Antenna device and base station having the same

Abstract

An antenna device for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The antenna device includes a plurality of RF signal feeds and an array of M×N radiating elements. The array includes M rows and N columns, where M ≥ 2 and N ≥ M. The array is subdivided into a plurality of clusters. Each cluster includes one or more radiating elements. The one or more radiating elements in each cluster are connected to one of the RF signal feeds. The columns of the array include two outer columns and one or more inner columns, where each inner column includes K1 clusters, where K1 ≥ 1. Each outer column includes K2 clusters, where K2 > K1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of antenna devices; more particularly, to an antenna device for transmitting or receiving radio frequency signals and a base station having the antenna device. Background Art

[0002] New wireless communication technologies, such as fifth-generation (5G) communication technologies, utilize several frequency ranges, including those below 6 GHz and millimeter wave bands, to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. Generally, high-frequency bands (such as millimeter wave bands) have poor propagation characteristics, while low-frequency bands (such as those below 6 GHz) are more attractive in terms of propagation and coverage but require large antennas. Therefore, the need to keep these antennas (operating in low-frequency bands) within a limited size makes their design difficult.

[0003] Generally speaking, 5G cellular communication technology involves the extensive use of massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems to provide radio frequency signals to multiple user devices simultaneously. This MIMO-based communication technology (e.g., massive MIMO) utilizes conventional antenna equipment with multiple clusters, each of which includes one or more radiating elements. Each of these clusters is typically fed by a radio chain. Typically, the permissible size (i.e., aperture) of the radiating elements is limited. To allow greater control over the radiation pattern of a massive MIMO system, a large number of radio chains are used, which are mapped to the available radiating elements. This mapping is designed in a manner that suits the network environment, such as coverage requirements and user distribution. Traditionally, the mapping is uniform, achieved by distributing the radiating elements in columns, rows, or fractions (e.g., half, quarter). However, when the mapped clusters (geometrically equal) are arranged very densely, the coupling between the radiating elements can become unacceptably high, and the radiation patterns become highly correlated. As a result, the ability of conventional antenna equipment to transmit independent information streams decreases, which is undesirable.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional antenna devices currently used for cellular communications are rectangular in shape, primarily utilizing a vertical aperture (i.e., a larger vertical dimension compared to the horizontal dimension when deployed). However, this structure of conventional antenna devices degrades system performance, particularly for 5G communications, as the beamforming patterns produced by such conventional antenna devices lack sufficient resolution. Furthermore, conventional antenna devices exhibit high reflected power (return loss) and low isolation due to their clustered arrangement.

[0005] Therefore, in light of the above discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages associated with conventional antenna devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure seeks to provide an antenna device for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals and a base station comprising one or more such antenna devices. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem that highly correlated radiation patterns and unacceptably high coupling between radiating elements (i.e., low isolation) in conventional antenna devices result in inefficient performance of conventional antenna devices (e.g., reduced ability to transmit independent information streams). The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art, and to provide an improved antenna device and an improved base station having one or more such antenna devices, for example, by reducing coupling between different radiating elements of the antenna device (e.g., for enhanced 5G communications in low frequency bands within a limited size, i.e., enhanced 5G communications without increasing the size of the antenna device), the improved base station provides improved antenna device system performance and compliant isolation and return loss.

[0007] The objects of the present disclosure are achieved by the measures provided in the attached independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna device for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals, the antenna device comprising: a plurality of RF signal feeds; an array of M×N radiating elements, the array comprising M rows and N columns, where M ≥ 2 and N ≥ M. The array is subdivided into a plurality of clusters, each cluster comprising one or more radiating elements, the one or more radiating elements in each cluster being connected to one of the RF signal feeds; wherein the columns comprise two outer columns and one or more inner columns, each inner column comprising K1 clusters, where K1 ≥ 1, and each outer column comprising K2 clusters, where K2 > K1.

[0009] The antenna device of the present disclosure provides improved system performance and ensures compliance in terms of return loss and isolation levels. The antenna device of the present disclosure includes an array of radiating elements with a greater number of columns than rows compared to conventional antenna devices. This provides the antenna device with a horizontal form factor (i.e., its width is greater than its height when deployed, taking into account the aperture plane). The distribution of multiple clusters in the array enables it to achieve high azimuth resolution, the ability to send independent information streams, and maintain sufficient spacing between the radiating elements to achieve the required return loss and isolation levels within a limited (i.e., allowed) size. In addition, the antenna device of the present disclosure has a higher number of clusters (e.g., by splitting the outer columns) in the outer columns than in the inner columns (i.e., K2>K1). Even if the number of radiating elements and the number of clusters are smaller than in conventional antenna devices, this distribution of clusters (e.g., there are more clusters in the outer columns or edge columns than in the inner columns) ensures sufficient system performance and ensures the illumination efficiency of its aperture.

[0010] In one implementation form, the rows and columns in the antenna device are horizontal and vertical respectively, where vertical is the direction from the location of the antenna device towards the center of the earth during operation, and horizontal is the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0011] To increase inter-element isolation, the number of radiating elements is reduced in both the horizontal and vertical directions compared to traditional antenna devices. Furthermore, by utilizing an architecture with a horizontal form factor (i.e., wider than taller) when deployed, the massive MIMO performance of the antenna device is improved.

[0012] In another implementation, N is equal to six, seven, or eight.

[0013] To increase inter-element isolation, the number of radiating elements and the number of physical columns in the antenna device are reduced compared to conventional antenna devices (e.g., N is equal to six). In one example, the number of columns in the array, i.e., the number N, can be defined by the maximum allowable size of the antenna device and the spacing between adjacent radiating elements, e.g., a spacing of approximately half the wavelength of the RF signal.

[0014] In another implementation, M is equal to two, three, or four.

[0015] In other words, the array includes two, three, or four rows of radiating elements. Compared to conventional antenna devices, the number of rows in the antenna device is less than or equal to the number of columns. In one example, for example, in a 2-row × 6-column antenna architecture, an optimal practical trade-off between system performance and achieving the necessary isolation level was observed. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the number of M rows and N columns can vary as long as the horizontal form factor of the antenna device is achieved (e.g., when N>M, such as N=30, M=8, etc.).

[0016] In another implementation, the RF signal feeds may each be connected to a corresponding power transceiver.

[0017] In the antenna device, one or more radiating elements in each cluster are connected to one of the RF signal feeds, and each power transceiver in the power transceiver (i.e., part of the wireless chain) is connected to one or more radiating elements in a cluster through a corresponding RF signal feed to achieve improved system performance and cost-effective structure of the antenna device for MIMO.

[0018] In another implementation form, one or more of the columns each comprises two clusters of radiating elements, the two clusters being arranged adjacent to each other.

[0019] Arranging two clusters adjacent to each other means that the two clusters do not overlap and do not interleave with each other, thereby reducing any coupling between radiating elements of adjacent clusters.

[0020] In another implementation, the number of power transceivers is sixteen and the number of clusters is eight.

[0021] With eight clusters and sixteen power transceivers, a cost-effective antenna device is provided within the permitted size constraints.

[0022] In another implementation form, each of the radiating elements is dual polarized.

[0023] The size of the dual-polarization radiating element is compact, and the two polarizations (ie, two orthogonal polarizations) may have similar radiation patterns, which provides coverage to similar geographical areas.

[0024] In another implementation form, the antenna device is configured to transmit an RF signal in a beam and scan the beam at least within an azimuth range.

[0025] Transmitting and scanning beams in an azimuth range enables the antenna device to improve sensitivity and communicate with a large number of user equipment (UE).

[0026] In another implementation form, the antenna device is configured to scan the beam based on the location of one or more user equipments UE.

[0027] Scanning the beam based on the location of one or more user devices can adjust its power usage accordingly.

[0028] In another implementation, the spacing between any two adjacent radiating elements is at least half the wavelength of the RF signal.

[0029] The spacing between any two adjacent radiating elements is at least half a wavelength (ie ≥ 0.5λ), ensuring that coupling between the radiating elements is reduced compared to radiating elements arranged in a conventional antenna device.

[0030] In another implementation form, the wavelength corresponds to the minimum frequency in an operating frequency band of the antenna device.

[0031] The antenna device exploits the inherent properties of signal propagation in lower operating frequency bands to achieve better signal propagation and coverage compared to mmWave signals.

[0032] In another implementation form, the wavelength corresponds to operation of the antenna device in a frequency band below 6 GHz.

[0033] The antenna device utilizes the inherent properties of signal propagation, specifically in the frequency band below 6 GHz, to achieve wider illumination within a limited size, i.e., better signal propagation and coverage compared to mmWave signals, without increasing the size of the antenna device. For example, the antenna device may refer to a compact 5G low-band antenna architecture.

[0034] In another implementation form, the antenna device is configured to transmit using a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) method.

[0035] The antenna device supports MIMO to simultaneously transmit or receive radio frequency signals from multiple user devices while reducing coupling between radiating elements of the antenna device.

[0036] In another implementation, each radiating element provides substantially uniform illumination across its aperture.

[0037] Each radiating element is compact in size and provides approximately uniform illumination across its aperture, eg, to achieve high directivity.

[0038] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna apparatus for receiving cellular communication signals, including the antenna apparatus configured in a receive mode.

[0039] The antenna device disclosed herein is configured to operate in a transmitting mode and / or a receiving mode to achieve flexibility during operation.

[0040] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a base station comprising one or more antenna devices.

[0041] A base station including one or more antenna devices achieves all the advantages and effects of the antenna devices described in the previous aspects.

[0042] It should be understood that all of the above implementations may be combined.

[0043] It should be noted that all devices, elements, circuits, units and components described in this application can be implemented in software or hardware elements or any type of combination thereof. All steps performed by the various entities described in this application and the functions to be performed by the various entities described mean that the corresponding entities are suitable for or used to perform the corresponding steps and functions. Although in the description of the following specific embodiments, the specific functions or steps performed by the external entity are not reflected in the description of the specific detailed elements of the entity that performs the specific steps or functions, it should be clear to the technician that these methods and functions can be implemented by corresponding hardware or software elements or any combination thereof. It will be understood that the features of the present disclosure are easy to combine in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0044] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description of illustrative implementations, which is interpreted in conjunction with the following appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The above summary of the invention and the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For purposes of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary structures of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and tools disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. Where possible, identical elements are represented by identical numerals.

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0047] Figure 1A is a diagram of an antenna device for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 1B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1A Exploded view of the antenna equipment;

[0049] Figure 1C is a simplified form of an embodiment according to the present disclosure Figure 1A a diagram of the architecture of the antenna device;

[0050] Figure 2A is an illustration of different architectures of antenna devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and a graphical representation of their corresponding performance;

[0051] Figure 2B is a graphical representation depicting return loss levels corresponding to different architectures of antenna devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 2C is a graphical representation depicting isolation levels corresponding to different architectures of antenna devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 3 is a network diagram illustrating a base station having one or more antenna devices and one or more user equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] In the accompanying drawings, underlined numbers are used to indicate the item in which the underlined number appears or the item adjacent to the underlined number. Non-underlined numbers are associated with the item identified by the line associating the non-underlined number with the item. When a number is not underlined and has an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify the general item to which the arrow points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The following detailed description describes embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which these embodiments can be implemented. Although some modes of implementing the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that there may be other embodiments for implementing or practicing the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1A FIG is a diagram of an antenna device for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A , shows an antenna device 100. The antenna device 100 includes a plurality of RF signal feeds 102 and an array 104 of radiating elements 106A to 106L. In one implementation, the antenna device 100 also includes a plurality of power transceivers 108A to 108P.

[0057] Antenna device 100 is used to transmit or receive radio frequency signals, for example, in cellular communications. Specifically, antenna device 100 includes multiple RF signal feeds 102 and an array (e.g., array 104) of M×N radiating elements (e.g., radiating elements 106A through 106L), the array comprising M rows and N columns, where M ≥ 2 and N ≥ M. Multiple RF signal feeds 102 are conductive tracks, such as metal tracks, through which current is supplied to one or more radiating elements in each cluster of antenna device 100. Array 104 is a collection of M×N radiating elements (e.g., radiating elements 106A through 106L) that operate to transmit or receive radio frequency signals in antenna device 100. M refers to rows, and N refers to columns. In array 104, the number of rows is greater than or equal to two. Furthermore, in array 104, the number of columns is greater than or equal to the number of rows. This provides antenna device 100 with a horizontal form factor (i.e., its width is greater than its height when deployed, considering the aperture plane).

[0058] According to one embodiment, N is equal to six, seven or eight. Figure 1A ), N is equal to six (i.e., array 104 includes six columns). To increase inter-element isolation, the number of radiating elements and the number of physical columns in antenna device 100 are reduced compared to conventional antenna devices. For example, most conventional antenna devices have eight or more columns, which are reduced to six or seven (or in some cases, eight) in antenna device 100. In one example, the number of columns in array 104, i.e., number N, can be limited by the maximum allowable size of antenna device 100 and the spacing between adjacent radiating elements.

[0059] According to one embodiment, M is equal to two, three or four. Figure 1A), M is equal to two. In this embodiment, an array 104 of 2×6 radiating elements (i.e., two rows of 6 radiating elements each) is shown. In other words, twelve radiating elements 106A to 106L are described in this embodiment. In one example, the architecture of the antenna device 100 refers to a 5G low-band antenna architecture that provides a practical trade-off between high system performance and achievable isolation and active return loss levels within a restricted aperture size (i.e., the antenna device 100 meets the strong small constraints specified for low-band (e.g., sub-6 GHz) antennas). In other words, for example, in a 2-row×6-column antenna architecture (e.g., in a Figure 1A In the antenna device 100 shown in FIG. 1 ), one of the best practical trade-offs between system performance and achieving the necessary isolation level is observed. Furthermore, the array 104 of 2×6 radiating elements ensures a compact size of the antenna device 100. In some alternative embodiments, an array of 2×8 radiating elements, an array of 3×8 radiating elements, or an array of 4×8 radiating elements is provided. For example, in Figure 2A Such an embodiment is described in . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the number of M rows may not be limited to two, three, or four, and the number of N columns may not be limited to six, seven, or eight. It will be understood that the number of M rows and N columns may vary as long as the horizontal form factor of a given antenna device (e.g., antenna device 100) is achieved. In one example, the horizontal form factor of a given antenna device (e.g., antenna device 100) is achieved by making the number of N columns greater than the number of M rows (e.g., N=30, M=8, etc.). In other words, in one example, as Figure 1A As shown in , when deployed, antenna device 100 and each antenna device has a larger horizontal dimension by virtue of having N more columns than vertical dimension.

[0060] The array 104 is subdivided into a plurality of clusters 110A to 110H, each cluster including one or more radiating elements (of radiating elements 106A to 106L), the one or more radiating elements in each cluster being connected to one of the RF signal feeds (i.e., one of the plurality of RF signal feeds 102). The columns (of the array 104) include two outer columns and one or more inner columns, each inner column including K1 clusters, K1 ≥ 1, and each outer column including K2 clusters, where K2 > K1. A cluster is a collection of one or more radiating elements that isolates one or more radiating elements in one cluster from other clusters. Specifically, a cluster is a group of radiating elements that are commonly fed (e.g., using an RF signal feed), and the relationship between their feeds is predefined by analog means (e.g., by a fixed feed network of conductive tracks printed on a board (printed circuit board) or by variable electromechanical phase shifters).

[0061] In other words, one or more radiating elements within a given cluster are co-fed. In one example, this co-fed can be fixed (e.g., via a fixed network) or variable (e.g., via a variable phase shifter). Typically, the signal characteristics (e.g., amplitude and phase) associated with different radiating elements within a given cluster (i.e., intra-cluster) are related in a predefined manner (for a fixed network) or in a predefined range (for a variable network). On the other hand, within different clusters (i.e., inter-cluster), the RF signals may be obtained in an example, digitally distributed, and may not be pre-defined, via real-time or near-real-time algorithms.

[0062] The distribution of the plurality of clusters 110A to 110H in the array 104 enables high azimuth resolution with the ability to transmit independent information streams, while maintaining sufficient spacing between the radiating elements 106A to 106L to achieve the desired return loss and isolation levels within a limited size, i.e., without increasing the size of the antenna device 100 (compared to conventional antenna devices). Outer columns refer to columns on opposite edges of the array 104. One or more inner columns are disposed between at least two outer columns.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, antenna device 100 has a greater number of clusters in outer columns (e.g., due to splitting of the outer columns) than in inner columns (i.e., K2 > K1). Even though the number of radiating elements and the number of clusters in antenna device 100 are relatively smaller than in conventional antenna devices, this distribution of clusters (e.g., more clusters in outer or edge columns than in inner columns) ensures adequate system performance and aperture illumination efficiency. In array 104, there are at least one cluster in column form (four clusters in this embodiment) and at least two clusters in split column form. In this case, each of the two outer columns is in the form of a split column.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the column includes two or more inner columns. In this embodiment, for example, Figure 1AAs shown in FIG, there are four inner columns and two outer columns. Each of the four inner columns includes one cluster (e.g., cluster 110C, cluster 110D, cluster 110E, or cluster 110F). Each of the two outer columns includes two clusters (e.g., one outer column includes clusters 110A and 110B, and the other outer column includes clusters 110G and 110H). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of clusters is eight. Cluster 110A in the first of the two outer columns includes radiating element 106A. Cluster 110B in the first of the two outer columns (a split column) includes radiating element 106B. Cluster 110C in the first inner column includes radiating element 106C and radiating element 106D. Cluster 110D in the second inner column includes radiating element 106E and radiating element 106F. Cluster 110E in the third inner column includes radiating element 106G and radiating element 106H. Cluster 110F in the fourth inner column includes radiating element 1061 and radiating element 106J. Cluster 110G in the second of the two outer columns includes radiating element 106K. Cluster 110H in the second outer column (ie, the split column) includes radiating element 106L.

[0065] Alternatively, in some implementations, two outer columns may not be split. For example, one or more outer columns on one side (i.e., one edge) of antenna device 100 may be split, while one or more outer columns on the other side of antenna device 100 may not be split. Alternatively, some outer columns may be split columns with two different non-overlapping clusters, while some outer columns may not be split. Even if the number of radiating elements and the number of regular clusters (not split) in antenna device 100 are smaller than in conventional antenna devices, the choice of outer column splitting may depend on how much illumination efficiency is desired for its aperture.

[0066] According to one embodiment, one or more columns each include two clusters of radiating elements, and the two clusters are arranged adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, each of the two outer columns includes two clusters. For example, the first outer column includes cluster 110A and cluster 110B arranged adjacent to each other, and the second outer column includes cluster 110G and cluster 110H arranged adjacent to each other. The two clusters being arranged adjacent to each other means that the two clusters do not overlap or intersect with each other. In some embodiments, in addition to having two or more clusters in the outer columns (i.e., edge columns), one or more inner columns may possibly have two or more clusters without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that two or more columns can be grouped together, and one or more different clustering schemes can be used without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the rows and columns in antenna device 100 are horizontal and vertical, respectively, where vertical refers to the direction from the location of antenna device 100 toward the center of the Earth during operation, and horizontal refers to the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Based on their arrangement in antenna device 100, the M rows are arranged horizontally, while the N columns are arranged vertically. In other words, the terms horizontal and vertical refer to directions defined relative to the Earth from a given point of interest, such as the location of antenna device 100 when deployed. Thus, vertical refers to the direction from the location of antenna device 100 toward the center of the Earth, and horizontal refers to the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction (i.e., parallel to the Earth's surface). To increase inter-element isolation, the number of radiating elements in both the horizontal and vertical directions is reduced compared to conventional antenna devices. Furthermore, when deployed, antenna device 100 and each other have a larger horizontal dimension than vertical dimension. Due to the larger horizontal dimension, the aperture is horizontal. Furthermore, in array 104, since the number of columns exceeds the number of rows, antenna device 100 has a horizontal form factor (i.e., its width is greater than its height when deployed, considering the aperture plane). The massive MIMO performance of antenna device 100 is improved by utilizing an architecture with a horizontal form factor (i.e., deployed in landscape orientation). In other words, the horizontal extent of array 104 is greater than its vertical extent. The horizontal extent is defined by the number of radiating elements placed adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. The vertical extent is defined by the number of radiating elements placed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the spacing between any two adjacent radiating elements (of radiating elements 106A through 106L) is at least half the wavelength of the RF signal. The spacing between any two adjacent radiating elements being at least half the wavelength of the RF signal (i.e., ≥ 0.5λ) allows antenna device 100 to have improved (e.g., optimal or near-optimal) characteristics when transmitting and receiving RF signals, compared to conventional technologies that have relatively lower performance characteristics when transmitting and receiving RF signals. Advantageously, the spacing of at least half the wavelength provides acceptable and manageable coupling levels between RF signals transmitted or received by radiating elements 106A through 106L, compared to conventional antenna devices, where the dense packing of conventional radiating elements can result in unacceptable and unmanageable coupling levels between RF signals transmitted or received by the radiating elements. Advantageously, because the inter-element spacing between any two adjacent radiating elements is greater than or equal to half the wavelength of the RF signal, antenna device 100 has improved system performance, including compliant S-parameters (i.e., scattering parameters) (i.e., compliant ports with improved or at least acceptable levels of return loss and isolation), compared to conventional antenna devices.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the wavelength corresponds to the minimum frequency in the operating frequency band of antenna device 100. The operating frequency band refers to the range of radio frequency signals that antenna device 100 transmits to (or receives from) a user device. According to one embodiment, the wavelength corresponds to the operation of antenna device 100 in a frequency band below 6 GHz. In 5G communications, frequency bands below 6 GHz may also be referred to as lower frequency bands. In one embodiment, radiating elements 106A to 106L utilize a low frequency band to transmit or receive radio frequency signals (e.g., each radiating element in antenna device 100 may transmit a continuous complex wave). Antenna device 100 utilizes the inherent properties of signal propagation in frequency bands below 6 GHz to achieve improved signal propagation and coverage compared to mmWave signals. Thus, antenna device 100 provides a compact 5G low-band antenna architecture that offers a practical trade-off between high system performance and achievable isolation and active return loss levels within a limited aperture size (i.e., antenna device 100 conforms to the strong small constraints specified for low-band (e.g., below 6 GHz) antennas).

[0070] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of radiating elements 106A to 106L is dual-polarized. The dual-polarization of radiating elements 106A to 106L enables antenna device 100 to transmit and receive RF signals simultaneously in both horizontal and vertical directions (the horizontal and vertical directions are orthogonal to each other). With dual polarization, antenna device 100 can transmit and receive RF signals to a greater number of user devices compared to single-polarized radiating elements.

[0071] According to one embodiment, each radiating element provides substantially uniform illumination across its aperture. The size of each radiating element (e.g., of radiating elements 106A to 106L) is compact and provides significantly uniform illumination across its aperture, for example, to achieve high directivity. High directivity refers to a high concentration of the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 in a particular direction so that the beam of the RF signal can propagate further. The horizontal distribution of the radiating clusters 110A to 110H in columns and split columns in the antenna device 100 also helps to provide substantially uniform illumination. In one example, the term "substantially uniform" refers to more or less uniform illumination with a probability of less than 30% for non-uniform illumination. In some embodiments, each radiating element may not provide uniform illumination across its aperture.

[0072] According to one embodiment, each RF signal feed (of the plurality of RF signal feeds 102) may be connected to a corresponding power transceiver. In one example, the power transceiver corresponds to a radio chain or is part of a radio chain connected to each RF signal feed feeding each cluster. A radio chain refers to a single radio and all of its supporting signal processing electronics, including a transceiver, one or more mixers, one or more amplifiers, and one or more analog / digital converters. Each of the radiating elements 106A to 106L may also be referred to as an antenna unit.

[0073] Typically, each cluster is fed by one radio chain. In this embodiment, each cluster is a dual-polarization cluster and is therefore fed by two radio chains (i.e., two power transceivers). In this embodiment, the clusters 110A to 110H, which are geometrically unequal (because the outer columns are split columns with two different, non-overlapping clusters), are arranged so as to maintain appropriate spacing between radiating elements to achieve the required return loss and isolation levels within a limited size, i.e., without increasing the size of the antenna device 100 operating in the low frequency band.

[0074] In this embodiment, power transceivers 108A and 108B are connected to radiating element 106A. Power transceivers 108C and 108D are connected to radiating element 106B. Each of power transceivers 108E and 108F is connected to radiating elements 106C and 106D. Similarly, each of power transceivers 108G and 108H is connected to radiating elements 106E and 106F (i.e., as shown, each power transceiver feeds two radiating elements in common). Each of power transceivers 108I and 108J is connected to radiating elements 106G and 106H. Each of power transceivers 108K and 108L is connected to radiating elements 106I and 106J. Power transceivers 108M and 108N are connected to a single radiating element, such as radiating element 106K. Power transceivers 108O and 108P are connected to radiating element 106L.

[0075] In this embodiment, the number of power transceivers is 16. In this embodiment, due to the advanced cluster distribution in the antenna device 100, the 16 power transceivers, i.e., the plurality of power transceivers 108A to 108P (i.e., 16 wireless chains), are connected to the 12 radiating elements in the array 104.

[0076] In operation, according to one embodiment, the antenna device 100 is used to transmit an RF signal in a beam and scan the beam at least within an azimuth range. The azimuth range refers to the range in which the most receiving devices (i.e., UEs) are deployed to receive the radio frequency signal transmitted by the antenna device 100. In other words, the azimuth range is the azimuth value or range of azimuth values ​​of the beam relative to the array 104. Transmitting the radio frequency signal in the beam and scanning the beam through the azimuth range can transmit or receive radio frequency signals to or from the radiating elements 106A to 106L in a specific direction (i.e., the azimuth range) to provide a high data rate signal. For example, some or all of the radiating elements 106A to 106L can transmit complex waves (i.e., transmit radio frequency signals with similar wavelengths and phases to transmit radio frequency signals in a specific direction). In some cases, the antenna device 100 may also have the ability to steer the elevation angle.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the antenna device 100 is used to scan a beam based on the location of one or more user equipment (UE). The antenna device 100 is used to perform beamforming to transmit (send or receive) one or more RF signal beams with the UE. The beam is scanned based on the location of the UE so that a specific beam reaches a UE (or multiple UEs). In addition, the user equipment is intended to be broadly interpreted as including any electronic device that can be used for voice and / or data communications on a wireless communication network. Examples of user equipment include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, 5G wireless modems, evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (Evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access, E-UTRAN) NR dual connectivity (E-UTRAN NR-dual connectivity, EN-DC) devices, or customized communication hardware. In addition, the user equipment should be broadly interpreted to include various different types of mobile stations, user stations, or more generally, communication devices, including examples such as a combination of data cards inserted into a laptop computer. Such communication devices are also intended to include devices commonly referred to as access terminals.

[0078] According to one embodiment, antenna device 100 is configured to transmit using a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) approach. Antenna device 100 is configured to simultaneously transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from various network nodes, such as user equipment, using two or more radiating elements using MIMO, multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), or massive MIMO. Advantageously, antenna device 100 supports MIMO to achieve spectral efficiency in communications with user equipment.

[0079] According to one embodiment, antenna device 100 is configured to receive cellular communication signals and includes antenna device 100 configured in a receive mode. Antenna device 100 is configured to operate in both a transmit mode and a receive mode. In transmit mode, radiating elements 106A to 106L of antenna device 100 are configured to transmit RF signals to a cellular device (i.e., user equipment). In receive mode, radiating elements 106A to 106L of antenna device 100 are configured to receive RF signals from the cellular device. Optionally, antenna device 100 can operate in both receive and transmit modes simultaneously.

[0080] Figure 1B is an exploded view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B Combine Figure 1A Reference Figure 1B , showing an exploded view of the antenna device 100. The antenna device 100 also includes a radome 112, a fence 114, a cover 116, a printed circuit board (PCB) 118, a reflector 120 and a bracket 122. Also shown is ( Figure 1A ) Radiating elements 106A to 106L of the antenna device 100.

[0081] In this embodiment, each of the radiating elements 106A to 106L is a dipole radiating element having a substantially conical structure. An enlarged view 124 of the radiating element 106J is shown. The enlarged view 124 depicts an opening 126 of the radiating element 106J, through which the radiating element 106J transmits or receives radio frequency signals.

[0082] The radome 112 is a cover for the antenna device 100 that protects the antenna device 100 from environmental conditions (eg, adverse weather conditions) without affecting the transmission or reception of signals. The radome 112 covers the radiating elements 106A to 106L.

[0083] Each of the barriers 114 is used to enhance a different cluster of antenna devices 100 (e.g., Figure 1A The fence 114 is used to control the radiation pattern of the RF signals transmitted or received by the radiating elements 106A to 106L in the corresponding clusters 110A to 110H. Advantageously, the fence 114 reduces any undesirable interference between the RF signals transmitted or received by the radiating elements 106A to 106L.

[0084] The cover 116 is used to protect the antenna device 100 from any damage, such as damage to the antenna structure caused by environmental conditions.

[0085] Each of PCBs 118 is used to implement electrical connections in antenna device 110, such as connections between the plurality of RF signal feeds 102 and radiating elements 106A-106L, and also provides mechanical support for radiating elements 106A-106L in their respective clusters.

[0086] Reflector 120 is used to improve the radiation pattern of radio frequency signals transmitted or received by radiating elements 106A to 106L. In one example, reflector 120 increases the gain of antenna device 100. In another example, reflector 120 can be used to focus radio frequency signals in one direction.

[0087] The bracket 122 is used to secure the various components of the antenna device 100. The bracket 122 can also be referred to as a clamp that physically holds all components of the antenna device 100, such as the reflector 120 and the fence 114, in one physical position. Advantageously, the bracket 122 protects the components from any accidental movement.

[0088] Figure 1C is a simplified form of an embodiment according to the present disclosure Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the antenna device architecture. Figure 1C Combine Figure 1A and Figure 1B Reference Figure 1C , an antenna device 100 is shown. The antenna device 100 includes an array 104 of radiating elements 106A to 106L.

[0089] Array 104 includes six vertical columns and two horizontal rows during operation. Array 104 includes two outer columns 128A and 128B and four inner columns 130A through 130D. Outer column 128A is a split column, comprising two clusters, each with one radiating element: radiating element 106A and 106B. Inner column 130A includes one cluster with two radiating elements: radiating elements 106C and 106D. Similarly, inner column 130B includes one cluster with two radiating elements: radiating elements 106E and 106F. Inner column 130C includes one cluster with two radiating elements: radiating elements 106G and 106H. Inner column 130D includes one cluster with two radiating elements: radiating elements 106I and 106J. Outer column 128B again comprises a split column with two clusters, each having one radiating element, radiating element 106K and radiating element 106L. In one example, array 104 comprising six columns and two rows has a width less than or equal to 500 mm and a length less than or equal to 1500 mm.

[0090] Figure 2Ais an illustration of different architectures of antenna devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and their corresponding performance depicted in graphical representations. Figure 2A Combine Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C Reference Figure 2A , different architectures 202A to 202D of antenna devices are shown, and their corresponding performance is depicted in a graphical representation 204 .

[0091] Architecture 202A includes an array of radiating elements having two rows and six columns. The array includes two outer columns and four inner columns. Each of the four inner columns includes one cluster, and each of the two outer columns includes two clusters. Architecture 202A and Figure 1C The architecture of the antenna device 100 is the same.

[0092] Architecture 202B includes an array of radiating elements having two rows and eight columns. Architecture 202C includes an array of radiating elements having three rows and eight columns. Architecture 202D includes an array of radiating elements having four rows and eight columns.

[0093] A graphical representation 204 illustrates the comparative performance of architectures 202A through 202D with horizontal form factors in a multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) scenario in terms of cell throughput. The graphical representation 204 illustrates Shannon Tomlinson Harashima Precoding (THP) (sum of co-scheduled UEs) in bits / s / Hz on the x-axis 206 and the cumulative distribution function (CDF) on the y-axis 208. In the graphical representation 204, line 210 illustrates the performance of architecture 202A (with a horizontal form factor of 16 Rx and 16 Tx with 2 rows and 6 columns). Similarly, line 212 represents the performance of architecture 202B (a horizontal form factor with 16 Rx and 16 Tx of 2 rows and 8 columns), line 214 represents the performance of architecture 202C (a horizontal form factor with 16 Rx and 16 Tx of 3 rows), and line 216 represents the performance of architecture 202D (a horizontal form factor with 16 Rx and 16 Tx of 4 rows). To compare antenna devices having horizontal form factors with conventional antenna devices that typically have vertical form factors (more rows than columns), lines 218 and 220 represent the performance of conventional architectures for conventional antenna devices (i.e., antenna devices having vertical form factors with more rows than columns).

[0094] The graphical representation 204 depicts that the architectures 202A through 202D having a horizontal form factor generally have significantly improved performance characteristics (represented by lines 210, 212, 214, and 216) compared to the conventional architectures having a vertical form factor (represented by lines 218 and 220). Figures 1A to 1C The architecture of the antenna device 100 in FIG. 2 presents one of the best practical tradeoffs between system performance and achieving the necessary isolation level with a relatively more compact size (the performance represented by line 210 ).

[0095] Figure 2B is a graphical representation depicting return loss levels corresponding to different architectures of antenna devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B Combine Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C and Figure 2A Reference Figure 2B , a graphical representation 222 is shown that depicts that the return loss level of at least the architecture 202A represented by line 224 is consistently less than or equal to negative fourteen decibels (i.e., ≤-14 dB) at different frequencies, which compares favorably to the return loss levels of the other architectures. Line 224 corresponds to Figure 2A The graphical representation 222 depicts the frequency of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the different architectures in megahertz (MHz) on its X-axis 226 and the return loss value in decibels on its Y-axis 228 .

[0096] Figure 2C is a graphical representation depicting isolation levels corresponding to different architectures of antenna devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2C Combine Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C 、 Figure 2A and Figure 2B Reference Figure 2C , a graphical representation 230 is shown that depicts that the isolation level of at least the architecture 202A represented by line 232 is consistently less than or equal to approximately negative twenty-two decibels (i.e., ≤-22 dB) at different frequencies, which is better than the isolation levels of the other architectures. Line 232 corresponds to Figure 2A The graphical representation 230 depicts the frequency of the radio frequency signals transmitted by the different architectures in gigahertz (GHz) on its X-axis 234 and the isolation level values ​​in decibels on its Y-axis 236 .

[0097] Figure 3is a block diagram illustrating a base station having one or more antenna devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Combine Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C 、 Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C Reference Figure 3 , shows a network environment with a base station 300, the network environment includes one or more antenna devices 302, one or more user equipment UE 304 and a communication network 306. The one or more antenna devices 302 correspond to Figures 1A to 1C Antenna device 100.

[0098] The base station 300 includes suitable logic, circuitry, and / or interfaces that may be used to communicate with a plurality of wireless communication devices over a cellular network (e.g., 5G or the upcoming 6G) via one or more antenna devices 302. Examples of the base station 300 may include, but are not limited to, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB), and the like. In one example, the base station 300 may include a plurality of antenna devices that function as an antenna system to communicate with a plurality of wireless communication devices in uplink and downlink communications. Examples of the plurality of wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, user equipment (e.g., a smartphone), customer premises equipment (customer premises equipment), repeater equipment, fixed wireless access nodes, or other communication devices or communication hardware.

[0099] Each of the one or more UEs 304 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code for transmitting (sending / receiving) RF signals. Examples of the one or more UEs 304 include, but are not limited to, portable electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, drones, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, machine type communication (MTC) devices, handheld computing devices, evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (E-UTRAN) NR-dual connectivity (EN-DC) devices, or any other customized hardware for wireless communication), or non-portable electronic devices such as fixed wireless access modems. Alternatively, each of the one or more UEs 304 may be a vehicle or a telecommunications unit (TCU) in a vehicle.

[0100] In one example, the communication network 306 is a cellular network (e.g., true 5G, 5G new radio (NR) (e.g., sub-6 GHz, cmWave, or mmWave communication)). In another example, the communication network 306 is an IoT network for massive MIMO.

[0101] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example, expressions such as "including", "in combination with", "having", "is", etc. used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, that is, items, components or elements that are not explicitly described are allowed to exist. References to the singular should also be interpreted as involving the plural. The word "exemplary" used herein means "as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments, and / or excludes the combination of features of other embodiments. The word "optionally" used herein means "provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It should be understood that certain features of the present disclosure described in the context of a separate embodiment for the sake of clarity may also be provided in a single embodiment by combination. Conversely, various features of the present disclosure described in the context of a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be provided individually or by any suitable combination or as any other described embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An antenna device (100) for transmitting or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals, characterized in that: The antenna device (100) comprises: a plurality of RF signal feed sources (102); An array (104) of M×N radiating elements (106A to 106L), the array comprising M rows and N columns, each of the M rows having N radiating elements and each of the N columns having M radiating elements, wherein M≥2 and N≥M; The array (104) is subdivided into a plurality of clusters (110A to 110H), each cluster comprising one or more radiating elements, the one or more radiating elements in each cluster being connected to one of the RF signal feeds; the RF signal feed connected to each cluster is different from the RF signal feeds connected to other clusters; wherein the columns include two outer columns (128A, 128B) and one or more inner columns (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D), each of the two outer columns is one of the N columns, each inner column includes K1 clusters, K1≥1, and each outer column includes K2 clusters, where K2>K1; The interval between any two adjacent radiating elements is at least half of the wavelength of the RF signal.

2. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The rows and columns in the antenna device (100) are horizontal and vertical respectively, wherein the vertical is a direction from the position of the antenna device (100) toward the center of the earth during operation, and the horizontal is a direction orthogonal to the vertical.

3. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that N is equal to six, seven or eight.

4. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The column includes two or more inner columns.

5. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that M is equal to two, three or four.

6. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The RF signal feeds (102) are each connectable to a corresponding power transceiver (108A to 108P).

7. The antenna device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that One or more of the columns each comprise two clusters of radiating elements, the two clusters of radiating elements being arranged adjacent to each other.

8. The antenna device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The number of the power transceivers ( 108A to 108P) is sixteen, and the number of the plurality of clusters ( 110A to 110H) is eight.

9. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Each of the M×N radiating elements ( 106A to 106L) is dual-polarized.

10. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The antenna device (100) is used to transmit the RF signal in a beam and scan the beam at least within an azimuth range.

11. The antenna device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The antenna device (100) is configured to scan the beam based on the location of one or more user equipments (UE) (304).

12. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The wavelength corresponds to the minimum frequency in the operating frequency band of the antenna device (100).

13. The antenna device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that The wavelength corresponds to the operation of the antenna device (100) in a frequency band below 6 GHz.

14. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The antenna device (100) is used for transmitting using a multiple-input multiple-output MIMO method.

15. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Each of the M x N radiating elements (106A to 106L) provides substantially uniform illumination across its aperture.

16. An antenna device (100) for receiving cellular communication signals, characterized in that include: An antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 configured in a receiving mode.

17. A base station, characterized in that: include: One or more antenna devices according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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