Antenna device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to antenna devices. A device includes: a first antenna array, the first antenna array including first radiators, the first radiators being arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a first shape; and a second antenna array, the second antenna array including second radiators, the second radiators being arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a second shape, wherein a first subset and a second subset of the first radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations, wherein the first subset and the second subset of the second radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations, and wherein the first shape and the second shape partially overlap, wherein one of the first radiators is within an area defined by the second shape, and one or more other of the first radiators are outside the area defined by the second shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to antenna devices. Background Art

[0002] The antenna device is configured to operate in one or more operating frequency bands. The radiators of the antenna devices operating in different frequency bands are physically separated from each other to achieve the target performance. For example, the radiators can be spaced apart on a large array. The width of the array depends on the number of columns of radiators. The number of columns of radiators depends on the number of frequency bands required. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

[0004] a first antenna array comprising first radiators arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a first shape; and

[0005] a second antenna array comprising second radiators arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a second shape,

[0006] wherein the first subset and the second subset of the first radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations,

[0007] wherein the first subset and the second subset of second radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations, and

[0008] The first shape and the second shape partially overlap, wherein one of the first radiators is within an area defined by the second shape, and one or more other of the first radiators are outside the area defined by the second shape.

[0009] According to various but not necessarily all embodiments, there is provided a cellular base station comprising the antenna arrangement.

[0010] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments, examples are provided as claimed in the following claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0014] Figure 3 An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0015] Figure 4A, Figure 4B An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0016] Figure 5A , Figure 5B An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0017] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B illustrates an example embodiment of the subject matter described herein; and

[0018] Figure 7 An example embodiment of the subject matter described herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The drawings and the following description refer to an apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 may be an antenna apparatus. The antenna apparatus comprises:

[0020] a first antenna array 100 comprising first radiators 120, 140, 160, 180 arranged at a plurality of vertices 102, 104, 106, 108 (corners) defining a first shape 110; and

[0021] The second antenna array 200 includes second radiators 220, 240, 260, 280 arranged at a plurality of vertices 202, 204, 206, 208 defining a second shape 210,

[0022] wherein the first subset(s) 120, 140 and the second subset 160, 180 of first radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations,

[0023] wherein the first subset 220, 240 and the second subset 260, 280 of the second radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations, and

[0024] The first shape 110 and the second shape 210 partially overlap, wherein a radiator (e.g., 180) of the first radiators is within the area 211 defined by the second shape 210, and one or more other radiators 120, 140, 160 of the first radiators are outside the area 211 defined by the second shape 210.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the antenna device 1 as described above in a plan view looking down on a plane defined by the first direction 5 and the second orthogonal direction 4 .

[0026] As shown, shapes 110, 210 partially overlap, but not completely overlap. In at least some examples, the partial overlap of shapes 110, 210 is a corner overlap, where the corner of one of the shapes interweaves with the corner of the other shape. The corner overlap is a partial overlap in the first direction 5 and a partial overlap in the second direction 4.

[0027] The partial overlap reduces the overall width of the antenna device 1 in the first direction 5, and in at least some examples, also reduces the overall length of the antenna device 1 in the second direction 4. In one implementation, the reduced width can be less than about 40 centimeters. This results in a more compact and lighter device with high radiation efficiency that encounters less wind loads if located outdoors. Environmental benefits include high radiation efficiency and less material required to construct the antenna device 1.

[0028] As will be clear from the following description and the accompanying drawings, despite the narrow width of the antenna device 1, the radiators are spread out, which enables a useful narrow horizontal beam width and high gain to be maintained. In contrast, if the width of the antenna is reduced in such a way that the radiators are too close together, the horizontal beam width increases, thereby reducing the gain.

[0029] In at least some examples, shape 110 , 210 is a quadrilateral defined by four vertices. Figure 1 A square / rectangular shape with overlapping corners is shown. In other examples, one or both of the shapes 110, 210 may have a different number of vertices.

[0030] Provided below Figure 1 A detailed description of optional geometries of the first antenna array 100 is provided.

[0031] Figure 1 Specifically shown are radiators belonging to the first antenna array 100, including:

[0032] a first radiator 120 at a first vertex 102 of the first shape 110 extending partially along a first side 112 of the first shape 110 and partially along a fourth side 118 of the first shape 110 in different non-parallel directions;

[0033] a second radiator 140 at a second vertex 104 of the first shape 110 that is diagonally separated from the first vertex 102 , wherein the second radiator 140 extends partially along the second side 114 of the first shape 110 and partially along the third side 116 of the first shape 110 in different non-parallel directions;

[0034] a third radiator 160 at the third vertex 106 of the first shape 110 extending partially along the first side 112 and partially along the second side 114 in different non-parallel directions; and

[0035] A fourth radiator 180 at the fourth vertex 108 of the first shape 110 is diagonally separated from the third vertex 106 , wherein the fourth radiator 180 extends partially along the third side 116 and partially along the fourth side 118 in different non-parallel directions.

[0036] The term diagonal refers to any pair of vertices that are not on the same side of a shape. In at least some examples, the term diagonal further indicates that the pair of vertices are separated in a first direction 5 and separated in a second direction 4.

[0037] The first edge 112 connects the first vertex 102 and the third vertex 106. The second edge 114 connects the third vertex 106 and the second vertex 104. The third edge 116 connects the second vertex 104 and the fourth vertex 108. The fourth edge 118 connects the fourth vertex 108 and the first vertex 102.

[0038] The first side 112 may extend in the second direction 4. The second side 114 may extend in the first direction 5. The third side 116 may extend in the second direction 4. The fourth side 118 may extend in the first direction 5. The sides 112, 114, 116, 118 may form a parallelogram, or the first shape 110 may be tilted due to staggering of the radiators.

[0039] In plan view, an individual radiator (e.g., 120) is folded at a vertex (e.g., 102) and extends toward two adjacent vertices (e.g., 106, 108) to define portions of sides (e.g., 112, 118) of the first shape 110. In the illustrated, but not necessarily all examples, the radiators 120, 140, 160, 180 appear as L-shaped corners in plan view.

[0040] In at least some examples, the sides 112, 114, 116, 118 of the first shape 110 are not continuous sides. Figure 1 102, 104, 106, 108, where the dashed line indicates a portion of an edge of vacant space. Radiators (e.g., 120, 180) at adjacent vertices (e.g., 102, 108) extend toward each other along a common edge (e.g., 118) but do not intersect. One or both of the radiators at adjacent vertices may not extend to the edge center of the common edge.

[0041] The polarization direction may be configured based on the geometry of the radiators, the selection of a subset of radiators to be fed, and the direction in which the radiators are separated from each other.

[0042] For example, the first radiator 120 and the second radiator 140 form a first subset of radiators of the first antenna array 100 configured to operate with a first polarization 2. The antenna arrangement 1 may be configured to feed a common signal to the first subset of radiators 120, 140, for example via a radio frequency (RF) splitter (not shown). The radiators 120, 140 of the first subset are Figure 1 The first radiator 120 and the second radiator 140 are located at diagonally opposite vertices 102 and 104 of the first shape 110 .

[0043] In at least some examples, the first polarization 2 is angled relative to the first direction 5 and the second direction 4. For example, the first radiator 120 and the second radiator 140 can be physically separated in a diagonal direction of about -45 degrees, and the first polarization 2 can be at an angle of about +45 degrees. The first polarization 2 is orthogonal to the physical direction in which the radiators 120, 140 are separated.

[0044] The third radiator 160 and the fourth radiator 180 form a second subset of radiators of the first antenna array 100 configured to operate in the second polarization 3. The second subset is Figure 1 106 and 108 of the first shape 110.

[0045] The antenna arrangement 1 may be configured to feed a common signal to the second subset of radiators 160, 180. In polarization diversity mode, the common signal fed to the second subset of radiators 160, 180 may be the same as the common signal fed to the first subset of radiators 120, 140. In separate channel mode, the first subset and the second subset may be fed with different signals, wherein interference between the first subset of radiators 120, 140 and the second subset of radiators 160, 180 is minimal.

[0046] In at least some examples, the second polarization 3 is angled relative to the first direction 5 and the second direction 4. The second polarization 3 can be orthogonal to the first polarization 2. For example, the third radiator 160 and the fourth radiator 180 can be physically separated by a diagonal of approximately +45 degrees, and the second polarization 3 can be at an angle of approximately -45 degrees.

[0047] exist Figure 1Due to the partial overlap of the antenna arrays 100, 200, the fourth vertex 108 of the first shape 110 is within the area 211 defined by the second shape 210. In this example, but not necessarily all examples, a radiator must be present at the fourth vertex 108, in this case the fourth radiator 180. Therefore, the fourth radiator 180 is an example of a radiator of one shape 110 being within the area 211 defined by another shape 210.

[0048] In the above example, the first vertex 102 , the second vertex 104 , and the third vertex 106 of the first shape 110 are outside the area 211 defined by the second shape 210 .

[0049] In at least some examples, the first antenna array 100 is configured to operate in a first frequency band. The specific frequency band depends on the implementation. In some but not necessarily all examples, the first frequency band can be within or cover a low frequency band (e.g., the first frequency band <1 GHz, such as 0.7 to 0.96 GHz).

[0050] In some but not necessarily all examples, the first subset 120, 140 of radiators and the second subset 160, 180 of radiators of the first antenna array 100 are configured to operate on the same sub-band within the first frequency band.

[0051] Provided below Figure 1 Detailed description of optional geometries of the second antenna array 200.

[0052] Figure 1 Specifically shown are radiators belonging to the second antenna array 200, including:

[0053] a first radiator 220 at a first vertex 202 of the second shape 210 extending partially along a first side 212 of the second shape 210 and partially along a fourth side 218 of the second shape 210 in different non-parallel directions;

[0054] a second radiator 240 at a second vertex 204 of the second shape 210 that is diagonally separated from the first vertex 202, wherein the second radiator 240 extends partially along a second side 214 of the second shape 210 and partially along a third side 216 of the second shape 210 in different non-parallel directions;

[0055] a third radiator 260 at the third vertex 206 of the second shape 210 extending partially along the first side 212 and partially along the second side 214 in different non-parallel directions; and

[0056] A fourth radiator 280 at the fourth vertex 208 of the second shape 210 is diagonally separated from the third vertex 206 , wherein the fourth radiator 280 extends partially along the fourth side 218 and partially along the third side 216 in different non-parallel directions.

[0057] The term diagonal refers to any pair of vertices that are not on the same side of a shape. In at least some examples, the term diagonal further indicates that the pair of vertices are separated in a first direction 5 and separated in a second direction 4.

[0058] The first edge 212 connects the first vertex 202 and the third vertex 206. The second edge 214 connects the third vertex 206 and the second vertex 204. The third edge 216 connects the second vertex 204 and the fourth vertex 208. The fourth edge 218 connects the fourth vertex 208 and the first vertex 202.

[0059] The first side 212 may extend in the second direction 4. The second side 214 may extend in the first direction 5. The third side 216 may extend in the second direction 4. The fourth side 218 may extend in the first direction 5. The sides 212, 214, 216, 218 may form a parallelogram, or the second shape 210 may be tilted due to the crossing of radiators.

[0060] In plan view, an individual radiator (e.g., 220) is folded at a vertex (e.g., 202) and extends toward two adjacent vertices (e.g., 206, 208) to define portions of sides (e.g., 212, 218) of the second shape 210. In the illustrated, but not necessarily all examples, the radiators 220, 240, 260, 280 appear as L-shaped corners in plan view.

[0061] In at least some examples, the sides 212, 214, 216, 218 of the second shape 210 are not continuous sides. Figure 1 202, 204, 206, 208, where the dashed line indicates a portion of the edge of the vacant space. Radiators (e.g., 220, 280) at adjacent vertices (e.g., 202, 208) extend toward each other along a common edge (e.g., 218) but do not intersect. One or both of the radiators at adjacent vertices may not extend to the edge center of the common edge.

[0062] The polarization direction of the second antenna array 200 may be configured based on the geometry of the radiators, the selection of a subset of radiators to be fed, and the directions in which the radiators are separated from each other.

[0063] For example, the first radiator 220 and the second radiator 240 form a first subset of radiators of the second antenna array 200 configured to operate with the first polarization 2. The antenna arrangement 1 may be configured to feed a common signal to the first subset 220, 240 of radiators. Figure 2 The first radiator 220 and the second radiator 240 are located at diagonally opposite vertices 202 , 204 of the second shape 210 .

[0064] The third radiator 260 and the fourth radiator 280 form a second subset of radiators of the second antenna array 200 configured to operate at the second polarization 3. The second subset is Figure 1 The third radiator 260 and the fourth radiator 280 are separated from each other in a second diagonal direction orthogonal to the diagonal direction of the first subset of radiators 220, 240. In the figure, the third radiator 260 and the fourth radiator 280 are located at diagonally opposite vertices 206, 208 of the second shape 210.

[0065] The antenna arrangement 1 may be configured to feed a common signal to the second subset 260, 280 of radiators. In polarization diversity mode, the common signal fed to the second subset may be the same as the common signal fed to the first subset. In separate channel mode, the first and second subsets may be fed different signals.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In this example, but not necessarily in all examples, due to the partial overlap of the antenna arrays 100 and 200, the third vertex 206 of the second shape 210 is within the area 111 defined by the first shape 110. In this example, but not necessarily in all examples ( Fig. 6A , Figure 6B ), a radiator is present at the third vertex 206, in this case the third radiator 260. Thus, the third radiator 260 is an example of a radiator of one shape 210 within the area 111 defined by another shape 110.

[0067] In the above example, the first vertex 202 , the second vertex 204 , and the fourth vertex 208 of the second shape 210 are outside the area 111 defined by the first shape 110 .

[0068] In at least some examples, the second antenna array 200 is configured to operate in a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band of the first antenna array 100 .

[0069] The second frequency band may be a sub-band of the first frequency band, or a partially overlapping frequency band, or a non-overlapping frequency band. The specific frequency band depends on the implementation. In some but not necessarily all examples, the second frequency band may be within or cover a low frequency band (e.g., the second frequency band <1 GHz, e.g., 0.7 to 0.8 GHz).

[0070] In some but not necessarily all examples, the first subset 220, 240 and the second subset 260, 280 of radiators of the second antenna array 200 are configured to operate on the same sub-band within the second frequency band.

[0071] It should be understood that one or both of the shapes 110, 210 may be different from Figure 1 Those shown.

[0072] We will now describe Figure 2 The antenna device 1 includes a Figure 1 The antenna arrays 100 and 200 are provided as a first array set n and an adjacent second array set n+1. Each set of arrays can be fed in various ways, as described later in FIG. 5A to FIG. 6B In some implementations, more sets of arrays may be provided.

[0073] The first antenna array 300 of the second array set n+1 is referred to herein as “further first antenna array” 300 to identify which set of arrays is referred to, and the second antenna array 400 of the second array set is referred to as “further second antenna array” 400 .

[0074] In the figures, the second array set has been labeled with a different set of reference numerals to identify which set of arrays is referred to. The following labels are provided, next to numbers in brackets, which identify the corresponding features in the first array set:

[0075] ·Another first antenna array 300 includes: a first vertex 302 (102); a second vertex 304 (104); a third vertex 306 (106); a fourth vertex 308 (108); a first radiator 320 (120); a second radiator 340 (140); a third radiator 360 (160); a fourth radiator 380 (180); a first subset 320, 340 (120, 140); a second subset 360, 380 (160, 180); a first side 312 (112); a second side 314 (114); a third side 316 (116); a fourth side 318 (118); a first shape 310 (110); and a first area 311 (111).

[0076] ·Another second antenna array 400 includes: a first vertex 402 (202); a second vertex 404 (204); a third vertex 406 (206); a fourth vertex 408 (208); a first radiator 420 (220); a second radiator 440 (240); a third radiator 460 (260); a fourth radiator 480 (280); a first subset 420, 440 (220, 240); a second subset 460, 480 (260, 280); a first side 412 (212); a second side 414 (214); a third side 416 (216); a fourth side 418 (218); a second shape 410 (210); and a second area 411 (211).

[0077] In some examples, the shape 310 , 410 of the second array set n+1 may differ from the shape 110 , 210 of the first array set n in one or more ways.

[0078] In some but not necessarily all examples, the second array set n+1 may partially overlap with the first array set n. For example, a corner (e.g., 202) of a shape (e.g., 210) of the first array set n may be interlaced with a corner (e.g., 304) of a shape (e.g., 310) of the second array set n+1.

[0079] In at least some examples, the portions of the arrays of the various groups overlap as follows: a vertex from the first array set n (in this example, vertex 202 (optionally with radiator 220 of set n)) overlaps an area 311 defined by the shape 310 of another first antenna array 300 in set n+1. A vertex from the second array set n+1 (in this example, vertex 304 (optionally with radiator 340 of set n+1)) overlaps an area 211 defined by the shape 210 of the second antenna array 200 in set n. Advantageously, the length of the antenna arrangement in the second direction 4 is reduced.

[0080] In some but not necessarily all examples, the antenna arrangement 1 further comprises a third antenna array 500 comprising a third radiator 501 which is interleaved with the first antenna array 100, the second antenna array 200, the further first antenna array 300 and the further second antenna array 400 to achieve spatial efficiency. The illustrated third antenna array 500 comprises a dipole. In other examples, a different antenna topology, such as a patch, may be used instead.

[0081] The third antenna array may be arranged into a plurality of rows 502, 504, 506. The third antenna array may be arranged into columns 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, as shown in FIG. Figure 2The rows may be separated in a first direction 5. The columns may be separated in a second direction 4. Alternatively, the rows and / or columns may be crossed.

[0082] The third antenna array 500 includes a radiator 501 configured to operate in a third frequency band different from the first frequency band of the first antenna array 100 , 300 and different from the second frequency band of the second antenna array 200 , 400 .

[0083] In at least some examples, the third frequency band can be relatively higher than the first frequency band and relatively higher than the second frequency band. In some examples, the third frequency band does not overlap with the first frequency band and does not overlap with the second frequency band. In an example implementation, the third frequency band can be within or cover a high frequency band (e.g., a third frequency band from 1.4 to 2.7 GHz).

[0084] In some but not necessarily all examples, different rows of the third antenna array 500 may be configured to operate in different sub-bands of the third frequency band. The rows may be different sub-arrays of the third antenna array 500.

[0085] For a given set n and / or n+1 of arrays, the interleaving pattern may be such that:

[0086] At least one of the third radiators 501 is within the region 111 / 311 of the first shape 110 / 310 ; and / or

[0087] At least one of the third radiators 501 is within the region 211 / 411 of the second shape 210 / 410 ; and / or

[0088] At least one of the third radiators 501 is within both regions (regions where the first shape 110 / 310 and the second shape 210 / 410 overlap).

[0089] In at least some examples, an individual region 111 , 211 , 311 , 411 includes a plurality of third radiators 501 , such as at least four third radiators 501 .

[0090] In the illustrated example, the individual areas 111 , 211 , 311 , 411 contain third radiators 501 from multiple rows of third radiators 501 and / or multiple columns of third radiators 501 , but not all rows and not all columns.

[0091] The figure shows the third radiators 501 arranged in three rows. In another example, the third radiators 501 are arranged in two rows. In yet another example, the third radiators 501 are arranged in more than three rows.

[0092] The diagram shows three columns 510, 520, 530 of third radiators 501 interleaved with the first array set n, and three different columns 540, 550, 560 of third radiators 501 interleaved with the second array set n+1. The number of columns may be different than shown.

[0093] A specific example arrangement of the third radiator 501 corresponding to the diagram is given below, using a matrix notation to indicate how the third radiator 501 can be interleaved with the first antenna array 100 and the second antenna array 200 in set n (this can also be applied to set n+1). Matrix (1) shows the third radiator 501 as being arranged in at least three rows and at least three columns:

[0094]

[0095] The matrix (2) shows which rows and columns of the third radiator 501 are within the area 111 of the first shape 110 (1) and which are outside the area 111 of the first shape 110 (0):

[0096]

[0097] The matrix (3) shows which rows and columns of the third radiator 501 are within the area 211 of the second shape 210 (1) and which are outside the area 211 of the second shape 210 (0):

[0098]

[0099] This arrangement enables a high density of radiators, but it is optional and can be varied.

[0100] Figure 2 The antenna device 1 in the embodiment includes a ground plane 600. The ground plane 600 may be shared by the first antenna array 100, 300, the second antenna array 200, 400 and the third antenna array 500.

[0101] Figure 2 The antenna device 1 in the embodiment comprises a feeding device 10 configured to feed a signal to a corresponding antenna array 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 .

[0102] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the antenna device 1 reveals a third height direction 6 which is orthogonal to the directions 4 and 5.

[0103] Figure 3It is shown that the radiator of one or more of the antenna arrays 100, 200, 300, 400 can be elevated above the ground plane 600 in the third direction 6. The radiators can individually include a lift arm extending parallel to the ground plane 600 and pointing toward the adjacent vertex / radiator. In at least some examples, the first antenna array 100, 300 and the second antenna array 200, 400 are elevated above the third antenna array 500.

[0104] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown in close-up detail of , the radiators of the first antenna array 100 , 300 and the radiators of the second antenna array 200 , 400 may be elevated above the ground plane 600 by the upright substrate 700 .

[0105] Figure 4A , Figure 4B The example of the third radiator 360 of the further first antenna array 300 of the set n+1 is used to illustrate the radiator design that can be applied to the radiators of the antenna arrays 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 .

[0106] Upright substrate 700 may be formed from one or more sheets of electrically insulating material extending upwardly in third direction 6 from ground plane 600. Radiator 360 may include a shaped strip 710 of electrically conductive material. Radiator 360 may be planar relative to upright substrate 700.

[0107] Upright substrate 700 has a fold 704 (folded shape) in plan view to enable radiator 360 to form a shape as defined earlier (e.g., L-shape). The term "fold" does not mean that the material has undergone a folding step - the appearance of a fold can be created by joining two pieces of material at an angle.

[0108] The angle of the illustrated fold 704 is approximately 90 degrees to achieve polarization directions of +45 degrees and -45 degrees. Diagonal polarization effectively uses small devices because radiators of the same subset can be spaced farther apart. The exact fold angle can vary. In some examples, the fold angle can be greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees. In some examples, the fold angle can be 360 / the number of vertices of the shape. Different radiators of the same antenna array (or at least the same subset) can have the same fold angle as each other.

[0109] In this example, upright substrate 700 includes a flange 702 that extends at least partially along an edge (e.g., 312) of a corresponding shape (e.g., 310) to a first side of fold 704. Upright substrate 700 includes a web 706 that extends at least partially along another edge (e.g., 314) of shape 310 to a second side of fold 704. The angle between flange 702 and web 706 can be the same as the fold angle described above.

[0110] In this example, but not necessarily all examples, the upright substrate 700 does not form a continuous perimeter of the shape (e.g., 310). The upright substrate 700 does not extend continuously around the perimeter of the shape 310. Looking at the individual substrates 700, the flange 702 terminates to leave a gap 703 to the upright substrate of the adjacent vertex. The web 706 terminates to leave a gap 707 to the upright substrate of another adjacent vertex. The gaps 703, 707 can leave the center of the side of the shape 310 empty.

[0111] In this example but not necessarily all examples, the flange 702 of the upright substrate 700 extends in one direction of the first direction 5 or the second direction 4, and the web 706 extends in the other direction of the first direction 5 or the second direction 4.

[0112] The flange 702 of the upright substrate 700 includes a first lifting arm 712 of a radiator (e.g., 360 as shown). The web 706 of the upright substrate 700 includes a second lifting arm 716 of the radiator 360. The first lifting arm 712 and the second lifting arm 716 extend parallel to the ground plane 600 at a raised position above the ground plane 600.

[0113] Where at least two lifting arms are provided, the first lifting arm 712 may not be galvanically coupled to the second lifting arm 716 except via their common ground connection. However, the first lifting arm 712 may be configured to be capacitively coupled to the second lifting arm 716 to enable the radiator 360 to operate in the desired polarization and in the desired frequency band.

[0114] In at least some examples, the first lifting arm 712 of the radiator 360 can have an electrical length that is longer than the physical length of the flange 702. For example, the first lifting arm 712 can be folded to vary in height above the ground plane 600. Figure 4A , Figure 4B, the first lifting arm 712 includes a direction-changing fold 713. The direction-changing fold 713 can be away from the fold 704 of the upright substrate 700. The direction-changing fold 713 can be a downward fold toward the ground plane 600. The illustrated direction-changing fold 713 is a direction-reversing fold (e.g., a U-shaped fold). Alternatively, the direction-changing fold can be an L-shaped fold, etc.

[0115] In at least some examples, the second lifting arm 716 of the radiator 360 can have an electrical length that is longer than the physical length of the web 706. For example, the second lifting arm 716 can be folded to vary in height above the ground plane 600. Figure 4A , Figure 4B , the second lifting arm 716 includes a direction-reversing (eg, U-shaped) fold 717. The direction-reversing fold 717 can be away from the fold 704 of the upright substrate 700. The direction-reversing fold 717 can be a downward fold toward the ground plane 600.

[0116] In at least some examples, in addition to the lifting arm, the radiator 360 includes at least one upright leg 718, 720. The at least one upright leg 718, 720 can be configured to electrically couple (eg, galvanically couple) the lifting arm to the ground plane 600.

[0117] In this example, the radiator 360 includes a first upstanding leg 718. The first upstanding leg 718 is configured to be electrically coupled to the first lifting arm 712 of the radiator 360. For example, the material defining the first upstanding leg 718 can be folded into a corner to define the first lifting arm 712. The first upstanding leg 718 can be proximate to the folded portion 704 of the upstanding substrate 700, wherein the first lifting arm 712 extends away from the folded portion 704 of the upstanding substrate 700. The first upstanding leg 718 can be provided on the flange 702 of the upstanding substrate 700.

[0118] In this example, but not necessarily all examples, the radiator 360 includes a separate second upright leg 720 for the other lifting arm 716. The second upright leg 720 is configured to be electrically coupled to the second lifting arm 716 of the radiator 360. For example, the material defining the second upright leg 720 can be folded at a corner to define the second lifting arm 716. The second upright leg 720 can be proximate to the fold 704 of the upright substrate 700, wherein the second lifting arm 716 extends away from the fold 704 of the upright substrate 700. The second upright leg 720 can be provided on the web 706 of the upright substrate 700.

[0119] Where at least two upright legs are provided, the first upright leg 718 may not be galvanically coupled to the second lifting arm 716 and the second upright leg 720 may not be galvanically coupled to the first lifting arm 712, although they are connected to the shared ground plane 600.

[0120] In at least some examples, a vertical feed line 714 is provided, such as Figure 4A As shown. Upright feed line 714 is configured to be electrically coupled to radiator 360. In this example, upright feed line 714 is configured to be electrically coupled to radiator 360 at the corner between first upright leg 718 and first lifting arm 712. In this example, upright feed line 714 goes to the inner surface of upright substrate 700 (i.e., within region 311), extends upward to the proximal side of second upright leg 720, and then extends through flange 702 of upright substrate 700 to the outside of substrate 700, where feed connection point 715 is at Figure 4B If the radiator 360 is instead printed on the inside of the substrate 700 or sandwiched between substrate layers, the feed line 714 need not extend all the way through the flange 702 as shown. The vertical height of the feed connection point 715 above the ground plane 600 introduces inductance between the feed connection point 715 and the ground point where the upright feed line 714 intersects the ground plane 600.

[0121] The illustrated vertical feed line 714 is a microstrip line printed on the web 706. In some examples, the vertical feed line 714 may be printed on another portion of the substrate 700. In other examples, the microstrip line may be replaced by another electrical transmission line, such as a coaxial cable.

[0122] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B The radiator of the configuration shown behaves as a dipole that has been folded to define the vertices of the shape of the antenna array. In other examples, the radiator can be configured as a monopole antenna. Examples of monopole antennas include quarter-wave monopole antennas, mid-fed quarter-wave monopole antennas, inverted-F antennas, and inverted-L antennas.

[0123] Reference again Figure 3 ,like Figure 4A , Figure 4B The individual radiators of the configuration shown operate in polarization 2 or 3, depending on which direction the radiator is facing, which in turn depends on which vertex the radiator is located at. Figure 3 An example is provided by arrows in FIG. 3 , which are superimposed on another first antenna array 300 to show:

[0124] The first radiator 320 defines a first polarization 2, as indicated by the short arrow 2A;

[0125] A second radiator 340 diagonally opposite to the first radiator 320 defines a first polarization 2, as indicated by a short arrow 2B;

[0126] Feeding both the first radiator 320 and the second radiator 340 with the same signal in phase enables operation with the first polarization 2, as indicated by the long arrow 2C. In this example, the first polarization 2 is tilted by +45 degrees.

[0127] In at least some examples, the polarization associated with a given radiator is orthogonal to the vector sum of the vector of the first lifting arm 712 and the vector of the second lifting arm 716. Thus, a pair of radiators fed diagonally physically separated by -45 degrees will operate at a polarization direction of +45 degrees.

[0128] Follow based on Figure 3 In the above example, feeding the third radiator 360 and the fourth radiator 380 will be able to operate in the second polarization 3.

[0129] It should be understood that the polarization direction associated with a particular radiator is not limited to the polarization direction shown in the figure. This relationship can be configured by changing the geometry of the radiator and / or by controlling how the signal is fed to a subset of the radiators. However, it is noted that higher efficiency can be obtained by feeding the in-phase signal to a group of radiators that have been physically arranged to obtain the desired polarization direction, such as shown and described, rather than using lossy signal processing components in the signal path (e.g., complex RF splitters to control phase) to control the polarization of a poorly laid array.

[0130] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B Involving basis Figure 2 and Figure 3 A first embodiment in which various radiators (e.g., 180, 220, 260, 340, 380, 460) overlap into areas of other antenna arrays to which they do not belong. Optionally, and as shown, antenna arrays 100, 200, 300, 400 may have a four-corner radiator arrangement. Arrows show polarization directions.

[0131] exist Figure 5A In the first array set n:

[0132] The first radiator 120 and the second radiator 140 of the first antenna array 100 are fed to operate with a first polarization 2 in a first frequency band (solid arrows); and

[0133] The first radiator 220 and the second radiator 240 of the second antenna array 200 are fed to operate with a first polarization 2 in a second frequency band (dashed arrows).

[0134] exist Figure 5B In the first array set n:

[0135] The third radiator 160 and the fourth radiator 180 of the first antenna array 100 are fed to operate with the second polarization 3 in the first frequency band (solid arrows); and

[0136] The third radiator 260 and the fourth radiator 280 of the second antenna array 200 are fed to operate with the second polarization 3 in the second frequency band (dashed arrows).

[0137] exist Figure 5A In the second array set n+1:

[0138] The first radiator 320 and the second radiator 340 of the further first antenna array 300 are fed to operate with a first polarization 2 in a first frequency band (solid arrows); and

[0139] The first radiator 420 and the second radiator 440 of the further second antenna array 400 are fed to operate with a first polarization 2 in a second frequency band (dashed arrows).

[0140] exist Figure 5B In the second array set n+1:

[0141] The third radiator 360 and the fourth radiator 380 of the further first antenna array 100 are fed to operate with the second polarization 3 in the first frequency band (solid arrows); and

[0142] The third radiator 460 and the fourth radiator 480 of the further second antenna array 400 are fed to operate with a second polarization 3 in the second frequency band (dashed arrows).

[0143] In one example, radiators 120, 140, 320, 340 of different sets n, n+1 may be fed with a first common signal.Radiators 220, 240, 420, 440 of different sets n, n+1 may be fed with a second common signal.

[0144] Despite the reduced width of the antenna arrangement 1 and the partial overlap of the antenna arrays 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , the illustrated antenna arrangement 1 is capable of a beamwidth (eg, horizontal beamwidth) as low as 45-65 degrees between -3 dB cutoff points.

[0145] In alternative implementations, the sets n, n+1 may be fed different signals and / or may operate in different frequency bands.

[0146] Fig. 6A -To Figure B involving FIG. 5A to FIG. 5BDifferent embodiments, where one or more radiators (e.g., 220, 460) have been removed from one or more vertices to further improve isolation between different arrays. Improved isolation is very useful for applications such as ultra-wideband arrays. Optionally, and as shown, at least one of the antenna arrays 200 now has a triangular radiator arrangement instead of a four-corner radiator arrangement.

[0147] More specifically, the isolation can be improved by removing radiators in the area of ​​the other antenna array. This increases the average spacing of the second antenna array 200, 400 from the first antenna array 100, 300 without enlarging the device 1.

[0148] In the illustrated first array set n, but not necessarily in all examples, the first radiator 220 of the second antenna array 200 has been removed. Removing this radiator 220 improves the isolation between the second antenna array 200 of set n and the further first antenna array 300 of set n+1. The removed radiator 220 was previously within the area 311. Therefore, the area 311 is now free of the radiator 220.

[0149] Although the radiator 220 at vertex 202 has been removed, the radiators 260, 280 at the adjacent vertices 206, 208 still point to the now empty vertex 202. In other words, the shape 210 is the same even though there are not radiators at every vertex. The shape 210 still overlaps the adjacent shape 310.

[0150] In the illustrated second array set n+1, but not necessarily in all examples, the third radiator 460 of the further second antenna array 400 has been removed. Removing this radiator 460 improves the isolation between the further second antenna array 400 and the further first antenna array 300. The removed radiator 460 was previously within the region 311. Therefore, the region 311 is now free of the radiator 460. The region 311 may be completely free of radiators.

[0151] Although the radiator 460 at vertex 406 has been removed, the radiators 420, 440 at the adjacent vertices 402, 404 still point to the now empty vertex 406. In other words, the shape 410 is the same even though there are not radiators at every vertex. The shape 410 still overlaps the adjacent shape 310.

[0152] In the second array set n+1, the removal of the third radiator 460 of the further second antenna array 400 means that the second subset of radiators of the further second antenna array 400 now has fewer radiators (only one radiator 480 in the illustrated example) than the first subset (420, 440). Fig. 6AA proposal for efficient operation with a second polarization 3 is shown in FIG. 1 , comprising feeding a common signal 12 to two sets n, n+1 of the array, for example to:

[0153] Set n+1: a second subset 480 of radiators of a further second antenna array 400; and

[0154] Set n: a second subset 260 , 280 of radiators of a further second antenna array 400 .

[0155] One advantage is that despite the compact size of the antenna device 1 and despite the removal of some radiators to improve isolation, the radiators 260, 280, 480 are separated far from each other and provide high gain.

[0156] In the first array set n, the removal of the first radiator 220 of the second antenna array 200 means that the first subset of radiators of the second antenna array 200 now has fewer radiators (only one radiator 240 in the illustrated example) than the second subset (260, 280). Figure 6B A proposal for efficient operation with a first polarization 2 is shown in FIG. 1 , comprising feeding a common signal 14 to:

[0157] Set n: a first subset 240 of radiators of the second antenna array 200; and

[0158] Set n+1: a first subset 420 , 440 of radiators of the second antenna array 200 .

[0159] Note that since the different corners have been removed from each set n and n+1, both polarizations 2, 3 still have the same number (three) of radiators available for operation with each polarization.

[0160] In an alternative example, the radiator 180 , 340 is removed to achieve the same result, but applied to another antenna array 100 , 300 .

[0161] In other examples, different corners may be removed in addition to or in lieu of the above-described corners. For example, radiators 260 and / or 420 may be removed if lower efficiency benefits may be tolerated. A single corner (e.g., 260) may be removed if lower efficiency benefits and / or radiation pattern skew may be tolerated.

[0162] Figure 7A cellular base station 800 is shown that includes an antenna device 1 as described above. The term cellular base station 800 refers to a component for performing some or all base station radio access functions. The antenna device 1 can be, for example, a distributed unit in a split base station architecture. Alternatively, the cellular base station 800 and the antenna device 1 can be integrated into one unit, or integrated as a physical connection of two units to form one unit. In some examples, the antenna device 1 can be mounted on a tower or support structure and separated from other components of the base station 800.

[0163] The radio frequency circuitry and antenna arrangement 1 may be configured to operate in a plurality of operating resonant frequency bands. For example, operating frequency bands may include, but are not limited to, Long Term Evolution (LTE) (United States) (734 to 746 MHz and 869 to 894 MHz), Long Term Evolution (LTE) (Rest of World) (791 to 821 MHz and 925 to 960 MHz); United States Global System for Mobile Communications (US-GSM) 850 (824-894 MHz) and 1900 (1850-1990 MHz); European Global System for Mobile Communications (EGSM) 900 (880-960 MHz) and 1800 (1710-1880 MHz); European Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (EU-WCDMA) 900 (880-960 MHz); Personal Communications Network (PCN / DCS) 1800 (1710-1880 MHz); United States Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (US-WCDMA) 1700 (transmission: 1710 to 1755 MHz , reception: 2110 to 2155MHz) and 1900 (1850-1990MHz); Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) 2100 (transmission: 1920-1980MHz, reception: 2110-2180MHz); Personal Communications Service (PCS) 1900 (1850-1990MHz); Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) (1900MHz to 1920MHz, 2010MHz to 2025MHz), the frequency allocation for 5G may include, for example, 700MHz, 410MHz-7125MHz (FR1), 24250MHz-52600MHz (FR2), 3.6-3.8GHz, 24.25-27.5GHz, 31.8-33.4GHz, 37.45-43.5, 66-74GHz, mmWave and >24GHz.

[0164] The RF circuit system and antenna device 1 may be configured to operate in a plurality of operating resonant frequency bands. For example, the operating frequency bands may include (but are not limited to)

[0165] FDD TDD A 555-806 A 2010-2025 B 694-960 B 1930-1990 C 806-894 C 1910-1930 D 694-862 D 2570-2620 E 790-960 E 2300-2400 F 694-894 F 1880-1920 G 870-960 G 2545-2650 H 694-906 H 2500-2690 I 824-960 L 1880-2025 J 1400-2200 M 1880-2690 K 824-894 Y 3300-3800 L 1695-2690 U 3400-3600 M 2300-2690 Z 3400-4200 N 790-862 P 1850-1995 Q 1710-1880 R 1695-2200 S 806-870 U 1920-2170 W 1695-2400 Y 1400-1520 Z 23002400

[0166] The radio frequency circuit system and the antenna device 1 may be configured to operate in a plurality of operating resonant frequency bands. For example, the operating frequency bands may include (but are not limited to) the frequency bands specified in the current version of 3GPP TS 36.101.

[0167] The frequency band in which the antenna device 1 can operate efficiently is the frequency range in which the return loss of the antenna is less than an operating threshold. For example, efficient operation may occur when the return loss of the antenna is better (ie, less than) -10 dB or better.

[0168] The operating resonance mode (operating bandwidth) of the radiating element may be defined as a return loss S11 of the radiating element being better than an operating threshold T, such as, for example, -10 or -14 dB.

[0169] Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by a means for performing one or more functions of the structural feature, whether that function or functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0170] The above example discovers apps that are enabled components of:

[0171] Automotive systems; telecommunications systems; electronic systems, including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content (including audio, video and audiovisual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and / or augmented reality); personal systems, including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces, also known as human-machine interfaces; networks, including cellular, non-cellular and optical networks; ad hoc networks; the Internet; the Internet of Things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0172] The term "comprising" as used in this document has an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X including Y means that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y. If the exclusive meaning of "comprising" is intended, it will be clearly stated in the context by referring to "including only one..." or using "consisting of..."

[0173] In this specification, reference is made to various examples. The description of features or functions associated with an example indicates that these features or functions are present in the example. The use of the term "example" or "for example" or "may" or "possibly" in the text indicates (whether or not explicitly stated) that such features or functions (whether or not described as examples) exist at least in the described example, and they may but not necessarily appear in some or all other examples. Therefore, "example", "for example", "may" or "may" refers to a specific instance in a class of examples. The attributes of an instance may be attributes of only the instance or attributes of the class or attributes of a subclass of the class, which includes some but not all instances in the class. Therefore, it is implicitly disclosed that the features described with reference to one example rather than with reference to another example may be used as part of a working combination in the other example where possible, but do not necessarily have to be used in the other example.

[0174] Although the examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0175] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0176] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0177] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0178] The terms "a", "an" or "the" used in this document have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X that includes one / the Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If the exclusive meaning of "a" or "the" is intended, it will be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms should not be regarded as inferring any exclusive meaning.

[0179] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to the feature or (combination of features) itself, and also a reference to features (equivalent features) that achieve substantially the same technical effect. Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0180] In this specification, reference is made to various examples where adjectives or adjective phrases are used to describe features of the examples. Such description of a feature in relation to an example indicates that the feature exists in some examples exactly as described and exists in other examples substantially as described. While efforts have been made in the foregoing description to draw attention to features considered important, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection by claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not this is emphasized.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: a first antenna array including first radiators arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a first shape, the first radiators being folded at the vertices and extending toward two adjacent vertices to define sides of the first shape and presenting an L-shaped corner in a plan view; as well as a second antenna array including second radiators, the second radiators being arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a second shape, the second radiators being folded at vertices of the second shape and extending toward two adjacent vertices to define sides of the second shape and presenting an L-shaped corner in a plan view; wherein the first subset and the second subset of the first radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations, wherein the first subset and the second subset of the second radiators are configured to operate with different polarizations, and wherein the first shape and the second shape partially overlap, wherein one of the first radiators is within an area defined by the second shape, and one or more other of the first radiators are outside of the area defined by the second shape; Wherein the first antenna array is configured to operate in a first frequency band, and wherein the second antenna array is configured to operate in a second frequency band. 2 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array extend in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the partial overlap is a partial overlap in the first direction and a partial overlap in the second direction.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the second radiators is within an area defined by the first shape, and one or more other of the second radiators are outside the area defined by the first shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first subset of first radiators are diagonally separated from each other in a first diagonal direction and are configured to operate with a first polarization, and wherein the second subset of first radiators are diagonally separated from each other in a second diagonal direction and are configured to operate with a second polarization, Wherein said first subset of second radiators are diagonally separated from each other in a first direction and are configured to operate with a first polarization, and wherein said second subset of second radiators comprises at least one radiator configured to operate with a second polarization.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein for one or more vertices of the first shape and / or the second shape, the radiator at the vertex extends at least partially along one edge toward an adjacent vertex and at least partially along another edge toward another vertex. 6 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the first radiator is arranged at four or more vertices of the first shape, and wherein the second radiator is arranged at three or more vertices of the second shape.

7. The device of claim 1 or 2, comprising fewer second radiators than first radiators. The device of claim 7 , wherein a vertex of the second shape is devoid of a radiator.

9. The device of claim 1 or 2, comprising a ground plane, wherein the first radiator and / or the second radiator is elevated above the ground plane.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first radiator and / or the second radiator is elevated above the ground plane by an upstanding substrate, the upstanding substrate being folded to define an apex.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the upstanding substrate extends discontinuously around a perimeter of the first shape and / or extends discontinuously around a perimeter of the second shape.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the substrate is L-shaped.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 comprises a third antenna array, the third antenna array comprising a third radiator, the third radiator being configured to operate in a third frequency band, the third frequency band being different from the frequency band of the first antenna array and different from the frequency band of the second antenna array, wherein the third antenna array is interleaved with the first antenna array and the second antenna array.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the third antenna array is configured to operate in a relatively higher frequency band, and wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array are configured to operate in a relatively lower frequency band.

15. A device according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the third radiators is within the area defined by the first shape, and / or wherein at least one of the third radiators is within the area defined by the second shape, and / or wherein at least one of the third radiators is within the area where the first shape and the second shape overlap. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the third antenna array is arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna array are a first array set, and wherein the means for communicating comprises a second array set adjacent to the first array set, the second array set comprising: a further first antenna array comprising first radiators arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a first shape; as well as a second further antenna array comprising second radiators arranged at a plurality of vertices defining a second shape, wherein the first subset and the second subset of the first radiators of the further first antenna array are configured to operate with different polarizations, and Wherein the first subset and the second subset of the second radiators of the further second antenna array are configured to operate with different polarizations.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein in the second array set, a radiator of the second radiator of the second array set is within an area defined by the first shape of the further first antenna array of the second array set, and / or The first array set partially overlaps with the second array set, wherein the radiators of the first array set are within the area defined by the first shape of the second array set.

19. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein in the second array set, an area defined by the first shape of the additional first antenna array of the second array set has no radiators of the second radiators of the second array set, and / or has no radiators of the second radiators of the first array set, and / or has no radiators.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, comprising means for feeding a first common signal for a first polarization to: said first subset of said second radiators of said first array set; and The first subset of the second radiators of the second array set, wherein the first subset of the second radiators of the second array set is located outside a region defined by the first array set and the first shape of the second array set.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first subset of the second radiators of the first array set includes more radiators than the first subset of the second radiators of the second array set.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, comprising means for feeding a second common signal for a second polarization to: the second subset of the second radiators of the first array set, wherein the second subset of the second radiators of the first array set is located outside a region defined by the first shape of the first array set and the second array set; and The second subset of the second radiators of the second array set.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the second subset of the second radiators of the second array set includes more radiators than the second subset of the second radiators of the first array set.

24. A cellular base station comprising an apparatus according to any preceding claim.

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