced apart from the first grounded welding area and the grounded metal area by a ground distance, and metal within the interval being removed, such that the second power-feeding welding area remains electrically isolated from the first grounded welding area and the grounded metal area.

[0024] In some embodiments, a grounding pad is printed on the feed board, and a first grounding soldering area on each of the first feed post and the second feed post is soldered to the grounding pad.

[0025] In some embodiments, each ground pad is electrically connected to the ground metal layer of the feed board.

[0026] In some embodiments, the radiating element includes a first radiating element and a second radiating element, wherein the first RF feed source is electrically connected to a second feed welding area on a first feed post of the first radiating element via a first branch of a second feed transmission line on a feed board and a corresponding first feed board feed welding area, and the first RF feed source is electrically connected to a first feed welding area on a first feed post of the second radiating element via a second branch of a second feed transmission line and a corresponding first feed board feed welding area, wherein the second RF feed source is electrically connected to a first feed welding area on a second feed post of the first radiating element via a first branch of a third feed transmission line on a feed board and a corresponding second feed board feed welding area, and the second RF feed source is electrically connected to a second feed welding area on a second feed post of the second radiating element via a second branch of a third feed transmission line on a feed board and a corresponding second feed board feed welding area.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a base station antenna is provided, characterized in that the base station antenna includes a radiating element as described in some embodiments of the present invention, or includes an antenna assembly as described in some embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The schematic drawings are briefly described below:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic 3D view showing a portion of a base station antenna;

[0030] Figure 2a A schematic frontal perspective view of the antenna assembly of a base station antenna is shown.

[0031] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A schematic front view of the antenna assembly, omitting two radiating elements;

[0032] Figure 2c It shows Figure 2a An enlarged rear view of the connection between the radiating element and the feed board of the antenna assembly;

[0033] Figure 3a It shows Figure 2a A schematic diagram of the first main surface of one of the feed columns of one of the radiating elements in the antenna assembly;

[0034] Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a A schematic diagram of the second main surface of the feed column;

[0035] Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the first main surface of the feed column of a radiating element according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 4b It shows Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the second main surface of the feed column;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic front view of an antenna assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure of the invention more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the invention to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide more additional embodiments.

[0039] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0040] In this document, when an element is described as being "on," "attached," "connected," "coupled," or "in contact" with another element, the element may be directly located on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly" located on, directly attached to, directly connected to, directly coupled to, or directly in contact with another element, no intermediate elements are present. In this document, a feature arranged "adjacent" to another feature may mean that a feature has a portion overlapping with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.

[0041] In this document, spatial relation terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "high," and "low" are used to describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relation terms include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be interpreted accordingly.

[0042] In this document, the term “A or B” includes both “A and B” and “A or B”, rather than exclusively including only “A” or only “B”, unless otherwise specified.

[0043] In this document, the terms "illustrative" or "exemplary" mean "used as an example, instance, or illustration," and not as a "model" to be precisely copied. Any implementation described herein by example is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to any theory expressed or implied in the foregoing descriptions of the technical field, background, summary of the invention, or detailed description.

[0044] In this document, the term “substantially” means any minor variation caused by design or manufacturing defects, device or component tolerances, environmental influences and / or other factors.

[0045] In this article, the term "at least a portion" can refer to any proportion of the portion. For example, it can be greater than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or even 100%, i.e., the entirety.

[0046] Additionally, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used in this document for reference purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words “first,” “second,” and other such numerical terms relating to structures or elements do not imply order or sequence.

[0047] It should also be understood that when the term “including / comprises” is used herein, it indicates the presence of the indicated feature, step, operation, unit and / or component, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, units and / or components and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Antenna 100 can be mounted on a raised structure, such as an antenna tower, utility pole, building, water tower, etc., such that its longitudinal axis L extends approximately perpendicular to the ground. Antenna 100 is typically mounted within a radome (not shown) that provides environmental protection. Antenna 100 includes a reflector 210, which may include a metallic surface that provides a ground plane and reflects electromagnetic waves arriving there, for example, redirecting them forward. Antenna 100 also includes mechanical and electronic components (not shown) typically arranged behind reflector 210, such as connectors, cables, phase shifters, remote electronic tilting units, duplexers, etc.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, antenna 100 may further include one or more antenna assemblies 300 disposed in front of reflector 210. Each antenna assembly 300 may include a feed plate 310 and one or more radiating elements mounted on the feed plate 310. Each radiating element may be a first radiating element 201, the operating frequency band of which may be, for example, an intermediate frequency band (1695–2690 MHz) or its sub-bands (e.g., 1695–2200 MHz, 2200–2690 MHz, etc.). An array of first radiating elements 201 may be configured to generate a first antenna beam within or a portion of the intermediate frequency band. Additionally or alternatively, the radiating elements may be second radiating elements 202, the operating frequency band of an array of second radiating elements 202 may be, for example, a low frequency band (694–960 MHz) or its sub-bands. The second radiating element 202 may be configured to generate a second antenna beam within or a portion of the low frequency band. Alternatively or additionally, the radiating element may be a third radiating element (not shown), and the operating frequency band of the third radiating element may be, for example, a high-frequency band (3.1–4.2 GHz) or a sub-band thereof. The array of third radiating elements may be configured to generate a third antenna beam within or a portion of the high-frequency band.

[0050] It should be understood that the antenna 100 according to embodiments of the present invention can be any of a wide variety of different types of base station antennas, such as beamforming antennas, multi-band base station antennas, and / or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas. Therefore, it should be understood that the antenna components disclosed herein can be used in any of these types of antennas. Similarly, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the radiating elements in the antenna 100 according to embodiments of the present invention can operate in any other frequency band and are not limited to the few frequency bands exemplarily mentioned herein. In other embodiments, the antenna 100 may include only a first radiating element 201, a second radiating element 202, or a third radiating element.

[0051] Reference Figure 2a and 2bThe diagram shows a schematic front perspective view and a schematic front view of an antenna assembly 300 of a base station antenna 100. The antenna assembly 300 includes a feed plate 310 and one or more radiating elements mounted to extend forward from the feed plate 310. Figure 2b The radiating elements are omitted to fully show the front surface of the feed board 310. The feed board 310 can be implemented, for example, using a printed circuit board. In the depicted embodiment, a total of two radiating elements are mounted on the feed board 310, but the antenna assembly 300 may include more or fewer radiating elements, and any type (or combination of types) of radiating elements may be used. Figure 2a In this context, the two radiating elements can be referred to as the first radiating element 301 and the second radiating element 302. Each radiating element 301, 302 can be configured as a dual-polarized radiating element and has two dipoles (i.e., cross dipoles or cross radiators) placed laterally relative to each other to provide dual-polarized operation.

[0052] Each radiating element 301, 302 may include a first feed post 400 and a first radiator 410 mounted on the first feed post 400, and a second feed post 500 and a second radiator 510 mounted on the second feed post 500. The first radiator 410 and the first feed post 400 may transmit and receive signals having a first polarization (e.g., +). RF signals with second polarization (e.g., polarization), and the second radiator 510 and the second feed post 500 can transmit and receive RF signals with second polarization (e.g., polarization). (Polarized) RF signals.

[0053] Reference Figure 3a and 3b , Figure 3a A schematic diagram of the first main surface 601 of the feed column 400 of the radiating element 301 is shown; Figure 3b A schematic diagram of the second main surface 602 of the feed post 400 is shown. The feed post 500 can be very similar to the feed post 400 and is therefore not shown separately. Furthermore, the feed posts 400 and 500 of the radiating element 302 can be the same as those of the radiating element 301 and are therefore not shown separately. Each feed post 400 and 500 can be implemented as a printed circuit board. Each printed circuit board may include a dielectric substrate 603, a first metal pattern 604 printed on a first main surface 601 of the dielectric substrate 603, and a second metal pattern 605 printed on a second main surface 602 of the dielectric substrate 603 opposite to the first main surface 601.

[0054] like Figure 3aAs shown, the first metal pattern 604 may include a first feed transmission line 610 and a first feed welding area 612. The first feed transmission line 610 may be configured as a feed balun and electrically connected to the first feed welding area 612. In the current illustration, the first feed transmission line 610 and the first feed welding area 612 are printed integrally. The first feed welding area 612 may be disposed on a support end 606 of the feed post 400, which is opposite to a feed end 607 on which a radiator is mounted, and the radiating element 301 may be mounted on the feed plate 310 by means of the support end 606. The first feed welding area 612 may be configured to be electrically connected to the feed transmission lines 314, 318 on the feed plate 310.

[0055] like Figure 3b As shown, the second metal pattern 605 may include a ground metal region 614 and a first ground solder region 616. The ground metal region 614 forms a return path for RF signals and enables efficient transmission of RF signals on the feed post 400 through interaction with the first feed transmission line 610 in the first metal pattern 604. The ground metal region 614 may be electrically connected to the first ground solder region 616, which, in the current illustration, is printed integrally with the first ground solder region 616. The first ground solder region 616 may be disposed on the support end 606 of the feed post for electrical connection to a ground pad on the feed board 310. Additionally or alternatively, the first metal pattern 604 may also include an additional ground metal region 615 and an additional ground solder region 618, which may be electrically connected to the ground metal region 614 and the first ground solder region 616 in the second metal pattern 605 via metallized vias through the dielectric substrate 603. Alternatively or additionally, the first metal pattern 604 and the second metal pattern 605 may also include an inductor 620 and a capacitor 622, which may be configured as a filter circuit. In the current illustration, the grounded metal region 614 may be electrically connected to the feed end 607 of the feed posts 400 and 500 via an LC filter circuit, and the dipole arms of the radiators 410 and 510 are mounted on and electrically connected to the feed end 607.

[0056] The lowermost portion of the support end 606, which includes a first feed soldering region 612, an additional ground soldering region 618, and a first ground soldering region 616, can be inserted through a slot 408 in the feed plate 310 such that the distal portion of the support end 606 is positioned behind the feed plate 310 when the antenna assembly 300 is fully assembled. The remainder of the feed post 400 extends forward from the front surface of the feed plate 310.

[0057] like Figure 2bAs shown, the power supply board 310 has a first RF feed 312, a second power supply transmission line 314 electrically connected to the first RF feed 312, and one or more pad areas 316 electrically connected to the second power supply transmission line 314; and a second RF feed 322, a third power supply transmission line 318 electrically connected to the second RF feed 322, and one or more pad areas 316 electrically connected to the third power supply transmission line 318. The aforementioned components of the power supply board 310 can be implemented as printed metal patterns on the front surface of the printed circuit board constituting the power supply board 310. The first RF feed 312 can be used as a power supply board 310 for having a first polarization (e.g., ...). The second RF feed 322 can be used as the input / output of the feed board 310 for having a second polarization (e.g., polarization), and the second RF feed 322 can be used as the input / output of the feed board 310 for having a second polarization (e.g., polarization). Polarization input / output. (See reference) Figure 2c The rear side of the power supply board 310 includes a metal pattern comprising one or more ground pads and power supply soldering regions 317. The power supply soldering regions 317 are separated from and electrically isolated from the one or more ground pads by areas without metallization. Each power supply soldering region 317 is electrically connected to a corresponding pad region 316 via a metallized via through a dielectric substrate of the power supply board 310. (Refer to...) Figure 2b and 2c The first RF feed 312 can be electrically connected to the first feed post 400 of the first radiating element 301 via a first branch of the second feed transmission line 314. Specifically, the first RF feed 312 can be connected to the first feed soldering area 612 on the first feed post 400 via the first branch of the second feed transmission line 314, the pad area 316, the metallized via, and the feed soldering area 317 on the feed board 310 (see...). Figure 3a , 3bThe first RF feed 312 can be electrically connected to the second feed post 500 of the first radiating element 301 via a first branch of the third feed transmission line 318. Specifically, the second RF feed 322 can be electrically connected to the first feed post 500 via a first branch of the third feed transmission line 318, a pad area 316 on the feed board 310, a metallized via, and a feed solder area 317, and the ground pad on the rear side of the feed board 310 can be soldered to the ground solder area on the second feed post 500. Thus, the first polarized RF signal can be transmitted from the first RF feed 312 to the first radiator 410 of the first radiating element 301, or from the first radiator 410 to the first RF feed 312. Therefore, the second-polarized RF signal can be transmitted from the second RF feed 322 to the second radiator 510 of the first radiating element 301 or from there to the second RF feed 322. Similarly, the first RF feed 312 can be electrically connected to the first feed post 400 of the second radiating element 302 via a second branch of the second feed transmission line 314, so that the first-polarized RF signal can be transmitted from the first RF feed 312 to the first radiator 410 of the second radiating element 302 or from there to the first RF feed 312. The second RF feed 322 can be electrically connected to the second feed post 500 of the second radiating element 302 via a second branch of the third feed transmission line 318, so that the second-polarized RF signal can be transmitted from the second RF feed 322 to the second radiator 510 of the second radiating element 302 or from there to the second RF feed 322.

[0058] Based on the operating principle of dual-polarized radiating elements, the first feed bonding areas 612 on the cross-feed pillars (i.e., the first feed pillar 400 and the second feed pillar 500) must be spaced apart from each other from the dielectric substrate 603. In some cases, the first feed bonding areas 612 on the cross-feed pillars may be oriented opposite to each other with reference to the longitudinal axis L. In other words, the first feed bonding area 612 on the first feed pillar 400 may be located on the upper side of the first feed pillar 400, i.e., oriented towards the top cover of the radome, while the first feed bonding area 612 on the second feed pillar 500 may be located on the lower side of the second feed pillar 500, i.e., oriented towards the bottom cover of the radome, or vice versa. Figure 2b and 2cAs shown, the first feed welding area 612 on the first feed post 400 and the first feed welding area 612 on the second feed post 500 are spaced apart by a dielectric substrate 603. Therefore, in order to feed the cross feed posts, the feed transmission lines 314 and 318 on the feed board 310 must take a longer route, extending to the side of the corresponding feed post where the first feed welding area 612 is located, where welding is performed between the feed welding area 317 on the feed board 310 and the first feed welding area 612 on the feed post. In the current illustration, for example, the first branch of the second feed transmission line 314 on the feed board 310 must take a longer route, extending to the first feed welding area 612 on the first feed post 400 of the first radiating element 301. To maintain the preset phase difference, the second branch of the second feed transmission line 314 on the feed board 310 must also have its transmission path length increased (e.g., by adding a detour path 326), extending to the first feed welding area 612 on the first feed post 400 of the second radiating element 302. However, according to Figure 2b and 2c This type of feed network has one or more of the following disadvantages: First, the feed network on the feed board 310 is relatively complex, increasing the difficulty of wiring the feed network; Second, the detour transmission line 326 will form an undesirable inductive effect, affecting the transmission performance of RF signals, thereby affecting the radio frequency performance of the antenna 100, such as beamforming; Third, it increases the size of the feed board 310, making the base station antenna 100 larger or heavier, thus subject to wind load, manufacturing cost and industry regulations.

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 4a , 4b and Figure 5 The antenna assembly 300' of some embodiments of the present invention is described in detail below. The antenna assembly 300' includes a feed plate 310' and radiating elements 301' and 302'. Figure 4a A schematic diagram is shown of the first main surface 601 of the feed column 400' used in the radiating elements 301', 302' according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4b A schematic diagram of the second main surface 602 of the feed post 400' is shown; Figure 5 A schematic front view of antenna assembly 300' is shown.

[0060] It should be understood that, referring to Figure 2a , 2b The components described in detail in 2c, 3a and 3b can be applied to reference. Figure 4a , 4b and Figure 5The antenna assembly 300' and its radiating elements 301' and 302' are described. Further details will not be provided here. Only the differences between the radiating elements 301' and 302' and the radiating elements 301 and 302 according to some embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail.

[0061] like Figure 4a , 4b As shown, a first metal pattern 604 printed on the first main surface 601 of the dielectric substrate 603 has a first power supply soldering area 612, and a second metal pattern 605 printed on the second main surface 602 of the dielectric substrate 603 also has a second power supply soldering area 624. The second power supply soldering area 624 can be electrically connected to the first power supply soldering area 612 through a metallized via 625, so that RF signals can be transmitted from the second power supply soldering area 624 to the first power supply soldering area 612 or vice versa. The first power supply soldering area 612 and the second power supply soldering area 624 can both be disposed on the support end 606 of the power supply post 400'. The power supply post is mounted on the power supply plate 310' by means of the support end 606, thereby arranging the first power supply soldering area 612 and the second power supply soldering area 624 close to the power supply plate 310', which facilitates soldering on the power supply plate 310'. In order to reserve space in the second metal pattern 605 for the second power supply welding area 624, a certain size area can be etched in the original ground metal area 614 and / or the first ground welding area 616. The second power supply welding area 624 can be printed in the etched area and spaced apart from the ground metal area 614 and the first ground welding area 616. The metal in the interval 626 is removed, so that the second power supply welding area 624 is electrically isolated from the ground metal area 614 and the first ground welding area 616.

[0062] Because both main surfaces 601 and 602 of the feed post 400' of the radiating elements 301' and 302' are provided with feed welding areas (i.e., the first and second feed welding areas 612 and 624), the welding between the feed post 400' and the feed board 310' can be flexibly selected to be performed on either main surface or on both main surfaces, thereby minimizing or avoiding the feed transmission lines 314 and 318 taking long detours and circuitous wiring on the feed board 310'. The second feed post of the radiating elements 301' and 302' (such as the second feed post 500) can be very similar to the feed post 400', and therefore is not shown separately.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, the second feed soldering region 624 is closer to the first RF feed source 312 than the first feed soldering region 612. Therefore, the first branch of the second feed transmission line 314 can be electrically connected to the second feed soldering region 624 via the pad region 316 and the metallized via, without needing to extend a long way to the first main surface 601 of the first feed post 400' to solder to the first feed soldering region 612. Similarly, since the second feed soldering region 624 of the second feed post of the second radiating element 302' (compared to the first feed soldering region 612) is closer to the second RF feed source 322, the second branch of the third feed transmission line 318 can be soldered to the second feed soldering region 624 via the pad region 316 and the metallized via, without needing to extend a long way to the first main surface 601 of the second feed post to solder to the first feed soldering region 612. Furthermore, the first feed welding area 612 of the second feed post of the first radiating element 301' (compared to the second feed welding area 624) is closer to the second RF feed source 322, and the first feed welding area 612 of the first feed post 400' of the second radiating element 302' (compared to the second feed welding area 624) is closer to the first RF feed source 312, so the welding between the corresponding feed post and the feed board 310' can still be performed at the first main surface 601.

[0064] According to various embodiments of the present invention, in the radiating element, a first feed welding area 612 on one of the first and second feed pillars and a second feed welding area 624 on the other feed pillar are arranged face-to-face, i.e., they are not separated from each other by the dielectric substrate 603 and in some cases may be oriented the same towards each other with reference to the longitudinal axis L. In other words, the first feed welding area 612 on the first feed pillar 400' may be located on the upper side of the first feed pillar 400', and the second feed welding area 624 on the second feed pillar may also be located on the upper side of the second feed pillar, i.e., oriented towards the top cover of the radome; or the first feed welding area 612 on the first feed pillar 400' may be located on the lower side of the first feed pillar 400', and the second feed welding area 624 on the second feed pillar may also be located on the lower side of the second feed pillar, i.e., oriented towards the bottom cover of the radome.

[0065] It should be understood that the design of the first metal pattern 604 and / or the second metal pattern 605 on each feed post of the radiating elements 301' and 302', such as the number and arrangement of the corresponding feed welding areas 612, 624, ground welding areas 616, 618 and / or ground metal areas 614, can be varied and is not limited to the current embodiment.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first metal pattern 604 may include a plurality of first power-fed welding areas 612, and the second metal pattern 605 may include a plurality of second power-fed welding areas 624. The shapes of the first power-fed welding areas 612 and / or the second power-fed welding areas 624 may also be of any type.

[0067] While exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the claims. This disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A radiating element, characterized in that, The radiating element includes a feed post and a radiator mounted on the feed post. The feed post includes a dielectric substrate, a first metal pattern printed on a first main surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second metal pattern printed on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface. The first metal pattern includes a first feed transmission line and a first feed soldering area. The first feed transmission line is electrically connected to the first feed soldering area, and the second metal pattern includes a second feed soldering area electrically connected to the first feed soldering area.

2. The radiating element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first power-feeding soldering area is electrically connected to the second power-feeding soldering area through a metallized via passing through the dielectric substrate.

3. The radiating element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second feed welding areas are disposed on the support end of the feed column, which can be mounted on the feed plate for the radiating element by means of the support end, so that the first and second feed welding areas are configured to be welded to the feed welding areas on the feed plate.

4. The radiating element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first power supply transmission line is configured as a power supply balun.

5. The radiating element according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power supply balun and the first power supply welding area are printed as one piece.

6. The radiating element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed column includes a first feed column and a second feed column, and the radiator includes a first radiator and a second radiator. The first radiator is installed on the first feed column, and the second radiator is installed on the second feed column. The first feed column and the second feed column are arranged in an intersecting manner, wherein a first feed welding area on one of the first feed columns and a second feed welding area on the other feed column are arranged face to face.

7. The radiating element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second metal pattern includes a first ground welding area and a ground metal area, wherein the ground metal area is electrically connected to the first ground welding area.

8. The radiating element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second power-feed welding area is spaced apart from the first ground welding area and the ground metal area, and the metal coating within the interval is removed, so that the second power-feed welding area is electrically isolated from the first ground welding area and the ground metal area.

9. The radiating element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first grounding welding area and the second power supply welding area are arranged side by side.

10. The radiating element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first grounding welding area is disposed on the support end of the feed post, which is mounted on the feed board for the radiating element by means of the end, so that the first grounding welding area is configured to be welded to the grounding pad on the feed board.

11. The radiating element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The grounding metal area and the first grounding welding area are printed as one piece.

12. The radiating element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first power supply transmission line is configured as a feed line for RF signals, while the grounded metal region is configured as a return line for RF signals.

13. The radiating element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The grounded metal area is electrically connected to the feed end of the feed column via an inductor-capacitor filter circuit, and the feed end is welded to the radiator.

14. An antenna assembly comprising a feed plate and a radiating element mounted on the feed plate, the radiating element comprising a first feed post and a first radiator mounted on the first feed post, and a second feed post and a second radiator mounted on the second feed post, characterized in that, Each of the first and second feed pillars includes a dielectric substrate, a first metal pattern printed on a first main surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second metal pattern printed on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the first main surface. The first metal pattern includes a first feed transmission line and a first feed soldering area, the first feed transmission line being electrically connected to the first feed soldering area, and the second metal pattern including a second feed soldering area being electrically connected to the first feed soldering area. The first feed soldering area on one of the first and second feed pillars is arranged face-to-face with the second feed soldering area on the other feed pillar.

15. The antenna assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The feed board is provided with a first RF feed source, a second feed transmission line electrically connected to the first RF feed source, and a first feed board feed welding area electrically connected to the second feed transmission line; as well as a second RF feed source, a third feed transmission line electrically connected to the second RF feed source, and a second feed board feed welding area electrically connected to the third feed transmission line. The first feed welding area on one of the first and second feed posts is welded to the first feed board feed welding area, while the second feed welding area on the other feed post is welded to the second feed board feed welding area.

16. The antenna assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first power-feed welding area is electrically connected to the second power-feed welding area through a metallized via.

17. The antenna assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first power supply transmission line is configured as a power supply balun.

18. The antenna assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second metal pattern includes a first grounding weld area and a grounding metal area, the grounding metal area being electrically connected to the first grounding weld area, the second power supply weld area being spaced apart from the first grounding weld area and the grounding metal area by a ground distance, and metal within the interval being removed, such that the second power supply weld area is electrically isolated from the first grounding weld area and the grounding metal area.

19. The antenna assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The power supply board has a grounding pad printed on it, and the first grounding welding area on each of the first power supply column and the second power supply column is welded to the grounding pad.

20. The antenna assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that, Each grounding pad is electrically connected to the grounding metal layer of the feed board.

21. The antenna assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The radiating element includes a first radiating element and a second radiating element. The first RF feed source is electrically connected to the second feed welding area on the first feed post of the first radiating element via a first branch of the second feed transmission line on the feed board and a corresponding first feed board feed welding area. The first RF feed source is also electrically connected to the first feed welding area on the first feed post of the second radiating element via a second branch of the second feed transmission line and a corresponding first feed board feed welding area. The second RF feed source is electrically connected to the first feed welding area on the second feed post of the first radiating element via a first branch of the third feed transmission line on the feed board and a corresponding second feed board feed welding area. The second RF feed source is also electrically connected to the second feed welding area on the second feed post of the second radiating element via a second branch of the third feed transmission line on the feed board and a corresponding second feed board feed welding area.

22. A base station antenna, characterized in that, The base station antenna includes a radiating element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or an antenna assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 21.

Images