Base station antenna

Abstract

The invention relates to a base station antenna comprising: a first radio frequency port; a second radio frequency port; a first array of radiating elements comprising a first radiating element, the first radiating element comprising first and second radiators each having the first polarization direction, wherein the first radiator is coupled to the first radio frequency port; a second array of radiating elements comprising a second radiating element, the second radiating element comprising a third radiator having the first polarization direction; and a first power divider having a first input coupled to the second radio frequency port, and first and second outputs coupled to the second and third radiators, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to communication systems, and more specifically, to base station antennas. Background Technology

[0002] Each cell in a cellular communication system has one or more base station antennas configured to provide bidirectional wireless / radio frequency (RF) communication to mobile users geographically located within a given cell. Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a conventional base station 60. Base station 60 includes a base station antenna 50 that can be mounted on a raised structure 30. The raised structure 30 can be an antenna tower. However, it should be understood that various mounting locations can be used, including, for example, utility poles, buildings, water towers, etc. Base station 60 also includes base station equipment, such as a baseband unit 40 and wireless equipment 42. For the sake of simplicity, Figure 1A A single baseband unit 40 and a single radio device 42 are shown. However, it should be understood that more than one baseband unit 40 and / or radio device 42 may be provided. Additionally, although the radio device 42 is shown co-located with the baseband unit 40 at the bottom of the protrusion 30, it should be understood that in other cases, the radio device 42 may be a remote radio head mounted on a neighboring antenna on the protrusion 30. The baseband unit 40 may receive data from another source (e.g., a backhaul network (not shown)) and may process that data and provide a data stream to the radio device 42. The radio device 42 may generate RF signals including data encoded therein and may amplify and transmit these RF signals to the base station antenna 50 for transmission via cable connection 44. It should also be understood that... Figure 1A The base station 60 may typically include various other devices (not shown), such as power supply, backup battery, power bus, antenna interface signal group (AISG) controller, etc.

[0003] Figure 1B This is a schematic front view of the base station antenna. Figure 1B In the other figures herein, "X" denotes a dual-polarized cross-dipole radiating element. The cross-dipole radiating element comprises two mutually orthogonal dipole radiators that transmit / receive signals with polarization directions of -45° and +45° relative to the longitudinal tilt of the base station antenna, respectively. The base station antenna comprises two linear arrays 50-1 and 50-2. Each linear array 50-1, 50-2 includes a cross-dipole radiating element 52 arranged along the longitudinal central axis of the respective array.

[0004] The radiating element 52 can be configured to operate in, for example, the 617–960 MHz frequency band, so that the base station antenna provides service in some or all of the 617–960 MHz frequency band. Figure 1BThe base station antenna configuration shown can be used for a variety of applications, including, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (“MIMO”) applications, or as a multi-band antenna providing cellular service in two different frequency ranges. In one example, linear array 50-1 can be configured to operate around 700 MHz and linear array 50-2 can be configured to operate around 800 MHz. The base station antenna also includes RF ports 1 to 4, which can transmit a first signal of 700 MHz with +45° polarization, a second signal of 700 MHz with -45° polarization, a third signal of 800 MHz with +45° polarization, and a fourth signal of 800 MHz with -45° polarization, respectively, between the base station antenna and radio device 42 via cable connection 44, as described above. The +45° and -45° tilt radiators of each radiating element 52 in linear array 50-1 are coupled to RF ports 1 and 2, respectively, and the -45° and +45° tilt radiators of each radiating element 52 in linear array 50-2 are coupled to RF ports 3 and 4, respectively.

[0005] Four-polarized (or quad-polarized) radiating elements (“QR”) are known in the prior art. For example, Figure 1C This is a schematic plan view of a QR, or box, radiating element, generally constructed in a rectangular shape. The box radiating element includes dipole radiators 10 to 40, each dipole radiator being a conventional dipole radiator bent such that the angle between its two radiating arms is approximately 90°, i.e., each dipole radiator includes two dipole arms that are approximately L-shaped. Each dipole radiator is center-fed, or "middle-fed." Taking dipole radiator 10 as an example, it includes a feed section 13 located in the center of dipole radiator 10, and radiating sections 11 and 12 (also referred to as dipole arms) extending from the feed section 13. The two dipole arms of each dipole radiator extend laterally and longitudinally along the base station antenna, respectively, to achieve ±45° polarization. Dipole radiators 10 and 20 are respectively arranged opposite each other at two vertices of the rectangle along the -45° direction, so that dipole radiators 10 and 20 each obtain their own +45° polarization. Dipole radiators 30 and 40 are respectively arranged at two opposite vertices of the rectangle along the +45° direction, so that dipole radiators 30 and 40 respectively obtain their own -45° polarization.

[0006] QR codes can be used in base station antennas. For example, for... Figure 1B The array shown, composed of multiple dual-polarized radiating elements (“DRs”), can have at least one DR replaced with a QR configured to operate in the 617–960 MHz frequency band. To mitigate the adverse effects of introducing a QR, the QR can be positioned near the ends of the array, such as… Figure 1D As shown. In Figure 1D And in the other figures in this article, with This represents the aforementioned box-type radiating element. Two radiators with the same polarization direction, located at opposite vertices of the box-type radiating element, are commonly fed. For ease of illustration, in... Figure 1D In the other figures herein, two dipole radiators in the same radiating element that are commonly fed are represented by a straight line (or a straight line with crossings) connecting the two dipole radiators. It should be understood that a power divider (“PD”) can be used to achieve the common feeding between the two dipole radiators.

[0007] Each QR includes two spaced-apart dipole radiators located on either side of the QR's central axis in each polarization direction. For example, Figure 1C The QR shown operates in a -45° polarization direction and includes radiators 30 and 40 located on both sides of the longitudinal and transverse central axes of the QR. It operates in a +45° polarization direction and includes radiators 10 and 20 located on both sides of the longitudinal and transverse central axes of the QR. Because the dipole radiators 10 and 20 are spaced apart from each other in both the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of the base station antenna, the QR will have a +45° polarization "element" pattern with a narrower azimuth and elevation beamwidth. Similarly, because the dipole radiators 30 and 40 are spaced apart from each other in both the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of the base station antenna, the QR will have a -45° polarization "element" pattern with a narrower azimuth and elevation beamwidth, resulting in an even narrower azimuth beamwidth in the -45° polarization direction. Therefore, Figure 1D The antenna beams generated by each linear array 50-1, 50-2 in the array are more effective in both the azimuth and elevation planes than those in the linear array 50-1, 50-2. Figure 1B The corresponding linear array produces a narrower antenna beam and a higher directivity. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a base station antenna.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a base station antenna is provided, comprising: a first radio frequency port configured to provide a first radio frequency signal having a first polarization direction; a second radio frequency port configured to provide a second radio frequency signal having the first polarization direction; a first array of radiating elements including a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators both having the first polarization direction, wherein the first radiators are coupled to the first radio frequency port; a second array of radiating elements including a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction; and a first power divider having a first input coupled to the second radio frequency port and first and second outputs respectively coupled to the second and third radiators.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a base station antenna is provided, comprising: a first linear array extending along a first longitudinal direction of the base station antenna, including a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators each having a first polarization direction; and a second linear array extending along a second longitudinal direction of the base station antenna and laterally adjacent to the first linear array, including a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the second and third radiators are commonly fed.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a base station antenna is provided, comprising: a first linear array extending along a first longitudinal direction of the base station antenna, including a first radiating element, the first radiating element including a first dipole radiator extending along a first direction inclined at -45 degrees relative to the first longitudinal direction and a second dipole radiator extending along a second direction inclined at +45 degrees relative to the first longitudinal direction; and a second linear array extending along the second longitudinal direction of the base station antenna and laterally adjacent to the first linear array, including a second radiating element generally configured as a rectangle, the second radiating element including a third, fourth, fifth and sixth dipole radiators respectively generally configured as L-shaped, wherein the third and fourth dipole radiators are respectively arranged at two opposite vertices of the rectangle along the second direction, and the fifth and sixth dipole radiators are respectively arranged at two opposite vertices of the rectangle along the first direction, wherein the first and third radiators are commonly fed.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a base station antenna is provided, comprising: a first array of radiating elements including a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators each having a first polarization direction; a second array of radiating elements including a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction; and a feeding assembly configured to feed a first sub-component of a first radio frequency signal to the first radiator, and to feed first and second sub-components of a second radio frequency signal to the second and third radiators, respectively.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a base station antenna is provided, comprising: a first radio frequency (RF) port; a second RF port; a first array of radiating elements, including a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators, each having a first polarization direction, and third and fourth radiators, each having a second polarization direction; and a second array of radiating elements, including a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a cross-dipole radiating element, the cross-dipole radiating element including a fifth radiator having a first polarization direction and a sixth radiator having a second polarization direction, wherein the first and second radiators are coupled to the first RF port, and the third and sixth radiators are coupled to the second RF port.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a base station antenna is provided, comprising: a first array of radiating elements including a first radiating element having a first to a fourth radiator; a second array of radiating elements including a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a cross-dipole radiating element; and a power divider having a first output coupled to the first radiating element and a second output coupled to the second radiating element.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1A This is a simplified diagram of a conventional base station in a cellular communication system.

[0018] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of two arrays of radiating elements in a conventional base station antenna and the power supply configuration for the arrays.

[0019] Figure 1C This is a schematic front view of a conventional box-type radiating element that can be used in base station antennas.

[0020] Figure 1DThis is a schematic diagram of two arrays, each containing a box-shaped radiating element, and the power supply configuration for the arrays in a conventional base station antenna.

[0021] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of an array of radiating elements and its feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of an array of radiating elements and its feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram of an array of radiating elements and its feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of an array of radiating elements and its feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of an array of radiating elements and its feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3D This is a schematic diagram of an array of radiating elements and its feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Note that in the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals are sometimes used across different figures to denote the same parts or parts with the same function, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In some cases, similar reference numerals and letters are used to denote similar items, so once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0028] For ease of understanding, the positions, dimensions, and ranges of the structures shown in the accompanying drawings and other materials may not represent actual positions, dimensions, and ranges. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the positions, dimensions, and ranges disclosed in the accompanying drawings and other materials. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In this document, references may be made to elements, nodes, or features that are “coupled” together. Unless otherwise expressly stated, “coupled” means that one element / node / feature can be directly or indirectly connected to another element / node / feature mechanically, electrically, logically, or otherwise to allow interaction, even if the two features may not be directly connected. That is, “coupled” is intended to include both direct and indirect connections of elements or other features, including connections using one or more intermediate elements.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In this document, the term "exemplary" means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," and not as a "model" to be precisely copied. Any implementation described herein 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 description in the technical field, background, summary of the invention, or detailed description.

[0036] 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. The term "substantially" also allows for differences from the perfect or ideal situation due to parasitic effects, noise, and other practical considerations that may exist in actual implementations.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In having Figure 1D The base station antenna configuration shown is used in MIMO applications or as a multi-band antenna to provide cellular service in two different frequency ranges. Typically, it is required that the physical size of the radiating element be as small as possible to keep the antenna length and width within the range desired by the cellular operator. However, small radiating elements have large element beamwidths, which may make it difficult to meet various performance requirements, such as the half-power (-3dB) beamwidth (“HPBW”) and beam directivity requirements of the antenna beam produced by the linear array 50-1 or 50-2 in the azimuth and elevation planes.

[0040] A base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention includes linear first and second arrays extending longitudinally along the base station antenna. The first array includes at least one QR, which includes first and second radiators that transmit / receive signals in a first polarization direction (e.g., tilted -45° relative to the longitudinal direction of the base station antenna). The second array includes at least one radiating element (which may be a QR or a DR), which includes a third radiator that transmits / receives signals in the first polarization direction. The first radiator is configured to transmit / receive a first signal, such as a signal for the first array. The second and third radiators are co-fed, such that both the second and third radiators are configured to transmit / receive a second signal, such as a signal for the second array. Because the first and second arrays are positioned differently along the transverse direction of the antenna, this configuration can reduce the HPBW of the antenna beam in the azimuth plane in the first polarization direction generated by the second array, and improve the directivity of the antenna beam in the azimuth plane. The term "commonly fed" for two radiating elements (or radiators) as used herein refers to two radiating elements (or radiators) being fed by the same RF signal output from the same port of the same phase shifter ("PS"). A power divider and / or other circuitry may be coupled between the output of the phase shifter and the two radiating elements (or radiators). When the phase shifter is operated to configure the phase of the signals at its respective output ports, the phases of the signals fed to the two radiating elements (or radiators) are changed together in a defined mutual relationship. The amplitude and phase of the respective RF signals commonly fed to the two radiating elements (or radiators) can be configured according to the desired antenna beamwidth and pointing direction; for example, the amplitudes of the individual signals may be the same or different, and the phase difference between the signals may be zero or non-zero.

[0041] In another embodiment, the QRs in the first array and the at least one radiating element in the second array may not be aligned laterally along the antenna; that is, their positions along the longitudinal direction of the antenna may differ. This configuration can also reduce the HPBW of the antenna beam in the elevation plane in the first polarization direction generated by the second array, and improve the directivity of the antenna beam in the elevation plane. The above configuration may or may not be used for the second polarization direction (e.g., tilted +45° relative to the longitudinal direction of the base station antenna).

[0042] Figure 2A and 2BThese are schematic diagrams of an array of radiating elements and their feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to embodiments of the present invention. The base station antenna includes laterally adjacent first and second arrays, and radio frequency (“RF”) ports 1 to 4. RF ports 1 and 2 provide +45° and -45° polarized RF signals for the first array, respectively, and RF ports 4 and 3 provide +45° and -45° polarized RF signals for the second array, respectively. The first array includes a radiator (DR), and the second array includes a radiator (QR). The DR includes a radiator 71 positioned at a -45° tilt and a radiator 72 positioned at a +45° tilt. The QR includes radiators 81 and 82 positioned at two vertices along the +45° direction and radiators 83 and 84 positioned at two vertices along the -45° direction.

[0043] exist Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, radiator 72 is coupled to RF port 1 to transmit / receive RF signals for the first array with a +45° polarization direction; radiators 71 and 81 are coupled to RF port 2 and are commonly fed to transmit / receive RF signals for the first array with a -45° polarization direction; radiator 82 is coupled to RF port 3 to transmit / receive RF signals for the second array with a -45° polarization direction; and radiators 83 and 84 are coupled to RF port 4 and are commonly fed to transmit / receive RF signals for the second array with a +45° polarization direction. Each common feed can be implemented via a power divider (described below). A Wilkinson power divider with high isolation between outputs can be used to reduce unwanted coupling between the commonly fed radiators.

[0044] In this embodiment, for the second array, there is only one radiator 82 operating in the -45° polarization direction. Therefore, the HPBW of the antenna beam generated by the second array in the -45° polarization direction is basically the same as that of the antenna beam generated by the DR with a conventional feed configuration in the -45° polarization direction. There are two radiators 83 and 84 operating in the +45° polarization direction, and there is a first lateral distance and a first longitudinal distance of approximately 0.3 to 0.4 times the wavelength between radiators 83 and 84 (the "distance" between radiators or radiating elements referred to herein refers to the distance between the phase centers of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiators or radiating elements). Therefore, the antenna beam generated by the second array in the +45° polarization direction can be slightly narrower in both the azimuth and elevation planes than the antenna beam generated by the cross dipole radiating element with a conventional feed configuration in the +45° polarization direction. For the first array, there is only one radiator 72 operating in the +45° polarization direction. Therefore, the HPBW of the antenna beam generated by the first array in the +45° polarization direction is basically the same as that of the antenna beam generated by a conventionally configured cross-dipole radiating element in the +45° polarization direction. There are two radiators 71 and 81 operating in the -45° polarization direction, and there is a second lateral distance between radiators 71 and 81 that is generally greater than the first lateral distance mentioned above (approximately equal to the lateral distance between the first and second arrays). Therefore, the antenna beam generated by the first array in the -45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than the antenna beam generated by the cross-dipole radiating element in the -45° polarization direction, and also narrower than the antenna beam generated by the second array in the +45° polarization direction.

[0045] exist Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, radiators 72 and 84 are coupled to RF port 1 and are commonly fed to transmit / receive RF signals of the first array in a +45° polarization direction. Radiators 71 and 81 are coupled to RF port 2 and are commonly fed to transmit / receive RF signals of the first array in a -45° polarization direction. Radiator 82 is coupled to RF port 3 to transmit / receive RF signals of the second array in a -45° polarization direction. Radiator 83 is coupled to RF port 4 to transmit / receive RF signals of the second array in a +45° polarization direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, for the second array, there is only one radiator 82 or 83 operating in the -45° or +45° polarization direction. Therefore, the HPBW of the antenna beam generated by the second array in the -45° or +45° polarization direction is basically the same as that of the antenna beam generated by the conventionally fed cross-dipole radiating element. For the first array, there are two radiators 71 and 81, or radiators 72 and 84 operating in the -45° or +45° polarization direction. The radiators 71 and 81, or radiators 72 and 84, typically have a large lateral distance (approximately equal to the lateral distance between the first and second arrays). Therefore, the antenna beam generated by the first array in the -45° or +45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than the antenna beam generated by the cross-dipole radiating element.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the radiator of the DR (e.g., 71) is shared with the radiator of the QR that is closer to the DR (e.g., 81). It should be understood that in other embodiments, the radiator of the DR (e.g., 71) may be shared with the radiator of the QR that is farther away from the DR (e.g., 82).

[0048] Figures 3A to 3D These are schematic diagrams of the array of radiating elements and their feeding configuration in a base station antenna according to embodiments of the present invention. The base station antenna includes laterally adjacent arrays 320 and 330, phase shifters 351 to 354, and RF ports 311 to 314. RF ports 311 and 313 provide RF signals for -45° and +45° polarization of array 320, respectively, and RF ports 312 and 314 provide RF signals for -45° and +45° polarization of array 330, respectively. The inputs I1 to I4 of the corresponding phase shifters 351 to 354 are coupled to RF ports 311 to 314 to receive their respective RF signals.

[0049] exist Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, array 320 includes radiating elements 321 to 323 arranged along the longitudinal central axis of array 320, and array 330 includes radiating elements 331 to 333 arranged along the longitudinal central axis of array 330. Radiating elements 321 to 323, as well as 331 and 333, are DRs (radiators), and radiating element 332 is a box-type QR (qualitative radiator). It should be noted that radiators may be identified herein using two-part reference numerals (e.g., 321-1), and the first part of such reference numerals (e.g., 321) may be used to refer to the radiating element containing the corresponding radiator.

[0050] The antenna also includes power dividers 341 and 342 for common feeding of the radiators. Input I5 of power divider 341 is coupled to output O2 of phase shifter 351, and outputs O13 and O14 are coupled to radiators 322-1 and 332-2, respectively, so that radiator 322-1 of radiating element 322 in array 320 and radiator 332-2 of radiating element 332 in array 330 are common fed. Input I6 of power divider 342 is coupled to output O11 of phase shifter 354, and outputs O15 and O16 are coupled to radiators 332-4 and 332-1, respectively, so that radiators 332-4 and 332-1 of radiating element 332 in array 330 are common fed.

[0051] Furthermore, in array 320, radiator 321-1 is coupled to output O1 of phase shifter 351, radiator 321-2 is coupled to output O4 of phase shifter 353, radiator 322-2 is coupled to output O5 of phase shifter 353, radiator 323-1 is coupled to output O3 of phase shifter 351, and radiator 323-2 is coupled to output O6 of phase shifter 353. In array 330, radiator 331-1 is coupled to output O10 of phase shifter 354, radiator 331-2 is coupled to output O7 of phase shifter 352, radiator 332-3 is coupled to output O8 of phase shifter 352, radiator 333-1 is coupled to output O12 of phase shifter 354, and radiator 333-2 is coupled to output O9 of phase shifter 352.

[0052] In this embodiment, for array 320, in addition to the radiators 321-1 to 323-1 arranged in a row, the radiators operating in the -45° polarization direction also include radiator 332-2, which is laterally spaced from radiator 321-2 and located near the longitudinal central axis of array 330. Therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the -45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than the beam with... Figure 1B or Figure 1D The antenna beam generated by array 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configuration. The radiators operating in the +45° polarization direction include radiators 321-2 to 323-2 arranged in a row, therefore the HPBW of the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the +45° polarization direction is similar to that of array 320. Figure 1B The HPBW of the antenna beam produced by arrays 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configurations is basically the same.

[0053] For array 330, the radiators operating in the -45° polarization direction include radiators 331-2, 332-3, and 333-2 arranged in approximately a row (where radiator 332-3 is slightly offset to the right relative to the longitudinal central axis of array 330). Therefore, the HPBW of the antenna beam generated by array 330 in the -45° polarization direction is similar to that of array 330. Figure 1B The antenna beamwidths (HPBWs) produced by arrays 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configurations are substantially the same. The radiators operating in the +45° polarization direction include radiators 331-1, 332-1 and 332-4, 333-1 arranged approximately in a row (where radiators 332-1 and 332-4 are slightly offset to the left and right, respectively, relative to the longitudinal central axis of array 330). Therefore, in the azimuth plane, the antenna beamwidth produced by array 330 in the +45° polarization direction can be narrower than that produced by arrays with... Figure 1B The antenna beam generated by array 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configuration. Furthermore, the HPBW of the antenna beam generated by array 330 along the +45° polarization direction in the azimuth and elevation planes is similar to that of... Figure 1D The antenna beamwidths produced by arrays 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configurations are basically the same or slightly smaller (due to the box-type QR in array 330 being closer to the center of the array).

[0054] exist Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, arrays 320 and 330 include radiating elements that are similar to those in... Figure 3A The embodiments shown are the same, but the feeding configuration is different. Input I5 of power divider 341 is coupled to output O8 of phase shifter 352. Outputs O13 and O14 of power divider 341 are coupled to radiators 322-1 and 332-2, respectively, so that radiator 322-1 of radiating element 322 in array 320 and radiator 332-2 of radiating element 332 in array 330 are jointly fed. Furthermore, radiator 332-3 of radiating element 332 is coupled to output O2 of phase shifter 351. The feeding configurations of the other radiators are the same. Figure 3A The embodiments shown are the same.

[0055] In this embodiment, for array 320, the radiators operating in the -45° polarization direction include radiators 321-1, 332-3, and 323-1, wherein radiator 332-3 is offset to the right relative to the longitudinal central axis of array 320 to near the longitudinal central axis of array 330, thereby arranging radiators 321-1, 332-3, and 323-1 in a laterally staggered manner. Therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the -45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than that of array 320 with a polarization direction of -45° polarization direction. Figure 1B The antenna beam generated by array 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configuration. The operation of array 320 in the +45° polarization direction is similar to... Figure 3A The embodiments shown are the same.

[0056] For array 330, in addition to the radiators 331-2, 332-2, and 333-2 arranged roughly in a row, the radiators operating in the -45° polarization direction also include radiator 322-1, which is laterally spaced from radiator 332-2 and located near the longitudinal central axis of array 320. Therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 330 in the -45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than that of array 320. Figure 1B The antenna beam generated by array 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configuration. The operation of array 330 in the +45° polarization direction is similar to... Figure 3A The embodiments shown are the same.

[0057] exist Figure 3C In the illustrated embodiment, array 320 includes radiating elements 321 to 325 arranged along the longitudinal central axis of array 320, and array 330 includes radiating elements 331 to 335 arranged along the longitudinal central axis of array 330. Radiating elements 321, 322, 325 and 331, 334, 335 are DRs (Radiators), and radiating elements 323, 324 and 332, 333 are box-type QRs (Quantizers). In this embodiment, the DRs / QRs in adjacent arrays 320 and 330 are arranged substantially symmetrically about the center of both arrays 320 and 330. Furthermore, as described below, the feed configuration of each radiating element in the two arrays 320 and 330 is also substantially symmetrical about the center of both arrays 320 and 330. This symmetrical configuration helps reduce mutual interference between the two arrays 320 and 330. The antenna also includes power dividers 341 to 348.

[0058] The RF signal provided by the output O1 of phase shifter 351 is fed to radiators 321-1 and 332-1 via the input I5 and outputs O21 and O22 of power divider 341. The RF signal provided by the output O2 of phase shifter 351 is fed to radiators 322-1 and 333-1 via the input I6 and outputs O23 and O24 of power divider 342. The RF signals provided by the outputs O3, O4, and O5 of phase shifter 351 are fed to radiators 323-3, 324-3, and 325-1, respectively. The RF signal provided by the output O15 of phase shifter 352 is fed to radiators 335-2 and 324-2 via the input I7 and outputs O25 and O26 of power divider 343. The RF signal provided by the output O14 of phase shifter 352 is fed to radiators 334-2 and 323-2 via input I8 and outputs O27 and O28 of power divider 344. The RF signals provided by the outputs O13, O12, and O11 of phase shifter 352 are fed to radiators 333-4, 332-4, and 331-2, respectively. The RF signal provided by the output O6 of phase shifter 353 is fed to radiators 321-2 and 332-3 via input I9 and outputs O29 and O30 of power divider 345. The RF signal provided by the output O7 of phase shifter 353 is fed to radiators 322-2 and 333-3 via input I10 and outputs O31 and O32 of power divider 346. The RF signals provided by the outputs O8, O9, and O10 of phase shifter 353 are fed to radiators 323-1, 324-1, and 325-2, respectively. The RF signal provided by the output O20 of phase shifter 354 is fed to radiators 335-1 and 324-4 via the input I11 and outputs O33 and O34 of power divider 347. The RF signal provided by the output O19 of phase shifter 354 is fed to radiators 334-1 and 323-4 via the input I12 and outputs O35 and O36 of power divider 348. The RF signals provided by the outputs O18, O17, and O16 of phase shifter 354 are fed to radiators 333-2, 332-2, and 331-1, respectively.

[0059] In this embodiment, for array 320, in addition to the radiators 321-1, 322-1, 323-3, 324-3, and 325-1 arranged in a roughly row-like manner, the radiators operating in the -45° polarization direction also include radiators 332-1 and 333-1 located near the longitudinal central axis of array 330. Therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the -45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than that of array 320 with a polarization direction of -45° polarization. Figure 1B or Figure 1DThe antenna beam generated by array 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configuration. In addition to the radiators 321-2, 322-2, 323-1, 324-1, and 325-2 arranged in a roughly rowed column, the radiators operating in the +45° polarization direction also include radiators 332-3 and 333-3 located near the longitudinal central axis of array 330. Therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the +45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than that of array 30 with a +45° polarization direction. Figure 1B or Figure 1D The antenna beam generated by arrays 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feeding configuration. Furthermore, the longitudinal distance between the two radiators that are co-fed is approximately equal to the longitudinal distance between two adjacent radiating elements in a column; therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the -45° and +45° polarization directions can be narrower in the elevation plane than that of arrays with... Figure 1B or Figure 1D The antenna beam generated by arrays 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configuration. Due to the centrally symmetrical configuration as described above, array 330 operates in the same way as array 320 in the -45° and +45° polarization directions.

[0060] exist Figure 3D In the illustrated embodiments, arrays 320 and 330 both include only box-type QRs and no DRs. This allows for more flexible array feeding configurations. A radiator from any one QR can be co-fed with a radiator from a QR in another array to achieve a narrower antenna beam and improved beam directivity. One or more QRs in an array can be selected for this configuration. Other QRs that do not require such a configuration can have two radiators operating in the same polarization direction in a single QR co-fed.

[0061] The RF signal provided by the output O1 of phase shifter 351 is fed to radiator 321-2, the RF signal provided by O2 is jointly fed to radiators 322-2 and 322-3, and the RF signal provided by O3 is jointly fed to radiators 323-2, 323-3, and 333-2 via the input I5 and outputs O13 and O14 of power divider 341. Furthermore, although the power divider 341 and the connection between radiators 323-2 and 323-3 are shown separately (i.e., two power dividers, each with two outputs, can be used), it should be understood that the common feeding of radiators 323-2, 323-3, and 333-2 can be achieved using a single power divider with three outputs.

[0062] The RF signal provided by the output O7 of phase shifter 352 is fed to radiators 321-3, 331-1, and 331-4 via the input I7 and outputs O17 and O18 of power divider 343. The RF signal provided by output O8 is fed to radiators 332-3 and 332-2, and the RF signal provided by output O9 is fed to radiator 333-3. The RF signal provided by the output O4 of phase shifter 353 is fed to radiator 321-1, the RF signal provided by output O5 is fed to radiators 322-1 and 322-4, and the RF signal provided by output O6 is fed to radiators 333-1, 323-1, and 323-4 via the input I6 and outputs O15 and O16 of power divider 341. The RF signal provided by the output O10 of the phase shifter 354 is fed to the radiators 331-3, 331-2 and 321-4 through the input I8 and outputs O19 and O20 of the power divider 344. The RF signal provided by the output O11 is fed to the radiators 332-1 and 332-4. The RF signal provided by the output O12 is fed to the radiator 333-4.

[0063] In this embodiment, for array 320, in addition to the radiators 321-2, 322-2 and 322-3, 323-2 and 323-3 arranged in a roughly row-like manner, the radiators operating in the -45° polarization direction also include radiator 333-2 located near the longitudinal central axis of array 330. Therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the -45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than the beam with... Figure 1B or Figure 1D The antenna beam generated by array 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configuration. In addition to the radiators 321-1, 322-1 and 322-4, 323-1 and 323-4 arranged in a roughly rowed column, the radiators operating in the +45° polarization direction also include radiator 333-1 located near the longitudinal central axis of array 330. Therefore, the antenna beam generated by array 320 in the +45° polarization direction can be narrower in the azimuth plane than that with... Figure 1B or Figure 1D The antenna beams produced by arrays 50-1 or 50-2 with the shown feed configurations. Due to the centrally symmetrical configuration between the two arrays, array 330 operates in the same way as array 320 in the -45° and +45° polarization directions.

[0064] In the accompanying drawings of this invention, the application of QR in a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated using a four-polarized box-type radiating element. It should be understood that the QR in the base station antenna according to an embodiment of the invention is not limited to a four-polarized box-type radiating element.

[0065] It should be understood that the feeding configuration of the radiating element array in the base station antenna according to embodiments of the present invention can also be applied to multi-band base station antennas. For example, it can be done in a manner known in conventional multi-band base station antennas. Figures 3A to 3D The configuration shown includes an array of radiating elements operating in other frequency bands.

[0066] It should be noted that in the above description, the port was referred to as "input" or "output" when the base station antenna was transmitting RF signals. It should be understood that when the base station antenna receives RF signals, due to the reversal of the RF signal's direction of travel, the port referred to as "input" will operate as "output," and vice versa.

[0067] In addition, embodiments of this disclosure may also include the following examples:

[0068] 1. A base station antenna, comprising:

[0069] First radio frequency port;

[0070] Second radio frequency port;

[0071] A first array of radiating elements includes a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators, each having the first polarization direction, wherein the first radiator is coupled to the first radio frequency port;

[0072] A second array of radiating elements, comprising a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction; and

[0073] The first power divider has a first input coupled to the second RF port and first and second outputs coupled to the second and third radiators, respectively.

[0074] 2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises:

[0075] A first phase shifter has an input coupled to the first radio frequency port and an output coupled to the first radiator; and

[0076] The second phase shifter has an input coupled to the second RF port and an output coupled to the first input.

[0077] 3. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that,

[0078] The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element comprising a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the first radio frequency port; and

[0079] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fifth radiator is coupled to the second radio frequency port.

[0080] 4. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that,

[0081] The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element comprising a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the second radio frequency port; and

[0082] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fifth radiator is coupled to the first radio frequency port.

[0083] 5. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein the first and second arrays are both linear arrays extending longitudinally along the base station antenna.

[0084] 6. The base station antenna according to claim 5, wherein the first and second arrays are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction of the base station antenna.

[0085] 7. The base station antenna according to claim 5, wherein the first and second radiating elements are not aligned laterally along the base station antenna.

[0086] 8. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein the first power divider is a Wilkinson power divider.

[0087] 9. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second radiators includes a dipole radiator having a respective pair of dipole arms arranged at right angles to each other.

[0088] 10. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein the centers of the first and second radiators are arranged opposite each other on both sides of a first straight line extending along the first polarization direction, which passes approximately through the center of the first radiating element.

[0089] 11. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the first radiating element further includes fourth and fifth radiators, each having a second polarization direction, the second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction, and the antenna further includes:

[0090] Third radio frequency port;

[0091] A fourth radio frequency port, wherein the sixth radiator is coupled to the fourth radio frequency port; and

[0092] The second power divider has a second input coupled to the third radio frequency port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the fourth and fifth radiators, respectively.

[0093] 12. The base station antenna according to 11, characterized in that it further comprises:

[0094] A third phase shifter has an input coupled to the third RF port and an output coupled to the second input; and

[0095] The fourth phase shifter has an input coupled to the fourth radio frequency port and an output coupled to the sixth radiator.

[0096] 13. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the first radiating element further includes fourth and fifth radiators, each having a second polarization direction, the second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction, and the antenna further includes:

[0097] A third radio frequency port provides a third radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port;

[0098] A fourth radio frequency port provides a fourth radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction; and

[0099] The second power divider has a second input coupled to the fourth RF port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the fifth and sixth radiators, respectively.

[0100] 14. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the first radiating element further includes fourth and fifth radiators, each having a second polarization direction; the second array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element including a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and the antenna further includes:

[0101] A third radio frequency port provides a third radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port;

[0102] A fourth radio frequency port provides a fourth radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction; and

[0103] The second power divider has a second input coupled to the fourth RF port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the fifth and sixth radiators, respectively.

[0104] 15. The base station antenna according to 13 or 14, characterized in that it further comprises:

[0105] A third phase shifter has an input coupled to the third radio frequency port and an output coupled to the fourth radiator; and

[0106] The fourth phase shifter has an input coupled to the fourth RF port and an output coupled to the second input.

[0107] 16. The base station antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that,

[0108] The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element comprising a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the seventh radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port; and

[0109] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the eighth radiator is coupled to the fourth radio frequency port.

[0110] 17. The base station antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that,

[0111] The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element comprising a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the seventh radiator is coupled to the fourth radio frequency port; and

[0112] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the eighth radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port.

[0113] 18. The base station antenna according to 11, characterized in that each of the first, second, fourth and fifth radiators includes a dipole radiator having a respective pair of dipole arms arranged at right angles to each other.

[0114] 19. The base station antenna according to 11, characterized in that the centers of the first and second radiators are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of a first straight line extending along the first polarization direction, which passes substantially through the center of the first radiating element, and the centers of the fourth and fifth radiators are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of a second straight line extending along the second polarization direction, which passes substantially through the center of the first radiating element.

[0115] 20. The base station antenna according to 11, characterized in that the first radiating element comprises a generally rectangular box-shaped radiating element, and the first, second, fourth and fifth radiators are respectively positioned at the four vertices of the rectangle.

[0116] 21. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that,

[0117] The second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; and

[0118] The first power divider also has a third output coupled to the fourth radiator.

[0119] 22. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction, and the antenna further includes:

[0120] The second power divider has a second input coupled to the first RF port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the first and fourth radiators, respectively.

[0121] 23. A base station antenna, comprising:

[0122] A first linear array extending along a first longitudinal direction of the base station antenna includes a first radiating element, the first radiating element comprising first and second radiators, each having a first polarization direction; and

[0123] A second linear array, extending longitudinally along the base station antenna and laterally adjacent to the first linear array, includes a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction.

[0124] The second and third radiators are fed together.

[0125] 24. A base station antenna, comprising:

[0126] A first linear array extending along a first longitudinal direction of the base station antenna includes a first radiating element, the first radiating element comprising a first dipole radiator extending along a first direction inclined at -45 degrees relative to the first longitudinal direction and a second dipole radiator extending along a second direction inclined at +45 degrees relative to the first longitudinal direction; and

[0127] A second linear array, extending laterally along the second longitudinal direction of the base station antenna and laterally adjacent to the first linear array, includes a second radiating element generally configured as a rectangle. The second radiating element includes third, fourth, fifth, and sixth dipole radiators, each generally configured as an L-shape. The third and fourth dipole radiators are respectively arranged at two opposite vertices of the rectangle along the second direction, and the fifth and sixth dipole radiators are respectively arranged at two opposite vertices of the rectangle along the first direction.

[0128] The first and third radiators are fed together.

[0129] 25. The base station antenna according to 24, characterized in that the first, third and fourth radiators are fed together.

[0130] 26. The base station antenna according to 24 or 25, characterized in that the second and fifth radiators are fed together.

[0131] 27. The base station antenna according to 26, characterized in that the second, fifth and sixth radiators are fed together.

[0132] 28. A base station antenna, comprising:

[0133] A first array of radiating elements includes a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators, each having a first polarization direction;

[0134] A second array of radiating elements, comprising a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction; and

[0135] The power supply assembly is configured to feed a first sub-component of a first radio frequency signal to the first radiator, and to feed the first and second sub-components of a second radio frequency signal to the second and third radiators, respectively.

[0136] 29. The base station antenna according to 28, characterized in that,

[0137] The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction;

[0138] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, the fourth radiating element comprising a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction; and

[0139] The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the first radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator and a third sub-component of the second radio frequency signal to the fifth radiator.

[0140] 30. The base station antenna according to claim 28, characterized in that,

[0141] The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction;

[0142] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, the fourth radiating element comprising a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction; and

[0143] The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the first radio frequency signal to the fifth radiator and a third sub-component of the second radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator.

[0144] 31. The base station antenna according to claim 28, characterized in that,

[0145] The first radiating element further includes a fourth and a fifth radiator, both having a second polarization direction;

[0146] The second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and

[0147] The power supply assembly is also configured to feed the first and second sub-components of the third radio frequency signal to the fourth and fifth radiators, respectively, and to feed the first sub-component of the fourth radio frequency signal to the sixth radiator.

[0148] 32. The base station antenna according to claim 28, characterized in that,

[0149] The first radiating element further includes a fourth and a fifth radiator, both having a second polarization direction;

[0150] The second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and

[0151] The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a first sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator, and to feed the first and second sub-components of the fourth radio frequency signal to the fifth and sixth radiators, respectively.

[0152] 33. The base station antenna according to claim 28, characterized in that,

[0153] The first radiating element further includes a fourth and a fifth radiator, both having a second polarization direction;

[0154] The second array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element comprising a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and

[0155] The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a first sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator, and to feed the first and second sub-components of the fourth radio frequency signal to the fifth and sixth radiators.

[0156] 34. The base station antenna according to 32, characterized in that,

[0157] The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction;

[0158] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, the fourth radiating element comprising an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction; and

[0159] The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the seventh radiator and a third sub-component of the fourth radio frequency signal to the eighth radiator.

[0160] 35. The base station antenna according to 32, characterized in that,

[0161] The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction;

[0162] The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, the fourth radiating element comprising an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction; and

[0163] The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the eighth radiator and a third sub-component of the fourth radio frequency signal to the seventh radiator.

[0164] 36. The base station antenna according to claim 28, characterized in that,

[0165] The second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; and

[0166] The feeding component is also configured to feed a third sub-component of the second radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator.

[0167] 37. The base station antenna according to claim 28, characterized in that,

[0168] The second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; and

[0169] The feeding component is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the first radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator.

[0170] 38. A base station antenna, comprising:

[0171] First radio frequency port;

[0172] Second radio frequency port;

[0173] A first array of radiating elements includes first radiating elements, each first radiating element comprising first and second radiators, each having a first polarization direction, and third and fourth radiators, each having a second polarization direction; and

[0174] The second array of radiating elements includes a second radiating element, which includes a cross-dipole radiating element. The cross-dipole radiating element includes a fifth radiator having a first polarization direction and a sixth radiator having a second polarization direction.

[0175] The first and second radiators are coupled to the first radio frequency port, and the third and sixth radiators are coupled to the second radio frequency port.

[0176] 39. The base station antenna according to 38 further includes a first power divider having a first input coupled to the second radio frequency port and first and second outputs coupled to the third and sixth radiators, respectively.

[0177] 40. The base station antenna according to claim 38 further includes a second power divider having a first input coupled to the first radio frequency port and first and second outputs respectively coupled to the first and second radiators.

[0178] 41. The base station antenna according to claim 38, wherein the first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element including a cross-dipole radiating element, the cross-dipole radiating element including a seventh radiator having a first polarization direction and an eighth radiator having a second polarization direction, the seventh radiator being coupled to the first radio frequency port.

[0179] 42. A base station antenna, comprising:

[0180] A first array of radiating elements, comprising a first radiating element having a first to a fourth radiator;

[0181] A second array of radiating elements includes second radiating elements, the second radiating elements including cross-dipole radiating elements; and

[0182] A power divider having a first output coupled to a first radiating element and a second output coupled to a second radiating element.

[0183] 43. The base station antenna according to 42, wherein the first array is a first linear array of radiating elements, and the second array is a second linear array of radiating elements laterally spaced from the first linear array.

[0184] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of example, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in any way without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should also understand that various modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A base station antenna, comprising: First radio frequency port; Second radio frequency port; A first array of radiating elements includes a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators, each having a first polarization direction, wherein the first radiator is coupled to the first radio frequency port; A second array of radiating elements includes a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction; as well as The first power divider has a first input coupled to the second RF port, and first and second outputs coupled to the second and third radiators, respectively. The second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction, and the base station antenna further includes: The second power divider has a second input coupled to the first RF port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the first and fourth radiators, respectively.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base station antenna also includes: A first phase shifter has an input coupled to the first radio frequency port and an output coupled to the first radiator; and The second phase shifter has an input coupled to the second RF port and an output coupled to the first input.

3. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element including a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the first radio frequency port; as well as The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fifth radiator is coupled to the second radio frequency port.

4. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element including a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the second radio frequency port; as well as The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction, wherein the fifth radiator is coupled to the first radio frequency port.

5. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second arrays are linear arrays extending longitudinally along the base station antenna.

6. The base station antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first and second arrays are adjacent to each other laterally along the base station antenna.

7. The base station antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first and second radiating elements are not aligned laterally with the base station antenna.

8. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first power divider is a Wilkinson power divider.

9. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first and second radiators includes a dipole radiator having a pair of dipole arms arranged at right angles to each other.

10. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centers of the first and second radiators are arranged opposite each other on either side of a first straight line extending along the first polarization direction, approximately passing through the center of the first radiating element.

11. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first radiating element further includes a fourth and a fifth radiator, each having a second polarization direction; the second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and the base station antenna further includes: Third radio frequency port; A fourth radio frequency port, wherein the sixth radiator is coupled to the fourth radio frequency port; and The second power divider has a second input coupled to the third radio frequency port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the fourth and fifth radiators, respectively.

12. The base station antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, The base station antenna also includes: A third phase shifter has an input coupled to the third RF port and an output coupled to the second input; and The fourth phase shifter has an input coupled to the fourth radio frequency port and an output coupled to the sixth radiator.

13. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first radiating element further includes a fourth radiator and a fifth radiator, both having a second polarization direction; the second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and the base station antenna further includes: A third radio frequency port is configured to provide a third radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port; A fourth radio frequency port is configured to provide a fourth radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction; and The second power divider has a second input coupled to the fourth RF port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the fifth and sixth radiators, respectively.

14. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first radiating element further includes a fourth and a fifth radiator, each having a second polarization direction; the second array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element including a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and the base station antenna further includes: A third radio frequency port is configured to provide a third radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction, wherein the fourth radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port; A fourth radio frequency port is configured to provide a fourth radio frequency signal having the second polarization direction; and The second power divider has a second input coupled to the fourth RF port and third and fourth outputs coupled to the fifth and sixth radiators, respectively.

15. The base station antenna according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The base station antenna also includes: A third phase shifter has an input coupled to the third radio frequency port and an output coupled to the fourth radiator; and The fourth phase shifter has an input coupled to the fourth RF port and an output coupled to the second input.

16. The base station antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element including a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the seventh radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port; as well as The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the eighth radiator is coupled to the fourth radio frequency port.

17. The base station antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, the third radiating element including a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the seventh radiator is coupled to the fourth radio frequency port; as well as The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction, wherein the eighth radiator is coupled to the third radio frequency port.

18. The base station antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the first, second, fourth, and fifth radiators includes a dipole radiator having a pair of dipole arms arranged at right angles to each other.

19. The base station antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, The centers of the first and second radiators are arranged opposite each other on both sides of a first straight line extending along the first polarization direction, which passes approximately through the center of the first radiating element, and the centers of the fourth and fifth radiators are arranged opposite each other on both sides of a second straight line extending along the second polarization direction, which passes approximately through the center of the first radiating element.

20. The base station antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first radiating element comprises a generally rectangular box-shaped radiating element, with the first, second, fourth, and fifth radiators positioned at the four vertices of the rectangle, respectively.

21. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; and The first power divider also has a third output coupled to the fourth radiator.

22. A base station antenna, comprising: A first linear array extending along a first longitudinal direction of the base station antenna, the first linear array including a first radiating element, the first radiating element including a first dipole radiator extending along a first direction inclined at -45 degrees relative to the first longitudinal direction and a second dipole radiator extending along a second direction inclined at +45 degrees relative to the first longitudinal direction; as well as A second linear array, extending laterally along the second longitudinal direction of the base station antenna and laterally adjacent to the first linear array, includes a second radiating element generally configured as a rectangle. The second radiating element includes third, fourth, fifth, and sixth dipole radiators, each generally L-shaped, wherein the third and fourth dipole radiators are respectively arranged at two opposite vertices of the rectangle along the second direction, and the fifth and sixth dipole radiators are respectively arranged at two opposite vertices of the rectangle along the first direction. The first and third radiators are fed together.

23. The base station antenna according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first, third, and fourth radiators are fed together.

24. The base station antenna according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The second and fifth radiators are fed together.

25. The base station antenna according to claim 24, characterized in that, The second, fifth, and sixth radiators are fed together.

26. A base station antenna, comprising: A first array of radiating elements includes a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators, each having a first polarization direction; A second array of radiating elements includes a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a third radiator having the first polarization direction; as well as The power supply assembly is configured to feed a first sub-component of a first radio frequency signal to the first radiator, and to feed the first and second sub-components of a second radio frequency signal to the second and third radiators, respectively.

27. The base station antenna according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction; as well as The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the first radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator and a third sub-component of the second radio frequency signal to the fifth radiator.

28. The base station antenna according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes a fifth radiator having the first polarization direction; as well as The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the first radio frequency signal to the fifth radiator and a third sub-component of the second radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator.

29. The base station antenna according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first radiating element further includes a fourth and a fifth radiator, both having a second polarization direction; The second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and The power supply assembly is also configured to feed the first and second sub-components of the third radio frequency signal to the fourth and fifth radiators, respectively, and to feed the first sub-component of the fourth radio frequency signal to the sixth radiator.

30. The base station antenna according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first radiating element further includes a fourth and a fifth radiator, both having a second polarization direction; The second radiating element further includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; and The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a first sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator, and to feed the first and second sub-components of the fourth radio frequency signal to the fifth and sixth radiators, respectively.

31. The base station antenna according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first radiating element further includes a fourth radiator and a fifth radiator, both having a second polarization direction; The second array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a sixth radiator having the second polarization direction; as well as The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a first sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator, and to feed the first and second sub-components of the fourth radio frequency signal to the fifth and sixth radiators.

32. The base station antenna according to claim 30, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction; The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction; as well as The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the seventh radiator, and to feed a third sub-component of the fourth radio frequency signal to the eighth radiator.

33. The base station antenna according to claim 30, characterized in that, The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a seventh radiator having the second polarization direction; The second array further includes a fourth radiating element, which includes an eighth radiator having the second polarization direction; as well as The power supply assembly is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the third radio frequency signal to the eighth radiator, and to feed a third sub-component of the fourth radio frequency signal to the seventh radiator.

34. The base station antenna according to claim 26, characterized in that, The second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; and The feeding component is also configured to feed a third sub-component of the second radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator.

35. The base station antenna according to claim 26, characterized in that, The second radiating element further includes a fourth radiator having the first polarization direction; and The feeding component is also configured to feed a second sub-component of the first radio frequency signal to the fourth radiator.

36. A base station antenna, comprising: First radio frequency port; Second radio frequency port; A first array of radiating elements includes a first radiating element, the first radiating element including first and second radiators, each having a first polarization direction, and third and fourth radiators, each having a second polarization direction. as well as The second array of radiating elements includes a second radiating element, which includes a cross-dipole radiating element. The cross-dipole radiating element includes a fifth radiator having a first polarization direction and a sixth radiator having a second polarization direction. The first and second radiators are coupled to the first radio frequency port, and the third and sixth radiators are coupled to the second radio frequency port. The base station antenna further includes a second power divider, which has a first input coupled to the first radio frequency port and first and second outputs coupled to the first and second radiators, respectively.

37. The base station antenna of claim 36 further includes a first power divider having a first input coupled to the second radio frequency port and first and second outputs coupled to the third and sixth radiators, respectively.

38. The base station antenna according to claim 36, wherein, The first array further includes a third radiating element, which includes a cross-dipole radiating element, comprising a seventh radiator having a first polarization direction and an eighth radiator having a second polarization direction, the seventh radiator being coupled to the first radio frequency port.

39. A base station antenna, comprising: First radio frequency port; Second radio frequency port; Third radio frequency port; The first array of radiating elements includes a first radiating element having two first polarized radiators and two second polarized radiators; A second array of radiating elements includes a second radiating element, the second radiating element including a cross-dipole radiating element; as well as Power divider, Wherein, the first radio frequency port is coupled to the first polarized radiator of the two first polarized radiators of the first radiating element and the first polarized radiator of the second radiating element via a first power divider; The second radio frequency port is coupled to the second polarized radiator of the second radiating element; The third radio frequency port is coupled to the second first polarization radiator of the two first polarization radiators of the first radiating element; and Wherein, the first first polarized radiator of the two first polarized radiators of the first radiating element is not coupled to the third radio frequency port, and the second first polarized radiator of the two first polarized radiators of the first radiating element is not coupled to the first radio frequency port.

40. The base station antenna according to claim 39, wherein, The first array is a first linear array of radiating elements, and the second array is a second linear array of radiating elements that are laterally spaced from the first linear array.

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