Base station antenna with active antenna module and related apparatus and methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a base station antenna having active antenna modules and related apparatus and methods. The base station antenna includes externally accessible active antenna modules releasably coupled to recessed sections over a chamber in the base station antenna and extending longitudinally and laterally along and across a rear portion of a base station antenna housing. The base station antenna housing has a passive antenna assembly that cooperates with the active antenna modules.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 23, 2021, with application number 202180003895.2 and entitled "Base station antenna with active antenna module and related apparatus and method".

[0002] Related applications

[0003] This application claims priority and benefit from the following U.S. applications: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 209,562, filed March 23, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 993,925, filed March 24, 2020; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 075,344, filed September 8, 2020; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 082,265, filed September 23, 2020; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 124,442, filed December 11, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 136,757, filed January 13, 2021, 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 cellular communication system, a geographical area is divided into a series of areas called “cells” served by corresponding base stations. A base station may include one or more antennas configured to provide bidirectional radio frequency (“RF”) communication with mobile users within the cell served by the base station. In many cases, each cell is divided into “sectors”. In a common configuration, a hexagonal cell is divided into three 120º sectors in the azimuth plane, and each sector is served by one or more base station antennas having an azimuth half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of approximately 65º. Typically, base station antennas are mounted on towers or other elevated structures, where the radiation pattern (also referred to herein as an “antenna beam”) is generated by the outwardly pointing base station antennas. Base station antennas are typically implemented as linear or planar phased arrays of radiating elements.

[0006] To accommodate the increasing volume of cellular traffic, cellular operators have added cellular services in various new frequency bands. While in some cases a linear array of so-called “broadband” radiating elements can be used to provide services in multiple frequency bands, in other cases different linear arrays (or planar arrays) of radiating elements must be used to support services in different frequency bands.

[0007] With the proliferation of frequency bands and the increasing prevalence of sector divisions (e.g., dividing a cell into six, nine, or even twelve sectors), the number of base station antennas deployed at a typical base station has increased significantly. However, due to constraints such as local zoning regulations and / or the weight and wind load of antenna towers, the number of base station antennas that can be deployed at a given base station is typically limited. To increase capacity without further increasing the number of base station antennas, multi-band base station antennas have been introduced, which consist of multiple linear arrays of radiating elements. A very common multi-band base station antenna design includes two linear arrays of "low-frequency band" radiating elements, which provide service in some or all of the 617-960MHz band; and two linear arrays of "mid-frequency band" radiating elements, which provide service in some or all of the 1427-2690MHz band. The four linear arrays are installed side-by-side. Also of interest are base station antennas that deploy one or more linear arrays of “high-frequency band” radiating elements that operate in higher frequency bands (e.g., some or all of the 3.3-4.2 GHz band).

[0008] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a prior art base station antenna 10. When the antenna 10 is mounted for normal operation, the base station antenna 10 is typically mounted with its longitudinal axis L extending along a vertical axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis L may be substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the horizon). The front surface of the antenna 10 is mounted opposite a tower or other mounting structure, pointing towards the coverage area of ​​the antenna 10. The antenna 10 includes an radome 11 and a top cover 20. The radome 11 and the top cover 20 may be a single integral unit, which may help to waterproof the antenna 10. The antenna 10 also includes a bottom cover 30, which includes a plurality of connectors 40 mounted therein. As shown, the radome 11, top cover 20, and bottom cover 30 define an outer housing 10h of the antenna 10. The antenna assembly is housed within the housing 10h.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates that antenna 10 may include one or more radio devices 50 mounted to housing 10h. An antenna with an integrated radio device is referred to as an "active antenna," which can adjust the amplitude and / or phase of sub-components of the RF signal transmitted through individual radiating elements or their sub-groups. An active antenna can manipulate the generated antenna bundle in different directions by changing the amplitude and / or phase of the sub-components of the RF signal transmitted through the antenna. Since radio devices 50 can generate a significant amount of heat, it may be suitable to dissipate heat from the active antenna to prevent overheating of the radio devices 50. Therefore, each radio device 50 may include a (molded) heat sink 54 mounted on the rear surface of the radio device 50. The heat sink 54 is thermally conductive and includes multiple fins 54f. Heat generated in the radio device 50 is transferred to the heat sink 54 and diffused to the fins 54f. As shown in Figure 2, the fins 54f are external to the antenna housing 10h. This allows heat to be transferred from the fins 54f to the external environment. Further details of the exemplary conventional antenna can be found in co-pending WO2019 / 236203 and WO2020 / 072880, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if described in their entirety herein. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base station antenna is equipped with a housing that surrounds a passive antenna assembly and is configured to be releasably coupled to an active antenna module that is at least partially outside the housing of the base station antenna.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention include a base station antenna comprising: a passive antenna assembly having a housing and a first reflector. The housing has a rear wall. The base station antenna further includes a separate active antenna module having a second reflector that is coupled to or coupled to the housing of the passive antenna assembly. In a suitable location, the second reflector is positioned adjacent to or within the rear wall of the housing.

[0012] The housing has a front portion, which may define an external radome between the front portion and the rear wall, the external radome having an internal cavity. The rear wall may have a recess or define a recess. The second reflector may be located adjacent to the first reflector within the recess.

[0013] The housing may have a front portion of an external radome defined between the front portion and the rear wall, the external radome having an internal cavity. The rear wall may have or define a recess, and the second reflector may be located adjacent to the first reflector within the recess.

[0014] The first reflector may have an aperture, and at least a portion of the second reflector may be positioned within the aperture of the first reflector.

[0015] The first reflector may have longitudinal and lateral spans and define a reflector wall having a wall section that at least partially surrounds its aperture.

[0016] The wall section of the reflector wall of the first reflector can completely surround the hole.

[0017] The first reflector can be capacitively coupled to the second reflector.

[0018] At least one of the first reflector or the second reflector may be provided by a frequency-selective surface and / or substrate, which may be configured to allow RF energy to pass through one or more defined frequency ranges and to reflect RF energy in different frequency bands.

[0019] The first reflector may have the frequency-selective surface and / or substrate, and may be configured to reflect RF energy in the low-frequency band and transmit RF energy in the higher-frequency band.

[0020] The frequency-selective surface and / or substrate may be located within the housing, behind the low-frequency band dipole radiating antenna element.

[0021] The base station antenna may further include a low-frequency band dipole antenna with a feed handle. The feed handle and / or radiating element of the low-frequency band dipole antenna may protrude in front of the frequency selective substrate.

[0022] The base station antenna may include a third reflector, which is an extension of or coupled to the first reflector. The third reflector may extend longitudinally and have a lateral span. The third reflector may be housed within the housing and extend a greater distance longitudinally than the first reflector.

[0023] The frequency-selective surface and / or substrate may be coplanar with the third reflector.

[0024] The frequency selective surface and / or substrate may be parallel to the third reflector and may be positioned closer to the outer front radome of the housing than the third reflector.

[0025] The first reflector may have both longitudinal and lateral spans. The second reflector may also have both longitudinal and lateral spans. The longitudinal span of the second reflector may be smaller than that of the first reflector.

[0026] The aperture of the first reflector and the recess provided by or in the rear wall of the housing can be aligned, and each can have a rectangular perimeter.

[0027] Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a base station antenna having a base station antenna housing having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and a right side wall and a left side wall, the right side wall and the left side wall extending between the top and the bottom and joining the front and the rear. The rear has a recessed section extending longitudinally and laterally across the rear of the base station housing. The base station antenna also has a passive antenna assembly within the base station antenna housing, and an active antenna module including radio circuitry and a plurality of radiating elements positioned on the recessed section at the rear of the base station antenna housing.

[0028] The front portion, the right side wall, and the left side wall form at least a portion of the radome, and the active antenna module can be configured to be hermetically coupled to the recessed section.

[0029] The base station antenna may further include a backplate with an opening. The opening may extend longitudinally and laterally across the rear portion of the base station antenna housing. The active antenna module may be hermetically attached to the backplate, and the active antenna module may cover the opening of the backplate.

[0030] The active antenna module and / or the backplate may have a seal extending around its periphery.

[0031] The right side wall and the left side wall may have a first height along the recessed section. The right side wall and the left side wall may have a second height greater than the first height at a second section longitudinally spaced from the recessed section. The difference between the first height and the second height may be in the range of 0.25 inches to 6 inches.

[0032] The recessed section can extend in a length ranging from 20% to 60% of the rear length of the base station antenna housing, and can extend in a width direction perpendicular to the length direction in a range ranging from 30% to 110% of the width of the rear portion of the base station antenna housing.

[0033] The base station antenna may also include a sealing cover that is sealably coupled to the left and right side walls and the rear of the housing.

[0034] The base station antenna may further include a reflector within the base station antenna housing. At least a portion of the reflector may be positioned in front of the backplate.

[0035] The reflector may have an opening that is located in front of the opening on the backplate when the base station antenna is in the operating position.

[0036] The recessed section may be positioned adjacent to the top of the base station antenna housing and terminate above the inner section of the rear part of the base station antenna housing.

[0037] The backplate may be rectangular and may have a rectangular perimeter surrounding the open hole and may be hermetically coupled to the active antenna module.

[0038] The base station antenna may also include a first track and a second track that are laterally spaced apart and extend longitudinally within the base station antenna.

[0039] The first track and the second track can be coupled to the radome.

[0040] The base station antenna may further include a first lateral member and a second lateral member coupled to the first track and the second track, the first lateral member and the second lateral member together surrounding a window configured to receive the active antenna module.

[0041] The first and second tracks can be hermetically coupled to the radome and / or hermetically coupled to the active antenna module.

[0042] The first track and the second track can be coupled to the reflector.

[0043] The reflector can be positioned in the front-rear direction between the front and rear of the base station antenna housing at a distance of 0.5 inches to 4 inches from the back plate or the front.

[0044] Other aspects relate to a base station antenna, which includes a base station antenna housing having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and a right and left side joining the front and rear. The rear has longitudinally and laterally extending recessed sections or chambers. The base station antenna also includes a passive antenna assembly within the base station antenna housing, and an active antenna module hermetically coupled to the rear of the base station housing and extending above the recessed sections or chambers.

[0045] The active antenna module may have radio circuitry and multiple radiating elements.

[0046] The base station antenna may also include a backplate with an opening. The opening may extend longitudinally and laterally across the rear of the base station housing above an open cavity. The active antenna module may be hermetically attached to the backplate.

[0047] The active antenna module and / or the backplate may have a seal extending around its periphery.

[0048] The right side wall and the left side wall may have a first height along a recessed section at the rear. The right side wall and the left side wall may have a second height greater than the first height at a second section at the rear, longitudinally spaced from the recessed section. The difference between the first height and the second height may be in the range of 0.25 inches to 6 inches.

[0049] The recessed section can extend for a length ranging from 20% to 60% of the length of the rear portion of the base station antenna housing, and can extend in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction for a range ranging from 30% to 110% of the width of the rear portion of the base station antenna housing.

[0050] The base station antenna may also include a sealing cover that can be sealably coupled to the left and right side walls and the rear of the base station antenna housing.

[0051] The base station antenna may further include a reflector within the base station antenna housing. At least a portion of the reflector may be positioned in front of the backplate.

[0052] The recessed section can be positioned adjacent to the top of the base station antenna housing and can terminate above the inner section at the rear of the base station antenna housing.

[0053] The backplate may be rectangular and may have a rectangular perimeter surrounding the open hole and may be hermetically coupled to the active antenna module.

[0054] The base station antenna may also have a first track and a second track that are laterally spaced apart and extend longitudinally within the base station antenna. The first track and the second track may be coupled to the radome and / or hermetically coupled to the active antenna module.

[0055] The base station antenna may further include a first track and a second track that are laterally spaced apart and extend longitudinally within the base station antenna; and a first lateral member and a second lateral member attached to the first track and the second track. The first lateral member and the second lateral member, as well as the first track and the second track, may cooperate to form a window for receiving an inward-facing portion of the active antenna module.

[0056] The first and second tracks, as well as the first and second lateral members, can be hermetically coupled to the active antenna module.

[0057] The first track and the second track can be coupled to the reflector via corresponding U-shaped connectors.

[0058] The reflector can be positioned in the front-rear direction between the front and rear of the base station antenna housing at a distance from the backplate ranging from approximately 0.5 to approximately 4 inches, or at the same distance from the front of the housing without using the backplate. The backplate can be hermetically coupled to the active antenna module.

[0059] Other aspects of the present invention relate to active antenna modules. An active antenna module includes: a remote radio unit, an integrated filter and calibration board assembly coupled to the remote radio unit, an antenna assembly coupled to the remote radio unit, and an radome coupled to the antenna assembly, wherein the antenna assembly is sandwiched between the radome and the integrated filter and calibration board assembly.

[0060] The active antenna module may have a sealed interface extending around the periphery of the radome, the sealed interface being configured to hermetically couple the active antenna module to a base station antenna.

[0061] The radome may be a first radome, and the active antenna module may further include a second radome, wherein the second radome is coupled to and covers the first radome.

[0062] Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for assembling a base station antenna. The method includes: mounting a base station antenna housing to a mounting structure; aligning an active antenna module with a recessed rear section and / or cavity along the rear portion of the base station antenna housing before or after mounting the base station antenna housing; and then attaching the active antenna module against the base station antenna housing to couple the active antenna module to the base station antenna housing.

[0063] Embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna housing having a backplate adjacent to a reflector and also having a passive antenna assembly. The backplate may have a periphery optionally surrounding an aperture and hermetically engaging an active antenna module.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention provide a base station antenna housing having a passive antenna assembly, a top cover, a bottom cover with a connector, and an antenna radome extending between the top and bottom covers. The antenna radome has a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may have an externally recessed section for receiving an active antenna module.

[0065] The antenna housing may have a sealing cap that extends across the width of the radome and may be coupled to the rear of the antenna housing.

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention provide at least one active antenna module hermetically coupled to the rear portion of the base station antenna housing. The base station antenna housing surrounds a passive antenna assembly. During assembly and / or operation, the at least one active antenna module is accessible from the outside, thereby allowing for convenient assembly, installation, and / or replacement.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention provide a base station housing that surrounds a passive antenna and is hermetically coupled to an externally accessible active antenna module, thereby allowing a user-selectable active antenna module (typically having a corresponding antenna, filter, and radio) to be coupled to a corresponding base station antenna housing.

[0068] An embodiment of the present invention provides a base station antenna, the base station antenna having: a base station antenna housing having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and a right side and a left side joining the front and the rear; a passive antenna assembly in the base station antenna housing; and an active antenna module slidably mounted to the base station antenna housing via the top of the base station antenna housing.

[0069] In a suitable location, the active antenna module can be hermetically coupled to the top portion of the rear of the base station housing.

[0070] In a suitable location, the active antenna module can be positioned above the open chamber provided by the base station antenna housing and the open chamber can be closed.

[0071] The active antenna module may include an antenna cover, which is an external antenna cover located in the open room and facing the front of the base station antenna housing.

[0072] The rear of the base station antenna housing may have an open chamber extending longitudinally and laterally to receive the radome of the active antenna module.

[0073] The active antenna module may have an inwardly projecting top member that extends further inward than the radome of the active antenna module.

[0074] The active antenna module may have a track coupler that is slidably coupled to a track of the base station antenna housing.

[0075] The base station antenna housing may have outwardly projecting side members that may extend a sub-length of the base station antenna housing at the top portion of the base station antenna housing and may be coupled to mounting hardware configured to mount the base station antenna to a mounting structure.

[0076] The active antenna module can be coupled to the base station antenna housing, and may not require mounting hardware installed in the mounting structure.

[0077] The active antenna module may have mounting hardware on its rear surface, the mounting hardware being configured to attach to a mounting structure.

[0078] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna including at least one radome, wherein one or more sections of the at least one radome are inserted between a first reflector and a second reflector.

[0079] The at least one radome may include a first radome and a second radome, the first radome and the second radome having a section positioned between the coupling surfaces of the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0080] The first and / or second reflector may have a frequency-selective surface and / or substrate.

[0081] The first reflector and the second reflector can be capacitively coupled.

[0082] Other aspects relate to a base station antenna including a base station antenna housing having a fixed reflector and a removable reflector configured to couple with the fixed reflector to provide a common electrical ground.

[0083] The removable reflector can be capacitively coupled to the fixed reflector.

[0084] The removable reflector can be disposed in an active antenna module that is removably attached to the base station antenna housing.

[0085] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna that includes a passive antenna assembly having a housing and a first reflector, and a separate active antenna module having a second reflector that can be coupled to or coupled to the housing of the passive antenna assembly.

[0086] The housing may have a rear wall, and in a suitable location, the second reflector may be positioned inside a hole in the rear wall of the housing.

[0087] The housing may have a front portion defined between the front portion and the rear wall, the outer radome having an internal cavity. The second reflector may be located adjacent to the first reflector within the housing.

[0088] The first reflector may have an aperture, and at least a portion of the second reflector may be positioned within the aperture of the first reflector.

[0089] The first reflector has longitudinal and lateral spans and may define a reflector wall having a wall section that at least partially surrounds its aperture.

[0090] The wall section of the reflector wall of the first reflector can completely surround the hole.

[0091] The first reflector can be capacitively coupled to the second reflector.

[0092] At least one of the first reflector or the second reflector may be provided by a frequency selective substrate, the frequency selective substrate being configured to allow RF energy to pass through one or more defined frequency ranges and being configured to reflect RF energy in different frequency bands.

[0093] The first reflector may be configured with a frequency-selective substrate and may be configured to reflect RF energy in the low-frequency band and transmit RF energy in the higher-frequency band.

[0094] The frequency selective substrate can be positioned in the housing behind the (feed) handle of the low-frequency band dipole antenna element.

[0095] The base station may include a low-band dipole antenna with a feed handle that may protrude in front of a frequency selective surface and / or a substrate, optionally having an open space (adjacent to) the feed handle extending around it.

[0096] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna extending in a longitudinal direction. The base station antenna includes multiple rows of first radiating elements configured to operate in a first operating frequency band, each row including multiple first radiating elements arranged in the longitudinal direction. The base station antenna also includes a reflector positioned behind the multiple rows of first radiating elements and extending in the longitudinal direction. The reflector has a frequency-selective surface configured such that electromagnetic waves within the first operating frequency band are substantially blocked by the reflector.

[0097] The frequency-selective surface can be configured to reflect electromagnetic waves within the first operating frequency band.

[0098] The base station antenna may include multiple rows of second radiating elements configured to operate in a second operating frequency band, which is different from and does not overlap with the first operating frequency band. Each row of second radiating elements may have multiple second radiating elements arranged in the longitudinal direction. The frequency selective surface is also configured such that electromagnetic waves within the second operating frequency band can propagate through the reflector.

[0099] The second operating frequency band can be higher than the first operating frequency band.

[0100] The reflector can provide the frequency-selective surface on a printed circuit board.

[0101] The reflector may include a dielectric plate having opposing first and second sides facing the first radiating elements in corresponding columns, each of the first and second sides having a periodic conductive structure forming the frequency selective surface.

[0102] The periodic conductive structure on the first side of the dielectric plate may have a first array structure, and the periodic conductive structure on the second side of the dielectric plate may have a second array structure, the second array structure having a different pattern from the first array structure.

[0103] The frequency-selective surface may have a periodic conductive structure with a repeating polygonal pattern of metallic elements.

[0104] The periodic conductive structures on the first and second sides of the dielectric plate can be formed of metal.

[0105] The frequency selectable surface of the reflector can be provided by a multilayer printed circuit board.

[0106] The reflector may be implemented as a multilayer printed circuit board, one or more of which may have frequency-selective surfaces configured such that electromagnetic waves within a predetermined frequency range can propagate through the reflector. A combination of predetermined frequency ranges associated with one or more of the multilayer printed circuit board may reflect electromagnetic waves in the first operating frequency band.

[0107] The reflector may be a first reflector provided by a passive antenna housing. The first radiating element may be a low-frequency radiating element. The base station antenna may also include a second reflector positioned behind the first reflector.

[0108] The base station antenna may include at least one radome positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0109] At least one radome positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector may include a first radome and a second radome, the first radome and the second radome being stacked and spaced apart in a front-rear direction behind the front surface of the housing of the base station antenna. The front surface of the housing may define an outer radome.

[0110] The second reflector may be provided by an active antenna module that is detachably coupled to the base station antenna.

[0111] The second reflector may be positioned behind multiple rows of second radiating elements, each row of which may include multiple second radiating elements arranged in the longitudinal direction, the multiple second radiating elements operating in a second operating frequency band higher than the first operating frequency band. Electromagnetic waves within the second operating frequency band can pass through the first reflector.

[0112] The reflector may have a vertically extending main surface and be positioned between an inner radome and an outer radome defined by the front portion of the base station antenna.

[0113] The base station antenna may have a feed plate perpendicular to the main surface of the reflector on the right and left sides of the base station antenna.

[0114] The reflector can be attached to an internal radome.

[0115] The reflector can be provided by a flexible substrate.

[0116] The reflector can be malleable and / or flexible to have different configurations, pre-installed configurations, and fully installed configurations. The fully installed configuration can be a configuration that conforms to the main surface of the internal radome.

[0117] The internal radome is a first radome, and the active antenna module may have a second radome, the second radome being coupled to at least a portion of the first radome and extending across and along at least a portion of the first radome.

[0118] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna comprising: a first reflector and a second reflector. The first reflector and the second reflector are capacitively coupled to at least one radome therebetween.

[0119] The at least one radome may define a dielectric.

[0120] The at least one radome may have a foremost surface that merges into a rearwardly extending side portion. The side portion may have a laterally extending outer edge portion. The laterally extending outer edge portion may be positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0121] The second reflector may have a front main surface in front of the main surface of the first reflector.

[0122] The at least one radome may include a radome provided by a detachable active antenna module that provides the second reflector.

[0123] The first reflector may be a passive antenna assembly reflector. A multiple linear array of radiating antenna elements may be positioned in front of the second reflector.

[0124] The base station antenna may further include at least one feed plate, which is orthogonal to the main surface of the first and / or second reflector and positioned adjacent to the right and / or left side of the base station antenna.

[0125] The base station antenna may further include at least one radiating element coupled to the at least one feed plate. The at least one radiating element may extend in front of the first and / or second reflector.

[0126] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna comprising: a reflector having an opening extending longitudinally and laterally between a spaced-apart left and right portion of the reflector; and a removable reflector portion having a length and width that are + / - 20% of the length and width of the opening, and extending across and along the opening.

[0127] The reflector and / or the removable reflector portion may have a frequency-selective surface.

[0128] The base station antenna may also include a pair of longitudinally extending tracks. The removable reflector portion may be coupled to the tracks.

[0129] The right-side portion and the left-side portion may have a width less than 50% of the width of the opening in the width direction of the base station antenna.

[0130] At least one row of radiating antenna elements may extend along the right and / or left portions of the reflector.

[0131] One or more of the at least one row of radiating elements may extend laterally across at least a portion of the right or left side of the reflector and the adjacent portion of the removable reflector.

[0132] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna comprising: a first housing member defining a front half of a housing of the base station antenna; and a second housing member defining a rear half of a housing of the base station antenna. The first housing member and the second housing member extend laterally and longitudinally and are sealed together.

[0133] The first housing member may have a front surface that is incorporated into rearwardly extending right and left portions. The second housing member may have a rear surface that is incorporated into forward-extending right and left portions. The right and left portions of the first housing member may be coupled to the right and left portions of the second housing member via engagement interfaces extending longitudinally along the length of the housing.

[0134] The second housing member may be provided with at least one laterally and longitudinally extending recess adjacent to the lower or upper end of the housing. The recess may extend along a sub-length of the housing. The recess may have a lateral span of 60-99% of the lateral span of the housing.

[0135] The second housing member may have at least one external stepped region that rises above the recess and extends laterally and longitudinally around another sub-length of the housing.

[0136] The base station antenna may further include a support member, which is positioned between the first housing member and the second housing member around the top and / or bottom portion of the housing.

[0137] The support member may have a front portion facing the first housing member and a rear portion facing the inner surface of the second housing member. The rear portion may have laterally extending inner sections recessed relative to the right and left sides of the support member. The right and left sides of the support member may extend between the right and left sides of the first housing member and the second housing member.

[0138] Other embodiments relate to a base station antenna comprising: a housing; at least one internal track coupled to the housing, the at least one internal track extending longitudinally and having a first length; and at least one external track extending longitudinally and optionally having a second length less than the first length. One or more of the at least one internal track are coupled to one or more of the at least one external track.

[0139] The at least one internal track may have a right internal track and a left internal track that are laterally spaced apart. The at least one external track may have a right second external track and a left external track that are laterally spaced apart across a recessed portion at the rear of the housing.

[0140] The first internal track of the at least one internal track can be hermetically attached to the first external track of the at least one external track, thereby preventing water from flowing into the housing.

[0141] The base station antenna may further include a bolt that extends through a first inner track in the at least one inner track, the rear wall of the housing, and a first outer track in the at least one outer track.

[0142] The base station antenna may further include a spacer having a first portion, the first portion including a bolt hole surrounded by a second portion of a different material. The first portion of the spacer may be positioned in a hole in the rear wall of the housing, the hole having an opening shaped to correspond to the first portion of the spacer. The bolt may extend through the outer track, through the bolt hole of the spacer, and into the inner track.

[0143] The first portion of the spacer may have increased stiffness relative to the second portion. The second portion may be formed of an elastic, compressible sealing material.

[0144] The spacer may have an elongated shape, such that its length is greater than its width.

[0145] The second part can be positioned against the outer surface of the rear wall of the housing, adjacent to the inner wall of the outer track, while the first part of the spacer is positioned in a hole in the rear wall of the housing.

[0146] The outer track may have a groove surrounding a bolt channel and a resilient sealing member within the groove. The bolt may extend through the bolt channel, wherein the head of the bolt and / or a collar extending in front of the bolt head are configured to compress the resilient sealing member, thereby sealing the outer track against the rear wall of the housing.

[0147] The bolt includes a resilient member extending forward of the bolt head. The resilient member is positioned against the surface of the outer track around the bolt opening in the outer track. Attached Figure Description

[0148] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base station antenna in the prior art.

[0149] Figure 2 is a rear view of a base station antenna of another prior art.

[0150] Figure 3A This is a partially exploded side perspective view of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The image shows a side perspective view of the base station antenna assembly.

[0152] Figure 4 This is a rear side perspective view of the base station antenna housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic partially exploded view of the base station antenna housing.

[0154] Figure 6AThis is a partial schematic diagram of the back plate and reflector of a base station antenna housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Figure 6B This is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] Figure 7 This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a base station antenna housing having a passive antenna assembly including a reflector, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Figure 8A This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a base station antenna with an internal track structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The image shows a partial rear view of the base station antenna.

[0159] Figure 8C This is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A Rear view of a portion of the base station antenna on the internal track.

[0160] Figure 8D This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8C The image shows a rear view of a portion of the base station antenna housing, with additional components added to form the backplate assembly.

[0161] Figure 8E yes Figure 8D A greatly enlarged view of the backplate assembly shown.

[0162] Figure 8F This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The image shows a rear view of a base station antenna, where the active antenna module is not coupled to the base station antenna.

[0163] Figure 9A This is an exemplary front side perspective view of a base station antenna with the radome omitted, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] Figure 9B This is an exemplary rear side perspective view of a base station antenna with the radome omitted, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Figure 9C This is a partial side front perspective view of an exemplary front portion of an active antenna module inserted into a base station antenna housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] Figure 9DThis is a front perspective view of an amplified portion of an active antenna module in a base station antenna housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Figure 9E This is a partial cross-sectional view of a base station antenna with a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Figure 9F This is an enlarged and simplified front cross-sectional view of one side of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first reflector and the second reflector are separated by an antenna cover.

[0169] Figure 9G This is an enlarged and simplified side perspective cross-sectional view of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] Figure 9H-9O This is an embodiment of the invention showing two reflectors at a coupling interface (e.g., Figure 9E , 9F A greatly magnified view of the interface (or one or more of those shown in 9G).

[0171] Figure 10A This is a rear side perspective view of an exemplary active antenna module aligned with and mounted together with a base station antenna housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] Figure 10B It is installed on the base station antenna housing. Figure 10A The image shows a rear side perspective view of the active antenna module.

[0173] Figure 11A-11D A series of actions according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown, which can be used to mount an active antenna module to a target base station antenna housing and to a mounting structure.

[0174] Figure 12A This is a rear side perspective view of another embodiment of the active antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Figure 12B This is an exploded view of the active antenna module shown in Figure 12.

[0176] Figure 13 This is a rear side perspective view of another embodiment of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] Figure 14 This is a rear side perspective view of yet another embodiment of the base station antenna and corresponding active antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] Figure 15 This is an exemplary flowchart of an action that can be used to assemble a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] Figure 16A This is a rear side perspective view of another embodiment of a base station antenna and a corresponding active antenna module shown for assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] Figure 16B yes Figure 16A The rear side assembly perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0181] Figure 17A This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16A The rear side perspective view of the base station antenna shown illustrates an exemplary mounting hardware configuration for the mounting structure, wherein the active antenna module is aligned for assembly.

[0182] Figure 17B yes Figure 17A The rear side view of the base station antenna shown is an assembly perspective view.

[0183] Figure 18 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16A A rear side perspective view of another embodiment of the base station antenna, which shows an alternative hardware construction for mounting the base station antenna to the mounting structure.

[0184] Figure 19A This is a rear side perspective view of another embodiment of the base station antenna housing and active antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0185] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A The assembly diagram of the device shown is shown.

[0186] Figure 20A This is a front perspective view of an exemplary frequency selection surface and / or substrate of a passive antenna reflector for a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Figure 20B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20A The diagram shows a top perspective view of a portion of the frequency selection surface and / or substrate, which also shows the reflector of the active antenna module and an exemplary antenna element between the two reflectors.

[0188] Figure 20C This is a greatly magnified front view of an example patch element of a frequency-selective surface and / or substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] Figure 20D This is a greatly enlarged side perspective view of a portion of an exemplary frequency selective surface and / or substrate (FSS) forming at least a portion of a reflector for a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] Figure 21A This is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a frequency-selective substrate / surface for a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0191] Figure 21B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21A The diagram shows a top perspective view of a portion of the frequency selection substrate / surface, which also shows the reflector of the active antenna module and an exemplary antenna element between the two reflectors.

[0192] Figure 21C This is a schematic partial side view of an exemplary FSS provided by a multilayer substrate including a dielectric plate and / or a printed circuit board, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0193] Figure 21D An exemplary FSS comprising a top main surface and a bottom main surface of aligned mating patch elements is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] Figure 22A This is a rear side perspective view of another embodiment of a base station antenna housing (showing a frequency selective substrate / surface at different depth dimensions) and an active antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0195] Figure 22B yes Figure 22A The assembly diagram of the device shown is shown.

[0196] Figure 22C This is a front side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna including a frequency-selective substrate / surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0197] Figure 22D yes Figure 22C An enlarged front side perspective view of a portion of the device shown.

[0198] Figure 22E yes Figure 22C An enlarged top side perspective view of the device shown.

[0199] Figure 22F yes Figure 22C The front view of a portion of the base station antenna shown.

[0200] Figure 22G This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22C The frequency selection substrate / surface shown is a front view.

[0201] Figure 22H This is a front side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna including a frequency-selective substrate / surface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] Figure 22I This is a perspective view of the front side portion of another exemplary reflector including an FSS and an all-metal outer peripheral side according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] Figure 22J This is a perspective view of a front side portion of a base station antenna, including a feed board parallel to and adjacent to the sidewall of the base station antenna, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0204] Figure 23A This is a side perspective view of an exemplary active antenna module having an exemplary adapter component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] Figure 23B yes Figure 23A An enlarged side view of the adapter component shown.

[0206] Figure 23C It includes embodiments of the present invention. Figure 23A The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the base station antenna of the active antenna element shown.

[0207] Figure 24 It was assembled Figure 23C The image shows a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of the base station antenna of the active antenna shown.

[0208] Figure 25A This is a side perspective view of an exemplary active antenna module having an exemplary adapter component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] Figure 25B yes Figure 25A An enlarged side view of the adapter component (with calibration circuit board) shown.

[0210] Figure 25C It includes embodiments of the present invention. Figure 25A The image shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the base station antenna of the active antenna element shown.

[0211] Figure 26 It was assembled Figure 25C The image shows a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of the base station antenna of the active antenna shown.

[0212] Figure 27A This is a cross-sectional view of a base station antenna including an active antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] Figure 27B It was assembled Figure 27A The image shows a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of the base station antenna of the active antenna shown.

[0214] Figure 28AThis is a cross-sectional view of a base station antenna including an active antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0215] Figure 28B yes Figure 28A An enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view shown.

[0216] Figure 29 This is a side perspective view of an active antenna module aligned for mounting from its top to a base station antenna housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] Figure 30A yes Figure 29 The image shown is a top perspective view of a passive antenna housing without an external front radome.

[0218] Figure 30B yes Figure 29 The image shows a partial bottom perspective view of the passive antenna housing.

[0219] Figure 31A This is a side perspective view of an active antenna module aligned for mounting to a base station antenna housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0220] Figure 31B It is an assembly of active antenna modules. Figure 31A An enlarged top side perspective view of a portion of the base station antenna shown.

[0221] Figure 32A and Figure 32B yes Figure 31B The example shown is a fixed attachment structure for assembling a base station antenna.

[0222] Figures 33A-33C This is an enlarged bottom side perspective view of the active antenna module and bottom support features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0223] Figure 34 This is a side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna having an active antenna module mounted thereon, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0224] Figure 35A yes Figure 34 An enlarged view of the bottom portion of the active antenna module and base station housing interface shown.

[0225] Figure 35B yes Figure 35A The end side perspective view of the bottom portion of the adapter plate shown.

[0226] Figure 35C yes Figure 35A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the bolt and sleeve assembly.

[0227] Figure 36This is a side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna having an active antenna module mounted thereon, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0228] Figure 37A yes Figure 36 An enlarged side perspective view of the bottom portion of the adapter board shown.

[0229] Figure 37B yes Figure 37A An enlarged side perspective view of the bottom portion of the adapter board shown.

[0230] Figure 37C yes Figure 37A An enlarged side perspective view of the stop block shown.

[0231] Figure 38 This is a side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna having an active antenna module mounted thereon, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0232] Figure 39A yes Figure 38 An enlarged side perspective view of the bottom portion of the adapter plate and stop block shown.

[0233] Figure 39B yes Figure 38 An enlarged side perspective view showing a partial exploded view of the stop block and the track frame of the passive antenna shown.

[0234] Figure 39C yes Figure 39B An enlarged side perspective view of the stop block shown.

[0235] Figure 40A This is an enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of an optimized track assembly of a passive antenna with an active antenna module and a mating adapter board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0236] Figure 40B It is a method for strengthening according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 40A The diagram shows a magnified cross-sectional view of the rivet nuts of the antenna track assembly structure.

[0237] Figure 41A This is a side perspective view of a fixed tiltable mountable base station antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0238] Figure 41B This is a side perspective view of an adjustable tiltable mountable base station structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0239] Figure 41C This is a side perspective view of another adjustable tiltable mountable base station structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0240] Figure 41D It is a set of mounting hardware that allows for adjustable tilt of 0-10 degrees according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0241] Figure 41E It is a set of mounting hardware that allows for adjustable tilt of 0-5 degrees according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0242] Figure 42 This is a side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna having an active antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0243] Figure 43 yes Figure 42 The image shows a side perspective view of a base station antenna with an active antenna module for mounting thereon.

[0244] Figure 44A and Figure 44B yes Figure 42 and Figure 43 The side perspective view of the top portion of the active antenna module and base station antenna shown illustrates the top hook arrangement for facilitating field installation.

[0245] Figure 44C This is a side perspective view of the top portion of an active antenna module and a base station antenna, including different attachment structures, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0246] Figure 45A and Figure 45B This is an embodiment of the invention for fixing an active antenna module to... Figure 42 A side perspective view of an exemplary attachment feature of the base station antenna shown.

[0247] Figure 46A This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0248] Figure 46B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 46A A simplified perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna shown, wherein a reflector provides a frequency-selective surface and / or substrate (“FSS”).

[0249] Figure 46C This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 46A A simplified perspective view of a portion of the base station antenna shown, wherein the reflector is provided as a metal reflector.

[0250] Figure 47A Generated by computational model Figure 46B The azimuth pattern of an antenna bundle generated in a lower-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna.

[0251] Figure 47B Generated by computational model Figure 46C The azimuth pattern of an antenna bundle generated in a lower-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna.

[0252] Figure 47C It is a comparison Figure 46B and Figure 46C The graph shows the peak three-dimensional directionality of the reflector.

[0253] Figure 47D The comparison is generated by the computational model. Figure 46B and 46C The diagram shows the polarity activity of the reflector's performance.

[0254] Figure 48A It is generated by the computational model for use Figure 46B The FSS reflector shown in the figure and Figure 46C The graph shows the azimuth half-power beamwidth (deg) versus frequency (MHz) of one of the low-frequency band arrays of the metal (PEC) reflector antenna shown.

[0255] Figure 48B It is generated by the computational model. Figure 46B The FSS reflector shown in the figure and Figure 46C The graph shows the azimuth 10 dB beamwidth (deg) versus frequency (MHz) of one of the low-frequency band arrays of the metal (PEC) reflector antenna shown.

[0256] Figure 49A This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0257] Figure 49B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 49A A simplified perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna shown, wherein a reflector provides a frequency-selective surface and / or substrate (“FSS”).

[0258] Figure 50A This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0259] Figure 50B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 50A The diagram shows a simplified perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna, with two internal radomes positioned between an active antenna reflector (capacitively coupled to a metallic passive antenna reflector) and an external radome of the base station antenna.

[0260] Figure 51 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 50A and 50BThe graph shows the directivity (in dB) of the low-frequency band array of the base station antenna relative to the frequency (MHz).

[0261] Figure 52A and Figure 52C Generated by computational model Figure 49B The active Smith chart of one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna shown.

[0262] Figure 52B and Figure 52D Generated by computational model Figure 50B The active Smith chart of one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna shown.

[0263] Figure 53A Generated by computational model Figure 49B The graph shown illustrates the front-to-back ratio of the base station antenna versus frequency (at 180 degrees, + / -30 degrees).

[0264] Figure 53B Generated by computational model Figure 50B The graph shown illustrates the front-to-back ratio of the base station antenna versus frequency (at 180 degrees, + / -30 degrees).

[0265] Figure 54A This is a partially transparent, perspective, simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, the base station antenna having space for an active antenna module and one or more feed plates extending adjacent to a passive antenna reflector (in the front-rear direction of the base station antenna).

[0266] Figure 54B This is a side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0267] Figure 54C yes Figure 54B A schematic side perspective view of a portion of the base station antenna shown.

[0268] Figure 55A This is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a passive antenna reflector as an FSS reflector is disposed in front of an active antenna module, and a side feed plate extends behind and / or in front of the main surface of the FSS reflector.

[0269] Figure 55B yes Figure 55A The side perspective view of the device shown.

[0270] Figure 56A and Figure 56B Generated by computational model Figure 55A and Figure 55BThe azimuth pattern (scanning angles of 0 degrees and 48 degrees) of an antenna bundle generated in a lower frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna.

[0271] Figure 56C It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A and Figure 55B The graph shows the return loss (dB) of a generated antenna bundle at 0-degree and 48-degree scan angles versus frequency (GHz) in a lower-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna.

[0272] Figure 56D Generated by computational model Figure 55A and Figure 55B The polarity active (RL) diagram of one of the lower frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna at 0 degrees and 48 degrees scan angle.

[0273] Figure 56E It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A and Figure 55B The gain (dB) versus frequency (GHz) of one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna at 0 degrees and 48 degrees scan angle.

[0274] Figure 57A and Figure 57B Generated by computational model Figure 55A and Figure 55B The base station antenna includes a lower frequency band linear array of generated antenna bundles and in conjunction with Figure 56A and 56B Different levels (in) Figure 55A The image shows the azimuth direction pattern (scanning angles of 0 degrees and 48 degrees) cut at the orientation shown.

[0275] Figure 57C It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A and Figure 55B The base station antenna includes a lower-frequency band linear array with generated antenna beams at 0-degree and 48-degree scan angles, in conjunction with... Figure 56C Different levels (in) Figure 55A The graph shows the return loss (dB) versus frequency (GHz) at the cut position (as shown in the diagram).

[0276] Figure 57D It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A and Figure 55B The base station antenna includes a lower frequency band linear array at 0-degree and 48-degree scan angles, in conjunction with... Figure 56D Different levels (in) Figure 55A The polar active (RL) pattern is cut at the orientation shown in the figure.

[0277] Figure 57E It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A and Figure 55B The base station antenna includes a lower frequency band linear array with 0-degree and 48-degree scanning angles, in conjunction with... Figure 56C Different levels (in) Figure 55A The graph shows the gain (dB) versus frequency (GHz) at the cut position (as shown in the diagram).

[0278] Figure 58A This is a simplified side perspective view of a portion of a base station antenna (shown as a front (external) radome without a base station antenna) having an active antenna module and a removable guide member, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0279] Figure 58B An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 58A The component shown does not have Figure 58A The guide member shown.

[0280] Figure 59A This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 58A A simplified cross-sectional view of the components shown (in the housing of the base station antenna).

[0281] Figure 59B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 58B The simplified cross-sectional view of the component shown (in the housing of the base station antenna) shows that the removable guide member has been removed, and the reflector is located adjacent to and / or on the active antenna reflector.

[0282] Figure 60A This is a rear perspective view of a base station antenna housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, the base station antenna housing having external and internal cooperating tracks and a recess or cavity configured to receive an active antenna module.

[0283] Figure 60B yes Figure 60A The image shows a rear side perspective view of the base station antenna housing.

[0284] Figure 60C yes Figure 60B The image shows a rear side perspective view of the base station antenna housing, but the rear wall of the housing is shown in dashed lines or has been removed.

[0285] Figure 61 This is an end view of the base station antenna housing shown in FIG60 according to an embodiment of the present invention, but an exemplary active antenna module is coupled to the cavity.

[0286] Figure 62AThis is a rear side perspective view of an example front and rear mating housing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0287] Figure 62B yes Figure 62A The rear side perspective view of the front housing shown.

[0288] Figure 62C This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 62A The side perspective view of an exemplary internal support member of the housing shown.

[0289] Figures 63A-63E This is a rear side perspective view of an exemplary base station antenna configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0290] Figure 64A This is a rear side perspective view of a base station antenna housing configured to receive two active antenna modules according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0291] Figure 64B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 64A The image shows a rear side perspective view of the base station antenna housing, in which two active antenna modules are coupled to the base station antenna housing.

[0292] Figure 65 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 64A The diagram shows a rear side perspective view of the base station antenna housing, but is shown as an external reflector coupled to the top portion of the base station antenna housing when the active antenna module is held in the bottom portion.

[0293] Figure 66 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 64A The rear side perspective view of the base station antenna housing shown in the figure reveals two removable external reflectors.

[0294] Figure 67A This is a schematic front view of a reflector with a radiating element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0295] Figure 67B This is a schematic front view of another reflector with a notch and a radiating element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0296] Figure 67C This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 67B The reflector shown is illustrated, and also some removable reflectors extending rearward in the radiating element are shown.

[0297] Figure 68A This is a cross-sectional view of a base station antenna having an active antenna module and an internal radome according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0298] Figure 68B This is a cross-sectional view of a base station antenna having an active antenna module and an internal radome according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the reflector and radiating element are located in front of the internal radome.

[0299] Figure 69 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a base station antenna housing having an exemplary external rail to internal rail interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0300] Figure 70A This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 70A The enlarged side perspective view of the interface shown illustrates an exemplary spacer positioned at the interface.

[0301] Figure 70B It is configured to receive according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 70A An enlarged side perspective view of the spacer and outer wall of at least a portion of the housing shown.

[0302] Figure 71A This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 70A An enlarged front view of a portion of the outer wall of the housing shown, illustrating its relationship with... Figure 70B The wall structures shown are different wall structures.

[0303] Figure 71B It is configured to be coupled to according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 71A An enlarged top view of the spacer of the external wall structure shown.

[0304] Figure 72A This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 69 The enlarged view of the outer track shown.

[0305] Figure 72B yes Figure 72A An enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the outer track shown.

[0306] Figure 72C This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 72A and Figure 72B The front view of a portion of the outer track shown here, which reveals bolts coupled to it.

[0307] Figure 73 This is an enlarged side perspective view of an exemplary bolt assembly for coupling an outer track and an inner track according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0308] Figure 74 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 69An enlarged view of a portion of the base station antenna shown, which illustrates spacers and bolt assemblies coupled thereto. Detailed Implementation

[0309] Figure 3A and 3B A base station antenna 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. In the following description, the base station antenna 100 will be described using the following terms, which assume that the base station antenna 100 is mounted on a tower, pole or other mounting structure 300 ( Figure 11A-11D The base station antenna 100 is used in a configuration where its longitudinal axis L extends along a vertical axis, and the front portion of the base station antenna 100 is mounted opposite a tower, pole, or other mounting structure pointing towards the target coverage area of ​​the base station antenna 100, while the rear portion of the base station antenna 100 faces the tower or other mounting structure. It should be understood that the base station antenna 100 may not always be mounted such that its longitudinal axis L extends along a vertical axis. For example, the base station antenna 100 may be slightly tilted relative to the vertical axis (e.g., less than 10º), such that the resulting antenna bundle formed by the base station antenna 100 each has a small mechanical downward tilt.

[0310] refer to Figure 3A and 3B The base station antenna 100 includes a housing 100h having a front portion 100f, a rear portion 100r, a top portion 120, and a bottom portion 130. The bottom portion 130 includes a plurality of connectors 140 to which it is mounted. In some embodiments, the rear portion 100r may include longitudinally and laterally extending recessed sections 108. The recessed sections 108 may longitudinally extend a sub-length “D” of the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h. In some embodiments, the distance D (total length of the active antenna module 110) may be in the range of about 25% to 95% of the total length L of the (passive) antenna housing 100h, typically in the range of about 25% to 60%, more typically in the range of about 25% to 40%, for example, in the range of about 18 to 48 inches.

[0311] The base station antenna 100 may include at least one active antenna module 110. The term "active antenna module" refers to a cellular communication unit that includes radio circuitry and associated antenna elements, the radio circuitry including a remote radio unit (RRU), and the associated antenna elements capable of electronically adjusting the amplitude and / or phase of sub-components of RF signals output to different antenna elements or their groups. The active antenna module 110 includes the RRU and antenna elements (e.g., a massive MIMO array), but may include other components such as filters, calibration networks, antenna interface signal group (AISG) controllers, etc. As will be further discussed below, the active antenna module 110 may be provided as a single integrated unit or as multiple stackable units, including, for example, a first sub-unit and a second sub-unit (e.g., a radio sub-unit (box) with radio circuitry and an antenna sub-unit (box) with massive MIMO antenna elements), and the first and second sub-units may be stackably attached together in the front-rear direction of the base station antenna 100, wherein the antenna elements are closer to the front of the base station antenna 100 (external radome) than the radio elements.

[0312] The active antenna module 110 can be hermetically coupled to the housing 100h and, during installation, can form part of the rear portion 100r of the base station antenna 100. The active antenna module 110 may have an inward-facing surface with a sealing interface 112i that is hermetically and releasably coupled to the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h to provide waterproof or watertight coupling therebetween. The active antenna module 110 can be mounted to a recessed section 108 of the antenna housing 100h, allowing the rear to be accessed from the outside and exposed to environmental conditions. The active antenna module 110 may have an inward-facing surface with an outer peripheral portion 110p.

[0313] As will be further discussed below, the antenna housing 100h may include a passive antenna assembly 190, which includes a radiating element. The term "passive antenna assembly" refers to an antenna assembly having a radiating element. The passive antenna assembly may be held within the base station antenna housing 100h, and the base station antenna housing 100h may be releasably coupled to one or more active antenna modules 110, which include radio circuitry separate from the antenna element of the passive antenna assembly 190.

[0314] Different active antenna modules 110 can be configured with different radio, radiating elements, or other components, thus allowing the active antenna module 110 to be different for different cellular service providers. The active antenna module 110 can be interchangeably replaced with another active antenna module 110 from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the same cellular service provider, or a different cellular service provider. Therefore, multiple different active antenna modules 110 with different configurations can be interchangeably coupled to the base station antenna housing 100h. Different active antenna modules 110 can each have the same external (peripheral) coverage area and connectors, or can have different external coverage areas and / or connectors. Different active antenna modules 110 can have different depth dimensions (front and rear). For example, each base station antenna 100 can use different adapter components or other mounting methods that allow for interchangeable field installation / assembly, accepting different active antenna modules 110 from different service providers at the field installation and / or factory installation sites. Therefore, the base station antenna 100 / antenna housing 100h allows for the interchangeable installation, upgrading, or replacement of different active antenna modules 110. Base station antenna 100 can simultaneously hold the first and second active antenna modules, one above the other (e.g., Figure 13 , 63D 64B).

[0315] The length D of the recessed section 108 may substantially correspond to the length La of the active antenna module 110 coupled to the housing 100h. The length La of the active antenna module 110 is in the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis and length dimension of the base station antenna 100. The distance D is typically greater than +10% to +30% of the length La of the active antenna module 110, and within this range (i.e., the length D of the recessed section 108 may be 10-30% larger than the length La of the active antenna module 110). The active antenna module 110 may be configured to extend across substantially the entire width dimension W of the rear portion 100r of the antenna housing 100h, and optionally may extend a distance beyond the width dimension. The active antenna module 110 may have a width, for example, within about + / -20% of the width dimension W of the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h, and optionally may have a width within the coverage area of ​​the front portion 100f and the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h.

[0316] In some embodiments, the length D of the recessed section can be in the range of about 20%-60% of the length of the rear portion 100r of the base station antenna housing 100h, and can extend in the range of about 30-110% of the width of the rear portion of the base station antenna housing 100h in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction.

[0317] The base station antenna 100 may have an elongated structure having a length dimension extending along a longitudinal axis L and a width dimension W perpendicular to the length dimension. The width dimension W is typically smaller than the length dimension L. In some embodiments, L > 2xW, typically in the range of 2xW-10xW, and more typically in the range of 2xW to 5xW.

[0318] Still referencing Figure 3A and 3B The rear portion 100r of the antenna housing 100h may have an outward-facing external rear surface 100s, which includes a recessed section 108. The recessed section 108 may extend over a sub-length of the total length L of the antenna housing 100h and may be incorporated into a second section 151, which extends over a different sub-length of the total length L of the antenna housing 100h. The second section 151 may terminate at a bottom 130. The recessed section 108 may be positioned closer to the top 120 than the second section 151. The second section 151 may have a closed outer surface defined by a portion of the radome 150. The recessed section 108 may have an open outer surface exposing a rearward-facing open cavity 155. The second section 151 may optionally have a length (in the direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis L of the base station antenna 100) less than, equal to, or greater than the length of the recessed section 108.

[0319] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the active antenna module 110 may include a heat sink 115 with thermally conductive fins 115f. The fins 115f may be arranged in a parallel, angled pattern. The fins 115f may be configured as a first set of fins and a second set of fins 115f spaced apart on an inner, longitudinally extending gap space 116. Some or all of the thermally conductive fins 115f may be provided in an orientation of use at an angle "β" ranging from 30 to 60 degrees to an axis horizontal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, more typically at an angle of approximately 45% to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As shown, some fins 115f may be longer than others. The active antenna module 110 may include one or more finger clamps 118, shown as laterally spaced pairs of finger clamps 118, with one finger clamp positioned on each side of the active antenna module 110 for easy installation or removal. In other embodiments, the finger clamp 118 may alternatively or additionally be located at the top and bottom of the active antenna module 110, and / or at different locations around the active antenna module 110.

[0320] refer to Figure 3A , 3B 4 and 5, the housing 100h of the base station antenna may include a backplate 160, the backplate including holes 163 ( Figure 5A seal 112 may be disposed between the backplate 160 and the inner surface of the active antenna module 110. In some embodiments, the outer peripheral portion 110p of the active antenna module 110 may include a sealing interface 112i, and the seal on the inner surface may be sealably coupled to the backplate 160. In some embodiments, the seal 112 may be disposed on the backplate 160 or in the sealing interface 100i of the housing.

[0321] One or both of the sealing interfaces 112i of the rear surface of the backplate 160 and the inner surface of the active antenna module 110 may include O-rings, gaskets or other seals 112 to hermetically couple the active antenna module 110 to the backplate 160 and thus to the housing 100h.

[0322] The backplate 160 may have an outer peripheral portion 160p surrounding the active antenna module 110 from the outside. The outer peripheral portion 160p of the backplate 160 may have a lower end 161 that is hermetically coupled to a sealing cover 165 and defines a sealing interface 100i for the housing 100h.

[0323] like Figure 5 As shown, housing 100h may include a first sidewall 101, a front wall 102, and a second sidewall 103 that cooperate to define chamber 155. The first sidewall 101, front wall 102, and second sidewall 103 may be provided as a U-shaped integrally formed structure defining a portion of radome 150, wherein the closed end of the "U" is longer than the sidewalls. In some embodiments, two or more of the first sidewall 101, second sidewall 103, and front wall 102 may be separate walls attached together at joints, but more generally they are formed as an integral structure.

[0324] Still referencing Figure 5 The first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103 may have a first rearward extension length "h1" over a sub-length of the housing 100h extending to the top 120 and a second, larger rearward extension length h2 over a different sub-length of the housing 100h extending to the bottom 130, each rearward extension length h1, h2 may be smaller than the width dimension "W" of the front wall 102. The difference in rearward extension lengths h2-h1 may define the size of the step forming a stepped recessed section 108 in the rear surface 100s. In some embodiments, h2-h1 and / or the step, measured at the recess from the height of the rear surface to the height of the adjacent largest section of the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h, may range from 0.2 inches to 4 inches, more generally from about 0.5 inches to 2 inches.

[0325] A second section 151 of the radome 150 at the rear 100r of the housing 100h can extend from a first position adjacent to the lower end 161 of the backplate 160 to the bottom 130. A chamber 155 can extend the entire length of the housing 100h, with the upper portion of the chamber 155 in front of the backplate 160 and at least a portion of the active antenna module 110. The chamber 155 can hold the passive antenna assembly 190 (FIG. 9).

[0326] Backplate 160 can be mounted on reflector 170 of passive antenna assembly 190. Figure 5 (Part of the rear of) . Reference Figure 7 The backplate 160 may be positioned at a distance “d” from the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 in the front-rear direction of the antenna housing 100h. In some embodiments, the distance “d” may be in the range of about 0.01 inches to about 4 inches or in the range of about 0.5 inches to 4 inches.

[0327] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the outer peripheral portion 160p of the backplate 160 may surround an aperture 163 extending through the backplate 160. The outer peripheral portion 160p and the aperture 163 may be polygonal, typically rectangular. A seal 112 may be disposed in either or both of the outer surface of the backplate 160 and / or the inner surface of the active antenna module 110. The seal 112 and the sealing interface 112i may have a closed annular configuration, such as a rectangular, elliptical, or circular shape extending around the chamber 155. However, other shaped perimeters, seals, and apertures may be used.

[0328] The aperture 163 of the backplate 160 can be aligned with the aperture 173 formed in the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190. The aperture 173 in the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 can also be polygonal, shown as rectangular. In some embodiments, the aperture 173 of the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 may have an area substantially corresponding to the area of ​​the aperture 163 of the backplate 160, for example, within about + / - 20% of the area of ​​the aperture 163. The seal 112 may have a shape and size extending around the aperture 163.

[0329] In some embodiments, the backplate 160 is not required, and the active antenna module 110 can be coupled in other ways, such as directly to the rear section of the housing 100h. Figure 6B It can be sealed and preferably releasably coupled to the housing 100h, while providing a waterproof or watertight coupling therebetween.

[0330] The backplate 160 may have a closed outer peripheral portion 160p surrounding the aperture 163, which defines a frame 164 surrounding the aperture 163. In other embodiments, the backplate 160 may terminate adjacent to a second segment 151 of the radome 150, or the frame 164 or any side thereof may not be required.

[0331] The reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 may have a closed outer periphery with reflector walls, the closed outer periphery having side segments 170s that at least partially surround the aperture 173, optionally defining a frame 174 surrounding the aperture 173. In other embodiments, the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 may terminate adjacent to a second segment 151 of the radome 150, or the frame 174 and / or any of its sides may not be required. In some embodiments, in the passive antenna assembly 190, the reflector 170 may be provided as an extension of the main reflector 214. Figure 9A In some embodiments, reflector 170 may be separate from main reflector 214. Figure 19A As will be further discussed below, reflector 170 may include and / or be configured as a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f. In a separate configuration, reflector 170 may be electrically coupled to main reflector 214.

[0332] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6A As shown, the backplate 160 and / or reflector 170 can be replaced with a corresponding backplate 160' and / or reflector 170' including a plurality of holes 163, 173. Figure 6B As shown, a backplate 160 is not required, and the active antenna module 110 can be directly coupled to the housing at the sealed interface 100i. Alternatively, the reflector 170 may terminate at the top of the second segment 151 adjacent to the rear surface 100s of the housing 100h.

[0333] The backplate 160 can be positioned within the recessed section 108 of the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h and / or the rear surface of the radome 150. The backplate 160 can be recessed relative to the top 120 of the housing 100h. Figure 10A The top 120 of the housing 100h may be provided as an end cap or formed by a folded extension of the front wall 102. The bottom 130 is typically provided as an end cap having a plurality of connectors 140 mounted therein.

[0334] refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5The sealing cover 165 can be coupled to the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h and positioned between the recessed section 108 and the second section 151 of the radome 150. The sealing cover 165 can sealably engage longitudinally spaced sealing interfaces 100i to close the underlying internal chamber 155. Figure 5 The internal chamber is formed by the construction of the recessed section 108 and the second section 151. The sealing cap 165 may include a seal 165s on the inner (outer) peripheral surface. For a releasable coupling configuration, the seal 165s may include one or more of a gasket, an O-ring, or grease. In other embodiments, epoxy resin, adhesives, or other sealing attachment methods may be used.

[0335] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The sealing cap 165 may have a base section 166 and a rear section 167, the rear section extending rearward from the housing 100h a greater distance than the base section 166. The rear section 167 may be positioned at a rearward extension distance "h", which is greater than the base section 166 and may be, for example, in the range of about 1.0 inch to about 10 inches. The sealing cap 165 may have a length "d" extending in the longitudinal direction, which is between about 0.25 and 5 inches, more typically in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches.

[0336] refer to Figure 7 The base station antenna 100 may have a generally rectangular cross-section, for example, consisting of a pair of short sides joined by a pair of long sides. The long sides correspond to the front portion 100f and the rear portion 100r of the antenna housing 100h. The short sides correspond to the first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103.

[0337] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The antenna housing 100h may include at least one internal track 180. As shown, the at least one track 180 may be configured as a first track 1801 and a second track 1802, which are laterally spaced across the width of the base station antenna 100. The at least one track 180 extends longitudinally between the top 120 and the bottom 130 of the antenna housing 100h. The at least one track 180 may be configured as follows: Figure 5 The antenna housing 100h extends over the entire length L, or may extend over a sub-length.

[0338] During use or when the rear of the casing is facing upwards after 100 hours, Figure 5In this configuration, at least one track 180 may be positioned adjacent to the backplate 160 and behind the reflector 170. At least one track 180 may provide structural support, increased structural stiffness, and / or structural reinforcement to the antenna housing 100h to facilitate (e.g., blind mating) proper positional tolerances of the connector and / or accommodate the weight of the active antenna module 110, which is accessible from the outside.

[0339] refer to Figure 7 At least one track 180 may have a geometry in which a recessed section 108 along the antenna housing 100h is structurally sealably coupled to the free end portions 101e, 103e of the first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103. At least one track 180 may also be mounted to a backplate 160.

[0340] The reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 may include laterally spaced mounting members 172. The mounting members 172 may be U-shaped, with a first leg portion 172l1 and a second leg portion 172l2 separated by a central portion 172c. This configuration can provide increased structural stiffness on a single leg configuration. The first leg portion 172l1 may be attached to the reflector 170, and the second leg portion 172l2 may be attached to the track 180. The central portion 172c may extend perpendicular to the reflector 170.

[0341] The free end portions 101e and 103e of the first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103 may terminate in corresponding sets of laterally spaced fingers 101f and 103f of the radome 150. Each set of fingers 101f and 103f may be hermetically coupled to a corresponding one of the first track 1801 and the second track 1802.

[0342] At least one track 180 may include a rigid or semi-rigid substrate material (e.g., metal) and may also include a sealing material (e.g., an elastomer and / or polymer material) to facilitate a suitable waterproof seal with the radome 150. The sealing material may also, or alternatively, be provided with an adapter plate and / or an active antenna module 110.

[0343] In some embodiments, reflector 170 may be part of main reflector 214 such that reflector 170 / main reflector 214 substantially extends the entire length of base station antenna 100, with the upper portion having aperture 173. At least one track 180 may be a pair of tracks (first track 1801 and second track 1802), with one track mounted on each side of reflector 170 / main reflector 214, and reflector 170 / main reflector 214 and track 180 (along with backplate 160, which may be mounted only at the top portion of base station antenna 100) together provide structural integrity of base station antenna 100. Internal components of base station antenna 100 (e.g., antenna assembly 190) may be mounted directly or indirectly on reflector 170 / main reflector 214. Radome 150 may slide over all these internal components, and three covers 165 may then be placed on radome 150. Additionally, the base station antenna 100 may include an internal U-shaped bracket (not shown) extending rearward from the reflector 170 / main reflector 214 in the lower portion of the antenna, providing additional support, for example, to help rigidify the reflector 170 / main reflector 214. Other brackets may be provided for mounting to a support structure, such as a pole.

[0344] refer to Figures 8A-8F In some embodiments, track 180' may be configured to provide a direct contact interface to the active antenna module 110, eliminating the need for a backplate. First and second longitudinally spaced and laterally extending transverse members 169 may be coupled to the first track 1801 and the second track 1802, thereby providing a window 188 above a cavity 155 provided by the first sidewall 101, second sidewall 103, and front wall 102 of the housing 100h for receiving an inwardly facing portion of the active antenna module 110. The active antenna module 110 may be hermetically coupled to the transverse members 169 and the first track 1801 and the second track 1802.

[0345] refer to Figure 8B , 8E The lateral member 169 may include spaced-apart holes 168, and the first track 1801 and the second track 1802 may include spaced-apart holes 183 to receive a fixing member 19, such as a screw, pin or rod, for attaching (forward-facing outer peripheral portion 110p) to the active antenna module 110.

[0346] refer to Figure 8AThe first track 1801 and the second track 1802 may each have a first planar surface 180p1 (seamically attachable) to the corresponding lateral member 169, and a second planar surface 180p2 located in a different plane from the first planar surface and (seamically coupled) to the mating surface of the active antenna module 110. The first planar surface 180p1 may have a larger lateral span than the second planar surface 180p2, and may be located closer to the center of the housing 100h than the second planar surface 180p2.

[0347] The reflector 170 can be coupled indirectly or directly to the first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103, which are shown as being connected via... Figure 8A , 8C The orbital is coupled at 180°.

[0348] At least one track 180 may be configured as an integrally formed track in one or both of the first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103. The first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103 include a portion of the radome 150 and may be formed of fiberglass, plastic or other suitable materials.

[0349] In some embodiments, the sealant may be overmolded to provide a sealing material 180s ( Figure 8A For example, at planar sections 180p1 and 180p2. Track 180' may be coupled to a portion of the first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 103 or formed (e.g., extruded) as part of the sidewall section.

[0350] Figures 9A-9D and Figure 12B An exemplary active antenna module 110 is shown in more detail. The active antenna module 110 includes radio circuitry and can be partially inserted through the rear portion 100r and / or backplate 160 of the housing. Figure 12BAs best shown, the active antenna module 110 may include an RRU (Remote Radio Unit) unit 1120. The active antenna module 110 may also include a heat sink 115 and fins 115f. The active antenna module 110 may also include a filter and calibration printed circuit board assembly 1180, and an antenna assembly 1190 including a reflector 1172 and a radiating element 1195. The filter and calibration printed circuit board assembly 1180 may also include a phase shifter, which may alternatively be part of the filter and calibration printed circuit board assembly 1180. The radiating element 1195 may be provided as a massive MIMO array. The RRU unit 1120 is a radio unit that typically includes radio circuitry that converts digital transmissions from a base station into analog RF signals (and vice versa). One or more of the radio unit or RRU unit 1120, antenna assembly 1190, or filter and calibration printed circuit board assembly 1180 may be configured as attachable (stackable) individual sub-units. RRU unit 1120 and antenna assembly 1190 can be provided as integrated units, optionally also including filter and calibration printed circuit board assembly 1180. When configured as subunits, different subunits can be supplied by an OEM or cellular service provider, while still using the housing 100h of a common base station antenna and its passive antenna assembly 190. Antenna assembly 1190 can be coupled to filter and calibration printed circuit board assembly 1180 via, for example, a pogo connector 111. Other connector configurations can be used for each connection, such as a 3-piece SMP connector. RRU unit 1120 can also be coupled to filter and calibration printed circuit board assembly 1180 via pogo connector 111, thus providing a fully blind-fit connection assembly without the need for cable connections. Alignment of cooperating components within tight tolerances may be required to provide suitable performance.

[0351] The active antenna module 110 may include Figure 12B All components of the active antenna module 110' shown are included, except for the second radome 1119 shown. The active antenna module 110' also includes such a second radome 1119. For aesthetic purposes, the second radome 1119 covers the first radome 119, but otherwise is the same as the active antenna module 110 discussed above. The second radome 1119 can serve as an aesthetic cover when the active antenna module 110 is supplied as a standalone product for shipment. This is because the first radome 119 has a relatively unusual shape to fit into the window 188 and / or the aperture 173. The RRU unit 1120 can be wider than the antenna element array 1191, so the first radome 119 is shaped to allow the radiating element 1195 ( Figure 9A , 12B However, radio devices are not permitted, or at least the entire radio device / radio unit is not permitted to be assembled inside the housing 100h. Radiating element 1195 ( Figure 12BThe first antenna radome 1119 may extend through the backplate 160, the window 188 formed by the track 180', and / or through the passive / primary reflector 214. In some embodiments, before / when integrating the active antenna module 110 into the housing 100h of the passive antenna, the second antenna radome 1119 may be removed to allow the active antenna module 110' to engage through the window 188 and the aperture 173 in the housing 100h of the antenna. The first antenna radome 119 remains intact on the active antenna module 110 because it can be configured to provide the first antenna radome 119 of the active antenna module 110 and provide a portion of (sealed) coupling with the housing 100h.

[0352] RRU unit 1120 may have a rectangular body with an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter including a sealable interface 112i and a receiving fastener 117. Figure 3B A planar crossbar 1121 is attached to a plurality of spaced-apart holes 112a in the housing 110h. Specifically, screws or other fastening members 117 may be positioned around the periphery of the chamber and extend through holes 112a in the periphery of the active antenna modules 110, 110' to connect the active antenna modules 110, 110' to the rails 180 and / or the backplate 160. Alternatively, an adapter plate may be used to connect the active antenna module 110 to the rails 180, 180' in the antenna housing 100h (not shown).

[0353] The active antenna modules 110, 110' may also include an externally accessible connector 113 at their bottom, such as... Figure 10A , 12A As shown in the diagram. The externally accessible connector 113 is accessible from the outside during use and when the active antenna module 110 is coupled to the housing 100h of the base station antenna. The externally accessible connector 113 is typically used to connect power and fiber optic cables to the active antenna module 110. In some embodiments, one or more connectors 113 may be varied to couple to an AISG cable to control (passive) RET. The connector may be located in other locations, such as on the side or both the end and the side.

[0354] Figure 9A and Figure 9BThese are front and rear views of the passive antenna assembly 190 of the base station antenna 100 (on which the active antenna module 110 is mounted). As shown, the antenna assembly 190 includes a main backplate 210 having sidewalls 212 and a main reflector 214. The backplate 210 can serve as a structural component of the antenna assembly 190 and as a ground plane and reflector for the radiating elements mounted thereon. The backplate 210 may also include brackets or other support structures (not shown) extending along the rear portion of the backplate 210 between the sidewalls 212. Various mechanical and electronic components of the base station antenna 100 are mounted between the sidewalls 212 and the back side of the main reflector 214; these components are, for example, phase shifters, remote electronic tilting units, mechanical linkages, controllers, duplexers, and other components well known in the art.

[0355] The main backplane 210 defines the main module of the passive antenna assembly 190. The main reflector 214 may include a generally flat metallic surface extending in the longitudinal direction L of the base station antenna 100. The main reflector 214 may be the reflector 170 discussed above, or may be an extension of the reflector 170 discussed above, coupled to the reflector discussed above, or different from that reflector. If the main reflector 214 is a separate reflector, it is coupled to reflector 170 to provide a common electrical ground.

[0356] Some of the radiating elements of the base station antenna 100 (discussed below) may be mounted to extend forward from the main reflector 214, and if dipole-based radiating elements are used, the dipole radiators of these radiating elements may be mounted in front of the main reflector 214 at approximately ¼ of the wavelength of the operating frequency of each radiating element. The main reflector 214 may serve as a reflector and ground plane for the radiating elements of the base station antenna 100 mounted thereon.

[0357] refer to Figure 9A The base station antenna 100 may include one or more arrays 220 of low-frequency band radiating elements 222, one or more arrays 230 of first intermediate frequency band radiating elements 232, one or more arrays 240 of second intermediate frequency band radiating elements 242, and one or more arrays 250 of high-frequency band radiating elements 1195. The low-frequency band radiating elements 222, the first intermediate frequency band radiating elements 232, the second intermediate frequency band radiating elements 242, and the radiating element 1195 may each be a dual-polarized radiating element. Further details of the radiating elements can be found in the co-pending WO2019 / 236203 and WO2020 / 072880, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if described in their entirety herein.

[0358] The low-frequency radiating element 222 is mounted to extend forward from the main reflector 214 (and / or reflector 170) and may be mounted in two columns to form two linear arrays 220 of the low-frequency radiating element 222. In some embodiments, the linear array 220 of each low-frequency band may extend along substantially the full length of the base station antenna 100.

[0359] The low-frequency radiating element 222 may be configured to transmit and receive signals in a first frequency band. In some embodiments, the first frequency band may include a frequency range of 617-960 MHz or a portion thereof (e.g., a 617-896 MHz band, a 696-960 MHz band, etc.). The low-frequency linear array 220 may or may not be used to transmit and receive signals in the same portion of the first frequency band. For example, in some embodiments, the low-frequency radiating element 222 in the first linear array 220-1 may be used to transmit and receive signals in a 700 MHz band, and the low-frequency radiating element 222 in the second linear array 220-2 may be used to transmit and receive signals in an 800 MHz band. In other embodiments, the low-frequency radiating element 222 in both the first linear array 220-1 and the second linear array 220-2 may be used to transmit and receive signals in a 700 MHz (or 800 MHz) band.

[0360] The first intermediate frequency (IF) band radiating element 232 may also be mounted to extend upward from the main reflector 214 and may be mounted in two columns to form a linear array 230 of the first IF band radiating elements 232. The linear array 230 of the first IF band radiating elements 232 may extend along the respective side edges of the main reflector 214. The first IF band radiating element 232 may be configured to transmit and receive signals in a second frequency band. In some embodiments, the second frequency band may include a frequency range of 1427–2690 MHz or a portion thereof (e.g., a 1710–2200 MHz band, a 2300–2690 MHz band, etc.). In the depicted embodiment, the first IF band radiating element 232 is configured to transmit and receive signals in the lower portion of the second frequency band (e.g., some or all of the 1427–2200 MHz band). The linear array 230 of the first IF radiating elements 232 may be configured to transmit and receive signals in the same portion or different portions of the second frequency band.

[0361] The second intermediate frequency (IF) band radiating element 242 can be mounted in a column in the upper portion of the base station antenna 100 to form a linear array 240 of the second IF band radiating elements 242. The second IF band radiating element 242 can be configured to transmit and receive signals in a second frequency band. In the depicted embodiment, the second IF band radiating element 242 is configured to transmit and receive signals in the upper portion of the second frequency band (e.g., some or all of the 2300-2700 MHz band). In the depicted embodiment, the second IF band radiating element 242 may have a different design than the first IF band radiating element 232.

[0362] The high-frequency radiating elements 1195 may be mounted in a row in the upper inner or central portion of the base station antenna 100 to form a linear array 250 of (e.g., four) high-frequency radiating elements. The high-frequency radiating elements 1195 may be configured to transmit and receive signals in a third frequency band. In some embodiments, the third frequency band may include a frequency range of 3300-4200 MHz or a portion thereof.

[0363] In the depicted embodiment, the array 220 of low-frequency radiating elements 222, the array 230 of the first intermediate-frequency radiating elements 232, and the array 240 of the second intermediate-frequency radiating elements 242 are all part of the passive antenna assembly 190, while the array 250 of the high-frequency radiating elements 1195 is part of the active antenna module 110. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the type of arrays included in the passive antenna assembly 190 and / or the active antenna module 110 may vary.

[0364] It will also be recognized that the number of linear arrays of low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency radiating elements may differ from that shown in the figures. For example, the number of linear arrays of each type of radiating element may differ from that shown, some types of linear arrays may be omitted and / or other types of arrays may be added, the number of radiating elements in each array may differ from that shown, and / or the arrays may be arranged differently. As a specific example, the two linear arrays 240 of the second mid-frequency radiating element 242 may be replaced by four linear arrays of an ultra-high-frequency radiating element that transmits and receives signals in the 5 GHz band.

[0365] The low-frequency radiating element 222, the first intermediate-frequency radiating element 232, and the second intermediate-frequency radiating element 242 may each be mounted to extend forward from and / or from the main reflector 214.

[0366] Each array 220 of the low-frequency band radiating elements 222 can be used to form a pair of antenna bundles, i.e., one antenna bundle in each of the two polarizations, where the dual-polarized radiating elements are designed to transmit and receive RF signals. Similarly, each array 230 of the first intermediate-frequency band radiating elements 232 and each array 240 of the second intermediate-frequency band radiating elements 242 can be configured to form a pair of antenna bundles, i.e., one antenna bundle in each of the two polarizations, where the dual-polarized radiating elements are designed to transmit and receive RF signals. Each linear array 220, 230, 240 can be configured to provide service to a sector of the base station. For example, each linear array 220, 230, 240 can be configured to provide approximately 120° of coverage in the azimuth plane, such that the base station antenna 100 can be used as a sector antenna for a three-sector base station. It will be appreciated that the linear arrays can be configured to provide coverage at different azimuth beamwidths. Although all radiating elements in the depicted embodiments—low-frequency band radiating element 222, first intermediate-frequency band radiating element 232, second intermediate-frequency band radiating element 242, and radiating element 1195—are dual-polarized radiating elements, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, some or all of the dual-polarized radiating elements may be replaced with single-polarized radiating elements. It should also be recognized that although the radiating elements are shown as dipole radiating elements in the depicted embodiments, other types of radiating elements, such as, for example, patch radiating elements, may be used in other embodiments.

[0367] Some or all of the low-frequency radiating element 222, the first intermediate-frequency radiating element 232, the second intermediate-frequency radiating element 242, and the radiating element 1195 may be mounted on a feed board that couples RF signals to and from each of the low-frequency radiating element 222, the first intermediate-frequency radiating element 232, the second intermediate-frequency radiating element 242, and the radiating element 1195, wherein one or more of the low-frequency radiating element 222, the first intermediate-frequency radiating element 232, the second intermediate-frequency radiating element 242, and the radiating element 1195 are mounted on each feed board. Cables (not shown) and / or connectors may be used to connect each feed board to other components of the base station antenna 100, such as duplexers, phase shifters, calibration boards, etc.

[0368] Figure 9BThis is a rear view or rear view of the main backplate 210. An RF connector or "port" (connector 140) is mounted in the cover of the bottom 130. This RF connector or port is used to couple RF signals from an external remote radio unit (not shown) to the arrays 220, 230, and 240 of the passive antenna assembly 190. Two RF ports are provided for each array 220, 230, and 240: a first RF port and a second RF port. The first RF port couples a first polarized RF signal between the remote radio unit and the arrays 220, 230, and 240, and the second RF port couples a second polarized RF signal between the remote radio unit and the arrays 220, 230, and 240. Since the low-frequency band radiating element 222, the first intermediate frequency band radiating element 232, and the second intermediate frequency band radiating element 242 can be tilted cross dipole radiating elements, the first polarization and the second polarization can be -45° polarization and +45° polarization, respectively.

[0369] Phase shifter 342 can be connected to a corresponding port in the RF port. Phase shifter 342 can be implemented as, for example, a brushed arc phase shifter, such as the phase shifter disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,907,096 to Timofeev, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Mechanical link 344 can be coupled to a RET actuator (not shown). The RET actuator can apply force to mechanical link 344, which in turn adjusts movable elements on the phase shifter to electronically adjust the downtilt angle of one or more of the low-frequency or mid-frequency linear arrays 220, 230, 240.

[0370] It should be noted that a multi-connector RF port (also known as a “cluster” connector) can be used instead of a single RF port. A suitable cluster connector is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 375,530, filed April 4, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0371] Figure 9C The high-frequency band radiating element 1195 of the active antenna assembly 1190 is shown. Note that the low-frequency band radiating element 222 may extend (partially) in front of the outer row of the high-frequency band radiating element 1195. In some embodiments, the low-frequency band radiating element 222 may have a tilted feed stem, which allows the low-frequency band radiating element 222 to be mounted on the main reflector 214 while still extending in front of the high-frequency band array 250.

[0372] refer to Figure 9C and 9D The active antenna assembly 1190 may include an active antenna reflector, which serves as a reflector for the high-frequency band radiating element 1195.

[0373] The reflector 170 and / or main reflector 214 of the passive antenna assembly 190 in the base station antenna 100 typically include a metal sheet and are held electrically grounded. The reflector is used to redirect RF radiation emitted backward in the forward direction by the radiating element and also serves as a ground reference for the radiating element. When the active antenna is constructed as a separate active antenna module 110, the reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110 is electrically coupled to the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 when assembled into the housing 100h of the base station antenna, such that the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 and the reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110 are at a common electrical ground reference.

[0374] In some embodiments, reflector 1172 may be spaced apart from reflector 170 (and / or main reflector 214) of passive antenna assembly 190 around a small gap space “g” (in the front-to-back direction) typically ranging from about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

[0375] In embodiments of the present invention, two reflectors 1172, 170 are configured as cooperative reflectors of a base station antenna 100. Once the active antenna module 110 is assembled into the housing 100h of the base station antenna, the two reflectors 1172, 170 can be placed close to each other, thereby allowing the two reflectors 170, 1172 to be electrically coupled to achieve a common ground reference. The active antenna module 110 provides reflector 1172 as a removable reflector from the housing 100h of the base station antenna. The reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110 can be configured to be capacitively coupled to the fixed reflector 170 in the housing 100h of the base station antenna associated with the passive antenna assembly 190.

[0376] The reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110 can also be partially used as a reflector for some of the radiating elements of the passive antenna assembly 190 (e.g., the low-frequency radiating element 222 located in the upper portion of the base station housing adjacent to the active antenna module 110). Therefore, the reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110 can be part of the circuitry of the passive antenna assembly 190.

[0377] The passive reflector 170 (main reflector 214) and the active reflector 1172 can be capacitively coupled together, so the metal sheets forming these reflectors can be physically spaced / separated. In general, these features allow a) field replacement of the active antenna module 110 and b) interleaving of active / passive components without increasing the overall width of the base station antenna housing 100h.

[0378] refer to Figure 9EThe outer periphery of reflector 1172 can be configured to couple with reflector 170 (main reflector 214) to a common ground reference. The coupling between the passive reflectors 170 and 1172 of the active antenna module 110 can be important for the performance of the passive antenna. In some embodiments, portions of the two reflectors 170, 1172 can overlap with a very small gap to facilitate strong capacitive coupling between the two reflectors, such that the two reflectors will be at a common ground reference.

[0379] The base station antenna 100 may have at least one radome inserted between two coupled reflectors 170, 1172.

[0380] refer to Figure 9E The base station antenna 100 may be configured with a first radome 119 and a second radome 1129, which are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and positioned between reflectors 170 and 1172. The first radome 119 may be part of an active antenna module 110 and is configured to seal the active antenna module 110. The second radome 1129 may be configured as a skin or a middle / intermediate radome and may be configured to seal the housing 100h of the base station antenna, including the passive antenna assembly 190, at the cavity 155. Figure 3A The second radome 1129 defines a seal covering the open cavity 155 before coupling to the active antenna module 110. The second radome 1129 may have a rigid, semi-rigid (self-supporting shape), or flexible construction. The second radome 1129 is located between the first radome 119 and the front of the housing / external radome 150. When the active antenna module 110 is assembled into the housing 100h, both the first radome 119 and the second radome 1129 can be inside the housing 100h.

[0381] In some embodiments, foil and / or metallized surface coatings, etc., may be disposed on or between one or more coupling surfaces of reflectors 1172, 170 and / or the second radome 1129, the first radome 119, to improve capacitive coupling when needed or in use. The first radome 119 of the active antenna module 110 may be a patterned radome having a series of laterally spaced peak and valley segments to reduce coupling between adjacent rows of antenna elements and / or otherwise improve performance. Further description of patterned radomes can be found in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 083,379, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully described herein.

[0382] Figure 9FAn exemplary embodiment of a low-frequency radiating element 222 (which may optionally be a low-frequency element) with an angled feed stem 221 is shown. According to an embodiment of the invention, the low-frequency radiating element 222 is positioned to extend above reflector 170 (main reflector 214) and reflector 1172. The first and second reflectors (main reflector 214) may be parallel and are shown as coplanar. The outer peripheral side sections 119s of the lip or other shape of the first radome 119 may extend laterally and longitudinally below or above the side sections 170s of reflector 170 (main reflector 214).

[0383] Figure 9G The reflector 1172 is shown to have laterally extending side segments 1172s. Side segments 119s of the first radome 119 may extend between the side segments 1172s of the reflector 1172 and adjacent segments of the reflector 170. The reflector 170 (main reflector 214) and the reflector 1172 may be capacitively coupled through the first radome 119. The first radome 119 may define a dielectric or be configured to provide an air gap or facilitate or provide capacitive coupling.

[0384] Figure 9H , 9I yes Figure 9E , 9F A greatly enlarged cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling surfaces of the first and second reflector interfaces of the device shown in 9G. Figure 9H The horizontal coupling configuration between the horizontal surface of reflector 170 and reflector 1172 of active antenna module 110 is shown (in the indicated orientation). Figure 9I A vertical coupling configuration between two reflectors 170, 1172 is shown (in the indicated orientation). In other words, the coupling configuration may be provided by one or both of the surface region segments 1172s, 170s that are parallel to each other, and may include one or more segments that are parallel to and / or perpendicular to the main surfaces 1172p, 170p of the reflectors 1172, 170, respectively.

[0385] Figure 9J-9O The modified coupling configuration is shown, which increases the surface area of ​​the coupling sections 170s and 1172s of the (removable) active antenna module 110 reflector 1172 and the (fixed) reflector 170 (main reflector 214) of the base station antenna housing 100h.

[0386] Figure 9M-9O An inner sidewall 170w, which can be provided by a passive reflector 170, is shown. The sidewall 170w can be perpendicular to the main surface 170p of the reflector 170.

[0387] The coupling of reflectors 1172 and 170 allows for individual mounting of the reflectors and can be configured to use any capacitive coupling, including plate capacitor type constructions.

[0388] refer to Figure 10A and Figure 10B The active antenna module 110 can be installed by aligning the active antenna module 110 with the recessed section 108 above the chamber 155 and inserting the active antenna module 110 toward the front 100f of the housing 100h, such that the active antenna module 110 is sealed to the antenna housing 100h at the recessed section 108. Insertion can be done manually by pushing inward in a single step without tools. After proper engagement, insertion / pressing can also seal the active antenna module 110 to the housing 100h.

[0389] When Figure 10B When installed, the active antenna module 110 is externally accessible and has an outermost span (shown as the lower portion) in plane P1 that differs from plane P2 of the main outer surface 151p of the second segment 151 of the radome 150. In some embodiments, plane P1 is at a distance D1 from the main surface of the front portion 100f of the housing 100h, and P2 is at a distance D2 from the main surface of the front portion 100f of the housing 100. D1-D2 can range from about (-1) inch to about (+6) inches, for example, about +0.25 inches, +0.5 inches, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, or +6 inches. Therefore, the active antenna module 110 can protrude outward from the lower portion of the rear portion of the radome 150 by a relatively small distance, flush with (e.g., coplanar) or recessed relative to plane P2, thereby providing a compact construction and / or avoiding a shift in the center of gravity of the housing 100h of the base station antenna.

[0390] Figure 23C The rear of the active antenna module 110 at the first distance D1 is shown. Figure 25C The rear of the active antenna module 110 is shown at a larger second distance D2 from the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h, both coupled to an internal track 180 in the housing 100h via adapter members 2900, 2900' attached to the active antenna module 110. That is, different configurations of the active antenna module 110 with radio circuitry can be mounted at different distances from the rear portion 100r of the antenna housing 100, resulting in a narrower or thicker product at that location. The adapter members 2900, 2900' can be configured to position the first radome 119 at substantially the same location (e.g., within approximately (+ / -) 1-10 mm) in the housing 100h at the externally facing radome 150 and / or the front portion 100f of the housing.

[0391] Plane P1 may be recessed into, flush with or protrude outward from the rear surface 120r of the top 120 of the antenna housing 100h, optionally at the same distance or greater than the outer main surface 151p of the second section 151 of the radome 150, for example, D1-D2.

[0392] Figure 11A-11D An exemplary sequence of actions is shown for mounting an active antenna module 110 to a base station antenna 100 when the base station antenna 100 is held by a mounting structure 300. The base station antenna 100 may include mounting hardware 310 attached to the rear portion 100r of a housing 100h. The active antenna module 110 may also include mounting hardware 310, which, after being attached to the base station antenna 100, can be coupled to the mounting structure 300. Figure 11D ).

[0393] When the active antenna module 110 is installed onto the base station antenna 100, it can be provided and / or installed as a stand-alone unit and / or in an assembled active / passive configuration. The base station antenna housing 100h can be installed without the active antenna module 110 for future upgrades.

[0394] Figure 12A and Figure 12B An example of another embodiment of an active antenna module 110', which may include the second radome 1119 as discussed above, is shown. Alternatively, the active antenna module 110' may be optionally configured to be mounted to the housing 100h without requiring a sealed interface, and the corresponding receiving recess 108 may have a closed rearward surface.

[0395] According to other embodiments of the present invention, a base station antenna 100 is provided, the base station antenna having one or more active antenna modules 110 mounted on the rear portion 100r of the base station antenna 100. Figure 13 This is a rear perspective view of a base station antenna 100'' including a pair of active antenna modules 110 mounted on the rear 100r (shown as mounted in the corresponding recessed section 108).

[0396] Figure 14 Another embodiment is shown in which the recessed section 108 and the active antenna module 110 can extend beyond the main portion of the length of the rear portion 100r of the base station antenna 100'''.

[0397] In some embodiments, the base station antenna can be designed such that a variety of different active antenna modules 110 can be used in a given base station antenna 100. The active antenna module 110 can be manufactured by any original equipment manufacturer and / or cellular service provider and mounted on the back of the antenna. This allows cellular operators to purchase the base station antenna and the radio equipment mounted thereon separately, thus providing greater flexibility for cellular operators to select antennas and radio equipment that meet operational requirements, price constraints, and other considerations.

[0398] Base station antennas 100 can offer many advantages over conventional antennas. As cellular operators upgrade their networks to support fifth-generation (“5G”) services, the base station antennas being deployed are becoming increasingly complex. There is a desire to minimize antenna size and / or integrate an increased number of antennas or antenna elements within a single radome. For example, it is not possible to simply add new antennas to support 5G services due to space constraints on existing base station towers and / or the allowed antenna count. Therefore, cellular operators are choosing to deploy antennas supporting multiple generations of cellular services by including a linear array of radiating elements operating in various different frequency bands within a single antenna. Thus, for example, cellular operators now typically request a single base station antenna supporting services in three, four, or even five or more different frequency bands. Furthermore, to support 5G services, these antennas can include multi-column arrays of radiating elements supporting active beamforming. Cellular operators are seeking to support all these services in a base station antenna that is comparable in size to a conventional base station antenna supporting far fewer frequency bands.

[0399] According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for assembling a beamforming radio device on a base station antenna to provide a base station component. Installation methods suitable for factory installation and methods for field-installing (or replacing) the beamforming radio device on a base station antenna are provided. In the following discussion, the installation methods will be described primarily by reference to mounting an active antenna module 110 with the beamforming radio device to a base station antenna 100. However, it should be recognized that these techniques can be used in any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, with appropriate modifications as appropriate.

[0400] The active antenna module 110 can also be easily replaced in the field. Base station antennas are typically mounted on towers, often hundreds of feet above the ground. Base station antennas can also be large and heavy, mounted on antenna mounts extending outwards from the tower. Therefore, replacing base station antennas can be difficult and expensive. The active antenna module 110 with beamforming radios can be field-installable and / or replaceable without requiring the base station antenna 100 to be separated from the antenna mount.

[0401] Now refer to Figure 15A flowchart illustrating exemplary actions that can be used to mount a base station antenna is shown. A base station antenna housing (block 600) is provided, including a passive antenna assembly. An active antenna module is attached to the base station antenna housing, wherein the active antenna module is held in a recessed section, and at least its rear portion is outside the base station antenna housing to define a base station antenna (block 610).

[0402] The base station antenna housing may have a rear surface with a recessed area, wherein the recessed area covers the internal cavity of the component having a passive antenna assembly, and an attachment step is performed to place the inner surface of the active antenna module in or against the recessed area (box 612).

[0403] An attachment step can be performed to hermetically attach the active antenna module to the base station antenna housing, thereby providing waterproof or watertight coupling (box 614).

[0404] The active antenna module may include a mounting bracket (frame 616) coupled to the mounting structure for field operation.

[0405] The base station antenna housing may include a base plate with holes and a peripheral portion surrounding the holes, and an active antenna module may be hermetically coupled to the peripheral portion of the base plate when attached to the antenna housing (box 618).

[0406] The base station antenna housing can be configured to interchangeably accept different active antenna modules (box 620).

[0407] When the base station antenna is coupled to the installation structure in the field, the user can remove the active antenna module and replace it with a different active antenna module in the field (box 622).

[0408] Now for reference Figure 16A , 16B 17A, 17B, and 18, the active antenna module 110'' can be configured to be slidably inserted into and coupled to the base station antenna 100 from the top 100t. A first track 1801 and a second track 1802 (before assembly with the active antenna module 110'') can be exposed external tracks 180'', which are slidably (matchably) coupled to a longitudinally extending track coupler 1220. The track coupler 1220 is provided as a pair, one extending along the corresponding right side 110r or left side 110l of the active antenna module 110''. The track coupler 1220 can be positioned between the (internal) first radome 119 and the rear surface of the active antenna module 110''. If more than two active antenna modules 110 are used, other sliding removable configurations can be used, including sliding from the bottom 100b instead of the top 100t, or sliding from both the top and bottom, one in each direction.

[0409] Similar to Figures 8A-8F In the illustrated embodiment, during assembly, the active antenna module 110'' (sealed) is coupled to the upper portion of the base station antenna 100. However, mounting the active antenna module 110' to the sealed interface 100i surrounding the receiving cavity does not require screws or pins. This top-sliding coupling configuration facilitates field assembly and / or reduces alignment issues during field retrofitting.

[0410] The first linear array 220-1 and the second linear array 220-2 of the low-frequency band radiating element 222 are positioned on the right and left portions of the base station antenna on each side of the rear 100r of the housing and / or the receiving recess area of ​​the chamber or cavity (see also...). Figure 9A , 23C (25C). The outer peripheral shape of the first radome 119 can be configured to slide through some of these radiating elements and adjacent to their extension. The seal 112 can be located on one or both of the inner surface of the active antenna module 110'' and the sealing interface 100i of the housing 100h of the base station antenna surrounding the receiving chamber or cavity.

[0411] The housing 100h of the base station antenna may include a cross section extending across the lower and upper ends of the receiving chamber / cavity, which may optionally form part of the sealed interface 100i of the housing.

[0412] In some embodiments, the active antenna module 110'' includes an inwardly projecting top member 1225 that may be coupled to and / or define a portion of the top 120 of the base station antenna 100 and provide a moisture-proof seal and / or top cover. The top member 1225 may extend inwardly beyond the first radome 119.

[0413] The length of the housing 100h (typically including the top 100t of the housing 100h for the base station antenna) can have an open or closed "U" shape that slidably receives the active antenna module 110''. The sides of the "U" shape correspond to the rearwardly projecting first sidewall 101 and second sidewall 103 of the housing 100h. Figure 5 ), and the distance extended is less than the lateral span of the bottom of the "U" shape, wherein the bottom is defined by the front 100f of the shell 100h. The lateral member 169 can be used to close the top of the U-shape at one or more locations to increase structural stiffness. Figure 30A ).

[0414] The top of the active antenna module 110'' can be constructed in other ways, similar to the top of the base station antenna housing, to provide a suitable watertight seal. For example, a removable end member with a seal such as a gasket or a pivot top member with a seal such as a gasket can be attached to the top of the base station antenna to open, thereby allowing the active antenna module 110'' to be slidably inserted or removed (not shown).

[0415] Figure 16A , 16B Figures 17A and 17B show that the housing 100h of the base station antenna may further include rearwardly projecting side members 1310, which extend behind the first rail 1801 and the second rail 1802 and also longitudinally extend the sub-length of the antenna housing 100h, one on each side of the receiving cavity. The side members 1310 are coupled to the mounting hardware 310. The active antenna module 110'' can be fully supported by the antenna housing 100h when mounted to the mounting structure 300, without requiring mounting hardware attached to the active antenna module 110'' itself.

[0416] Mounting hardware 310 may include an arm 310a that protrudes outward (towards the rear 100r of housing 100h) when the base station antenna housing 100h is installed in a field-use orientation, such that it defines a small gap between the rear surface of the active antenna module 110'' and the mounting structure 300, thereby allowing the active antenna module 110' to be slidably advanced (or retracted for replacement) between the mounting structure 300 and the mounting hardware 310.

[0417] Figure 18 The active antenna module 110'' shown may include mounting hardware 310 coupled to its rear surface, and the mounting hardware 310 may be used to mount it to the mounting structure 300 after it has been attached to the base station antenna 100.

[0418] Alternatively, a mounting structure 300 can be used to mount the active antenna module 110''. Figure 17A , 17B The combination of the mounting configuration shown in 18.

[0419] At least one of reflector 170 or reflector 1172 may be provided by a frequency selective surface and / or substrate configured to allow RF energy (electromagnetic waves) to pass through one or more first-defined frequency ranges and configured to reflect RF energy in different second frequency bands. The frequency selective surface and / or substrate may be interchangeably referred to herein as “FSS”. Thus, reflectors of the base station antenna 100 (e.g., one or both of passive reflector 170 and / or active antenna reflector 1172) may be positioned behind at least some antenna elements and may selectively reject some frequency bands and allow others to pass through by including the frequency selective surface and / or substrate to operate as a “spatial filter”. See, for example, Ben A. Munk, Frequency Selective Surfaces: Theory and Design, ISBN: 978-0-471-37047-5; DOI: 10.1002 / 0471723770; Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if they were described in their entirety.

[0420] The frequency selection surface and / or substrate material for the corresponding reflector can include metamaterials, suitable RF materials, or even air (although air may require more complex assembly). The term "metamaterial" refers to a composite electromagnetic (EM) material. Metamaterials can include subwavelength periodic microstructures.

[0421] The FSS material can be provided as one or more cooperative layers. The FSS material may include a substrate having a dielectric constant in the range of about 2-4 (e.g., about 3.7) and a thickness of about 5 mils, and a metallic pattern formed on the dielectric substrate. The thickness can vary, but thinner materials can provide lower losses.

[0422] Reflectors 170 and 1172 may be parallel, optionally coplanar, and one or both may include an FSS.

[0423] The reflector 170 (of the housing 100h of the passive antenna) may include a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f, and may be physically (e.g., integral) and / or electrically coupled to the main reflector 214 of the passive antenna assembly 190.

[0424] The reflector 170 of the passive base station antenna 100 may include a frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f, and may be positioned in front of the reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110, for example, closer to the front 100f of the housing 100h than the reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110.

[0425] In some embodiments, when assembled into a passive antenna assembly housing, reflector 1172 may be positioned closer to the front 100f of housing 100h than reflector 170 of passive antenna assembly 190.

[0426] Now for reference Figure 19A and 19B The reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 in the base station antenna 100 can be configured with an FSS material 1500 to define a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f. This configuration eliminates the need for electrical coupling, such as capacitive coupling, between the reflector 1172 (the reflector of the active antenna module 110) and the reflector 170 (the reflector of the passive antenna assembly 190).

[0427] Optionally, the reflector 1172 may be configured to have a frequency-selective surface and / or substrate 1172f.

[0428] In some embodiments, the FSS material 1500 of the frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f of the reflector 170 of the passive antenna assembly 190 can be configured to act as a high-pass filter, which essentially allows low-frequency band energy to be completely reflected (the FSS can act as a sheet metal) while allowing higher-frequency band energy (e.g., about 3.5 GHz or higher) to pass through completely. Therefore, the frequency-selective substrate / surface is transparent or invisible to higher-frequency band energy, and a suitable out-of-band rejection response from the FSS can be achieved. The FSS material 1500 can allow for a reduction in filtering, or even eliminate the need for filtering in retrospective radio devices.

[0429] In some embodiments, the reflector 170 having a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f can be implemented by forming a frequency-selective surface on a printed circuit board, optionally a flexible circuit board. In some embodiments, for example, the reflector 170 can be implemented as a multilayer printed circuit board having one or more layers having a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f, the frequency-selective surface being configured such that electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency range cannot propagate through the reflector 170, and wherein one or more other predetermined frequency ranges associated with one or more layers of the multilayer printed circuit board are allowed to pass through it.

[0430] Figure 20A An exemplary low-frequency band antenna element 222 is shown, wherein a dipole arm is positioned in front of a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f. Figure 20BAn exemplary high-frequency band antenna element 252 is shown positioned behind a frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f and in front of a reflector 1172 of an active antenna module 110. This configuration avoids electrical coupling between the passive reflector 170 for the low-frequency band array 220 and the active reflector 1172 for the higher-frequency band array. Instead, the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f can extend the full width of the antenna, and the higher-frequency / high-frequency band active antenna (e.g., HB / 3.5 GHz) in front of the active reflector 1172 can transmit RF energy through this frequency selective substrate and / or surface (FSS) 170f.

[0431] In some embodiments, the frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f may be positioned at a distance ranging from 1 / 8 to 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength behind the low-frequency band radiating element 222. The term "operating wavelength" refers to the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the operating frequency band of the radiating element (e.g., the low-frequency band radiating element 222).

[0432] refer to Figure 20C and Figure 20D For example, the FSS material 1500 of the corresponding reflector 170 of the passive antenna housing 100h and / or the reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110 may include a substrate 1500s having one or more layers having a partial or complete pattern 1500p of patches 1502 and a metal grid 1530 to provide frequency selectivity characteristics for the FSS reflector. As shown, the substrate 1500s is a dielectric material having a metal pattern of patches 1502 and a metal grid 1530. The pattern 1500p can be configured to allow some frequencies to pass through the reflector and some frequencies to be reflected, thereby providing a frequency selectivity surface and / or substrate. The pattern 1500p can be varied in different regions of the FSS material 1500 of the corresponding reflector (e.g., the reflector 170 of the passive antenna), and in some regions the pattern may be absent and in these regions there may be complete or partially complete metal sub-surface regions or complete or partially complete metal layers.

[0433] The pattern 1500p provided by FSS material 1500 may be the same or different in size and / or shape in the corresponding area or sub-area and / or different layers of the patch 1502. The shape of the patch 1502 and the shape of the elements of the metal grid 1530 may be, for example, polygonal, hexagonal, circular, rectangular or square, and each shape may be formed of metal.

[0434] Pattern 1500p can be configured such that, for example, there are gap spaces 1503 separating the peripheries of adjacent patches 15021, 15022. Mesh 1530 can subdivide the gap spaces 1503 into “islands” of dielectric material surrounding each patch 1502. The gap spaces 1503 may include regions of the dielectric substrate where no metal is deposited. The metallic mesh 1530 can be embedded within the gap spaces 1503 between patches 1502. This metallic mesh 1530 can be printed on opposite sides of the substrate 1500s and does not need to be on the same side of the substrate as the patches 1502.

[0435] Pattern 1500p can be provided by one layer or by different layers that cooperate to provide frequency selectivity characteristics that substantially prevent electromagnetic waves in a first operating frequency band from passing through the FSS material 1500, while allowing electromagnetic waves in a second operating frequency band to pass through the FSS material 1500.

[0436] In some embodiments, the pattern 1500p of patch 1502 can be configured as an array of patches 1502 with closely spaced geometric shapes.

[0437] The patch 1502 may be provided by copper etched on the substrate 1500s. In some embodiments, the pattern 1500p of the patch 1502 may be configured such that the patch 1502 is held by a honeycomb or material mesh to suspend the patch 1502, without the need for a physical overlay or underlay of the base substrate.

[0438] The FSS material 1500 may include two structures printed on the same or opposite sides (opposite main surfaces) of the substrate 1500s. One structure may be a hexagonal pattern forming a patch 1502, and the other structure may be a mesh or grid 1530 that looks like a honeycomb structure.

[0439] The grid 1530 may optionally be positioned in front of, behind, or between one or more adjacent layers providing the pattern 1500p of the patch 1502. When using the grid 1530, the grid may be metallic and may be placed or formed on the top or bottom layer of the substrate 1500s and / or behind the rearmost patch 1502 (closest to the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h) or in front of the frontmost patch 1502 (closest to the front portion 100f of the housing). The term “grid” refers to an open cell or lattice-type structure. The term “fine grid” means that the grid has a thickness in the range of about 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, for example, about 0.1 mm (e.g., width in the lateral direction and / or depth in the front-to-back upward direction of the housing 100h of the base station antenna 100).

[0440] As shown in the figure, the relatively large patch 1502 is made of metal (e.g., copper), and the adjacent area is a gap space 1503, which may be defined by an exposed substrate. Mesh elements 1530e are spaced apart from adjacent patches 1502. Patches 1502 are metal, and the finer meshes 1530 are also metal, typically the same metal, but different metals can be used. The area between patches 1502 and mesh elements 1530e is the gap space 1503, and the area of ​​the gap space 1503 between adjacent patches 1502 may have a smaller area than the patch 1502 and a larger lateral span than the mesh element 1530e.

[0441] Figure 21A and Figure 21B The frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f is shown to be configured with cutouts or channels 2170, which allow the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f to slide in place or otherwise assemble around the feed plate 1200 and / or feed handle 222f of the low-frequency band radiating element 222. The frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f can be configured as a single unit or as multiple units. For example, the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f can be configured as multiple segments that can be assembled together and formed with cutouts for the feed handle 222f.

[0442] like Figure 19A As shown in / 19B, the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f can be positioned closer to the front 100f of the housing 100h than the main reflector 214 of the passive antenna assembly 190. The reflector 1172 of the active antenna module 110 can be stacked behind the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f and can be positioned inside or near the rear surface of the housing 100h. The frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f can be capacitively coupled to the main reflector 214.

[0443] In other embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 22A and 22B The frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f may be coplanar with the main reflector 214. The active antenna module 110 may be positioned at another distance outside the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h. The reflector 1172 in the active antenna module 110 may be positioned outside the housing 100h, stacked behind the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f. The dipole radiator of the low-frequency band radiating element 222 may be positioned in front of the frequency selective surface. In some embodiments, it is not necessary to form a channel for the feed handle 222f in the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f.

[0444] refer to Figure 21CFSS material 1500 can be provided as printed circuit board 1500c. FSS material 1500 can be configured such that the predetermined frequency range through which one or more metal layers 1501a, 1501b, 1501c, 1501d of the multilayer printed circuit board 1500c passes or blocks may differ from one or more other layers. In some embodiments, the predetermined frequency ranges through which one or more layers of the multilayer printed circuit board pass or block may not overlap with each other. In some embodiments, the predetermined frequency ranges through which one or more layers of the multilayer printed circuit board pass or block may at least partially overlap with each other. In such embodiments, each layer in the multilayer printed circuit board with the frequency selective surface is equivalent to a “spatial filter,” and the entire multilayer printed circuit board equivalently includes a plurality of cascaded “spatial filters,” wherein each “spatial filter” is configured to allow or block (i.e., pass through or substantially attenuate and / or reflect) a portion of a first operating frequency band, thereby collectively substantially allowing or preventing electromagnetic waves within the corresponding defined operating frequency band from passing through the reflector or being blocked / reflected by the reflector. Therefore, the design of the frequency selection surface of each layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 1500c can be simplified, while ensuring that electromagnetic waves within one or more defined operating frequency bands are reflected / substantially blocked by the FSS material 1500 or allowed to pass through the FSS material 1500.

[0445] In some embodiments, the FSS material 1500 may include a dielectric plate 1500d having opposing first main surfaces 1510 and second main surfaces 1512, both located behind radiators in corresponding columns of the first radiating element. One or both of the first main surfaces 1510 and 1512 may include periodic conductive structures forming frequency-selective surfaces. The periodic conductive structures may be formed on both the first and second main surfaces to create the frequency-selective surface of the FSS material 1500.

[0446] In some embodiments, the FSS material 1500 may include a plurality of periodically arranged reflector units, wherein each unit may include a first unit structure having a periodic conductive structure formed on a first main surface of the dielectric substrate and a second unit structure having a periodic conductive structure formed on a second main surface of the dielectric substrate. The position of the first unit structure may correspond to the position of the second unit structure. In some embodiments, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first and second main surfaces, the center of each first unit structure coincides with the center of the corresponding second unit structure.

[0447] In some embodiments, the first unit structure can be equivalent to an inductor (L), and the second unit structure can be equivalent to a capacitor (C). Therefore, the reflector unit including the first unit structure and the correspondingly arranged second unit structure can be equivalent to an LC resonant circuit. In some embodiments, the reflector unit can be configured to be equivalent to a parallel LC resonant circuit. By designing the equivalent inductance of the first unit structure and the equivalent capacitance of the second unit structure, the frequency range through which the frequency selection surface is allowed can be adjusted to the desired frequency range.

[0448] In some embodiments, traveling radio frequency waves through the FSS material 1500 may encounter shunt LC resonators and transmission lines (the substrate has an impedance Z0 that depends on its thickness). The capacitance of each cell may be realized / defined or formed by coupling across the gap between the grid and the patch. Inductors may be made of fine metal wires of the grid.

[0449] Mesh / grid structures can define high-pass filters, and patches can define low-pass filters; together, they define band-pass filters. Multilayer printed circuit boards with multiple FSS structures can be used for stronger filter responses.

[0450] In some embodiments, the periodic conductive structure on the first main surface of the dielectric substrate includes a grid 1530 (array structure), the first unit structure includes grid elements 1530e serving as repeating units in the grid 1530 (array structure), and the periodic conductive structure on the second main surface of the dielectric substrate includes a patch array pattern and / or structure, the second unit structure including patches 1502 serving as repeating units in the patch array structure. For example, the grid elements 1530e of the first unit structure may have an annular shape, such as a square or regular polygon, and the patches 1502 of the second unit structure may have a shape, such as a square or regular polygon.

[0451] The following text is for reference only. Figure 21D This disclosure describes in detail several exemplary configurations of the frequency selection substrate and / or FSS material 1500 of the surface 170f of the base station antenna 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0452] For example, such as Figure 21DAs shown, the FSS material 1500 may include a set of reflector units 1500u. Each reflector unit 1500u may be configured to have a periodic (conductive) and / or cell structure on a first main surface 1510 and a periodic (conductive) and / or cell structure on a second main surface 1512. The cell structure on the first main surface 1510 may be a grid element 1530e of a metal grid 1530, and the cell structure on the second main surface 1512 may be a metal patch 1502. The aligned pairs of cell structures of the corresponding reflector units 1500u may have the same or different shapes and sizes, but are shown as having the same size and shape. For example, the reflector unit 1500u may have a square grid providing square grid elements 1530e and square patches 1502 (second cell structures) at corresponding positions on both sides of the dielectric plate / on the first main surface 1510 and the second main surface 1512. Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first main surface 1510 and the second main surface 1512, the center of the square grid 1530 coincides with the center of the square patch 1502. This type of reflector unit 1500u can be constructed as an equivalent parallel resonant circuit formed by an inductor (square grid) and a capacitor (square patch). The values ​​of the inductance of the inductor and the capacitance of the capacitor in the equivalent parallel resonant circuit can be determined based on the desired frequency selectivity of the frequency-selective surface, and then the size of the grid element 1530e and the size of the patch 1502 can be determined accordingly. Figure 21D In the example, FSS material 1500 is shown as comprising three rows and eight columns of reflector units 1500u; however, it should be understood that this is a non-limiting example and the arrangement of the reflector units can be determined based on the design size of the unit structure.

[0453] exist Figure 21D In the exemplary pattern shown, conductive material is present at the locations of the black lines (metallic grid 1530) and the black patches 1502 (blocks), but not at the white locations. Conductive material can be deposited on both sides of the dielectric substrate, and then the corresponding pattern can be formed by etching techniques such as photolithography or FIB polishing, thereby forming a periodic conductive structure to achieve a frequency-selective surface. Any other suitable methods known in the art or developed later can be used to form the desired periodic conductive structure on the dielectric substrate. The periodic conductive structure can be formed using any suitable conductive material, typically metals such as copper, silver, and aluminum. The dielectric substrate can be, for example, a printed circuit board. The thickness, dielectric constant, magnetic permeability, and other parameters of the dielectric substrate can affect the reflection or transmission characteristics at the desired operating frequency.

[0454] refer to Figure 22C-22HA portion of a base station antenna 100 is shown, wherein a passive antenna assembly 190 includes a main reflector 214 and an FSS material 1500 adjacent to the main reflector 214, which serves as a frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f for passive reflection. The main reflector 214 of the passive antenna assembly 190 may be configured to have an upper extension forming a metallic reflector side section 170s that can be coupled to the FSS material 1500. A feed plate 1200 may be disposed in front of or behind the side section 170s. The feed plate 1200 is connected to a feed handle 222f of a low-frequency radiating element 222 (e.g., a low-frequency element). The feed handle 222f may be an angled feed handle 221 projecting outward and laterally inward, with the front end of the feed handle 221 positioned closer to the center of the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f than the rear end. The feed plate 1200 may be coupled to and / or connected to the FSS material 1500.

[0455] The feed plate 1200 can be located behind or in front of the FSS material 1500 and can be capacitively coupled to the passive metal reflector 170 and the main reflector 214. The FSS material 1500 can be installed in front of or behind the reflector section 170s and can be capacitively coupled to the passive reflector 170 and the main reflector 214.

[0456] The FSS material 1500 may extend parallel to the second sidewall 103 of the base station antenna housing 100h. For example, the reflector-side section 170s may have an "L" shape and / or orthogonal sections, such as... Figure 22H As shown, and the “L-shaped and / or orthogonal segments” may include FSS material 1500. FSS material 1500 may form part of any reflector or inner wall supporting the radiating antenna element, particularly where the antenna element is located in front of and / or behind the FSS material 1500.

[0457] Figure 22G The diagram shows that the FSS material 1500 may have a perimeter with side edges having cutouts or channels 2170, some of which have a longer length than others, thereby allowing connectors and / or cables of the feed board and / or feed handle 222f to extend from the feed board through the cutouts or channels 2170. Reference Figure 22E and 22F The longitudinally extending peripheries of the FSS material 1500 on the left and right sides may extend in front of or behind the corresponding (right and left) side sections 170s of the passive metallic reflector 170 / main reflector 214. In some embodiments, the passive reflector 170 may have an elongated longitudinally extending opening 1170 on each side, the opening being configured to allow the feed stem 222f to extend forward through.

[0458] A feed plate 1200 may be provided with a feed handle 222f extending a certain distance in front of the side section 170 and capable of connecting to a radiating element (e.g., a low-band or mid-band radiating element). The feed handle 222f may be an angled feed handle projecting outward and laterally inward, with the front end of the feed handle 222f positioned closer to the lateral center of the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f than the rear end. The feed plate 1200 may be connected to the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f and / or the metal side section 170s. As shown, the feed plate 1200 may be parallel to the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f and laterally positioned on each of its sides.

[0459] In some embodiments, such as Figure 22I As shown, the frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f may be configured with a metallic pattern 1500p, which is incorporated into an all-metal side segment or region, the side segment or region being shaped as a laterally extending metallic tab with a fully metallized front and / or rear surface. The region of the all-metal 2270 may be coupled (e.g., capacitively coupled) to the longitudinally extending side segment 170s of the passive primary reflector 214 located on the right and left sides of the base station antenna.

[0460] In some embodiments, such as Figure 22J As shown, the feed plate 1200 can be orthogonal or substantially orthogonal (+ / - 15 degrees) to the patch-mounted frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f. In this orientation, the feed plate 1200 can be positioned adjacent to and parallel to or substantially parallel (+ / - 30 degrees) to the second sidewall 103 of the base station antenna connecting the front radome 150 and the rear portion 100r of the base station antenna. The low-frequency band radiating element 222 can extend laterally inward above the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f. This configuration can reduce the blocking of high-frequency band energy at high scan angles. The lateral width of the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f can be used, for example, full width or substantially full width (substantially full width means + / - 15% of the full width of the base station antenna), such that the lateral outward extension of the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f corresponds to a distance of the lateral width of the base station antenna.

[0461] It should also be noted that a power supply board 1200 is not required, and a small or micro power divider with cables can be used instead of a power supply board.

[0462] Now go to Figures 23A-23C24, 34, and 35A-35C, the active antenna module 110 may include at least one adapter member 2900. As shown, the at least one adapter member 2900 may be configured as a pair of adapter members, with one adapter member attached to each of the right and left sides of the active antenna module 110. A first radome 119 of the active antenna module 110 may be positioned in front of the at least one adapter member 2900. As shown, the at least one adapter member 2900 includes a planar surface 2904 projecting laterally from the active antenna module 110. The planar surface 2904 is positioned on a track 180 of the antenna housing 100h. A retaining member 2903 extending through a hole 2902 in the adapter member 2900 may be used to attach the adapter member 2900 to the active antenna module 110.

[0463] In some embodiments, the lower edge 2901 of the adapter member 2900 may include a pair of spaced-apart forks 2901p having a gap space 2901g that slidably receives a pin 189 protruding inward from a corresponding track 180. Figure 35A The lower edge 2901 defines a support point and rotation center for assembling the active antenna module 110 into the housing 100h for easy field installation. The pin 189 may have a polymer clip 189j to avoid metal-to-metal contact with the active antenna module 110. The active antenna module 110 can be positioned at several different angles relative to the housing 100h and, as indicated by arrow "A", slides downward until the lower edge 2901 engages the pin 189 and defines a stop, at which point the active antenna module 110 can be rotated into the appropriate position, as indicated by arrow "B", optionally wherein at least its first radome 119 is positioned within the cavity 155 of the housing 100h. Once in place, the retaining member 288 can be inserted through the flat surface 2904 into the track 180. Figure 24 ).

[0464] Figure 25A-26 Another configuration of the active antenna module 110 and another configuration of at least one adapter member 2900' are shown. As shown, at least one adapter member 2900 can be configured as a single adapter member defining a frame body having a lower end 2909 and an upper end 2910. The right and left sides of the adapter member 2900' include at least one outwardly extending planar surface 2904. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the right and left sides has two laterally outwardly extending parallel planar surfaces 2904. Figure 25C , 28BAs shown, the first surface 29041 (facing the front of the housing 100h) has a greater lateral extension than the second surface 29042 and is positioned on the track 180 and can be secured to the track 180 via the fixing member 288. The lower end 2909 of the adapter member 2900' may have a pair of outwardly extending lips 2909l. One lip 2909l may protrude more than the other lip and may be attached to the body of the active antenna module 110, while the other lip 2909l is attached to the first radome 119. The second opposing end 2910 may be planar and does not have any lips or outwardly protruding surfaces, such as Figure 25A As shown in the image.

[0465] Adapter component 2900' can surround calibration circuit board 2980 ( Figure 25B The calibration circuit board is held between the first antenna cover 119 of the active antenna module 110 and the radio device.

[0466] refer to Figure 23C and 25C The track 180 may be provided with a track frame 180f having a rearward first surface 182 adjacent to the planar surface 2904 of the adapter members 2900, 2900'. The track frame 180f may also include a second forward-facing, laterally inwardly extending planar surface 184, which extends inward by a greater distance than the rearward first surface 182. This second surface 184 may be coupled to a second surface 29042 of the plane of the adapter member 2900'.

[0467] refer to Figure 27B , 28B And 40, the track frame 180f can be configured to be hermetically coupled to the second radome 1129. The laterally extending extension 1129c of the second radome 1129 can extend in the curved channel 186 of the track frame 180f.

[0468] The track frame 180f can be releasably or detachably attached to multiple adapter components 2900, 2900' of different shapes, thereby allowing for different shapes, sizes and configurations of the active antenna module 110 coupled to the antenna housing 100h. Figure 23C , 25CFigures 27A and 28A show that, depending on adapter members 2900, 2900' and the active antenna module 110, the rear portion of the active antenna module 110 may protrude from the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h at different distances D1, D2 as shown, while the first radome 119 of the active antenna module 110 is positioned at substantially the same location (+ / - 1 mm - 5 mm) outside the radome 150 facing the front portion 100f of the housing 100h. In some embodiments, the distance D2 may be 2-6 inches larger than D1.

[0469] Still referencing Figure 23C and Figure 25C The base station antenna 100 may also include an array of low-frequency radiating elements (first linear array 220-1, second linear array 220-2) on each side of the internal first radome 119, and additional radiating elements located between the front of the radome 150 outside the housing 100h and the second radome 1129 of the active antenna module and the first radome 119.

[0470] like Figure 23C and Figure 25C As shown, according to an embodiment of the invention, a low-frequency radiating element 222 is provided, comprising a “tilted” or “angled” feed stem 221, which may have at least one segment extending from the reflector 170 at a tilt angle. Generally, a first end 221e of the feed stem 221 of the low-frequency radiating element 222 may be laterally positioned outside the outermost radiating element of the antenna assembly (e.g., a massive MIMO array) of the active antenna module 110, and may be positioned to the right or left of the reflector 170. A feed circuit 315 on the feed stem 221 includes an RF transmission line for transmitting RF signals between the dipole arm of the crossed dipole radiating element and the feed network of the base station antenna 100. The feed stem 221 may also be used to mount the dipole arm at a suitable distance in front of the reflector 170 of the base station antenna 100, typically approximately 3 / 16 to 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength. The “operating wavelength” refers to the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the operating band of the low-frequency radiating element 222. The low-frequency radiating element 222 may be a dipole element configured to operate in some or all of the 617-960 MHz frequency band. The feed circuit 315 typically includes a hook-type balun (balanced-to-unbalanced) converter disposed on the feed handle 221. Further discussion of exemplary antenna elements including the feed handle can be found in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serials 63 / 087,451 and 62 / 993,925, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if described in their entirety herein.

[0471] Now refer to Figure 29 , 30AFigures 30B and 30B illustrate a first embodiment of the field-mounted configuration. The active antenna module 110 can be easily inserted from the top 100t of the housing and slid into the top and middle cover areas, as indicated by arrow A. The active antenna module 110 is a sealed unit that includes an array of radiating elements 1195 and radio circuitry, and has a first radome 119 as discussed above.

[0472] Now go to Figure 31A , 31B For antennas 32A, 32B, 33A-33C, another mounting configuration using the bottom support 313 in the antenna housing 100h can be used. For example... Figure 31B As shown, this allows the active antenna module 110 to be assembled at various angles relative to the housing 100h, which facilitates ease of field installation. The bottom 110b of the active antenna module 110 can first engage with the housing 100h, and then be rotated inward or slid downward at the desired longitudinal stop position to fully engage the lower stop position (indicated by arrows A, B, C). The adapter member 2900'' can be provided with a support feature 2913 at the bottom, thereby extending a certain distance below the bottom 110b of the active antenna module 110. The adapter member 2900'' can then be used with a bolt 411b ( Figure 32A ) or latch 411l ( Figure 32B The fixing component 411 of the fixing device or other fixing device is fixed to the housing 100h. Figure 31A , 33A The tab structure of the support feature 2913 is shown, which can be provided in the upper right and left sides or the middle region at the rear 100r of the housing 100h. Figure 33B A channel (e.g., an extrusion channel) with an open top and a closed bottom is shown for the engagement support feature 2913. Figure 33C The snap-fit ​​construction of the support feature 2913 provided by the housing 100h and the bottom support 313'' is shown.

[0473] Instead of referring to Figure 34 , 35A 35B, 35C, as discussed above, the bottom support structure may include a pin 189 for engaging the lower edge 2901 of the adapter member 2900.

[0474] Figure 36 and Figures 37A-37C A stop block 289 extending upward from track 180 is shown instead of a laterally extending pin 189, and the lower edge 2901' of the adapter member 2900' may include a planar configuration with a stepped periphery that engages the stop sidewalls 289s of the stop block 289 as the planar lower edge 2901' extends into the stop block 289. The stop block 289 may include a polymer to avoid metal-to-metal contact.

[0475] Figure 38 and Figures 39A-39C Another embodiment of the stop block 289 is shown, which does not require the side stop wall shown above. The stop block 289 can be fixed to the first surface 182 of the track 180 via a fixing member 289f (e.g., a bolt or threaded screw) to position the rear surface 289r of the stop block 289 flush with the first surface 182 of the track 180.

[0476] Figure 40A and Figure 40B A track frame 180f is shown, which is configured to provide the support and sealing functions (sealed to the intermediate radome or skin) as discussed above. The passive reflector 170 can be secured to the track frame 180f using fastening members 388 (e.g., rivets). When using certain lightweight materials (e.g., aluminum), the adapter member 2900 can be secured to the track frame 180f with rivet nuts 288 to reinforce the track 180.

[0477] Figure 41A and Figure 41B The fixed and adjustable tilt configurations of the base station antenna 100 and its associated mounting hardware are shown respectively. In these embodiments, four attachment points may exist between the base station antenna 100 and three or four accessories (e.g., the rod shown in the figure) of the mounting structure 300. Figure 41B The adjustable tilting configuration shown can be used with tilting rod clamp 311. Figure 41C This illustrates an adjustable tilt configuration using three direct attachment points provided by the mounting hardware 310 / bracket between the base station antenna 100 and the mounting structure 300, without requiring the tilt rod clamp 311. The base station antenna and mounting structure 300 components can be mechanically attached, allowing for only three longitudinally spaced mounting hardware 310s and a full tilt range, while compared to... Figure 41B The configuration shown reduces the weight of the installed hardware by 20% or more, and compared to Figure 41A The fixed tilt configuration shown reduces the weight of the installed hardware by 8%.

[0478] Figure 41D and Figure 41E Several sets of three-piece mounting hardware 310 are shown, which are configured to provide a 0-10 degree tilt for the base station antenna 100. Figure 41D ) and 0-5 degree tilt ( Figure 41E Installation orientation. For example... Figure 41C As shown, only one of the mounting hardware 310 in a set of mounting hardware 310 needs to be fixed to the active antenna module 110.

[0479] Now refer to Figure 42 , 43 44A-44C, 45A and 45B, the adapter member 2900''' of the active antenna module 110 can be configured to first couple to the top support feature 1311, thereby allowing the active antenna module 110 to be positioned at multiple angles relative to the housing 100h, then slide downward to couple to the top support feature (arrow A), then rotate inward (arrow B), and then optionally slide further downward a certain distance (arrow C). The fixing member 411 can then be used to attach the active antenna module 110 to the housing 100h. The top support feature 1311 can be configured to: capture the hook 2923 of the adapter member 2900''' ( Figure 44A The fastening member 411 may be a hook channel 1311; an extrusion channel 1312 may be an extrusion channel 1312 for receiving the segment 2924 of the adapter member 2900'''; or even a longitudinally extending bolt channel 2925 having a bolt opening at one end sized to receive the head of a bolt 1313 incorporated into a narrower segment. The bolt channel is shown as being disposed within the adapter member 2900''', but a reverse configuration may be used, wherein the bolt channel 2925 may be disposed within the housing 100h and the bolt 1313 may be disposed within the adapter member 2900'''. Again, the fastening member 411 may be a bolt 411b or a latch 411l or other member.

[0480] Now go to Figures 46A-46C The image shows a portion of a base station antenna 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a passive antenna reflector 170 and a low-frequency radiating element 222 are housed within an external radome defined by the front portion 100f of the base station antenna housing 100h. As discussed above, the low-frequency radiating element 222 may be a low-frequency radiating element arranged in a plurality of linear arrays (columns). Figure 46B The reflector 170 of the passive antenna is shown to be configured as a frequency selective substrate and / or surface (“FSS”) 170f comprising FSS material 1500. Figure 46C A reflector 170 configured as a metal reflector is shown.

[0481] Figure 47A Generated by computational model Figure 46B The diagram shows the azimuth pattern of an antenna bundle generated in a lower-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna. The frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f shown has a dielectric constant of 3.7. However, it is conceivable that materials with smaller or larger dielectric constants could be used. Figure 47B It is generated by a computational model based on, for example Figure 46C The diagram shows the azimuth pattern of the antenna bundle of the metal reflector (PEC stands for Perfect Electrical Conductor, e.g., an ideal enclosure for a conductor). Figure 47C , 47D48A and 48B are comparisons Figure 46B and Figure 46C Additional graphs showing the low-frequency performance of the two constructions. The computational model shows that the low-frequency performance of the two constructions is essentially similar.

[0482] Figure 49A and Figure 49B A portion of a base station antenna 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the reflector 170 of the passive antenna is configured as a frequency selective substrate and / or surface (“FSS”) 170f having an FSS material 1500.

[0483] Figure 50A and Figure 50B A portion of a base station antenna 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, having two internal radomes (first radome 119, second radome 1129) positioned between a reflector 1172 of an active antenna of an active antenna module 110 including radio circuitry and an external radome defined by a front portion 100f of the base station antenna 100. The reflector 1172 of the active antenna can be (capacitively) coupled to a reflector 170 of a passive metallic antenna.

[0484] Figure 51 , 52A -52D, 53A, and 53B are compared using computational models. Figure 49A and Figure 50A The diagram shows the performance of the (low-frequency band) device. The antenna with a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f has a front-to-back ratio of approximately 17.4 dB, while the active antenna with reflector 1172 coupled to two intermediate radomes of (metallic) reflector 170 has a front-to-back ratio of 13.45 dB.

[0485] Now go to Figure 54A , 54B Figures 55A and 55B show a portion of a base station antenna 100, wherein an active antenna module 110 and one or more (side) feed plates 1200 are included. Figure 54B The feed plate 1200 extends in the front-rear direction of the base station antenna 100. According to an embodiment of the invention, one or more feed plates 1200 do not need to be parallel to the passive antenna reflector 170 and can be positioned at an angle (e.g., between 90 and 120 degrees) to the main surface of the FSS material 1500, the passive antenna reflector 170, the main reflector 214, and / or the active antenna reflector 1172. Figure 54B and 54C As shown, the feed plate 1200 may extend perpendicular to the passive reflector 170 and / or the FSS material 1500.

[0486] In some embodiments, reference Figure 54A ,54B The FSS material 1500 can extend laterally across the entire width W dimension of the front 100f of the housing 100h and / or the external radome. Figure 22C Compared to the embodiment shown, there is no front surface reflector space for mounting the feed plate 1200 thereon. When mounted behind the FSS material 1500 and / or the frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f as a passive reflector, the extended width of the FSS material 1500 can minimize the potential impact of the passive reflector side segment edge 170s on the performance of the large-scale MIMO array.

[0487] One or more feed plates 1200 may be configured to be perpendicular to and positioned adjacent to the outer peripheral portion of the passive antenna reflector 170 and / or the active antenna reflector 1172. The passive reflector side sections 170s may have (metallic or FSS) wall sections 1204 perpendicular to the main surface of the FSS material 1500 and the main surface of the passive antenna's main reflector 214, and may have an inward or outward extending dimension defining a width "W" and a longitudinally extending dimension "L". The passive reflector 170 may be configured as a laterally extending metallic section 1202 connecting a longitudinally extending right wall section 1204 and a longitudinally extending left wall section 1204 extending around the periphery of the FSS material 1500.

[0488] refer to Figure 54B , 54C The feed plate 1200 can be coupled to and / or held in place by the wall section 1204 of the (metallic) reflector side section 170s, and coupled to one or more feed handles of the radiating antenna element. The feed handle can be a feed handle of a low-frequency band and / or mid-frequency band element (e.g., low-frequency band radiating element 222 and / or first mid-frequency band radiating element 232). The feed plate 1200 can be capacitively coupled to the side section 170s of the passive reflector 170. The feed plate 1200 can be located inside or outside the wall section 1204.

[0489] The reflector 170 of the passive antenna may, but is not required to, include a frequency-selective substrate and / or surface 170f having an FSS material 1500. Some or all of the low-frequency radiating element 222 and the first intermediate-frequency radiating element 232 may be mounted on the feed board 1200, and RF signals may be coupled to the respective low-frequency radiating element 222, the first intermediate-frequency radiating element 232, and the RF signals coupled from said respective radiating elements. Cables (not shown) and / or connectors may be used to connect each feed board to other components of the base station antenna 100, such as duplexers, phase shifters, calibration boards, etc.

[0490] Figure 56A and 56B Generated by computational model Figure 55A , 55B The image shows the azimuth pattern (scan angles of 0 degrees and 48 degrees) of an antenna beam generated by a low-frequency band linear array included in the base station antenna. The top radome was removed, pushed back 15 mm, and horizontally cut approximately 30 mm. Figure 55A (The orientation shown). Figure 56C It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A , 55B The graph shows the return loss (dB) of an antenna beam generated by a low-frequency band linear array in the base station antenna versus frequency (GHz) at 0-degree and 48-degree scan angles, where the top radome was removed, pushed back 15 mm, and horizontally cut at approximately 30 mm. Figure 55A (The orientation shown). Figure 56D It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A , 55B The base station antenna includes a polar active (RL) pattern at 0-degree and 48-degree scan angles in one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays, wherein the top radome is removed, pushed back 15 mm, and horizontally cut at approximately 30 mm (in... Figure 55A (The orientation shown).

[0491] Figure 56E It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A , 55B The gain (dB) versus frequency (GHz) of one of the lower-frequency band linear arrays included in the base station antenna at 0 degrees and 48 degrees scan angle.

[0492] Figure 57A and 57B Generated by computational model Figure 55A , 55B The base station antenna includes a low-frequency band linear array that generates an antenna beam and is horizontal (in Figure 55A The image shows the azimuth direction pattern (scanning angles of 0 degrees and 48 degrees) taken at the 60 mm cutting position (as shown in the diagram). Figure 57C It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A , 55B The graph shows the return loss (dB) versus frequency (GHz) of an antenna beam generated by a lower-frequency linear array included in the base station antenna, with scan angles of 0 degrees and 48 degrees, and a cutoff position of 60 mm. Figure 57D Generated by computational model Figure 55A , 55B The base station antenna includes a lower frequency band linear array with 0-degree and 48-degree scanning angles, in conjunction with... Figure 56D Polarity active (RL) patterns captured at different 60 mm cut positions. Figure 57E It is generated by the computational model. Figure 55A , 55B The base station antenna includes a lower frequency band linear array with 0-degree and 48-degree scanning angles, in conjunction with... Figure 56E Graphical representation of gain (dB) versus frequency (GHz) taken at different 60mm cut positions.

[0493] Now for reference Figure 58A , 58B 59A and 59B illustrate a portion of a base station antenna having an active antenna module 110 and a guide member 1300 according to another embodiment of the invention, the guide member releasably holding an FSS material 1500 capable of forming a frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f. The guide member 1300 is slidably removable via a top 100t. Figure 19A ).

[0494] Figure 58A and Figure 59A An active antenna module 110 coupled to a base station antenna 100 is shown, wherein a guide member 1300 is held behind the front portion 100f of the base station antenna 100. The guide member 1300 may hold an FSS material 1500, optionally configured as a flexible substrate 1500s, such as a flexible circuit 1500f. The flexible substrate 1500s may be placed on and / or pressed against a target surface and released from the guide member 1300 to (conformally) attach to an inner surface of the target. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the target may be a second radome 1129 of the passive intermediate portion 100r of the housing 100h of a sealed passive antenna, or it may be a first radome 119 of the active antenna module 110. The guide member 1300 may be used to attach the flexible substrate 1500s to the passive second radome 1129 or the first radome 119 of the active antenna module.

[0495] The guide member 1300 may be semi-rigid to maintain its defined three-dimensional shape in the absence of applied compressive force, but may be compressed to push the flexible substrate 1500s toward the target surface (e.g., the second antenna cover 1129 or the first antenna cover 119). The flexible substrate 1500s may be adhesively attached to the inner surface of the target (e.g., the intermediate second antenna cover 1129 of a passive antenna and / or the first antenna cover 119 of an active antenna module), and / or attached by other attachment structures such as rivets or hooks (VELCRO).

[0496] In some embodiments, the guide member 1300 may be configured to attach to the rear portion 100r of the housing and not require removal of the intermediate second radome 1129. Thus, the guide member 1300 may define both the intermediate second radome 1129 and the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f. Flexible substrates 1500s may be attached to the inward-facing main surface of the guide member 1300. The guide member 1300 may be extendable to have a first configuration with the main surface closer to the front portion 100f of the housing 100h and a second configuration with the main surface further away from the housing. In the second configuration, the main surface is adjacent to, optionally abutting, the first radome 119 of the active antenna module 110.

[0497] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate second antenna cover 1129 may be positioned between the reflector 1172 of the active antenna and the frequency selective substrate and / or surface 170f, which serves as the reflector of the passive antenna.

[0498] Now for reference Figure 60A-60C Another embodiment of a base station antenna housing 100h is shown. In this embodiment, the base station antenna housing 100h includes a pair of longitudinally extending first rails 1801 and second rails 1802, which are positioned inside the rear wall 100w of the housing, thereby defining an internal rail 180 that is laterally spaced across the cavity. The base station antenna housing 100h also includes a pair of longitudinally extending external rails 12801, 12802. The external rails 12801, 12802 are laterally spaced and positioned on opposite sides of the cavity. The internal first rails 1801 and second rails 1802 are coupled to their corresponding external rails 12801, 12802. The internal rails 180 can and typically are longer than the external rails 1280. The internal rails can provide structural rigidity to the housing 100h.

[0499] The rear portion 100r of the housing 100h can be configured such that the closing surface of the rear wall 100w extends over the first sidewall 101, the second sidewall 103, and the cavity, covering and parallel to the front portion 100f. A sealing cap 165 is not required. Figure 5 In fact, the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h can extend from the top 100t of the housing 100h to the bottom and is continuous between the right side portion 101b and the left side portion 103b.

[0500] The rear wall 100w of the housing 100h may have a rearwardly projecting shoulder 105 extending between the inner track 180 and the outer track. The shoulder 105 may have a narrow width, typically between 5-20% of the width of the recess.

[0501] When the active antenna module 110 is in its proper position, the closed surface of the rear wall 100w at the rear 100r of the housing 100h can define a “skin” extending between the first radome 119 of the active antenna module 110 and the front outer radome 150 and / or an inward second radome 1129.

[0502] The main portion of the rear wall 100w, extending laterally and longitudinally, may project rearward an additional distance in successive longitudinally spaced segments (shown as a first segment 100r1 adjacent to the cavity, followed by a second segment 100r2 longitudinally spaced from the first segment 100r1, and then a third segment 100r3). The second segment 100r2 may be provided to accommodate radio cables routed on a longer radio device, a longer active antenna module 110. For example, adapter members 2900, 2900' of the active antenna module 110 (e.g., adapter frames, rails, or plates, etc.) may be positioned above the cavity and have a longitudinal span suitable for the first segment 100r1 or the first segment 100r1 and the second segment 100r2.

[0503] Figure 61 The depth or front-to-back dimensions of the different active antenna modules 110 may vary, but the corresponding first radome 119 of each active antenna module can be configured to be mounted in a cavity. The corresponding adapter members 2900, 2900' can be configured to accommodate, for example... Figures 63A-63E The different active antenna modules 110 or their different radio devices are shown. For example, in certain embodiments, adapter members 2900, 2900'' can be configured to mount the corresponding radio device within a size of approximately 440 mm × 10000 mm (width multiplied by length).

[0504] Now for reference Figure 62A and Figure 62B The housing 100h can be configured as a first housing member 100h1 defining the front portion 100f of the housing of the base station antenna 100 and a second housing member defining the rear portion 100r of the housing 100h of the base station antenna. As shown in the figure, the first housing member 100h1 and the second housing member 100h2 extend laterally and longitudinally, and are sealed together along the longitudinally extending sealing interface 100i.

[0505] The first housing member 100h1 includes a front surface that is incorporated into a rearwardly extending right side portion 101a and a left side portion 103a, respectively. The second housing member 100h2 includes a rear wall 100w that is incorporated into a forwardly extending right side portion 101b and a left side portion 103b, respectively. The right side portion 101a and the left side portion 103a of the first housing member 100h1 are coupled to the right side portion 101b and the left side portion 103b of the second housing member 100h2 along a sealing interface 100i that extends longitudinally along the length of the housing 100h. The right side portion 101a and the left side portion 103a of the first housing member 100h can extend rearward by a distance less than the shortest depth to which the right side portion 101b and the left side portion 103b extend forward. The first housing member 100h1 and the second housing member 100h2 can be vacuum-formed, thereby providing a lightweight but sufficiently rigid structure with a relatively complex shape.

[0506] The second housing member 100h2 provides at least one laterally and longitudinally extending recess (which may also be interchangeably described as a cavity) adjacent to the lower end and / or upper end of the housing 100h. The recess may extend along a sub-length of the housing 100h. The recess may have a lateral span of 60-99% of the lateral span of the housing 100h.

[0507] The second housing member 100h2 includes at least one external stepped region that rises above the recess (projecting rearward from the recess) and extends laterally and longitudinally around another sub-length of the housing 100h.

[0508] refer to Figure 62C The base station antenna 100 may include at least one support member 1400 located between the first housing member 100h1 and the second housing member 100h2, typically adjacent to the top 100t and / or bottom 100b of the housing 100h.

[0509] The support member 1400 has a front portion 1400f facing the first housing member 100h1 and a rear portion 1400b facing the inner surface of the second housing member 100h2. The rear portion 1400b has laterally extending inner sections 1400m that are recessed relative to the right and left sides 1400s of the support member 1400. The front portion 1400f of the support member 1400 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the radome 150 and / or the front portion 100f on the outside of the housing 100h. The right and left sides 1400s of the support member 1400 may extend between the right portions 101a, 101b of the first housing member 100h1 and the left portions 103a, 103b of the second housing member 100h2.

[0510] Figure 64AThe housing 100h of the base station antenna is shown, which includes two longitudinally spaced cavities, each sized and configured to receive a corresponding active antenna module 110. Figure 64B The housing 100h includes two pairs of external tracks 1280p1 and 1280p2, one pair located on the opposite lateral side of the first cavity, and the other pair located on the opposite lateral side of the other cavity. Figure 64B As shown, each corresponding active antenna module 110 may have an adapter member 2900 coupled to external tracks 12801, 12802 at the corresponding cavity. Each active antenna module 110 may have a different adapter member 2900, and each active antenna module 110 may have a different radio configuration and / or body configuration behind and / or outside the housing 100h.

[0511] Figure 65 and Figure 66 A housing 100h of a base station antenna is shown, in which an external reflector 1450 extends around the cavity. The external reflector 1450 may be coupled to and extend outside the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h. Therefore, the term "external" in relation to "external reflector" means that the reflector 1450 is exposed and visible from the outside when the active antenna module 110 is not mounted on its housing 100h. Typically, the external reflector 1450 is coupled to external tracks 12801, 12802. In some embodiments, the external reflector 1450 may have a width and length corresponding to the width and length of the cavity, but may have a larger width and a larger length, for example, about 10-20%. As shown, the external reflector 1450 may have a main front surface 1450f, which is incorporated into rearwardly projecting and longitudinally extending left and right sides 1451, and incorporated into a laterally extending lip 1453 coupled to the external tracks 12801, 12802.

[0512] The reflector 1450 may include a metallic surface and / or a frequency-selective surface as discussed.

[0513] In some embodiments, the external reflector 1450 may be removed before the active antenna module 110 is installed in the corresponding cavity. Figure 66 ).

[0514] Figure 67A A conventional reflector including radiating (antenna) elements is shown. Figure 67B A reflector 170 for a base station antenna is shown, which includes a reflector side 170s in the shape of an elongated thin strip. The term "thin" in relation to the strip of the reflector means 1-20% of the total width of the base station antenna 100.

[0515] The use of external reflector 1450 can facilitate the operation of low-frequency radiating element 222 that extends in front of reflector 170 and also in front of external reflector 1450 or aperture 173, especially when active antenna module 110 with associated reflector 1172 is not in the proper position.

[0516] In some embodiments, such as, for example Figure 65 and 68A As shown, the external reflector 1450 is detachably coupled to the housing 100h, for example, to the external tracks 12801, 12802, and is removed before the active antenna module 110 is installed into its cavity.

[0517] In some embodiments, such as, for example Figure 68B As shown, when the active antenna module 110 is coupled to the housing 100h, the external reflector 1450 can be held in place. This configuration allows the (additional) radiating antenna element 1222 to be positioned in front of the external reflector 1450. In this configuration, the external reflector becomes a first internal reflector, which is in front of the passive antenna reflectors 170 / 170s, closest to the outer radome 150, and also in front of the second radome 1129 of the active antenna module 110.

[0518] refer to Figure 69 , 70A 70B, the external track 1280 can be coupled to the internal track 180 of the base station antenna housing 100h. The rear wall 100w of the housing 100h can have a rearwardly projecting shoulder 105 extending between the internal track 180 and the external track. The internal track 180 can be hermetically coupled to the external track 1280, thereby preventing water from flowing into the (radome) housing 100h.

[0519] The internal guide rails 180 can be configured as a pair of laterally spaced first rails 1801 and second rails 1802, which are covered / positioned inside the radome / housing 100h and arranged on the two longitudinal edges of the reflector 170s to increase its rigidity. The external rails 1280 can also be configured as a pair of laterally spaced external rails 1280p 12801, 12802. In some embodiments, the external rails 12801, 12802 are positioned outside the top portion of the housing 100h at locations corresponding to the longer internal first rails 1801 and second rails 1802 to support the active antenna module 110. In some embodiments, the external rails 12801, 12802 are configured as two pairs of external rails, one pair coupled to the top portion of the housing 100h and the other pair coupled to the bottom portion of the housing. Figure 64A ).

[0520] At least one bolt 1286 may extend through aligned bolt channels 185 of the inner track 180, a hole 106 in the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h, and a bolt channel 1282 in the outer track 1280. A spacer 1340 having bolt holes 1343 may be located between aligned bolt channels 1282 and bolt channels 185. Typically, a first bolt is located at one end of the outer track 1280, and a second bolt is located at longitudinally spaced opposite end portions.

[0521] Spacer 1340 may have: a first portion 1341 including bolt holes 1343; and a second portion 1342 surrounding the first portion 1341 and made of a different material relative to the first portion 1341. Spacer 1340 may provide an increased contact surface area and may facilitate uniform compression of the second portion 1342. The first portion 1341 and the second portion 1342 may be elongated and may extend along the length dimensions of tracks 180, 1280. The first portion 1341 may have increased stiffness relative to the second portion 1342. The second portion 1342 may include rubber or other suitable sealing material and may include a resiliently compressible material. For example, the first portion 1341 may include a metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0522] The first portion 1341 of the spacer 1340 may be defined as a metal ring, and the second portion 1342 may be defined by a sealing gasket surrounding the metal ring. The first portion 1341 may be fixed at the center of the second portion 1342 by interference fit or other suitable attachment construction.

[0523] The second portion 1342 of the spacer 1340 can be configured to seal the gap between the short track 180 and the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h, and can be compressed between these two parts. The second portion 1342 may include a plurality of discontinuous curved grooves 1342g. The first portion 1341 of the spacer 1340 can be configured to control the compression height of the second portion 1342 so that the second portion 1342 is not over-compressed during assembly.

[0524] Before compression, the height of the second part 1342 can be greater than the height of the first part 1341. Figure 70B After compression, during assembly, the second part 1342 can be compressed by approximately 20-60%, typically about 40%, and thus the compressed mounting height of the second part 1342 can be less than the height of the first part 1341, such that the first part 1341 is partially located in the hole 106 of the rear wall 100w / radome, and its opposing main surfaces abut against the longer inner track 180 and outer track 1280, respectively. Figure 74As shown in the diagram, hole 106 can be configured to be large enough to accommodate the positional tolerances of the corresponding bolt channels 185 and bolt holes 1283 of the tracks 180 and 1280 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100h.

[0525] For example, such as Figure 70A , 70B As shown, the outer periphery of the first portion 1341 may be elliptical to accommodate the narrow edge of the shoulder 105 of the rear wall 100w in the lateral direction and to increase structural strength in the longitudinal direction. The outer periphery of the second portion 1342 of the spacer 1340 may also be elliptical and may travel behind the hole 106 of the shoulder 105 of the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h.

[0526] Therefore, the first portion 1341 of the spacer 1340 can be seated in the hole 106 in the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h. The hole 106 may have a shape corresponding to the first portion 1341 of the spacer 1340. The bolt 1286 extends through the bolt channel 1282 in the outer track 1280, then through the bolt hole 1343 of the spacer 1340, and then extends into the bolt channel 185 of the inner track 180. Figure 74 As shown, the second portion 1342 of the spacers 1340, 1340' may abut the inner surface 1280i of the outer track 1280 and the rearward surface 105r of the shoulder 105 and be compressed therebetween.

[0527] Figure 71A , 71B Another embodiment of a spacer 1340' is shown, having two bolt holes 1343 and corresponding formed holes 106 in the shoulder 105 of the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h. The spacer 1340' has two circular or annular first portions 1341 and an elongated second portion 1342 surrounding the two bolt holes 1343. By using two or more longitudinally spaced circular first portions 1341, the compressive force on a single circular first portion can be dispersed.

[0528] Such as about Figure 70A The spacers discussed may include a second portion 1342 of spacers 1340, 1340' that may comprise an elastically compressible material and may be positioned against the outer surface of the rear wall 100w of housing 100h, wherein a first, more rigid (e.g., metallic) portion 1341 of spacers 1340, 1340' is in a corresponding and correspondingly formed hole 106 in the rear wall 100w / shoulder 105 of housing 100h.

[0529] Now for reference Figures 72A-72CThe outer track 1280 can seal with the housing at an interface behind the spacer 1340. As shown, the bolt channel 1282 of the outer track 1280 may include a groove 1285 surrounding the bolt hole 1283. A sealing member 1288, such as an O-ring or washer, may be retained in the groove 1285. A bolt 1286 or a collar 1286c extending in front of the head 1286h may be configured to abut against the sealing member 1288, with the bolt body extending in front of it. The groove 1285 may surround the bolt hole 1283, with the resilient sealing member 1288 in the groove 1285. The bolt 1286 extends through the bolt hole 1283, with the head 1286h of the bolt 1286 and / or the collar 1286c extending in front of the head 1286h configured to compress the resilient sealing member 1288, thereby sealing the outer track 1280 with the shoulder 105 of the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h.

[0530] Figure 73 Another embodiment of bolt 1286' is shown, which has the feature of not requiring Figures 72A-72C The groove shown is an integrated or coupled sealing member 1288'. The sealing member 1288' can be configured as an O-ring located in front of the head 1286h and the collar 1286c (in the assembly orientation). The collar 1286c can be inclined in a direction toward the shoulder 105 of the rear wall 100w of the housing 100h, such that the O-ring can be received within the inclined collar 1286c after assembly.

[0531] Figure 74 Bolts 1286 and 1286' in bolt channels 1282 of the outer track 1280 are shown, wherein sealing members 1288 and 1288' are compressed against the surface of the outer track behind spacers 1340 and 1340', wherein a second portion 1342 of spacers 1340 and 1340' is compressed between the inner surface 1280i of the outer track 1280 and the outer surface 15r of the shoulder 105 of the housing 100h. A first portion 1341 of spacers 1340 and 1340' may surround the inner surface 1280i of the outer track 1280 and the rearward surface 181 of the inner track 180.

[0532] 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.

[0533] 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.

[0534] 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.).

[0535] 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.

[0536] The term “approximately” in the context of numbers refers to a change of + / - 10%.

[0537] 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.

[0538] 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: At least one radome, the at least one radome comprising a section inserted between a capacitively coupled first reflector and a second reflector; A base station antenna housing, the base station antenna housing including a fixed reflector, the fixed reflector being the first reflector; A removable reflector, which is the second reflector, and is configured to be coupled to the fixed reflector; as well as Multiple rows of first radiating elements, configured to operate in a first operating frequency band, each row comprising multiple first radiating elements arranged in a longitudinal direction. The removable reflector and the fixed reflector are positioned behind the multiple rows of first radiating elements, wherein the removable reflector and / or the fixed reflector includes one or more frequency-selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates, the one or more frequency-selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates being configured such that electromagnetic waves within the first operating frequency band are blocked.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna cover includes a first antenna cover and a second antenna cover, the first antenna cover and the second antenna cover having a segment positioned between the coupling surfaces of the first reflector and the second reflector.

3. The base station antenna of claim 2, wherein the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates have patterns configured to reflect radio frequency energy in some frequencies to propagate through and to reflect or block other frequencies, and wherein the patterns vary in different regions of the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates.

4. A base station antenna, comprising: A base station antenna housing, the base station antenna housing including a fixed reflector; as well as A removable reflector configured to couple with the fixed reflector to provide a common electrical ground; as well as Multiple rows of first radiating elements, configured to operate in a first operating frequency band, each row comprising multiple first radiating elements arranged in a longitudinal direction. The removable reflector and the fixed reflector are positioned behind the multiple rows of first radiating elements, wherein the removable reflector and / or the fixed reflector includes one or more frequency-selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates, the one or more frequency-selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates being configured such that electromagnetic waves within the first operating frequency band are blocked by the removable reflector and / or the fixed reflector.

5. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the fixed reflector includes a frequency-selective surface and / or substrate at a location aligned with the removable reflector.

6. The base station antenna of claim 5, wherein the removable reflector is capacitively coupled to the fixed reflector.

7. The base station antenna of claim 5, wherein the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates have a pattern configured to reflect radio frequency energy in some frequencies to propagate through and to reflect or block other frequencies, and wherein the pattern varies in different regions of the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates.

8. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the removable reflector is disposed in an active antenna module removably attached to the base station antenna housing.

9. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the frequency selection surface is configured to reflect electromagnetic waves within the first operating frequency band.

10. The base station antenna of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of rows of second radiating elements configured to operate in a second operating frequency band, the second operating frequency band being different from and not overlapping with the first operating frequency band, each row of second radiating elements comprising a plurality of second radiating elements arranged in the longitudinal direction, wherein the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates are further configured such that electromagnetic waves in the second operating frequency band can propagate through the removable reflector and / or the fixed reflector.

11. The base station antenna according to claim 10, wherein the second operating frequency band is higher than the first operating frequency band.

12. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the fixed reflector and / or the removable reflector provides the frequency selection surface on a printed circuit board.

13. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the fixed reflector and / or the removable reflector comprises a dielectric plate having opposing first and second sides, the first and second sides facing a first radiating element in a corresponding column, each of the first and second sides having a periodic conductive structure forming the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates.

14. The base station antenna of claim 13, wherein the periodic conductive structure on the first side of the dielectric plate includes a first array structure, and the periodic conductive structure on the second side of the dielectric plate includes a second array structure, the second array structure having a pattern different from the first array structure.

15. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the one or more frequency selection surfaces and / or one or more substrates comprise a periodic conductive structure of a polygonal repeating pattern of metallic elements.

16. The base station antenna of claim 13, wherein the periodic conductive structures on the first and second sides of the dielectric plate are formed of metal.

17. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates of the fixed reflector and / or the removable reflector are provided by a multilayer printed circuit board.

18. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the fixed reflector and / or the removable reflector is implemented as a multilayer printed circuit board, one or more layers being configured such that electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency range can propagate through the fixed reflector and / or the removable reflector, and wherein a combination of predetermined frequency ranges associated with the one or more layers of the multilayer printed circuit board reflects electromagnetic waves in the first operating frequency band.

19. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the fixed reflector is a first reflector provided by a passive antenna housing, wherein the first radiating element is a low-frequency radiating element, and wherein the removable reflector is a second reflector positioned behind the first reflector.

20. The base station antenna of claim 19, further comprising at least one radome positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector.

21. The base station antenna of Claim 20, wherein the at least one radome positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector comprises a first radome and a second radome, the first radome and the second radome stacked and spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction behind a front surface of a housing of the base station antenna, and wherein, The front surface of the housing defines an external radome.

22. The base station antenna of claim 19, wherein the second reflector is provided by an active antenna module detachably coupled to the base station antenna.

23. The base station antenna of claim 19, wherein the second reflector is positioned behind a plurality of rows of second radiating elements, each row of second radiating elements comprising a plurality of second radiating elements arranged in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of second radiating elements operating in a second operating frequency band higher than the first operating frequency band, and wherein electromagnetic waves in the second operating frequency band pass through the first reflector.

24. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein at least one of the fixed reflector and the removable reflector has a vertically extending main surface and is positioned between an outer radome and an inner radome defined by the front portion of the base station antenna.

25. The base station antenna according to claim 4, further comprising a feed plate perpendicular to the main surface of the fixed reflector on the right and left sides of the base station antenna.

26. The base station antenna of claim 24, wherein the fixed reflector or the removable reflector is attached to the internal radome.

27. The base station antenna of claim 26, wherein the fixed reflector or the removable reflector is provided by a flexible substrate.

28. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates have a pattern configured to reflect radio frequency energy in some frequencies to propagate through and to reflect or block other frequencies, and wherein the pattern varies in different regions of the one or more frequency selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates.

29. The base station antenna of claim 4, wherein one or more radiating elements of at least one row of radiating elements extend laterally across at least a portion of the right or left side of the fixed reflector and an adjacent portion of the removable reflector portion.

30. The base station antenna according to claim 4, further comprising: A multi-column array of radiating elements extending behind one or more frequency-selective surfaces and / or one or more substrates, wherein at least some of the columns extend between a first column and a second column of the multi-column radiating elements.

31. The base station antenna of claim 30, wherein the housing includes a rearwardly extending bracket configured to be coupled to a mounting structure, and wherein the multi-column array is disposed in an active antenna element positioned between the bracket and the housing, rear of the upper portion of the housing.

32. A base station antenna, comprising: First reflector; A second reflector, wherein the first reflector and the second reflector are capacitively coupled to at least one radome, the at least one radome being located between the first reflector and the second reflector; as well as Multiple rows of first radiating elements, configured to operate in a first operating frequency band, each row comprising multiple first radiating elements arranged in a longitudinal direction. The first reflector, the second reflector, and at least a portion of the at least one radome are positioned behind the plurality of first radiating elements.

33. The base station antenna of claim 32, wherein the at least one radome defines a dielectric.

34. The base station antenna of claim 32, wherein the at least one radome has a foremost surface that merges into a rearwardly extending side portion, wherein the side portion includes a laterally extending outer edge portion, and wherein the laterally extending outer edge portion is located between the first reflector and the second reflector.

35. The base station antenna of claim 32, wherein the second reflector has a front main surface in front of the main surface of the first reflector.

36. The base station antenna of claim 32, wherein the at least one radome comprises a radome provided by a detachable active antenna module including the second reflector.

37. The base station antenna of claim 32, wherein the first reflector is a passive antenna assembly reflector.

38. The base station antenna of claim 32 further includes at least one feed plate, the at least one feed plate being orthogonal to the main surface of the first reflector and / or the second reflector and positioned adjacent to the right and / or left side of the base station antenna.

39. The base station antenna of claim 38, wherein at least one of the first radiating elements is coupled to the at least one feed plate, wherein the at least one radiating element extends in front of the first reflector and the second reflector.

Images