Radiating element with angled feed stalk and base station antenna comprising the same

Abstract

Radiating elements of the first linear array and the second linear array have respective feed stalks that can be angled into position to provide balanced dipole arms with inner end portions laterally offset to be closer to the right or left side of the base station antenna and reflector than outer end portions facing the radome of the base station antenna. The feed stalks can include sheet metal legs and printed circuit boards that provide RF transmission lines.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Radiating element with angular feed handle and base station antenna including the radiating element", filed on March 18, 2021, with international application number PCT / US2021 / 022890 and national application number 202180003044.8.

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 993,925, filed March 24, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 087,451, filed October 5, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if they were described in their entirety herein. Background Technology

[0004] This invention generally relates to radio communications, and more specifically to base station antennas for cellular communication systems.

[0005] Cellular communication systems are well known in the art. In a typical cellular communication system, a geographical area is divided into a series of areas called “cells,” each served by a base station. A base station may include baseband equipment, a radio, and a base station antenna configured to provide bidirectional radio frequency (“RF”) communication with users located throughout the cell. In many cases, a cell may be divided into multiple “sectors,” and a separate base station antenna provides coverage for each sector. Antennas are typically mounted on towers, with the radiating beam (“antenna beam”) generated by each antenna pointing outward to serve the corresponding sector. Typically, a base station antenna comprises one or more phased arrays of radiating elements, wherein, when the antenna is installed and in use, the radiating elements are arranged in one or more vertical columns. Here, “vertical” means a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by the horizon. Reference will also be made to an azimuth plane that bisectes the horizontal plane of the base station antenna, and an elevation plane that extends along the direction of the antenna’s line of sight and is perpendicular to the azimuth plane.

[0006] A common base station configuration is a "three-sector" configuration, where the cell is divided into three 120° sectors in the azimuth plane. A base station antenna is provided for each sector. In a three-sector configuration, the antenna bundle generated by each base station antenna typically has a half-power beamwidth ("HPBW") in the azimuth plane at approximately 65°, allowing each antenna bundle to provide good coverage of the entire 120° sector. Three such base station antennas provide complete 360° coverage in the azimuth plane. Typically, each base station antenna will include one or more so-called "linear arrays" of radiating elements, which comprise multiple radiating elements arranged in a generally vertically extending column. Each radiating element may have an azimuth HPBW of approximately 65°, such that the antenna bundle generated by the linear array has an HPBW of approximately 65° in the azimuth plane. By providing a phased array of radiating elements extending along the elevation plane, the HPBW of the antenna bundle in the elevation plane can be narrowed to significantly less than 65°, with the amount of narrowing increasing with the length of the column in the vertical direction.

[0007] With the growth of cellular traffic, cellular operators have added new cellular services to various new frequency bands. When introducing these new services, it is often necessary to maintain existing "legacy" services to support older mobile devices. In some cases, a linear array of so-called "wideband" radiating elements can be used to support services in the new frequency band. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to deploy additional linear arrays (or multi-row arrays) of radiating elements to support services in the new frequency band. Due to local zoning regulations and / or weight and wind load limitations, there are often limitations on the number of base station antennas that can be deployed on a given base station. Therefore, to reduce the number of antennas, many operators deploy so-called "multi-band" base station antennas, which include multiple linear arrays of radiating elements that communicate in different frequency bands to support multiple different cellular services. In addition, with the introduction of fifth-generation (5G) cellular services, multi-row arrays of radiating elements are being added to base station antennas, which can support beamforming and / or massive multiple-input multiple-output ("MIMO") 5G services.

[0008] One currently interesting multi-band base station antenna comprises a linear array of two “low-band” radiating elements for providing some or all of the 617-960 MHz band, and a massive MIMO array of “high-band” radiating elements operating in, for example, some or all of the 2.5-2.7 GHz, 3.4-3.8 GHz, or 5.1-5.8 GHz bands. Massive MIMO arrays typically have at least four columns of radiating elements, and up to thirty-two columns. Most proposed implementations include eight columns of radiating elements (or vertically stacked sets of eight columns to obtain sixteen or thirty-two columns). An example of such a base station antenna 10 is... Figure 1 The diagram is shown schematically.

[0009] See Figure 1 The base station antenna 10 includes a first linear array 20-1 and a second linear array 20-2 of low-frequency band radiating elements 22, and a multi-column array 40 of high-frequency band radiating elements 42, shown here in eight columns. The multi-column array 40 of high-frequency band radiating elements 42 can be a massive MIMO high-frequency band array. The radiating elements 22, 42 can be mounted to extend forward from the reflector 12, which can act as a ground plane for the radiating elements 22, 42. Figure 1 As shown, the low-frequency band linear array 20 typically extends the full length of the base station antenna 10. Note that in this document, similar elements may be assigned two parts of reference numerals. These elements may be individually referred to by their full reference numerals (e.g., low-frequency band linear array 20-2), and may be collectively referred to by the first part of their reference numerals (e.g., low-frequency band linear array 20).

[0010] refer to Figure 2 The base station antenna 10 also includes a front portion 10f and a rear portion 10r with an radome 11 and a reflector 12. Radiating elements 22, 42 face the radome 11 at the front portion 10f of the base station antenna 10. The radiating elements 22 of the first linear array 20-1 are arranged in a first column, and the radiating elements 22 of the second linear array 20-2 are arranged in a second horizontally spaced column. The columns of radiating elements 42 of the massive MIMO array 40 can be vertically offset from each other to increase the distance between the radiating elements 42 in adjacent columns.

[0011] Cellular operators typically impose strict limitations on the permissible width for different types of base station antennas. For example, in some embodiments, base station antenna 10 may have a maximum width of approximately 500 mm to meet commercially acceptable configurations. Implementing base station antenna 10 in a commercially acceptable manner can be challenging because achieving a 65° azimuth HPBW antenna bundle in the low-frequency band typically requires a low-frequency radiating element, for example, approximately 200 mm (or greater), wide. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide a base station antenna having an angled feed stem coupled to a radiating element.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a radiating element for a base station antenna having a plurality of dipole arms and a feed stem coupled to the dipole arms. The feed stem has longitudinally spaced opposing first end portions and second end portions. The second end portion is adjacent to the dipole arm, and the first end portion is located behind the second end portion. The second end portion is located at a first lateral position and is configured to be positioned closer to the front of the base station antenna than the first end portion. The first end portion is laterally offset from the first lateral position and is configured to be positioned closer to the right or left side of the base station antenna.

[0014] The feed handle may have at least one angled segment located between the first end portion and the second end portion, and the at least one angled segment may extend at an angle β, the angle β being measured between the at least one angled segment and the reflector, in the range of about 30-60 degrees.

[0015] At least one angled segment may be a single angled segment extending at a constant angle between the first end portion and the second end portion at the angle β.

[0016] Multiple dipole arms may be provided by a printed circuit board, which may optionally be coupled to a second end portion of the feed handle at an inner location. The first and second end portions of the feed handle may have at least end segments perpendicular to the printed circuit board.

[0017] The power supply handle may include a first segment and a second segment, which are at least one segment located between the first end portion and the second end portion and at different angles to each other.

[0018] The feed handle may include an RF transmission line coupled to a conductive feed member at a first end portion of the feed handle.

[0019] The power supply handle may have at least one metal plate leg and may have a first printed circuit board coupled to the at least one metal plate leg.

[0020] The power supply handle may have a first printed circuit board coupled to a pair of spaced-apart mating metal tabs.

[0021] The power supply handle may also include a second printed circuit board orthogonal to the first printed circuit board.

[0022] The first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board may each include a corresponding hook balun.

[0023] At least one metal plate leg can be arranged as multiple mating metal plate legs. The first and second legs of the multiple mating metal plate legs may include RF transmission lines coupled thereto.

[0024] The power feed handle may have at least two elongated metal plate legs that extend at least a principal length of the power feed handle between the first end portion and the second end portion. Optionally, the at least two legs may extend their entire length to further define at least a portion of the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0025] The power supply handle may have a first mating metal plate leg and a second mating metal plate leg, as well as a printed circuit board including an RF transmission line, the RF transmission line being conformable to the sub-lengths of the first and second metal plate legs. The printed circuit board may have a cross section that spans the gap between the first and second legs at a position closer to and below the second end portion of the power supply handle than the first end portion.

[0026] The at least two elongated metal tabs can be configured as four elongated metal tabs arranged in the first pair and the second pair of elongated metal tabs. The first pair of metal tabs can be coupled to a first printed circuit board, and the second pair of elongated metal tabs can be coupled to a second printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board can be orthogonal to the second printed circuit board.

[0027] The printed circuit board may be a first printed circuit board. The power supply handle may also include a second printed circuit board having a rigid or semi-rigid and self-supporting shape, the second printed circuit board being spaced apart from at least two metal plate legs and including RF transmission lines. The second printed circuit board may be orthogonal to the first printed circuit board.

[0028] The second printed circuit board may be coupled to the first and second metal tabs and may include a slot. A cross section of the first printed circuit board may extend through the slot of the second printed circuit board.

[0029] The radiating element can be configured as a first dipole radiator and a second dipole radiator. The first dipole radiator may include a first dipole arm extending in a first direction and a second dipole arm extending in a second direction. The second dipole radiator may include a third dipole arm extending in a third direction and a fourth dipole arm extending in a fourth direction. Optionally, the first dipole radiator is configured to emit RF radiation with a tilt polarization of -45°, and the second dipole radiator is configured to emit RF radiation with a tilt polarization of +45°.

[0030] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna comprising: a reflector; a first array including a first vertically extending column of radiating elements and mounted in front of the reflector; a second array including a second vertically extending column of radiating elements and mounted in front of the reflector; and a multi-column array of radiating elements. At least some of the radiating elements in the first and second arrays each include a feed stem extending in a front-rear direction of the base station antenna. The feed stem has spaced-apart opposing first and second end portions. The first end portion is located behind the second end portion and is configured to be coupled to a feed network. The second end portion is closer to the front of the base station antenna than the first end portion. The first end portion is located in a lateral position laterally offset from the lateral position of the second end portion to be positioned closer to the right or left side of the base station antenna than the first end portion.

[0031] The multi-column array can be laterally positioned at the upper part of the base station antenna between the first and second arrays of the radiating elements.

[0032] The radiating elements of the first and second arrays can be low-frequency radiating elements. The radiating elements of the multi-array array can be higher frequency radiating elements than the low-frequency radiating elements.

[0033] The feed handle may have at least one angled segment located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The at least one angled segment may extend at an angle β, which is measured between the at least one angled segment and the reflector and may be in the range of about 30-60 degrees.

[0034] At least one angled segment may be a single angled segment extending at a constant angle between the first end portion and the second end portion at the angle β.

[0035] The dipole arms of the radiating elements in the first and second arrays can be provided by corresponding printed circuit boards. The first and second end portions of the feed handle can have end segments perpendicular to the printed circuit board.

[0036] The power supply handle may have a first segment and a second segment located between the first end portion and the second end portion and at different angles to each other.

[0037] The power supply handle may have at least one metal plate leg coupled to the first printed circuit board.

[0038] The power supply handle may have a first printed circuit board that can be coupled to a pair of spaced-apart mating metal tabs.

[0039] The power supply handle may also have a second printed circuit board orthogonal to the first printed circuit board.

[0040] The first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board may each include a corresponding hook-type balance-to-unbalance converter.

[0041] The feed handle may have multiple mating metal plate legs, at least some of which may include RF transmission traces coupled thereto.

[0042] The power supply handle may have a first mating metal plate leg and a second mating metal plate leg, as well as a printed circuit board including an RF transmission line, the RF transmission line being conformable to the sub-lengths of the first and second metal plate legs. The printed circuit board may have a cross section that spans the gap between the first and second legs at a position closer to and below the second end portion of the power supply handle than the first end portion.

[0043] The feed handle may include four elongated metal tabs arranged as a first pair and a second pair of elongated metal tabs. The first pair of metal tabs may be coupled to a first printed circuit board, and the second pair of elongated metal tabs may be coupled to a second printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board may be orthogonal to the second printed circuit board and located below the printed circuit board providing the respective radiating elements of the first array and the second array.

[0044] The power supply handle may further include a second printed circuit board having a rigid or semi-rigid and self-supporting shape. The second printed circuit board may be spaced apart from at least two metal tabs and may include RF transmission lines. Optionally, the second printed circuit board may be orthogonal to the first printed circuit board.

[0045] The second printed circuit board can be coupled to the first and second metal sheet legs and can include a slot. A cross section of the first printed circuit board can extend through the slot.

[0046] The feed handles of the first and second arrays may each further include: a first printed circuit board including RF transmission lines, the RF transmission lines being conformable to the first and second legs of the at least two elongated metal tabs; and a second printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board being rigid or semi-rigid and self-supporting in shape, and also including the RF transmission lines. The second printed circuit board may be orthogonal to the first printed circuit board. The dipole arms of the radiating elements of the first and second arrays may be provided by corresponding third printed circuit boards located in front of the first and second printed circuit boards.

[0047] Each radiating element of the first and second arrays may be provided by a printed circuit board defining the first and second dipole radiators. The first dipole radiator may include a first dipole arm extending in a first direction and a second dipole arm extending in a second direction. The second dipole radiator may include a third dipole arm extending in a third direction and a fourth dipole arm extending in a fourth direction. Optionally, the first dipole radiator is configured to emit RF radiation with a tilt polarization of -45°, and the second dipole radiator is configured to emit RF radiation with a tilt polarization of +45°.

[0048] Compared to the second end portion, the first end portion of the feed handle can be positioned closer to the sidewall of the base station antenna.

[0049] The first end portion of the feed handle may be coupled to and / or positioned adjacent to the sidewall of the base station antenna housing, and may extend laterally inward relative to the sidewall.

[0050] The reflector may include reflector sidewalls orthogonal to the main surface of the reflector. A first end portion of the feed stalk may protrude laterally inward from the reflector sidewall.

[0051] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna including: a first reflector; a second reflector; and a plurality of radiating elements. A first segment of a corresponding radiating element is located in front of the first reflector, and a second segment of a corresponding radiating element is located in front of the second reflector.

[0052] The first and second reflectors can be capacitively coupled.

[0053] The base station antenna may also include an antenna cover between adjacent segments of the first reflector and the second reflector. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 A simplified schematic front view of a base station antenna (without radome) for a large-scale MIMO array including two linear arrays of radiating elements and higher-frequency radiating elements.

[0055] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a base station antenna.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a large-scale MIMO array and two lower-frequency band linear arrays of radiating elements having angled feed handles.

[0057] Figure 4A , 4BFigures 4C and 4D are simplified schematic cross-sectional views of a base station antenna comprising a large-scale MIMO array and radiating elements of two lower-band linear arrays having other exemplary configurations of angled feed handles, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of a base station antenna including an angled feed handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6A A partially simplified front view of a base station antenna (without radome) including a lower-frequency radiating element having an angled feed handle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 6B for Figure 6A The simplified cross-sectional view of the base station antenna shown is illustrated (the radome is shown).

[0061] Figure 6C As generated by the computational model Figure 6A and 6B The effective Smith chart of one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna shown.

[0062] Figure 6D As generated by the computational model Figure 6A and 6B The azimuth pattern of an antenna bundle generated in a lower-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna.

[0063] Figure 7A A partially simplified front view of a base station antenna (without the radome shown) including a lower-band radiating element, which has a vertical feed handle.

[0064] Figure 7B for Figure 7A The simplified cross-sectional view of the base station antenna shown is illustrated (the radome is shown).

[0065] Figure 7C As generated by the computational model Figure 7A and 7B An effective Smith chart of one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna.

[0066] Figure 7D As generated by the computational model Figure 7A and 7B The azimuth pattern of an antenna bundle generated in a lower-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna.

[0067] Figure 8AA partially simplified front view of a base station antenna (without the radome shown) including a lower-band radiating element, which has a vertical feed handle and an unbalanced dipole arm.

[0068] Figure 8B for Figure 8A The simplified cross-sectional view of the base station antenna shown is illustrated (the radome is shown).

[0069] Figure 8C As generated by the computational model Figure 8A and 8B An effective Smith chart of one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna.

[0070] Figure 8D As generated by the computational model Figure 8A and 8B The azimuth pattern of an antenna bundle generated in a lower-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna.

[0071] Figure 9A This is an enlarged front side perspective view of an example radiating element with an angled feed handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 9B for Figure 9A The side perspective view of a segment of the feed handle shown.

[0073] Figure 9C for Figure 9B The image shows a greatly enlarged lower view of the feed handle.

[0074] Figure 10 This is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a radiating element having an angled feed handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 11 This is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a radiating element having an angled feed handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 12 This is a partial bottom perspective view of a radiating element having an angled feed handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a radiating element with an angled feed handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 14 For having Figure 13 A greatly magnified partial view of the top of the radiating element of the angled feed handle shown.

[0079] Figure 15AThis is a top view of a radiating element with an angled feed handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 15B for Figure 15A The image shows a side perspective view of a radiating element with an angled feed handle.

[0081] Figure 16A For having Figure 15A An enlarged side view of the radiating element with an angled feed handle shown.

[0082] Figure 16B From Figure 16A The view shown is an enlarged side view of a radiating element with an angled feed handle, cropped at 90 degrees.

[0083] Figure 16C For radiating elements with angled feed handles and Figure 16A An enlarged side view of one side opposite the other, as shown in the image.

[0084] Figure 16D For radiating elements with angled feed handles and Figure 16B An enlarged side view of the opposite side shown.

[0085] Figure 16E For having Figure 15A The bottom view of the radiating element with the angled feed handle shown.

[0086] Figure 17A This is an exploded rear view of an example base station antenna including a radiating element with an angled feed handle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 17B for Figure 17A The assembly diagram of the device shown is shown.

[0088] Figure 18A for Figure 17A , 17B The image shows a partial front view of the base station antenna (without the antenna cover).

[0089] Figure 18B To illustrate the segmented mating reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 18A The diagram shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the base station antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0090] refer to Figure 3According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base station antenna 100 may include a first linear array 120-1 of radiating elements 122, a second linear array 120-2 of radiating elements 122, and a massive MIMO array 140 of radiating elements 145. The base station antenna 100 has a front portion 100f, a rear portion 100r with an radome 111, and a reflector 112. Radiating elements 122 and 145 face the radome 111 at the front portion 100f of the base station antenna 100. The radiating elements 122 of the first linear array 120-1 are arranged in a first column, and the radiating elements 122 of the second linear array 120-2 are arranged in a second column laterally spaced from the first column. The radiating elements 145 of the massive MIMO array 140 may be arranged in vertically offset columns well known to those skilled in the art.

[0091] The massive MIMO array 140 can be a high-frequency band array for massive MIMO. The first linear array 120-1 and the second linear array 120-2 can be low-frequency band linear arrays. In some embodiments ( Figure 5 The base station antenna 10 can have a maximum width of approximately 500 mm to meet commercially acceptable configurations. However, other widths can be used. (See reference...) Figure 3 As shown in Figure 18, the massive MIMO array 140 may be laterally positioned adjacent to the top 100t of the base station antenna 100 between the first linear array 120-1 and the second linear array 120-2 on the reflector 112 and / or adjacent and cooperating reflectors 112a and / or 212.

[0092] According to embodiments of the invention, linear arrays 120-1 and 120-2 may include a low-frequency band radiating element 122. The low-frequency band radiating element 122 may include a cross-dipole radiating element comprising a total of four dipole arms 122a. The low-frequency band radiating element 122 may be a cloaked low-frequency band radiating element configured to be substantially transparent to RF energy in the operating band of a large-scale MIMO array. For further discussion of the example linear arrays and radiating elements with dipole arms, see co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 994,962, filed March 26, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if described throughout.

[0093] Base station antenna 100 may include and Figure 1 and Figure 2 An array of general-type radiating elements, similar to a conventional base station antenna 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the conventional base station antenna 10 includes a radiating element 22, which has a vertical feed stem 21 (in... Figure 2In the orientation shown, the feed handle 21 protrudes outward from the reflector 12 in the usage orientation. In other words, the feed handle 21 is perpendicular to the reflector 12 and radome 11 of the base station antenna 10. As shown, due to spacing constraints, the feed handle 21 is laterally positioned within one or more columns of the radiating elements 42 of the massive MIMO array 40 to avoid interference between the dipole arms 22a of the radiating elements 22 and the side surfaces of the radome 11. Although unbalanced dipole arms 22A can be used to position the feed handle 21 away from the lateral extension centerline of the base station antenna 10 ( Figure 8B This can undesirably degrade the front-to-back ratio (FBR) performance of base station antennas and / or isolation between adjacent columns of radiating elements. For example, there is a full-band FBR curve for a bandwidth range of 690–960 MHz. The X-axis represents frequency, and the Y-axis represents the FBR value.

[0094] Furthermore, it may be difficult to provide sufficient space between the high-frequency radiating elements 45 for mounting the feed handle 21 of the low-frequency radiating element 22, and for providing the connection between the feed handle 21 of the low-frequency radiating element 22 and the feed network. To overcome such space constraints, it may be necessary to “slim down” the massive MIMO array by removing its selected radiating elements 42, thereby making room for the feed handle 21 of the low-frequency radiating element 22.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, according to an embodiment of the invention, a low-frequency radiating element 122 is provided, which includes a "tilted" or "angled" feed stem 310, which may have at least one segment extending from the reflector 112 at a tilt angle. A first end portion 311 of the feed stem 310 of each low-frequency radiating element 122 may be laterally spaced from the outermost radiating element 145 of the massive MIMO array 140 and may be located at the right side 112r or left side 112l of the reflector 112. Each feed stem 310 may be configured to extend outward and position its opposing second end portion 312 laterally inward from the first end portion 311. A feed circuit 315 on the feed stem 310 includes an RF transmission line for transmitting RF signals between the dipole arm 122a of the cross-dipole radiating element 122 and the feed network of the base station antenna 100. The feed handle 310 can also be used to mount the dipole arm 122a at an appropriate distance in front of the reflector 112 of the base station antenna 100, typically about 3 / 16 to 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength. "Operating wavelength" refers to the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the operating band of the radiating element 122. The low-frequency radiating element 122 may (but does not need to) be mounted on multiple feed boards 112b printed circuit boards. Each feed board 112b may include a feed network 112n and is mounted parallel to the reflector 112, and may have one or more radiating elements 122 mounted thereon.

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, the dipole arm 122a extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by the reflector 112 below. The radiating elements 122 of the first array 120-1 and the second array 120-2 can, for example, be designed to operate in some or all of the 617-960 MHz frequency band. The feed circuit 315 typically includes a hook-type balun 315b disposed on the feed handle 310.

[0097] The feed handle 310 may have at least one angled segment 313 that begins at a position above the reflector 112 (in Figure 3 (or orientation), and laterally inward at the inner (lower) end portion of the feed handle 310. In some embodiments, the feed handle may have at least one angled segment that is angled β relative to the reflector 112, wherein β is in the range of about 30 to about 120 degrees.

[0098] The RF transmission lines on the feed handle 310 are used to transmit RF signals between the feed board 112b (or some other RF transmission lines in the feed network) and the dipole arm 122a. To reduce return losses, the location, configuration, and / or region of the feed handle 310, which has a hook-type balun 315b, can be configured to provide the required impedance so that the impedance of the RF transmission lines on the feed handle 310 matches the impedance of the RF transmission lines and the dipole arm 122a of the feed network.

[0099] The total length of the feed handle 310 may be greater than the straight-line distance obtained between the center 122c of the dipole arm 122a and the reflector 112.

[0100] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, at least one angled segment 313 of the feed stem 310 has an angle β in the range of approximately 30-60 degrees, and the feed stem 310 extends at this angle β for more than half of its total length. This angle β can be constant over the entire length of the feed stem 310 before being incorporated into the first end portion 311 and the second end portion 312. Both the first end portion 311 and the second end portion 312 can be perpendicular to the reflector 112. The second end portion 312 can be coupled at an inward location to the dipole arm 122a of the radiating element 122 to balance or center with respect to the radiating element 122 having the dipole arm 122a. The second end portion 312 may define a balancing arm (the dipole radiator defining the dipole arm 122a has a cumulative lateral extension width, and the second end portion 312 has a symmetrical configuration and is centered with respect to the center 122c of the radiating element / printed circuit board 1122 forming thereof). In other words, the term "balancing" arm refers to a symmetrical arm structure with four sides having the same structure. The power supply handle 310 preferably has at least a symmetrical structure on the horizontal and vertical sides or a symmetrical structure in the -45° and +45° directions.

[0101] Figure 4A A feed handle 310' according to another embodiment of the invention is schematically shown. The feed handle 310' includes a vertical segment 310v that extends from or below the reflector 112 and is perpendicular to the reflector 112 (β1 = 90 degrees). The vertical segment 310v merges with a first angled segment 3131 and a second angled segment 3132, both located above the reflector 112, to laterally inwardly position the second end portion 312 of the feed handle 310' relative to a first end portion 311. In this embodiment, the first angled segment 3131 has an angle β2 of approximately 90 degrees with the vertical segment 310v to be substantially parallel to the reflector 112. The second angled segment 3132 can extend from the first angled segment 3131 at an angle β3 of approximately 90 degrees to be perpendicular to the reflector 112 and substantially parallel to the vertical segment 310v.

[0102] Regarding the angles described in this article, "approximately" means within + / - 10 degrees, and the term "substantially parallel" means within + / - 10 degrees of parallel.

[0103] Figure 4BA feed stem 310” according to another embodiment of the invention is schematically shown. As shown, the first angled segment 3131 is positioned at an angle β1 for a sub-distance of the feed stem 310” before being incorporated into the second angled segment 3132 and before being incorporated into the intermediate segment 313i (which is substantially parallel to the reflector 112). The second angled segment 3132 may be positioned at an angle β3 with respect to the reflector 112 or the intermediate segment 313i, the angle being between 80 and 120 degrees. The intermediate segment 313i may be positioned at an angle β2 with respect to the first angled segment 3131. In some embodiments, β2 may be greater than β1 and β3.

[0104] Figure 4C The feed handle 310''' can be configured such that the first end portion 311 protrudes inward relative to the sidewall 100s of the base station antenna 100. The feed handle 310''' may have segments orthogonal to the reflector 112. The feed handle 310''' may be angled inwardly configured to position the radiating element 122 at a desired location in front of the reflector 112. The first end portion 311 may protrude laterally inward from a feed plate 112b that may be parallel to the sidewall 100s of the base station antenna 100. The first end portion 311 may be coupled to the sidewall 112s of the reflector 112, which is perpendicular to the main surface of the reflector.

[0105] Figure 4D This indicates that the feed handle 310'''' can be configured to have a similar Figure 4C However, it is located below the reflector sidewall 112s to allow for a shorter first end portion 311 of the reflector sidewall 112s and / or housing sidewall 100s. The feed handle 310'''' protrudes inward relative to the sidewall 100s of the base station antenna 100. The feed handle 310'''' may have segments orthogonal to the reflector 112. The first end portion 311 of the feed handle 310'''' may be directly or indirectly coupled to the sidewall 100s. The first end portion 311 of the feed handle 310'''' may be coupled to the reflector sidewall 112s adjacent to the housing / outer sidewall 100s.

[0106] Figure 5 An example base station antenna 100 is shown, including a feed stem according to any embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, which may include a massive MIMO array 140 and a first array 120-1 and a second array 120-2 of radiating elements 122. In some embodiments, the massive MIMO array 140 is positioned closer to the top 100t of the base station antenna 100 than the bottom 100b. The massive MIMO array 140 may include high-frequency band radiating elements.

[0107] Figure 6A and 6BThese are simplified partial front views and simplified cross-sectional views of a base station antenna 100 comprising linear arrays 120-1 and 120-2 with radiating elements 122, the radiating elements having the features described above. Figure 3 The discussion focuses on the angled feed handle 310.

[0108] Figure 6B The diagram shows a 416 mm interval between the centers of the corresponding first end portions 311 of the feed handles 310 in the first array 120-1 and the second array 120-2. Figure 6C The effective Smith chart for this embodiment, calculated by the computational model, is shown. Figure 6D The azimuth pattern of the antenna beams, as calculated by the computational model, is shown, with an additional summary of the resulting performance parameters. Specifically, the low-band linear array exhibits 12.6 dB of directivity or gain, 1.3° + / - 5.3° skew; a 3 dB azimuth beamwidth at 70° of the center frequency of the operating band and approximately 65° to 80° across the entire operating band; a front-to-back ratio of 20 dB; 20 dB cross-polarization for the antenna beams not scanned from the line of sight; 10 dB cross-polarization for the antenna beams scanned from the line of sight at 60°; Ele Self ISO: 30; Ele col ISO: 18. The term "Ele Self ISO" refers to cross-polarization isolation between elements. The term "Ele col ISO" refers to isolation between elements in different columns.

[0109] Figure 7A and 7B These are simplified front and simplified cross-sectional views of a conventional base station antenna 10, including those with, for example... Figure 2 The linear array 20-1, 20-2 of the radiating elements 22 of the vertical feed handle 21 shown. Figure 7B This shows a 270 mm interval between the centers of the corresponding first end portions of the feed handles 21 in the first array 120-1 and the second array 120-2 (compared to...). Figure 6B (Closer). Figure 7C The effective Smith chart for this embodiment, calculated by the computational model, is shown. Figure 7DThe azimuth pattern of the antenna beam, as calculated by the computational model, is shown, with an additional summary of the resulting performance parameters. A low-band linear array of conventional radiating elements 22 with a vertical feed handle 21 exhibits 12.6 dB directivity (gain), 2.8° + / - 3.5° skewness; a 3 dB azimuth beamwidth of 71° at the center frequency of the operating band and approximately 66° to 83° across the entire operating band; a front-to-back ratio of 20 dB; 28 dB cross-polarization for the antenna beam not scanned from the line of sight; and 12 dB cross-polarization for the antenna beam scanned from the line of sight at 60°; Ele Self ISO: 30; Ele col ISO: 15. Therefore, the Ele co. ISO is less than... Figure 6B The feed handle shown is shown. Feed handle 310 provides improved isolation between adjacent columns.

[0110] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a simplified front view and a simplified cross-sectional view of a base station antenna 10 consisting of a linear array 120-1, 120-2 of a radiating element 122 having a vertical feed handle 210 and an unbalanced dipole arm 122a. Figure 8B This shows a 361 mm interval between the centers of the first end portions of the corresponding feed handles 210 in the first array 120-1 and the second array 120-2 (compared to...). Figure 6B Closer but more Figure 7B farther). Figure 8C The effective Smith chart for this embodiment, calculated by the computational model, is shown. Figure 8D This is an additional summary of the performance parameters obtained from the azimuth pattern of the antenna beam calculated by the computational model. A low-band linear array of radiating elements 122 with a vertical feed stem 210 and unbalanced dipole arms 122a exhibits 12.2 dB directivity (gain), 5.2° + / - 6.5° skewness; a 3 dB azimuth beamwidth of 73° at the center frequency of the operating band and approximately 67° to 83° across the entire operating band; a front-to-back ratio of 16.2 dB; 27 dB cross-polarization for the antenna beam not scanned from the line of sight; and 8 dB cross-polarization for the antenna beam scanned from the line of sight at 60°; Ele Self ISO: 23; Ele col ISO: 18. Therefore, the Ele Self ISO is lower, and the directivity, skewness, and front-to-back ratio are lower than... Figure 6B The feed handle shown is even worse.

[0111] refer to Figures 9A-9CThe image shows an exemplary radiating element 122 with an angled feed handle 310. In this example embodiment, the angled feed handle 310 includes a plurality of mating metal sheet legs 1310, each leg having a self-supporting shape. Each metal sheet leg 1310 may have a body segment 1310b that extends at an angle β between opposing first end portions 1311 and second end portions 1312 for most of its length, the angle β being in the range of approximately 30-75 degrees. The first end portions 1311 may collectively define the first end portion 311 of the feed handle 310. The second end portion 1312 may be coupled to a printed circuit board 1122 (…). Figure 10 This provides the dipole arm 122a of the radiating element 122. The second end portion 1312 of the sheet metal leg 1310 may collectively define the second end portion 312 of the feed handle 310. The first end portion 1311 may be entirely orthogonal to the reflector 112 and may be coupled to the reflector 112 and / or the feed plate 112b, and may be electrically connected to the feed network of the low-frequency linear array 120.

[0112] The first end portion 1311 of the metal plate leg 1310 can be fixed on the reflector 112, extending downward into the reflector or extending below the reflector. In some embodiments, the first end portion 1311 of the power supply handle 310 can be soldered to the power supply plate 112b without using the slot through the power supply plate 112b.

[0113] Compared to using a printed circuit board alone, the metal sheet leg 1310 can provide cost-effective manufacturing for the shaped form of the power supply handle 310 and can provide simpler assembly for the required tolerances.

[0114] When using a PCB microstrip (MS) line for circuit 315, the feed handle 310 can have a narrower range.

[0115] As shown in the figure, the feed handle 310 has four mating metal tabs 13101-13104. At least some of the metal tabs 1310 can provide a portion of the feed circuit 315 that forms the balun 315b.

[0116] The power supply circuit 315 includes a pair of RF transmission lines or metal traces 315t for transmitting RF signals between the power supply network and the dipole arm 122a. In the depicted embodiment, the metal traces 315t are formed using a printed circuit board 1315 coupled to one or more of the formed sheet legs 1310. Each printed circuit board 1315 includes a dielectric substrate comprising the metal traces 315t, which are opposite to the sheet legs on which the printed circuit board 1315 is mounted. Each printed circuit board 1315 may be planar and / or conformal to the main surface of the sheet legs 1310. The metal traces 315t of the power supply circuit 315 may be straight, serpentine, and / or curved. The printed circuit board 1315 may have any outer peripheral shape, such as square, rectangular, triangular, or elliptical. The printed circuit board 1315 may have a metallized surface maintained at ground potential, or it may not have a metallized surface, using metal tabs 1310 as the ground plane for the microstrip transmission line.

[0117] The printed circuit board 1315 can be a flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid printed circuit board. The term "semi-rigid" means that the printed circuit board has sufficient rigidity to define a self-supporting shape.

[0118] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 10 The power supply handle 310 may include a first printed circuit board 13151 and a second printed circuit board 13152, each coupled to at least one metal plate leg 1310. The first printed circuit board 13151 and the second printed circuit board 13152 are arranged orthogonally to each other, with one of them crossing over the other.

[0119] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 12 Each of the first printed circuit board 13151 and the second printed circuit board 13152 may include a cross segment 1315c having a continuation of a conductive metal trace 315t, the cross segment extending along two pairs of 1310p metal sheet legs 1310 and spanning the open gap space between each pair of 1310p metal sheet legs 1310.

[0120] refer to Figure 9B and Figure 9COne or both of the first printed circuit board 13151 and the second printed circuit board 13152 may terminate above the reflector 112. One or both of the end portions 1315e of the first printed circuit board 13151 and the second printed circuit board 13152 may be coupled to a conductive (e.g., metallic) feed member 1317, which can be used to connect the metallic trace 315t of the feed circuit 315 to an RF transmission line on the reflector / feed board 112b or to a different feed (e.g., to the center conductor of a coaxial cable feed). Coaxial cables may be used, and / or the conductive feed member 1317 may extend to connect to the feed board circuitry. Coaxial cables may be used to connect to a power divider in the phase shifter circuitry. Connection configurations / types may vary depending on the network design.

[0121] The conductive feed member 1317 may have an "L" shape and an end portion 1317e perpendicular to the reflector 112. A rectangular and non-conductive washer 1319, as shown, may be positioned between the lower end portion 1311 of the corresponding metal plate leg 1310 and the end portion 1315e of the printed circuit board 1315 for guiding / supporting the lower end of the feed member 1317. The printed circuit board 1315 and the conductive feed member 1317 may be coupled together, for example, by capacitive coupling, soldering, or other means.

[0122] refer to Figure 11 Another embodiment of the radiating element 122 is shown. In this embodiment, a second printed circuit board 2315 directly provides at least one leg of the feed stem 310 without coupling to an underlying sheet leg. The end portion 2315e of the second printed circuit board 2315 may be perpendicular to the reflector 112. The second printed circuit board 2315 may mate with at least one spaced-apart mating sheet leg 1310. The second printed circuit board 2315 may be thicker than the first printed circuit board 1315 coupled to at least one sheet leg 1310. The second printed circuit board 2315 may include a metal trace 315t of the feed circuit 315, and the metal trace 315t may be straight, serpentine, and / or curved. The second printed circuit board 2315 may have any outer peripheral shape, such as square, rectangular, triangular, or elliptical. A first printed circuit board 1315 may be located on two spaced-apart metal tabs 1310 and may include a cross section 1315c having a continuation of a conductive metal trace 315t extending along the two metal tabs 1310 and spanning an open gap space between a pair of mating metal tabs 1310. A second printed circuit board 2315 may have one or more slots 2315s that receive corresponding cross sections 1313 of the metal tabs 1310. The cross sections 1313 can be used to mount the second printed circuit board 2315 in a desired location.

[0123] The first printed circuit board 1315 and the second printed circuit board 2315 may each have a corresponding hook-type balun 315b, each polarized.

[0124] The mating pair of metal plate legs 1310, including the corresponding printed circuit board 1315, can be provided as a whole or as a separate component.

[0125] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 13 The outer end 2317 of the second printed circuit board 2315 may provide two spaced-apart end segments 23171, 23172 on opposite sides of the center 122c of the radiating element 122 (between the dipole arms 122a). The second end portion 1312 of each of the pair of mating metal tabs 1310 may be configured to be located on opposite sides of the center 122c, offset by 90 degrees from the end segments 23171, 23172 of the printed circuit board 2315.

[0126] A printed circuit board 1315 having a metal trace 315t coupled to a metal plate leg 1310 may or may not include an electrical ground layer opposite to the metal trace 315t. In some embodiments, an electrical ground may be applied to the rear surface of the printed circuit board 1315 and / or the metal plate leg 1310, and may serve as an electrical ground layer.

[0127] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 12 The second end portion 1312 of the metal plate leg 1310 can be attached to the inner portion of the printed circuit board 1122 providing the radiating element 122 with dipole arm 122a. As shown, there are four pairs of aligned holes 1123, 1323, one pair in the printed circuit board 1122 and one pair defined by one of each leg of the metal plate leg 1310, which receives fixing members, such as dielectric rivets, pins, or screws for attaching the second end portion 1312 of the metal plate leg 1310 to the bottom surface of the printed circuit board 1122. The metal trace 315t on the feed handle 310 can be capacitively coupled to the dipole arm 122a of the radiating element 122.

[0128] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14In other embodiments, a pair of mating metal tab legs 1310 second end portions 1312 and a second printed circuit board 2315 first end segments 23171 and 23172 may be attached to an inner portion of the printed circuit board 1122 providing the radiating element 122 for the dipole arms 122a. As shown, an open elongated aperture 1128 channel is present in the printed circuit board 1122, which receives the protruding edges 1312p of the second end portions 1312 of the metal tab legs 1310 and the protruding edges 2317p of the first end segments 23171 and 23172 of the printed circuit board 2315. The aperture 1128 is arranged such that the two spaced-apart end segments 23171, 23172 are aligned, but on opposite sides of the center 122c of the radiating element 122 (the center between the dipole arms 122a). The protruding edge 1312p of the second end portion 1312 of the metal sheet support leg is also aligned with and located on the opposite side of the center 122c, offset by 90 degrees from the end segments 23171, 23172 of the second printed circuit board 2315. In this embodiment, the protruding edges 2317p, 1312p can be soldered to the radiating element 122 providing the dipole arm 122a and are current-fed rather than capacitor-fed.

[0129] refer to Figures 15A-15B Figures 16A-16B illustrate another exemplary embodiment. The radiating element 122 includes a feed stem 310 coupled to a printed circuit board 1122, thereby providing a radiating dipole arm 122a. The feed stem 310 includes a second printed circuit board 2315 and a pair of 1310p metal tab legs 1310 that mate with a first printed circuit board 1315.

[0130] The power supply handle 310 may also include a coupling member 1600 for attaching the first printed circuit board 1315 to the metal plate leg 1310. The coupling member 1600 may include rivets for securing the first printed circuit board 1315 to the metal plate leg 1310.

[0131] The protruding (outer) edge extends outward from the printed circuit board 1122 through the hole 1128 and can be soldered to the printed circuit board 1122. The cross segment 1313 below the printed circuit board 1122 can be coupled to or defined by the metal tab leg 1310 (e.g., tab), and can be coupled to and / or extend to or through the second printed circuit board 2135.

[0132] refer to Figure 17A , 17BLike 18A, base station antenna 100 includes a first linear array 120-1 and a second linear array 120-2, and can be configured to hermetically receive an active antenna module 110 including a massive MIMO array 140. Base station antenna 100 has a cavity 155 for receiving a forward section of active antenna module 110. Active antenna module 110 may extend at the top portion of base station antenna 100, closer to the top than the bottom portion 100b. Active antenna module 110 may include a rear portion 110r with a heat sink 115 having external fins 115f and a bracket 118. The term "active antenna module" refers to an integrated cellular communication unit that includes a remote radio unit (RRU) and associated antenna elements, the RRU being capable of electronically adjusting the amplitude and / or phase of sub-components of RF signals output to different antenna elements or their groups. Active antenna module 110 includes an RRU and an antenna, but may include other components such as filters, calibration networks, controllers, etc. The active antenna module 110 may have an outer periphery 110p with an inward-facing sealed interface.

[0133] like Figure 18A and 18B As shown, for example, reflector 112 may be configured as a split reflector, including a first capacitively coupled reflector 112f and a second capacitively coupled reflector 112a. The first reflector 112f is a fixed reflector located within the base station antenna housing 100h, including segments below / behind the feed stems 310, 310', and 310'' of the low-frequency radiating elements 120-1 and 120-2. The second reflector 112a is coupled to a multi-column array and located within the removable active antenna module 110. Reflectors 112f of passive antenna components in the base station antenna 100 typically include a sheet of metal or a frequency-selective surface and are held electrically grounded. See, for example, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 136,757, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if described in their entirety herein. Therefore, reflector 112 of, for example, the first reflector 112f or the second reflector 112a may each include a frequency-selective surface, which may be located behind at least some antenna elements, and may selectively reject some frequency bands and allow other frequency bands to pass through by including the frequency-selective surface and / or substrate to operate as a type of "spatial filter". See, for example, Ben A. Munk, Frequency Selective Surfaces: Theory and Design, ISBN: 978-0-471-37047-5; DOI: 10.1002 / 0471723770; April 2000, Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if they were described in their entirety herein.

[0134] Reflector 112f can be used to redirect RF radiation emitted backward by the radiating element in the forward direction and also serves as a ground reference for the radiating element. When the active antenna is configured as a separate active antenna module 110, reflector 112a of the active antenna module 110 is coupled to reflector 112f when assembled to the base station antenna housing 100h, such that reflectors 112a and 112f are at a common electrical ground reference. In some embodiments, active antenna reflector 112a may be spaced apart from reflector 112f (in the forward direction) around a small gap space typically in the range of about 3 mm to about 10 mm. Figure 18B As shown, the base station antenna 100 may further include at least one inner radome 119 located on a multi-column array and part of the active antenna module 110. The base station antenna may also optionally include an intermediate radome 1129 located between the outer radome 111 and the inner radome 119. For further discussion of the example active antenna module 110 and the cooperating (e.g., segmented) reflector for the base station antenna 100, see U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 082,265, filed September 23, 2020, which is co-pending and co-assigned and is incorporated herein by reference as if described in its entirety.

[0135] The radiating element 122 of the first linear array 120-1 and the second linear array 120-2 can also be interchangeably referred to as a "dual-polarized radiator", wherein the first dipole radiator and the second dipole radiator have first, second, third and fourth dipole arms 122a.

[0136] refer to Figure 18A and 18B The radiating element 122 (e.g., a low-frequency radiating element) can be located in front of the two reflectors 112f, 112a, and can operate together with the two reflectors, since a portion of the corresponding radiating element 122 can be located in front of the first reflector 112f, while another portion of the corresponding radiating element 122 can be located in front of the other reflector 112a. The two different reflectors can be adjacently positioned, optionally laterally spaced and longitudinally extending reflectors.

[0137] refer to Figure 18B Adjacent segments of the first reflector 112f and the second reflector 112a can be separated by radome 119 and / or 1129 therebetween. The radome 119 and / or 1129 and / or the air gap space provided thereby can define the dielectric for capacitively coupling the reflectors 112f and 112a.

[0138] The first and second dipole radiators can be configured to transmit RF radiation with tilted -45° and tilted +45° polarization. These radiating elements may be particularly suitable for base station antennas with a multi-column array of radiating elements 145, which operates in a higher frequency band than the radiating element 122 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0139] The low-frequency radiating element 122 can be configured to transmit and receive signals in a first frequency band, such as, for example, a frequency range of 617-960 MHz or a portion thereof. The high-frequency radiating element 145 can be mounted in columns to form a linear array of 4-12 high-frequency radiating elements. Multiple arrays of the high-frequency radiating element 145 can be configured to transmit and receive signals in a higher frequency band, such as, for example, a frequency range of 3300-4200 MHz or a portion thereof, or even higher frequencies (typically in the 3 GHz-6 GHz range).

[0140] So-called “masked” low-band radiating elements have been developed, designed to be “transparent” to RF signals in the operating band of nearby higher-band radiating elements. For example, see an example of a known masked dual-polarized low-band radiating element disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0323513 (“'513 Publication”), filed February 15, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The radiating element produces both tilted-45° and tilted-+45° radiation and is commonly referred to as a “crossed dipole” radiating element because it comprises two dipole radiators forming a cross shape when viewed from the front.

[0141] Each dipole arm 122a can be formed as a metal pattern on a printed circuit board 1122. Each metal pattern includes a plurality of widened conductive members connected by narrowed trace segments. The narrowed trace segments can be implemented as serpentine conductive traces. Here, a serpentine conductive trace refers to a non-linear conductive trace that follows a serpentine path to increase its path length. The serpentine conductive trace segments can have extended lengths but still have small physical coverage areas.

[0142] Each dipole arm 122a may include a ring comprising a series of alternating widened conductive members and narrowed trace segments. Each pair of adjacent widened conductive members may be physically and electrically connected by a corresponding one of the narrowed trace segments. Because the narrowed trace segments have a small physical coverage area, adjacent widened conductive members can be close to each other, such that the widened conductive members together present a single dipole arm at frequencies within the operating frequency range of the low-frequency band radiating element 122. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the dipole arm does not need to have a closed-loop design as explained in, for example, the '513 disclosure (e.g., the distal ends of the two segments forming the ring may not be electrically connected to each other).

[0143] Embodiments of the invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the text, the same numerals denote the same elements.

[0144] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0145] It will be understood that when an element is described as being “on” another element, that element may be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly on” another element, there are no intermediate elements. It will also be understood that when an element is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, that element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is described as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (i.e., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

[0146] Relative terms, such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical”, may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device other than those depicted in the drawings.

[0147] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or “having” as used herein mean the presence of the stated features, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0148] All aspects and elements of the embodiments disclosed above may be combined in any way and / or combined with aspects or elements of other embodiments to provide multiple additional embodiments.

Claims

1. A base station antenna, comprising: Reflector; A first array, comprising a first column of crossed dipole radiating elements, is mounted on the right side portion of the base station antenna in front of the reflector. The second array includes a second column of crossed dipole radiating elements, and the second array is mounted on the left side of the base station antenna in front of the reflector; as well as A multi-column array of radiating elements, which are at least partially laterally positioned between the first and second arrays of radiating elements. At least one of the cross-dipole radiating elements of the first array and the second array includes a feed handle that protrudes inward toward the front direction of the base station antenna and includes a segment that extends at an angle from the main surface of the reflector, whereby the feed handle protruding inward causes at least one dipole arm of the corresponding cross-dipole radiating element to be attached to it to be positioned laterally extending beyond the multiple rows of radiating elements in the multiple-row array.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The reflector is attached to or includes a frequency-selective surface that extends laterally and longitudinally in front of the multi-column array.

3. The base station antenna according to claim 2, wherein, The reflector is a first reflector, the multi-column array is disposed in the active antenna module, the active antenna module includes a second reflector and the multi-column array protrudes forward from the second reflector within the active antenna module, and the active antenna module is located behind the frequency selective surface.

4. The base station antenna according to claim 2, wherein, The frequency-selective surface is configured to reflect radio frequency energy from the radiating elements of the first and second arrays, and to allow radio frequency energy from the multi-column arrays to pass through.

5. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The radiating elements of the first and second arrays are low-frequency band radiating elements configured to operate in at least a portion of the 617-960MHz frequency band, and the radiating elements of the multi-column arrays are high-frequency band radiating elements configured to operate in a frequency band higher than that of the low-frequency band radiating elements.

6. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The multi-column array is configured as a radiating element of a large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) array.

7. The base station antenna according to claim 6, wherein, The radiating element of a large-scale multiple-input multiple-output array is a high-frequency band radiating element, whose operating frequency band includes at least a portion of the 3300-4200MHz band.

8. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The radiating elements of the first array and the second array are cross-dipole radiating elements comprising multiple arms, and some columns of the multi-column array are located behind and overlap with one or more arms of the cross-dipole radiating element of the first array or the second array.

9. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The tilt angle is within the range of 30-60 degrees.

10. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein, At least one feed handle has its rear portion closer to the corresponding nearest adjacent sidewall of the base station antenna than its front portion, and its front portion closer to the front radome of the base station antenna, wherein the feed handle includes radio frequency transmission lines.

11. The base station antenna of claim 1, further comprising a frequency-selective surface, the frequency-selective surface being separate from the reflector and extending laterally and longitudinally in front of the multi-column array.

12. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The multi-column array is located behind the first array, and at least one dipole arm of the corresponding cross dipole radiating element of the first array protrudes laterally inward across the right side of the multi-column array. The multi-column array is located behind the second array, and at least one dipole arm of the corresponding cross dipole radiating element of the second array protrudes laterally inward across the left side of the multi-column array. The at least one feed handle includes a first segment and a second segment that are perpendicular to each other.

13. A base station antenna, comprising: Reflector; A first array, comprising a first column of radiating elements, is mounted on the right side portion of the base station antenna in front of the reflector. The second array includes a second column of radiating elements, and the second array is mounted on the left side portion of the base station antenna in front of the reflector; as well as A multi-column array of radiating elements, which are at least partially laterally positioned between the first and second arrays of radiating elements. The radiating elements of the first array and the second array are crossed dipole radiating elements. Each crossed dipole radiating element includes multiple arms projecting outward from the common center position of the respective crossed dipole radiating elements. The base center of the feed stem of the first crossed dipole radiating element of the first array is laterally offset relative to the center position of the first crossed dipole radiating element of the first array. The power supply handle comprises a first segment and a second segment that are perpendicular to each other.

14. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The feed handle of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the first array is closer to the right side of the base station antenna than the center position of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the first array.

15. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The base center of the feed stem of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the second array is laterally offset relative to the center position of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the second array, and The feed handle of the first cross dipole radiating element of the second array is closer to the left side of the base station antenna than the center position of the first cross dipole radiating element of the second array.

16. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The base of the feed stem of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the first array is closer to the right side of the base station antenna than the front part of the feed stem of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the first array. The front part of the feed stem of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the first array is closer to the front radome of the base station antenna than the base of the feed stem of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the first array. The base of the feed handle of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the second array is closer to the left side of the base station antenna than the front part of the feed handle of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the second array, and the front part of the feed handle of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the second array is closer to the front radome of the base station antenna than the base of the feed handle of the first cross-dipole radiating element of the second array.

17. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The reflector is attached to or includes a frequency-selective surface that extends laterally and longitudinally in front of the multi-column array.

18. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The multi-column array is located in the active antenna module.

19. The base station antenna according to claim 17, wherein, The frequency-selective surface is configured to reflect radio frequency energy from the radiating elements of the first and second arrays, and to allow radio frequency energy from the multi-column arrays to pass through.

20. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The radiating elements of the first array and the second array are low-frequency band radiating elements configured to operate in at least a portion of the 617-960MHz frequency band, and the radiating elements of the multi-array array are high-frequency band radiating elements configured to operate in a frequency band higher than that of the low-frequency band radiating elements.

21. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The multi-column array is configured as a radiating element of a large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) array.

22. The base station antenna according to claim 21, wherein, The radiating element of a large-scale multiple-input multiple-output array is a high-frequency band radiating element, whose operating frequency band includes at least a portion of the 3300-4200MHz band.

23. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The first array has a single column defining the first column, and the second array has a single column defining the second column. The first plurality of columns of the multi-column array are located behind a portion of at least one arm of a plurality of arms of a respective radiating element of the first array, the portion of the at least one arm of the plurality of arms protruding laterally inward across the first plurality of columns. The second plurality of columns of the multi-column array are located behind a portion of at least one arm of a plurality of arms of a respective radiating element of the second array, the portion of the at least one arm of the plurality of arms protruding laterally inward across the second plurality of columns.

24. The base station antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The power supply includes an RF transmission line.

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