Dual-polarized semi-continuous dipole antenna devices, antenna arrays and antenna architectures

Abstract

An antenna device includes: a reflector, which is generally planar; a first group of dipoles, which includes three or more parallel dipoles, each dipole is used to generate an electromagnetic signal with a first polarization, each dipole in the first group of dipoles is arranged to be parallel to the plane of the reflector and extend at +45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector; and a second group of dipoles, which includes three or more parallel dipoles, each dipole is used to generate an electromagnetic signal with a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, each dipole in the second group of dipoles is arranged to be parallel to the plane of the reflector and extend at -45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of antennas, and more particularly to antenna devices, antenna device arrays, and antenna architectures including antenna device arrays. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the rapid development of various wireless communication systems has benefited from the development of innovative antenna technologies. With the evolution of wireless communication technologies, such as the fifth generation (5G) technology, advanced long term evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced Pro (e.g., 4.5G) technology, or the upcoming sixth generation (6G), antenna devices (or antenna arrays) with enhanced radiation characteristics are required. For example, one of the key technologies to achieve the new generation of mobile communications is Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (mMIMO) below 6 GHz, which requires integration with different passive antenna arrays.

[0003] However, new deployments of antenna infrastructure are subject to local regulations, which limit the growth rate of antenna infrastructure for the growth rate of wireless communication technology. In order to comply with local regulations, the size of the new antenna infrastructure is required to be roughly the same as the traditional antenna infrastructure. In addition, in order to be able to maintain the mechanical support structure on site, the wind load of the new antenna should be consistent with the traditional antenna. These factors have very strict restrictions on the height and width of the antenna infrastructure.

[0004] In some new deployments of antenna infrastructure, the number of antennas on site is reduced by integrating a greater number of arrays in the same space, by greatly simplifying the overall deployment process of advanced antenna systems (AAS) and traditional passive antenna systems. This reduces the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expense (OPEX) associated with the new deployment of antenna infrastructure. In some other new deployments of antenna infrastructure, a greater number of arrays are integrated into antenna housings to extend the operating bandwidth of current antennas.

[0005] There are several limitations associated with the existing antenna infrastructure. In particular, the existing antenna infrastructure faces performance issues such as limited aperture, irregular illumination on the aperture, non-optimal directivity, and limited spectral bandwidth. In one example, some existing antenna arrays have low-frequency radiating elements constructed as sub-arrays of two dipoles and high-frequency bands embedded in the central space. However, the performance of such multi-band antenna arrays is very limited. In another example, the aperture of the existing antenna infrastructure directly affects and theoretically limits the directivity of the infrastructure. In addition, irregular illumination on the aperture also has an adverse effect on the directivity of the infrastructure. In another example, in some implementations, small antenna elements are capacitively coupled to provide a large spectral bandwidth. However, these antenna elements almost all provide bandwidth through physical connections and rely on the electrical length of the antenna element combination for multi-port operation. In this case, there is a discretization of the control point (i.e., the phase center of the radiating element), resulting in the distance between the antenna elements depending on the wavelength.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above discussion, there is a need to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings associated with existing antenna infrastructure. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure seeks to provide antenna devices, antenna device arrays, and antenna architectures including antenna device arrays. The present disclosure seeks to provide solutions to the existing problems of limited aperture, irregular illumination on the aperture, non-optimal directivity, and limited spectral bandwidth associated with traditional antenna infrastructures. The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least some of the problems in the prior art and to provide an improved antenna device having a larger aperture, substantially continuous and uniform illumination on the aperture, stronger directivity, and higher spectral bandwidth than traditional antenna infrastructures.

[0008] The objects of the present disclosure are achieved by what is presented in the attached independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna device. The antenna device includes: a reflector, which is substantially planar; a first group of dipoles, which includes three or more parallel dipoles, each dipole is used to generate an electromagnetic signal with a first polarization, wherein each dipole in the first group of dipoles is arranged to be parallel to the plane of the reflector and extend at +45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector; and a second group of dipoles, which includes three or more parallel dipoles, each dipole is used to generate an electromagnetic signal with a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, wherein each dipole of the second group of dipoles is arranged to be parallel to the plane of the reflector and extend at -45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector.

[0010] The antenna device of the first aspect achieves stable and uniform directivity with low side lobes. In addition, compared with traditional antenna devices, the antenna device expands the operating bandwidth of the antenna device. In addition, the antenna device allows flexibility in the configuration of the group of dipoles, so that the antenna device can be customized according to the physical size of the reflector. The antenna device described herein adopts a group (i.e., a subarray) including at least three dipoles, thereby providing a broadband antenna device with improved performance superior to a multi-band antenna array. In the antenna device, the antenna element provides a large spectral bandwidth and relies on substantially continuous and uniform aperture illumination for multi-port operation. In the antenna device, energy is evenly distributed along all available dipoles, thereby evenly illuminating the antenna aperture.

[0011] In one implementation form, at least one dipole in the first set of dipoles is arranged together with a dipole in the second set of dipoles.

[0012] Advantageously, such arrangement of the dipoles in the antenna device substantially reduces the area occupied by the antenna device without affecting the directivity, and a greater number of antenna devices can be integrated in the same space.

[0013] In one implementation form, the number of dipoles in each group of dipoles is determined according to the required spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and the predetermined width of the reflector.

[0014] Advantageously, determining the number of dipoles in each group of dipoles in the above manner helps to customize the antenna device based on the width of the reflector, thereby making full use of the space occupied by the antenna device. In addition, the spectral bandwidth of the antenna device is increased.

[0015] In one implementation form, the second set of dipoles includes the same number or a different number of dipoles as the first set of dipoles.

[0016] Advantageously, such an arrangement may selectively increase the directivity of the antenna device in a desired direction.

[0017] In one implementation form, the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each group of dipoles is determined according to the required spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and the predetermined width of the reflector.

[0018] Advantageously, determining the number of dipoles in each group of dipoles in the manner described above enables continuous and uniform illumination of the antenna aperture, thereby allowing for increased spectral bandwidth.

[0019] In one implementation form, the distance d is determined such that each dipole is in the reactive near field of an adjacent parallel dipole.

[0020] The arrangement of the dipoles in the reactive near field of adjacent parallel dipoles causes the dipoles to couple to each other to extend the bandwidth to the bandwidth of the resulting combination of dipoles.

[0021] In one implementation form, a preset incremental phase difference may be applied to a plurality of dipoles in the first group of dipoles and / or the second group of dipoles, thereby generating a skew and / or tilt in a radiation pattern formed by the antenna device.

[0022] By applying a preset incremental phase difference, the radiation pattern of the antenna device is electronically controlled to point in any desired direction. In this way, the directivity of the antenna device is increased at a desired frequency and / or a desired tilt angle. In addition, the pre-tilt generated in this way can be used to compensate for antenna deflection.

[0023] In one implementation form, one or more dipoles in the first group of dipoles and / or the second group of dipoles are fed in anti-phase with adjacent dipoles, so that the beam width is reduced in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device.

[0024] By feeding one or more dipoles in the first group of dipoles and / or the second group of dipoles in anti-phase with the adjacent dipoles, the beam width is reduced in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device, thereby improving the directivity of the antenna device.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna device array comprising two or more antenna devices arranged in a row along a longitudinal axis of a reflector.

[0026] By such an arrangement of the antenna devices in the array, the electromagnetic signals generated by the antenna devices in the array achieve uniform and stable illumination of the aperture.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna architecture. The antenna architecture includes a first array of antenna devices and a second array of antenna devices. The arrays are arranged in two rows along a longitudinal axis of a reflector.

[0028] With this antenna architecture, energy is evenly distributed between the dipoles of the antenna devices in the first array and the second array to ensure highly uniform aperture illumination in the antenna architecture. This uniform and continuous illumination ensures a constant beamwidth over a wider frequency range and avoids discretization on the control point (i.e., the phase center of the dipole), making the phase center an area rather than a point.

[0029] In one implementation form, the antenna architecture further includes a third row of dipoles arranged between the first array and the second array, thereby forming a dipole grid.

[0030] By means of the third row of dipoles, the number of dipoles in the first and second groups of dipoles of the first and second arrays may be increased, thereby fully optimizing the illumination of the antenna aperture.

[0031] In one implementation form, alternating dipoles in the third row of dipoles are assigned to the first array and the second array, respectively.

[0032] In one implementation, alternating first sets of dipoles in each of the arrays are extended to include dipoles in the third row of dipoles, and alternating second sets of dipoles in each of the arrays are extended to include dipoles in the third row of dipoles.

[0033] This alternating distribution of the third row of dipoles between the first array and the second array ensures a balance between signal strength and directivity of the electromagnetic signals emitted by the two arrays.

[0034] In one implementation form, each dipole in the third row of dipoles is assigned to the first array and the second array.

[0035] In one implementation, each first set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include dipoles in the third row of dipoles, and each second set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include dipoles in the third row of dipoles.

[0036] By partially overlapping the dipoles of the two arrays at the physical center of the antenna structure, the directivity of each array can be increased because each array can benefit from a larger aperture compared to if each array physically occupied half the space in the antenna structure.

[0037] In one implementation form, each dipole in the third row of dipoles is fed by applying pre-tilt and amplitude attenuation simultaneously.

[0038] By simultaneously applying pre-tilt and amplitude attenuation to each dipole in the third row of dipoles, in addition to reducing the sidelobe level of each dipole in the third row of dipoles, the desired electronically controlled radiation pattern of each dipole in the third row of dipoles is achieved, which helps to achieve an overall balance in the operation of the third row of dipoles.

[0039] It should be noted that the devices, elements, circuits, units and components described in this application can be implemented by software or hardware or any type of combination thereof. All steps performed by the entities described in this application and the functions to be performed by the entities described are intended to refer to the corresponding entities being suitable for or used to perform the corresponding steps and functions. In the following description of specific embodiments, although a specific function or step performed by a specific unit performed by an external entity is not reflected in the description of the specific detailed elements of the entity performing the specific steps or functions, it should be clear to the technician that these methods and functions can be implemented by corresponding software or hardware elements or any type of combination thereof. It is understandable that the features of the present disclosure are easy to implement by various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.

[0040] Other aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description of illustrative implementations interpreted in conjunction with the following appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] When reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above summary of the invention and the detailed description of the following illustrative embodiments can be better understood. In order to illustrate the present disclosure, exemplary structures of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and tools disclosed herein. In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. Where possible, similar elements are indicated by the same numbers.

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 2 is a top view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 3 shows the manner in which a phase is applied to a given set of dipoles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 4 Another way of applying a phase to a given set of dipoles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0047] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a perspective view of an antenna device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 is a top view of an antenna device array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an antenna device array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 9 is a top view of an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.10 is a top view of an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig.11 is a top view of an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig.12 is a top view of an antenna structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig.13A An implementation in which one of the dipoles is a common dipole for the first array and the second array is shown;

[0055] Fig. 13B An implementation is shown in which the two dipoles are common dipoles for the first and second arrays.

[0056] In the drawings, underlined numbers are used to indicate the item in which the underlined number is located or an item adjacent to the underlined number. Non-underlined numbers are associated with the item identified by the line that associates the non-underlined number with the item. For an ununderlined number with an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify the general item to which the arrow points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following detailed description describes embodiments of the present disclosure and ways to implement these embodiments. Although some modes of implementing the present disclosure are disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments for implementing or practicing the present disclosure are also applicable.

[0058] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , the antenna device 100 includes: a reflector 102; a first group of dipoles including three or more parallel dipoles, such as a first group of dipoles 104 including three parallel dipoles; and a second group of dipoles including three or more parallel dipoles, such as a second group of dipoles 106 including three parallel dipoles.

[0059] The reflector 102 is generally planar. The reflector 102 reflects the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole. It should be noted that the reflector 102 greatly reduces the backward radiation and increases the forward gain. Here, the size of the reflector 102 is selected based on factors such as the wavelength range of the electromagnetic wave, the antenna aperture, and the desired directivity from the antenna device 100. Figure 1 , line AA′ shows the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102 .

[0060] The antenna device 100 includes a first set of three parallel dipoles 104. Each dipole in the first set of dipoles 104 is used to generate an electromagnetic signal having a first polarization. In addition, each dipole in the first set of dipoles 104 is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector 102 and extends at +45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102 as shown by the line AA'.

[0061] Similarly, each dipole in the second set of dipoles 106 is used to generate an electromagnetic signal having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. In addition, each dipole in the second set of dipoles 106 is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector 102 and extends at -45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102 as shown by line AA'.

[0062] It should be noted that the dipoles in the first group of dipoles 104 and the second group of dipoles 106 refer to conventional dipole antennas for generating electromagnetic signals. A dipole is composed of two equal-length conductors oriented end-to-end, the conductors being connected by a feeder line, wherein the two conductors are separated by an insulator. It should be noted that a voltage is applied through the feeder line to generate an electromagnetic signal from the dipole. Here, the use of the first group of dipoles 104 and the second group of dipoles 106, each including three or more parallel dipoles, increases the directional gain of the antenna compared to the directional gain of a single dipole, wherein the signals from different dipoles interfere with each other to enhance the electromagnetic signal radiated in the desired direction. Here, the feeder line of the dipoles is divided using an electrical network to provide power to each dipole.

[0063] Throughout this disclosure, the term "polarization" refers to the direction of the electric field of the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole. Optionally, the first polarization and the second polarization are linear polarizations, in which the electric field vector of the electromagnetic wave is confined to a given plane along the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave. As previously described, the second polarization is orthogonal to the first polarization. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves generated by the dipoles in the first set of dipoles 104 extend perpendicular to the electromagnetic waves generated by the dipoles in the second set of dipoles 106. It should be noted that the polarization of the electromagnetic waves generated by the dipoles may be affected by the physical structure of the dipoles and the orientation of the dipoles.

[0064] Optionally, at least one dipole in the first set of dipoles is arranged together with a dipole in the second set of dipoles. Figure 1As shown in , the dipole 108 in the first group of dipoles 104 is arranged together with the dipole 110 in the second group of dipoles 106. As previously mentioned, the dipoles in the first group of dipoles 104, such as the dipole 108, are arranged at +45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102; the dipoles in the second group of dipoles 106, such as the dipole 110, are arranged at -45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102. Therefore, the dipoles arranged together, here the dipoles 108 and 110, are arranged perpendicular to each other. Beneficially, this arrangement of the dipoles in the antenna device greatly reduces the area occupied by the antenna device without affecting the directivity, and allows a greater number of antenna devices to be integrated in the same space.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second set of dipoles 106 may include the same number of dipoles as the first set of dipoles 104 or a different number of dipoles. Figure 1 As shown, the second set of dipoles 106 includes the same number (ie, three) of dipoles as the first set of dipoles 104. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that for the sake of clarity, Figure 1 A simplified architecture of the antenna device 100 is shown, but does not limit the scope of the claims herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the second set of dipoles 106 can include a different number of dipoles than the first set of dipoles 104. Beneficially, such an arrangement can selectively increase the directivity of the antenna device in a specific desired direction.

[0066] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a top view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 , the distance between adjacent dipoles in the first group of dipoles 104 and the second group of dipoles 106 is d.

[0067] In one embodiment, the number of dipoles in each group of dipoles, such as the first group of dipoles 104 and the second group of dipoles 106, is determined based on the desired spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and the predetermined width of the reflector 102. In one embodiment, the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each group of dipoles is determined based on the desired spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and the predetermined width of the reflector 102. The predetermined width of the reflector 102 limits the maximum number of dipoles that can be arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector 102. The maximum number of dipoles depends on the number of dipoles in each group of dipoles and the distance between adjacent dipoles in each group of dipoles (i.e., the distance d).

[0068] It will be appreciated that the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each group and the number of dipoles in each group are selected so as to improve the efficiency of the desired spectrum. Given the specification of the desired spectrum, the above selection is made to arrange the dipoles of the antenna device 100 relative to the reflector 102 in a manner that improves the capacity utilization of the desired spectrum. In addition, the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each group and the number of dipoles in each group are selected to increase the spectral bandwidth of the antenna device 100 by properly distributing the dipoles over the aperture over a predetermined width of the reflector 102. The dipoles of the first group of dipoles 104 and the second group of dipoles 106 are arranged in such a manner that the bandwidth parameters of the individual dipoles in each group are well matched to each other. The increase in spectral bandwidth allows the aperture to be illuminated in a regular manner.

[0069] In one example, selecting each group to include three dipoles, wherein the distance d between adjacent dipoles is less than 0.2λ, can provide the antenna device 100 with high spectrum efficiency and appropriate matching of bandwidth parameters.

[0070] In one embodiment, the distance d is determined so that each dipole is in the reactive near field of adjacent parallel dipoles. In particular, the distance d is determined so that each dipole is in the reactive near field of adjacent parallel dipoles of the same polarization. It should be noted that the reactive near field is proportional to the size of the dipole and the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole. The arrangement of the dipoles in the reactive near field of adjacent parallel dipoles allows coupling between them to extend the bandwidth to the bandwidth of the resulting combination of dipoles. In one example, the distance d can be in the range between 0.05λ and 0.2λ, where λ refers to the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole.

[0071] Figure 3 2 shows the manner in which a phase is imposed on a given set of dipoles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 , dipoles 302, 304, and 306 of a given group of dipoles 300 of an antenna device, such as the antenna device 100, are shown. It should be noted that the given group of dipoles 300 is a first group of dipoles including three parallel dipoles and / or a second group of dipoles including three parallel dipoles. In one embodiment, one or more dipoles in the first group of dipoles and / or the second group of dipoles are fed in anti-phase with adjacent dipoles, so that the beam width is reduced in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100. By "feeding a given dipole in anti-phase with an adjacent dipole," it is meant that the feed provided to the given dipole and the feed provided to the adjacent dipole have a phase difference of 180 degrees or π radians. In Figure 3 , a dipole 304 in a given set of dipoles 300 is fed in anti-phase with respect to its neighboring dipoles 302 and 306. For example, the feeding phases of the dipoles 302, 304, and 306 may be 0 degrees, 180 degrees, and 0 degrees, respectively.

[0072] It should be understood that as long as the distance d between adjacent dipoles is small (for example, when d is less than 0.2λ), one or more dipoles in the first group of dipoles and / or the second group of dipoles can be fed in anti-phase with the adjacent dipoles to reduce the beamwidth of the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100.

[0073] When adjacent dipoles of a given set of dipoles 300 are fed in reverse phase, the beam width is reduced, but the directivity of the resulting radiation pattern is sacrificed (i.e., the side lobes are increased). As the beam width is reduced, the directivity in the desired direction is increased. In addition, feeding adjacent dipoles of a given set of dipoles 300 in reverse phase causes the waves from the adjacent dipoles to destructively interfere with each other, thereby reducing the power radiated from the given set of dipoles 300. It is important to note that the smaller the beam width, the easier it is to avoid interference with undesired signals.

[0074] Figure 4 Another way to impose a phase on a given set of dipoles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 , dipoles 402, 404, and 406 of a given group of dipoles 400 of an antenna device (such as antenna device 100) are shown. It should be noted that the given group of dipoles 400 is a first group of dipoles including three parallel dipoles and / or a second group of dipoles including three parallel dipoles. In one embodiment, a preset increasing phase difference can be applied to multiple dipoles in the first group of dipoles and / or the second group of dipoles, so that a skew and / or tilt is formed in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100. In one embodiment, the phase difference increases by a constant amount. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the preset incremental phase differences imposed on the dipoles 402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400 are 0, α, and 2α, respectively. In a given set of dipoles, the phase difference increases by a constant amount, which is equal to α. In one example, α is equal to 30 degrees. In this case, the preset incremental phase differences imposed on the dipoles 402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400 are 0, 30, and 60 degrees, respectively.

[0075] It should be appreciated that the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 can be electronically controlled by applying a preset incremental phase difference to the dipoles 402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400. It should be noted that by adjusting the preset incremental phase difference, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 can be adjusted to point in different directions as desired. In this way, a skew and / or tilt is created in the radiation pattern without physically moving (e.g., by tilting) the dipoles 402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400. Applying the preset incremental phase difference to the dipoles 402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400 simulates the physical tilt of a typical antenna element.

[0076] In one embodiment, a deflection is formed in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100 to increase the directivity of the antenna device 100 in a desired direction.

[0077] In one embodiment, the tilt formed based on the provided phase can be used to compensate for the natural tilt of the antenna device 100 (e.g., due to the antenna not being centered on the reflector). In one embodiment, the tilt is formed in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100 to increase the directivity of the antenna device 100 at a desired frequency and / or a desired tilt angle.

[0078] In one embodiment, a set of phase shifters may be used to impose a preset incremental phase difference on a plurality of dipoles in the first set of dipoles and / or the second set of dipoles. Optionally, the set of phase shifters is controlled by a computing device.

[0079] Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an antenna device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 and 6 , antenna devices 502 and 504 are implemented using a printed circuit board (PCB) for fabricating the first set of dipoles and the second set of dipoles. The printed circuit board mechanically supports and electrically connects the electrical components of the dipoles using conductive tracks, pads, and other features etched from one or more thin layers of a conductive metal (such as copper) laminated on and / or between thin layers of a non-conductive substrate.

[0080] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first and second dipole groups in antenna devices 502 and 504 include folded arms (i.e., bent arms). It should be noted that such folded arms do not affect the operation of the dipoles, but help to reduce the physical length of the dipoles. Beneficially, such implementation of the antenna device can improve the safety and stability of the dipoles.

[0081] Figure 7 1 is a top view of an antenna device array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an antenna device array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , antenna device array 700 includes two or more antenna devices, such as antenna devices 702, 704, 706, which are arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis of reflector 708. Antenna devices, such as antenna devices 702, 704, 706, can be implemented in a similar manner to antenna device 100.

[0084] It should be noted that this arrangement of antenna devices in array 700 helps to achieve uniform and stable illumination of the antenna aperture using electromagnetic signals generated by antenna devices (such as antenna devices 702, 704, and 706). In addition, due to the mutual coupling of dipoles in the reactive near field, a larger number of antenna devices can be integrated in array 700, thereby expanding the operating bandwidth of array 700. It should be understood that array 700 can be viewed as two arrays with different polarizations, for example, the first polarization of the first group of dipoles in the antenna device is orthogonal to the second polarization of the second group of dipoles in the antenna device.

[0085] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a top view of an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 , the antenna architecture 900 includes a first array 902 and a second array 904 (eg Figure 7 700 of antenna device array). It should be noted that the arrays 902 and 904 are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal axis of the reflector 906.

[0086] It will be appreciated that electrical energy is evenly distributed between the dipoles in the first array 902 and the second array 904 of antenna devices to ensure highly uniform aperture illumination in the antenna architecture 900 .

[0087] It should be noted that since the first array 902 and the second array 904 include dual-polarized antenna devices, the antenna architecture 900 can be viewed as including four arrays with different polarizations implemented side by side.

[0088] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a top view of an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 , the antenna architecture 1000 includes a first array and a second array, and Fig. 9 The antenna architecture 1000 is similar to the antenna architecture 900. In addition, the antenna architecture 1000 includes a third row of dipoles 1002 arranged between the first array and the second array, thereby forming a dipole grid.

[0089] It should be appreciated that antenna architecture 1000 provides highly uniform illumination of the aperture. This uniform and continuous illumination ensures a constant beamwidth over a wider frequency range and avoids discretization at the control point (i.e., the phase center of the dipole), making the phase center an area rather than a point. It should be noted that in an antenna architecture, such as in antenna architecture 1000, or in an array of antenna devices, such as in array 700, the distance between two sets of dipoles is determined according to the array factor required for their specific operating frequency band. In addition, uniform illumination of the aperture ensures optimal directivity of the antenna device and ensures low side lobes and controllable beamwidth in the array configuration.

[0090] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a top view of an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 , the antenna architecture 1100 includes a first array and a second array, and Fig. 9 The antenna structure also includes a third row of dipoles arranged between the first array and the second array, and Fig.10 The third row of dipoles 1002 in FIG.

[0091] Optionally, alternating dipoles in the third row of dipoles are assigned to the first array and the second array, respectively. Further, optionally, the alternating first set of dipoles in each array is extended to include dipoles in the third row of dipoles, and the alternating second set of dipoles in each array is extended to include dipoles in the third row of dipoles. Fig.11 , the first group of dipoles 1102 in the first array is extended to include the dipoles 1104 in the third row of dipoles. Similarly, the second group of dipoles 1106 in the first array is extended to include the dipoles 1108 in the third row of dipoles. In an alternating set of dipoles, the first group of dipoles 1110 in the second array is extended to include the dipoles 1112 in the third row of dipoles. Similarly, the second group of dipoles 1114 in the second array is extended to include the dipoles 1116 in the third row of dipoles. Therefore, it is noted that in each array, the alternating groups of dipoles have different numbers of dipoles, namely three and four dipoles.

[0092] Fig.12 is a top view of an antenna structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12 , the antenna architecture 1200 includes a first array and a second array, and Fig. 9 The antenna structure also includes a third row of dipoles arranged between the first array and the second array, and Fig.10 The third row of dipoles 1002 in FIG.

[0093] Optionally, each dipole in the third row of dipoles is assigned to both the first array and the second array. Optionally, each first group of dipoles in each array is extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles, and each second group of dipoles in each array is extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles. Fig.12, each dipole in the third row (such as dipoles 1202 and 1204) is assigned to both the first array and the second array. Specifically, for dipole 1202, the first group of dipoles 1206 in the first array and the first group of dipoles 1208 in the second array are extended to include dipole 1202 in the third row. Similarly, for dipole 1204, the second group of dipoles 1210 in the first array and the second group of dipoles 1212 in the second array are extended to include dipole 1204 in the third row. It should be noted that by partially overlapping the two arrays at the physical center of the antenna structure 1200, it helps each array obtain a larger aperture, thereby increasing the directivity of each array, compared to the case where each array physically occupies 50% of the space in the antenna structure 1200.

[0094] Optionally, the antenna architecture 1200 includes a duplexer communicatively coupled to the antenna device array. It should be noted that the duplexer allows the antenna device array to operate on multiple frequency bands. In one example, the duplexer allows the array to operate on frequencies ranging from 690 MHz to 2700 MHz.

[0095] In one embodiment, each dipole in the third row is fed by applying pre-tilt and amplitude attenuation simultaneously. In one embodiment, pre-tilt is applied to a given dipole in the third row by applying a phase difference on the given dipole. In this way, the radiation pattern of each dipole in the third row is electronically controlled. In one embodiment, amplitude attenuation is applied to the dipoles in the third row by sequentially stepping through the excitation amplitude of the dipoles in the third row. It is noted that the excitation amplitude of the amplitude attenuation is adjusted in a manner that achieves an overall balanced performance of the dipoles in the third row. It should be understood that the amplitude attenuation can reduce the sidelobe level of a group of dipoles in the third row.

[0096] Fig.13A An implementation in which one of the dipoles is a common dipole for the first array and the second array is shown. Fig.13A , showing a dipole (such as a dot-shaped dipole in the figure), which is shared by the first array 1302 and the second array 1304.

[0097] Fig. 13B An implementation is shown in which the two dipoles are common dipoles for the first array and the second array. Fig. 13B , showing two dipoles (such as dot-shaped dipoles in the figure), which are shared by the first array 1302 and the second array 1304.

[0098] In one embodiment, the common dipole is fed by applying pretilt and amplitude attenuation simultaneously. In this case, the magnitude of the phase difference (corresponding to the pretilt) and the excitation amplitude to be applied to the common dipole depend on the position of the common dipole within the first array 1302 and the second array 1304. It should be understood that the pretilt and excitation amplitude applied when the common dipole is assigned to the first array 1302 are different from the pretilt and excitation amplitude applied when the common dipole is assigned to the second array 1304.

[0099] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be modified. Expressions such as "including / comprising", "combined with", "having", "is / is" and the like used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, that is, items, components or elements that are not explicitly described are allowed to exist. References to the singular should also be interpreted as involving the plural. The word "exemplary" used herein means "as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments, and / or excluding the combination of features of other embodiments. The word "optionally" used herein means "provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It should be understood that certain features of the present disclosure described in the context of a single embodiment for clarity may also be provided in a single embodiment by combination. Conversely, the various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity may also be provided in any other described embodiment of the present disclosure individually or in any suitable combination or appropriately.

Claims

1. An antenna architecture (900, 1000, 1100, 1200), the antenna architecture comprising a first array (902) and a second array (904), each array (902, 904) comprising two or more antenna devices (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), wherein: Each antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) includes: A reflector (102, 708, 906), the reflector being substantially planar; A first set of dipoles (104, 300, 1102, 1110, 1206, 1208) comprising three or more parallel dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204), each dipole being configured to generate an electromagnetic signal having a first polarization, wherein the first set of dipoles (104, 30 0, 1102, 1110, 1206, 1208) each dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector (102, 708, 906) and extends at +45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector (102, 708, 906); a second set of dipoles (106, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212) comprising three or more parallel dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204), each dipole being configured to generate an electromagnetic signal having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization; wherein the second set of dipoles (1 06, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212) each dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector (102, 708, 906) and extends at -45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the reflector (102, 708, 906); wherein the first array (902) and the second array (904) are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal axis of the reflector (906), and the two or more antenna devices (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) in each array (902, 904) are arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis of the reflector; wherein the antenna architecture (1000, 1100, 1200) further comprises a third row (1002) of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) arranged between the first array (902) and the second array (904) so ​​as to form a dipole grid; in, Alternating dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) are respectively assigned to the first array (902) and the second array (904), wherein at least part of the dipoles in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) assigned to the first array (902) and at least part of the dipoles assigned to the second array (904) have different extension directions, or, Each dipole (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204) is simultaneously allocated to the first array (902) and the second array (904), and at least some of the dipoles in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204) do not extend beyond two ends of the first array (902) and / or two ends of the second array (904) along the longitudinal axis of the reflector (906).

2. The antenna architecture (1100) according to claim 1, characterized in that Alternating dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) are assigned to the first array (902) and the second array (904), respectively, The alternating first groups of dipoles (1102, 1110) in each of the first array (902) and the second array (904) are extended to include the dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116), and the alternating second groups of dipoles (1106, 1114) in each of the first array (902) and the second array (904) are extended to include the dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116).

3. The antenna architecture (1200) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each dipole (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204) is assigned to the first array (902) and the second array (904), The respective first groups of dipoles (1206, 1208) in each of the first array (902) and the second array (904) are extended to include the dipoles (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204), and the respective second groups of dipoles (1210, 1212) in each of the first array (902) and the second array (904) are extended to include the dipoles (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204).

4. The antenna architecture (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In each antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), at least one dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the first group of dipoles (104, 300, 1102, 1110, 1206, 1208) is arranged together with a dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the second group of dipoles (106, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212).

5. The antenna architecture (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In each antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), the number of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) in each group of dipoles is determined according to required spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and a predetermined width of the reflector (102, 708, 906).

6. The antenna architecture (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In each antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), the second set of dipoles (106, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212) includes the same number or a different number of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) as the first set of dipoles (104, 300, 1102, 1110, 1206, 1208).

7. The antenna architecture (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In each antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), a distance d between adjacent dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) in each set of dipoles (104, 106, 300, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1114, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212) is determined according to required spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and a predetermined width of the reflector (102, 708, 906).

8. The antenna architecture (1200) according to claim 7, characterized in that The distance d is determined so that each dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) is in the reactive near field of an adjacent parallel dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204).

9. The antenna architecture (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) also includes a set of phase shifters for applying a preset incremental phase difference to a plurality of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) in the first set of dipoles and / or the second set of dipoles (104, 106, 300, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1114, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212) so as to generate a skew and / or tilt in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706).

10. The antenna architecture (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In each antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), one or more dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212) in the first group of dipoles and / or the second group of dipoles (104, 106, 300, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1114, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212) are connected to the antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) and the antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) are connected to the antenna device (100, 502, 504, 704, 706) and the antenna device (100, 104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) are fed in anti-phase with adjacent dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) so ​​that the beam width is reduced in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706).

11. The antenna structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each dipole (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204) is assigned to the first array (902) and the second array (904), Each dipole (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) is fed by simultaneously applying pre-tilt and amplitude attenuation.

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