A multi-frequency fusion phase shift feed network and base station antenna
By integrating a combining circuit into the base station antenna, multi-frequency independent phase shifting and fused output are achieved, solving the problems of large space occupation, complex layout and high intermodulation risk in existing power supply networks, improving phase stability and consistency, and facilitating assembly.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN HONGXIN TELECOMM TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing power supply networks occupy a large amount of antenna space, have a complex layout, numerous cable solder joints, high intermodulation risk, and poor performance consistency.
A multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network is adopted. The combined circuit is integrated on the first phase-shifting circuit board. The phase-shifting components realize independent phase shifting of different frequency bands, and the combined circuit fuses the signals of different frequency bands for output, reducing cable connections and solder joints and simplifying the layout.
It reduces antenna space occupation, simplifies layout, reduces intermodulation risk, improves the stability and consistency of phase changes, and facilitates assembly.
Smart Images

Figure CN114447611B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network and a base station antenna. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology, the number of mobile users is increasing, and the requirements for communication quality and capacity are becoming higher and higher. In order to meet the growing needs of mobile networks, operators have launched a variety of communication network standards. In order to save site and antenna resources and reduce operating costs, multi-frequency co-located antennas have become the first choice for network construction.
[0003] Meanwhile, to improve the utilization efficiency and coverage of base stations, base station antennas form different beam directions for different frequency bands. The beam direction is adjusted for different users to accurately cover the target user, greatly improving service quality and communication efficiency. This requires a multi-frequency fusion feeder network with independent electrical adjustments for different frequency bands.
[0004] The existing solution mainly involves placing a combiner below the radiating element. Each frequency band is electrically adjusted via a phase shifter and then connected to the combiner for combining before being connected to the radiating element. The existing feeder network has the problems of occupying a large amount of antenna space, having a complex layout, having many cable solder joints, having a high risk of intermodulation, and having poor performance consistency. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeder network and base station antenna to solve the problems of existing feeder networks, such as large antenna space occupation, complex layout, many cable solder joints, high intermodulation risk, and poor performance consistency.
[0006] This invention provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network, including multiple phase-shifting components. Each phase-shifting component includes a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider assembly rotatably connected to the phase-shifting circuit board. A phase-shifting circuit is provided on the phase-shifting circuit board at a location corresponding to the slider assembly. The multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are divided into a first phase-shifting circuit board and a second phase-shifting circuit board. A combining circuit is provided on the first phase-shifting circuit board. The phase-shifting output ports of the phase-shifting circuits on the first phase-shifting circuit board and the second phase-shifting circuit board are respectively connected to the combining input port of the combining circuit.
[0007] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, the combining circuit is connected to the phase-shifting output port on the first phase-shifting circuit board via a microstrip line, and the combining circuit is connected to the phase-shifting output port on the second phase-shifting circuit board via a cable.
[0008] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, the combining circuit is distributed at both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board. At either end of the first phase-shifting circuit board, the combining input port and the combining output port of the combining circuit connected to the second phase-shifting circuit board are both located at the end of the phase-shifting circuit board.
[0009] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, the first phase-shifting circuit board is connected to the first support plate, and the two ends of the first support plate are respectively provided with line clips, and the line clips are provided with cable slots.
[0010] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, the end of the first support plate is provided with a stepped portion, and the wire clamp is disposed at the stepped portion.
[0011] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are stacked vertically, and adjacent phase-shifting circuit boards are connected by a support member.
[0012] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, the slider assembly includes a coupling slider and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft passes through one end of the coupling slider and the phase-shifting circuit board in sequence. One end of the rotating shaft that extends out of the phase-shifting circuit board is detachably connected to a fastener. The coupling slider is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the phase-shifting circuit board are integrally fixedly connected by the fastener.
[0013] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, the fastener is a fastening nut, and the part of the rotating shaft that passes through the phase-shifting circuit board is provided with an external thread that matches the fastening nut; and the fastening nut is provided with an elastic arm on the side facing the phase-shifting circuit board.
[0014] According to the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention, a positioning structure is further provided between the fastening nut and the phase-shifting circuit board; the positioning structure includes a protrusion provided on the side of the fastening nut facing the phase-shifting circuit board, and a positioning hole provided on the first support plate that matches the protrusion.
[0015] The present invention also provides a base station antenna, including the above-mentioned multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network, and further including multiple radiating elements, wherein the multiple radiating elements are connected one-to-one with the multiple combining output ports of the multiple combining circuits.
[0016] This invention provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeder network and base station antenna. Multiple phase-shifting components are configured to achieve independent phase shifting of different frequency bands. Simultaneously, the phase-shifting output ports of these components are all connected to the combining circuit of a first phase-shifting circuit board. The combining circuit merges different frequency bands, achieving independent phase shifting and fused output across multiple frequencies. The combining circuit is integrated onto the first phase-shifting circuit board, eliminating the need for a separate combiner, facilitating connection, reducing antenna space requirements, simplifying layout, and minimizing cable solder joints. The phase-shifting components include a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider assembly, resulting in a simple structure that reduces installation space. This phase-shifting feeder network exhibits good phase change stability, good consistency, and ease of assembly. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall exploded view of the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting power supply network provided by the present invention;
[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the first phase-shifting circuit board configuration provided by the present invention;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first phase-shifting circuit board provided by the present invention;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second phase-shifting circuit board provided by the present invention;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support plate provided by the present invention;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the line card provided by the present invention;
[0024] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support member provided by the present invention;
[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating shaft provided by the present invention;
[0026] Figure 9 This is a first schematic diagram of the fastening nut provided by the present invention;
[0027] Figure 10 This is a second schematic diagram of the fastening nut provided by the present invention;
[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing clip provided by the present invention;
[0029] Figure label:
[0030] 101: First phase-shifting circuit board; 102: Second phase-shifting circuit board; 201: First support plate;
[0031] 202: Second support plate; 2011: Step section; 2012: Mounting slot;
[0032] 2013: Opening; 2014: Assembly hole; 2015: Positioning hole;
[0033] 3: Slider assembly; 301: Coupling slider; 302: Rotating shaft;
[0034] 303: Fastening nut; 304: Fixing clamp; 3021: Stopping platform;
[0035] 3022: Faceted surface; 3023: External thread; 3031: Threaded hole;
[0036] 3032: Flexible arm; 3033: Protrusion; 3041: Round hole;
[0037] 3042: Flexible element; 4: Phase shifting circuit; 5: Combining circuit;
[0038] 501: Combined input port; 502: Combined output port; 503: Pad;
[0039] 6: Support component; 601: Mounting hole; 602: Positioning post;
[0040] 7: Cable clip; 701: Cable slot; 702: Mounting clip. Detailed Implementation
[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.
[0042] The following is combined Figures 1 to 11 This invention describes a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeder network and a base station antenna.
[0043] refer to Figure 1This embodiment provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network, which includes multiple phase-shifting components. Each phase-shifting component includes a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider assembly 3 rotatably connected to the phase-shifting circuit board. A phase-shifting circuit 4 is provided on the phase-shifting circuit board at a location corresponding to the slider assembly 3. The slider assembly 3 is rotatable relative to the phase-shifting circuit board, and the phase-shifting circuit 4 can be located within the rotation range of the slider assembly 3. This phase-shifting component changes the phase difference of each port by rotating the slider assembly 3 relative to the phase-shifting circuit board, thereby achieving base station antenna beam downtilt.
[0044] The multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are divided into a first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and a second phase-shifting circuit board 102. The first phase-shifting circuit board 101 is provided with a combining circuit 5. The phase-shifting output ports of the phase-shifting circuit 4 on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and the phase-shifting circuit 4 on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are respectively connected to the combining input port 501 of the combining circuit 5.
[0045] In this embodiment, the phase-shifting circuit board with the combining circuit 5 is referred to as the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, and the phase-shifting circuit board without the combining circuit 5 is referred to as the second phase-shifting circuit board 102. That is, in this embodiment, the combining circuit 5 is integrated onto the first phase-shifting circuit board 101; the phase-shifting output ports of multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are simultaneously connected to the combining input port 501 of the combining circuit 5, thereby combining the signals and outputting the combined signals. Multiple phase-shifting circuit boards can correspond to antenna signals of multiple frequency bands, thus achieving multi-frequency combined output via the combining circuit 5.
[0046] This embodiment provides a multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network, which sets up multiple phase-shifting components to achieve independent phase shifting of different frequency bands. At the same time, the phase-shifting output ports of multiple phase-shifting components are all connected to the combining circuit 5 of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101. The combining circuit 5 merges different frequency bands to achieve multi-frequency independent phase shifting and fused output. The combining circuit 5 is integrated on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, eliminating the need for a separate combiner, which facilitates connection, reduces antenna space occupation, simplifies layout, and reduces cable solder joints. The phase-shifting components include a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider assembly 3, which has a simple structure and helps to reduce installation space. This phase-shifting feed network has good phase change stability, good consistency, and is easy to assemble.
[0047] Specifically, each phase-shifting circuit board has the same number of phase-shifting output ports, which is the same as the number of combining circuits 5. Each combining circuit 5 has the same number of combining input ports 501 as the number of phase-shifting circuit boards, and each combining circuit 5 has one combining output port 502. The corresponding phase-shifting output ports on multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are connected one-to-one with the multiple combining input ports 501 of a combining circuit 5, and the output is generated after combining.
[0048] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, a first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and a second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are provided. The first phase-shifting circuit board 101 has one phase-shifting input port and seven phase-shifting output ports, and the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 also has one phase-shifting input port and seven phase-shifting output ports. A combining circuit 5 is provided on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 at a location corresponding to each of the seven phase-shifting output ports, meaning the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 has seven combining circuits 5. Each combining circuit 5 has two combining input ports 501 and one combining output port 502. One of the two combining input ports 501 of each combining circuit 5 is connected to a phase-shifting output port on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, and the other is connected to the corresponding phase-shifting output port on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102. Thus, a corresponding set of phase-shifting output ports on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are connected to a combining circuit 5, and the output is generated after combining.
[0049] In other embodiments, the number of phase-shifting output ports on each phase-shifting circuit board may also be different, and the number of corresponding combining circuits 5 may also be different; no specific limitation is imposed. The number of phase-shifting circuit boards may also be three or more to achieve combining outputs of more different frequency bands; no specific limitation is imposed.
[0050] Based on the above embodiments, further, referring to Figure 1 The combining circuit 5 is connected to the phase-shifting output port on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 via a microstrip line. The combining circuit 5 is located on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, and a microstrip line can be directly used to connect the phase-shifting output port and the combining input port 501 on the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, reducing cable setup and solder joints, and facilitating connection. The combining circuit 5 is also connected to the phase-shifting output port on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 via a cable. Specifically, this connection can be achieved through cable soldering.
[0051] Based on the above embodiments, further, referring to Figure 3 The combining circuit 5 is distributed at both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101. At either end of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, the combining input port 501 and the combining output port 502 connecting the combining circuit 5 to the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 are both located at the end of the phase-shifting circuit board. In this embodiment, distributing the combining circuit 5 at both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 facilitates the distribution of each connection port of the combining circuit 5 at the end of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, thereby facilitating the connection and arrangement of the combining circuit 5; and placing the phase-shifting circuit in the middle of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 facilitates the arrangement of the slider assembly 3.
[0052] Specifically, the combining input port 501 and the combining output port 502, which connect the combining circuit 5 to the second phase-shifting circuit board 102, are arranged in a row. This orderly arrangement of ports facilitates orderly connection and simplifies cable routing. Furthermore, the connection ports of the phase-shifting circuit on the second phase-shifting circuit board 102 can also be distributed at both ends, ensuring orderly connection.
[0053] Further, refer to Figure 3 The combining circuit 5, connected to the second phase-shifting circuit board 102, has solder pads 503 at its combining input port 501 and combining output port 502. These pads are used for soldering connections with cables. At either end of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, the solder pads 503 can be arranged in a row for orderly connection and to facilitate soldering. (Reference) Figure 4 The second phase-shifting circuit board 102 can also have solder pads 503 at each connection port of the phase-shifting circuit 4 for soldering connections with cables.
[0054] Based on the above embodiments, further, referring to Figure 2 The first phase-shifting circuit board 101 is connected to the first support plate 201. The first support plate 201 supports and fixes the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, facilitating its installation. Both ends of the first support plate 201 are also provided with cable clips 7, each with a cable slot 701. Cables connected to the connection ports of the combining circuit 5 at both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 can be fixed and supported through the cable slots 701 on the cable clips 7, enabling orderly cable arrangement.
[0055] Furthermore, the first phase-shifting circuit board 101 and the first support plate 201 can be fixedly connected by rivets or the like; however, other connection methods are also possible and not limited. (Reference) Figure 1 The second phase-shifting circuit board 102 is connected to the second support plate 202. The second support plate 202 can support and fix the second phase-shifting circuit board 102, facilitating its installation. Furthermore, wire clips 7 can be respectively provided at both ends of the second support plate 202 to fix cables; the specific structure is similar to that of the wire clips 7 on the first support plate 201, and will not be described in detail here.
[0056] Based on the above embodiments, further, referring to Figure 5The first support plate 201 has a stepped portion 2011 at its end, and the wire clip 7 is disposed on the stepped portion 2011. This makes the surface of the wire clip flush with the lower surface of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101. The end of the first support plate 201 can be integrally bent to form the stepped portion 2011, so that the surface of the end portion is lower than the surface of the middle portion. Therefore, when the wire clip 7 is installed on the stepped portion 2011, the upper surface of the wire clip 7 can be flush with the surface of the first phase-shifting circuit board 101, which facilitates fixing the cable to the wire clip 7.
[0057] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cable clip 7 has cable slots 701 on its upper and lower surfaces, and an opening 2013 on the first support plate 201 corresponding to the cable slots 701 on the lower surface of the cable clip 7. The cable slots 701 on the lower surface of the cable clip 7 pass through the openings 2013 on the first support plate 201 to secure the cable. The lower surface of the cable clip 7 has a mounting buckle 702, and the first support plate 201 has a mounting slot 2012 that matches the mounting buckle 702. The mounting buckle 702 on the cable clip 7 engages with the mounting slot 2012 on the first support plate 201 to connect and secure the cable clip 7 to the first support plate 201. Figure 5 This illustration only shows the structural arrangement of the opening 2013 and the mounting slot 2012; the specific location and number of the opening 2013 and the mounting slot 2012 are not limited.
[0058] Based on the above embodiments, further, referring to Figure 1 Multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are stacked vertically, and adjacent phase-shifting circuit boards are connected by a support member 6. In this embodiment, the phase-shifting assembly adopts a stacked structure, which facilitates cable connection and is compact, thus reducing the space occupied during installation.
[0059] Further, refer to Figure 7 The support member 6 has mounting holes 601 at its top and bottom, and the phase-shifting circuit board is detachably connected to the support member 6 at the mounting holes 601; this detachable connection can be achieved using screws or the like. A matching positioning structure is also provided between the support member 6 and the phase-shifting circuit board. Specifically, in this embodiment, the support member 6 can be I-shaped, with its upper and lower surfaces used to connect to adjacent phase-shifting circuit boards; the support member 6 can also have other structures, which are not specifically limited. Positioning posts 602 can be provided at the top and bottom of the support member 6, and corresponding through holes can be provided on the phase-shifting circuit board. Positioning is achieved through the insertion of the positioning posts 602 and the through holes, facilitating installation.
[0060] Based on the above embodiments, further, referring to Figure 2The slider assembly 3 includes a coupling slider 301 and a rotating shaft 302. The rotating shaft 302 passes sequentially through one end of the coupling slider 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board. A fastener is detachably connected to the end of the rotating shaft 302 extending out of the phase-shifting circuit board. The coupling slider 301 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 302. The rotating shaft 302 and the phase-shifting circuit board are integrally fixedly connected by the fastener. The end of the rotating shaft 302 extending out of the phase-shifting circuit board is connected to the fastener, achieving an integral connection with the phase-shifting circuit board; that is, the rotating shaft 302 is not rotatably connected relative to the phase-shifting circuit board. The coupling slider 301 is provided with a coupling circuit and is rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 302. Phase shift adjustment can be achieved through the rotation of the coupling slider 301.
[0061] Furthermore, the phase-shifting circuit board is provided with a mounting hole 2014 for the rotating shaft 302 to pass through. The mounting hole 2014 is a non-circular hole 3041, and the corresponding part of the rotating shaft 302 and the phase-shifting circuit board matches the non-circular hole 3041. (Reference) Figure 8 The sidewall of the rotating shaft 302 can be provided with a cross-section 3022, making a portion of the rotating shaft 302 a non-circular cross-section, which is used to match the mounting hole 2014 on the phase-shifting circuit board, thereby achieving a non-rotatable connection between the rotating shaft 302 and the phase-shifting circuit board. Furthermore, the support plate (including the first support plate 201 or the second support plate 202) can also be provided with mounting holes 2014 at locations corresponding to the rotating shaft 302. The mounting holes 2014 are non-circular holes 3041, used to match the rotating shaft 302 to achieve a non-rotatable connection between the rotating shaft 302 and the support plate. The mounting holes 2014 can be D-shaped holes.
[0062] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 A blocking platform 3021 is provided at one end of the rotating shaft 302 that protrudes from the coupling slide 301. The cross-sectional dimension of the blocking platform 3021 is larger than that of the rotating shaft 302. The other end of the rotating shaft 302 passes through the coupling slide 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board in sequence and is then connected to a fastener. The blocking platform 3021 is used to prevent the rotating shaft 302 from sliding off the coupling slide 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board and falling off. The blocking platform 3021 has a foolproof structure. The foolproof structure is used to mark the correct matching position of the rotating shaft 302 and the mounting hole 2014, facilitating the smooth passage of the rotating shaft 302 through the mounting hole 2014 and achieving a smooth connection with the phase-shifting circuit board. Specifically, the foolproof structure can be a shape marker for the blocking platform 3021, meaning the blocking platform 3021 can be set as a non-centrally symmetrical structure to mark the assembly direction; the foolproof structure can also be in other forms, and there are no specific limitations.
[0063] Based on the above embodiments, further, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9The fastener is a fastening nut 303. The fastening nut 303 has a threaded hole 3031; the portion of the rotating shaft 302 that protrudes from the phase-shifting circuit board has an external thread 3023 that matches the fastening nut 303; the rotating shaft 302 and the fastening nut 303 can be connected by threads. Furthermore, the fastening nut 303 has an elastic arm 3032 on the side facing the phase-shifting circuit board. The elastic arm 3032 is an elastic structure; when the fastening nut 303 and the rotating shaft 302 are connected, the elastic arm 3032 can abut against the phase-shifting circuit board or support plate to achieve a fastening connection of the rotating shaft 302.
[0064] For details, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, multiple elastic arms 3032 can be provided circumferentially on the fastening nut 303, and the specific number of elastic arms 3032 is not limited.
[0065] Based on the above embodiments, a positioning structure is further provided between the fastening nut 303 and the phase-shifting circuit board; (See reference) Figure 5 and Figure 9 The positioning structure includes a protrusion 3033 on the side of the fastening nut 303 facing the phase-shifting circuit board, and a positioning hole 2015 on the first support plate 201 that matches the protrusion 3033. When the rotating shaft 302 and the fastening nut 303 are connected in place, the protrusion 3033 on the fastening nut 303 can be inserted into the positioning hole 2015 on the first support plate 201, which can limit the position of the fastening nut 303 and ensure a firm connection.
[0066] Further, refer to Figure 5 Multiple positioning holes 2015 are provided, and these holes are arranged in a circular pattern. This allows the fastening nut 303 to have multiple positioning positions along the circumference, improving installation flexibility and applicability. Furthermore, the connection between the fastening nut 303 and the second support plate 202 is similar to that of the first support plate 201, and will not be described again.
[0067] refer to Figure 2 The slider assembly 3 also includes a fixing clip 304. The fixing clip 304 is located on the side of the coupling slider 301 facing away from the phase-shifting circuit board. The fixing clip 304 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 302 at its first end and has a slot at its second end for the coupling slider 301 to pass through. The coupling slider 301 passes through the slot to achieve an integral rotatable connection with the fixing clip 304. The first end of the fixing clip 304 may have a circular hole 3041 for the rotating shaft 302 to rotate through, achieving a rotatable connection with the rotating shaft 302. A support structure is provided between the fixing clip 304 and the coupling slider 301. The support structure applies a supporting force towards the phase-shifting circuit board to the coupling slider 301, ensuring a stable gap between the coupling slider 301 and the phase-shifting circuit board, thereby improving phase-shifting stability.
[0068] Further, refer to Figure 11 The support structure includes an elastic element 3042 disposed on the fixing clamp 304. The elastic element 3042 is disposed on the side of the fixing clamp 304 facing the coupling slide 301, and is used to abut between the fixing clamp 304 and the coupling slide 301 to apply an elastic support force to the coupling slide 301. The elastic element 3042 is elastic and can be an elastic block, a spring sheet, or an elastic protrusion, etc., and the specific structure is not limited. Figure 2 and Figure 11 The main focus is on the arrangement of the circular hole 3041, slot, and support structure on the fixing clip 304, without limiting other structures.
[0069] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further provides a base station antenna, which includes the multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network described in any of the above embodiments, and also includes multiple radiating elements, which are connected one-to-one with the multiple combining output ports 502 of the multiple combining circuits 5.
[0070] Building upon the above embodiments, this embodiment further addresses the problems of existing phase shifters and combiners being independently placed inside the base station antenna, occupying a large amount of internal space, resulting in complex layouts. Furthermore, the interconnection of multiple frequency bands via cable terminals leads to numerous solder joints, high intermodulation risks, and poor performance consistency. This embodiment provides a multi-frequency fusion independent phase-shifting feeder network that integrates the phase-shifting circuit and the combiner circuit 5. This phase-shifting feeder network includes: a phase-shifting circuit, a combiner circuit 5, a coupling circuit, a supporting and fixing structure, and a rotating structure. The rotating structure rotates, causing the coupling circuit to rotate around the rotating shaft 302, closely adhering to the phase-shifting circuit, achieving independent phase shifting for different frequency bands. Simultaneously, different frequency bands are fused through cable connections, achieving phase shifting and combining outputs, thus realizing multi-frequency independent phase shifting and fusion output. This embodiment exhibits good phase change stability and features a simple structure, low cost, good consistency, and ease of assembly.
[0071] Specifically, the phase-shifting circuit, the combining circuit 5, and the coupling circuit include: a phase-shifting circuit board (PCB) fixed to a sheet metal support plate; the combining circuit 5 integrated on a phase-shifting circuit board; and the coupling circuit on a coupling slider 301. The supporting and rotating structures include a fixing clamp 304, a first support plate 201, a second support plate 202, high-temperature resistant anti-reverse rivets, a wire clamp 7, a rotating shaft 302 (i.e., a fixing screw and a fastening nut 303). The slider is tightly attached to the PCB under the limiting action of the fixing clamp 304 and the fixing screw. The fixing screw passes through the fixing clamp 304, the slider, the PCB, and the sheet metal support plate, possessing a limiting feature to be fixed to the sheet metal support plate. It is engaged by threads and the fastening nut 303, and the fixing clamp 304 and the slider are rotatably connected to the fixing screw.
[0072] The fastening nut 303 features a standard nut characteristic, namely a threaded hole 3031, allowing for automated assembly using torque tooling. The fastening nut 303 also has a locking position, namely a protrusion 3033, which, when fixed with the aforementioned fixing screw, achieves a locking effect. It also features an elastic arm 3032, which, when engaged with the fixing screw, provides appropriate clamping force, ensuring a tight fit between the fastening nut 303 and the sliding PCB and PCB board between the fixing screw and the fastening nut. The sheet metal support plate has a positioning hole 2015 for the fastening nut 303, ensuring that the nut is secured and locked within the positioning hole 2015, preventing loosening. The sheet metal support plate has a bending feature and a wire clip 7 fixing hole feature. The bending feature has the same thickness as the wire clip 7, ensuring that the upper surface of the wire clip 7 is flush with the lower surface of the main PCB substrate after fixing.
[0073] The first and second PCB boards have several uniformly distributed arc-shaped slow-wave microstrip line structures, i.e., phase-shifting circuits, and the arc-shaped slow-wave microstrip line structures have the same center. The first PCB board has a combining circuit 5, and the two ends of the arc-shaped slow-wave microstrip line structures are connected to it through the microstrip circuit. The first and second PCB boards are connected by several coaxial cables.
[0074] The first phase-shifting network consists of a slider PCB that rotates around a fixing screw while being held in place by a clamping clip 304. Signal transmission through the slider PCB and the arc-shaped slow-wave microstrip line structure achieves specific power distribution and phase shifting. The second phase-shifting network also consists of a slider PCB held in place by the clamping clip 304, achieving independent phase shifting in the same manner as the first network. The first phase-shifting network and the combining network are on the same main PCB and connected via microstrip lines; the second phase-shifting network and the combining network are connected via cables, and the output via cables enables the fusion of different frequencies into an independent phase-shifting network.
[0075] The cable clip 7 has a snap-fit feature and is fixed to the aforementioned sheet metal support plate. Once fixed, the cable clip 7 supports the solder joints of the PCB substrate, ensuring that there is no stress between the cable and the PCB after soldering. The first phase-shifting network and the second phase-shifting network are fixedly supported by multiple I-shaped support members 6.
[0076] In this embodiment, the phase-shifting and combining networks are integrated on the first PCB board, which greatly improves the integration of the feeder network. The entire feeder network is smaller in size and has better performance consistency. It also achieves independent phase shifting, which improves communication efficiency while reducing the size of the communication base station.
[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeder network, characterized in that, The device includes multiple phase-shifting components. Each phase-shifting component includes a phase-shifting circuit board and a slider assembly rotatably connected to the phase-shifting circuit board. A phase-shifting circuit is provided on the phase-shifting circuit board at a location corresponding to the slider assembly. The multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are divided into a first phase-shifting circuit board and a second phase-shifting circuit board. A combining circuit is provided on the first phase-shifting circuit board and connected to a first support plate. The phase-shifting output ports of the phase-shifting circuit on the first phase-shifting circuit board and the phase-shifting circuit on the second phase-shifting circuit board are respectively connected to the combining input port of the combining circuit. Multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are stacked vertically, and adjacent phase-shifting circuit boards are connected by a support member; the number of combining input ports of each combining circuit is the same as the number of phase-shifting circuit boards, and the corresponding phase-shifting output ports on multiple phase-shifting circuit boards are connected one-to-one with the multiple combining input ports of a combining circuit; the first support plate is a sheet metal part and has stepped portions at both ends, with wire clips on the stepped portions, the upper surface of the wire clips being flush with the lower surface of the first phase-shifting circuit board, and the wire clips having cable slots; The slider assembly includes a coupling slider, a rotating shaft, and a fixing clamp. The coupling slider has a coupling circuit. The rotating shaft passes sequentially through one end of the coupling slider and the phase-shifting circuit board. The fixing clamp is located on the side of the coupling slider facing away from the phase-shifting circuit board. A fastening nut is threaded onto one end of the rotating shaft extending out of the phase-shifting circuit board. An elastic arm is located on the side of the fastening nut facing the phase-shifting circuit board. The rotating shaft and the phase-shifting circuit board are integrally fixedly connected by the fastening nut. A positioning structure is also provided between the fastening nut and the phase-shifting circuit board. The positioning structure includes a protrusion on the side of the fastening nut facing the phase-shifting circuit board and a positioning hole on the first support plate that matches the protrusion. The fixing clamp is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft at its first end and has a slot at its second end. The coupling slider passes through the slot. An elastic element is located on the side of the fixing clamp facing the coupling slider, and the elastic element applies an elastic support force to the coupling slider towards the phase-shifting circuit board. Both the phase-shifting circuit board and the coupling slider are PCB boards, with the coupling slider closely attached to the phase-shifting circuit board, and the phase-shifting circuit located within the rotation range of the coupling slider.
2. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeder network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combining circuit is connected to the phase-shifting output port on the first phase-shifting circuit board via a microstrip line, and the combining circuit is connected to the phase-shifting output port on the second phase-shifting circuit board via a cable.
3. The multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feeder network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combining circuit is distributed at both ends of the first phase-shifting circuit board. At either end of the first phase-shifting circuit board, the combining input port and the combining output port of the combining circuit connected to the second phase-shifting circuit board are both located at the end of the phase-shifting circuit board.
4. A base station antenna, characterized in that, The multi-frequency fusion phase-shifting feed network according to any one of claims 1-3 further includes a plurality of radiating elements, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are connected one-to-one with the combined output ports of the plurality of combined circuits.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Small-sized broadband slow-wave structured phase shifter
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