Antenna elements for multi-band antenna devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to antenna devices and antenna elements. In particular, the present disclosure provides an antenna element for a multi-band antenna device. The antenna element comprises a dielectric body provided with metal layers, wherein the dielectric body comprises a substrate and one or more wall elements arranged on the substrate. Further, one or more first radiating elements and one or more second radiating elements are arranged on the substrate and are configured to radiate in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, respectively. Further, a first feed network is connected to the first radiating elements and a second feed network is connected to the second radiating elements for using the first radiating elements and the second radiating elements as a first antenna array and a second antenna array, respectively. The first feed network is at least partially provided as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers on the one or more wall elements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to antenna devices and antenna elements. In particular, the present disclosure provides an antenna element for a multi-band antenna device, provides a multi-band antenna device, and provides a method of manufacturing an antenna element. In particular, the antenna element is designed to have a dielectric body on which one or more metal layers are arranged. The one or more metal layers form one or more feed networks for at least two different antenna arrays of radiating elements of the antenna element, wherein each array comprises one or more radiating elements. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) mobile networks, new frequency bands of 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz have been introduced, respectively. Therefore, there is an increasing demand on the market to develop new antenna devices that support a larger number of frequency bands. For example, the new antenna devices should support two or more of the following frequency bands: 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.4 GHz, 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz. Furthermore, in order to fully exploit the capabilities of the New Radio (NR) / 5G standard, the number of radio channels, antenna ports, and antenna columns per frequency band of the new antenna devices should also increase.

[0003] However, despite the desire to increase the number of frequency bands and the number of antenna ports per frequency band, the requirement of one antenna device per sector (or at most two antenna devices per sector in special cases) remains a rather strict requirement. Furthermore, in order to facilitate antenna site acquisition and / or to be able to reuse the current mechanical support structures already installed on the antenna sites, the form factor and the wind load of the new antenna devices should be comparable to the legacy products. That is, the new antenna devices should not require additional boxes nor should they require a larger box of the antenna site than the currently installed legacy antenna devices.

[0004] This leads to an increased complexity, which poses a challenge to design the new antenna devices. In particular, any new technology or antenna device concept that is able to integrate several frequency bands together in a neat (compact) and efficient way becomes very valuable. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above challenges, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a new multi-band antenna device. Therefore, the object is to provide an antenna element that enables the construction of a new multi-band antenna device without increasing the form factor or wind load of the new antenna device compared to a conventional (i.e., conventional) antenna device. For example, the goal is to provide a dual-band antenna element that includes at least a part of the antenna array of each radiating element (i.e., the array for each frequency band) and two feed networks for each array in a single part. Line crossings between the feed networks should be avoided. The antenna element and the corresponding new antenna device should also be much simpler than a comparable conventional antenna device, for example, it should not be necessary to use a multi-layer PCB structure to form the feed network. Furthermore, the antenna element and the new antenna device should meet the requirements of the next generation base station antennas.

[0006] This object is achieved by the embodiments of the invention described in the appended independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the embodiments of the invention are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] Specifically, embodiments of the present invention address multi-band integration issues by using a dielectric body with one or more metal layers, such as a metallized plastic body. Metallized plastic structures are used in other technology areas to create complex 3D structures, thereby reducing the number of parts and interconnections. For example, the use of metallized plastic structures has been explored in mobile devices and automobiles. Some approaches have also used metallized plastics for base station antennas. However, for base station antennas, the use of this technology is more challenging, mainly because of the type of radiating elements and the requirements for size and level of intermodulation.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an antenna element for a multi-band antenna device, the antenna element comprising: a dielectric provided with a metal layer, the dielectric comprising a substrate and one or more wall elements arranged on the substrate; one or more first radiating elements arranged on the substrate, each first radiating element being configured to radiate in a first frequency band; one or more second radiating elements arranged on the substrate, each second radiating element being configured to radiate in a second frequency band; a first feeding network connected to the one or more first radiating elements for using the one or more first radiating elements as a first antenna array; and a second feeding network connected to the one or more second radiating elements for using the one or more second radiating elements as a second antenna array; wherein the first feeding network is at least partially provided on the one or more wall elements as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers.

[0009] By providing the antenna element of the first aspect with a dielectric body and at least one metal layer arranged on one or more wall elements to form a first feed network, the antenna element of the first aspect allows for the integration of two feed networks in a more confined space. Consequently, when forming the two feed networks, the use of a multilayer structure and / or crossover of wires can be avoided. Compared to conventional antenna devices, no additional printed circuit board (PCB) is required to distribute the corresponding radio frequency (RF) signals to the radiating elements of different antenna arrays, as all parts of the feed network can be implemented in a single component.

[0010] The one or more wall elements arranged on the substrate may be formed integrally with the substrate and / or may protrude from the substrate.Furthermore, the first frequency band and the second frequency band may be overlapping or non-overlapping frequency bands.

[0011] In an implementation of the first aspect, the one or more wall elements include an outer wall element extending along an edge of the substrate, and a portion of the first feed network is provided on the outer wall element as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers.

[0012] Thus, the first feeding network may be arranged to feed the first radiating element of the first antenna array without any line crossing with the second feeding network.

[0013] In an implementation of the first aspect, a portion of the first feed network is provided as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers on one of the surfaces of the outer wall element, and a ground of the first feed network is provided as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers on the opposite surface of the outer wall element.

[0014] Thus, the space provided by the outer wall element is used more efficiently for providing the first feed network.

[0015] In an implementation of the first aspect, the outer wall element is configured to conform radiation from the one or more first radiating elements and / or radiation from the one or more second radiating elements.

[0016] Therefore, the outer wall elements can also be used to improve the radiation characteristics of the antenna element, such as the directivity of the radiation pattern of the antenna element, and the port parameters of the antenna element, such as coupling with adjacent antenna columns arranged side by side in a multi-band antenna.

[0017] In an implementation of the first aspect, the first feeding network includes a first feeding element for operating one or more first radiating elements according to a first polarization and a second feeding element for operating one or more first radiating elements according to a second polarization; the outer wall element includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion; the first feeding element is arranged on the first wall portion as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers, and the second feeding element is arranged on the second wall portion as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers.

[0018] Thus, the space on the outer wall element can be efficiently used to feed the first radiating element of the first antenna array.

[0019] In an implementation of the first aspect, the one or more wall elements further include one or more inner wall elements, each inner wall element connecting the outer wall element to one of the one or more first radiating elements; and a portion of the first feed network is disposed on the inner wall element as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers.

[0020] Thus, the additional wall elements can be used to provide / form the first feed network, in particular to connect the first feed network to all first radiating elements, also those located more centrally in the first array (especially in the case of a larger first array comprising, for example, multiple rows and columns of radiating elements). Furthermore, the inner wall elements can be used to provide additional isolation between the first radiating elements and the second radiating elements, thereby improving the radiation characteristics of the antenna element.

[0021] In an implementation of the first aspect, the second feed network is at least partially provided on the substrate as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers.

[0022] Thus, the dielectric body is used to form the two feed networks in an efficient manner, ie, less space is required and no line crossing or multi-layer structures are required.

[0023] In an implementation of the first aspect, one or more wall elements and radiating elements are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate; a portion of the second feed network is provided on the lower surface of the substrate as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers; the substrate is arranged on a reflector of the antenna element, and the reflector serves as a ground for the second feed network.

[0024] In an implementation manner of the first aspect, the reflective plate is configured to reflect radiation from the one or more first radiation elements and / or radiation from the one or more second radiation elements to a main radiation direction.

[0025] In an implementation of the first aspect, one or more wall elements and radiating elements are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate; the second feed network is provided as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers on the upper surface of the substrate; and the grounding for the second feed network is provided as a metal layer in the one or more metal layers on the lower surface of the substrate.

[0026] In this way, the substrate of the dielectric body is efficiently utilized to provide more space for the second feeding network.

[0027] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the first feeding network and the second feeding network are arranged without line crossings of feeding lines of the first feeding network and feeding lines of the second feeding network.

[0028] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the one or more first radiating elements are one or more low band (LB) radiating elements and the one or more second radiating elements are one or more high band (HB) radiating elements; or the one or more first radiating elements are one or more HB radiating elements and the one or more second radiating elements are one or more LB radiating elements.

[0029] Thus, the antenna element allows to manufacture an integrated multi-band antenna device with at least two different frequency bands.

[0030] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band; and / or, the first frequency band is a frequency range of 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz and the second frequency band is a frequency range of 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz.

[0031] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the one or more first radiating elements comprise one or more dipole radiating elements; and / or the one or more second radiating elements comprise one or more patch radiating elements.

[0032] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the one or more first radiating elements and / or the one or more second radiating elements comprise one or more linear dual-polarized radiating elements.

[0033] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the one or more first radiating elements and / or the one or more second radiating elements are at least partially formed by a dielectric body.

[0034] Thus, the dielectric body of the antenna element has the further purpose of at least partially forming the radiating elements. Thus, a more compact and easy to manufacture antenna element is possible.

[0035] In an implementation form of the first aspect, each of the one or more second radiating elements comprises a first patch formed by the dielectric body and comprises a second patch stacked on the first patch.

[0036] In this way, the bandwidth of the second antenna array can be increased.

[0037] In an implementation form of the first aspect, each of the one or more first radiating elements comprises a balun formed by the dielectric body and comprises a PCB in which a dipole is formed, the PCB being connected to the balun.

[0038] In this way, the molding of the dielectric body and e.g. its metallization becomes simpler and production costs can be reduced.

[0039] In an implementation of the first aspect, the second patch and the PCB are formed by a further dielectric body of the antenna element, the further dielectric body being attached to the dielectric body.

[0040] In this way, the antenna element can be formed in a simpler manner, and the number of elements can be reduced.

[0041] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a multi-band antenna device comprising one or more antenna elements, each antenna element being configured according to the first aspect or any one of its implementations.

[0042] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for producing antenna elements of a multi-band antenna device, the method comprising: forming a dielectric body comprising a substrate and one or more wall elements arranged on the substrate; forming one or more first radiating elements arranged on the substrate, each first radiating element being configured to radiate in a first frequency band; forming one or more second radiating elements arranged on the substrate, each second radiating element being configured to radiate in a second frequency band; forming a first feeding network connected to the one or more first radiating elements for using the one or more first radiating elements as a first antenna array; forming a second feeding network connected to the one or more second radiating elements for using the one or more second radiating elements as a second antenna array; wherein the first feeding network is formed at least in part by metallizing the one or more wall elements.

[0043] In an implementation of the third aspect, the one or more wall elements include an outer wall element extending along an edge of the substrate, and a portion of the first feed network is formed by metallizing the outer wall element.

[0044] In an implementation of the third aspect, a portion of the first feed network is formed by metallizing one of the surfaces of the outer wall element, and a ground of the first feed network is formed by metallizing the opposite surface of the outer wall element.

[0045] In an implementation of the third aspect, the outer wall element is formed to be configured to conform to radiation from the one or more first radiating elements and / or radiation from the one or more second radiating elements.

[0046] In an implementation of the third aspect, the first feeding network includes a first feeding element for operating one or more first radiating elements according to a first polarization and a second feeding element for operating one or more first radiating elements according to a second polarization; the outer wall element includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion; the first feeding element is formed by metallizing the first wall portion, and the second feeding element is formed by metallizing the second wall portion.

[0047] In an implementation of the third aspect, the one or more wall elements further comprise one or more inner wall elements, each inner wall element connecting the outer wall element to one of the one or more first radiating elements; a portion of the first feed network is formed by metallizing the inner wall elements.

[0048] In an implementation of the third aspect, the second feed network is at least partially formed by metallizing the substrate.

[0049] In one implementation of the third aspect, one or more wall elements and radiating elements are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate; a portion of the second feed network is formed by metallizing the lower surface of the substrate; the substrate is formed on a reflector of the antenna element, and the reflector serves as a ground for the second feed network.

[0050] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the reflective plate is configured to reflect radiation from the one or more first radiation elements and / or radiation from the one or more second radiation elements to a main radiation direction.

[0051] In an implementation of the third aspect, one or more wall elements and radiating elements are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate, the second feeding network is formed by metallizing the upper surface of the substrate; and the grounding of the second feeding network is formed by metallizing the lower surface of the substrate.

[0052] In an implementation of the third aspect, the first feeding network and the second feeding network are formed so that no feeding line of the first feeding network crosses the feeding line of the second feeding network.

[0053] In one implementation of the third aspect, one or more first radiation elements are one or more LB radiation elements, and one or more second radiation elements are one or more HB radiation elements; or one or more first radiation elements are one or more HB radiation elements, and one or more second radiation elements are one or more LB radiation elements.

[0054] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band; and / or the first frequency band is a frequency range of 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz, and the second frequency band is a frequency range of 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz.

[0055] In an implementation of the third aspect, the one or more first radiating elements include one or more dipole radiating elements; and / or the one or more second radiating elements include one or more patch radiating elements.

[0056] In an implementation of the third aspect, the one or more first radiating elements and / or the one or more second radiating elements include one or more linear dual-polarized radiating elements.

[0057] In an implementation of the third aspect, the one or more first radiating elements and / or the one or more second radiating elements are at least partially formed of a dielectric body.

[0058] In an implementation of the third aspect, each of the one or more second radiating elements includes a first patch formed of a dielectric, and includes a second patch stacked on the first patch.

[0059] In an implementation of the third aspect, each of the one or more first radiating elements includes a balun formed of a dielectric, and includes a PCB in which a dipole is formed, and the PCB is connected to the balun.

[0060] In an implementation of the third aspect, the second patch and the PCB are formed by a further dielectric body of the antenna element, the further dielectric body being attached to the dielectric body.

[0061] The method of the third aspect and its implementation provide the same advantages as the antenna element of the first aspect described above. The method of the third aspect is used to manufacture the antenna element of the first aspect, thereby achieving the aforementioned advantages. Specifically, the antenna element of the first aspect and the multi-band antenna device of the second aspect can each be easily manufactured using the method of the third aspect.

[0062] It should be noted that all devices, elements, units and means described in this application may be implemented by software or hardware elements or any combination thereof. All steps performed by various entities described in this application and functions described as to be performed by various entities are intended to indicate that the corresponding entities are suitable or configured to perform the corresponding steps and functions.

[0063] Although in the description of the following specific embodiments, the specific functions or steps performed by the external entity are not reflected in the description of the specific detailed elements of the entity that performs the specific steps or functions, it should be clear to the technician that these methods and functions can be implemented with corresponding software or hardware elements or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will illustrate the above aspects and implementation methods.

[0065] Figure 1 An antenna element according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0066] Figure 2 A top view of an antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0067] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A magnified top view of the antenna element.

[0068] Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 Bottom view of the antenna element.

[0069] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 A magnified top view of the antenna element.

[0070] Figure 6 An antenna element according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0071] Figure 7 Another dielectric body of an antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0072] Figure 8 An antenna element including a dielectric body and another dielectric body according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0073] Figure 9 An exemplary antenna element according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a first radiating element and a second radiating element are arranged along the same line.

[0074] Figure 10 Exemplary antenna elements for a tri-band implementation according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0075] Figure 11 An exemplary antenna element having a 2LB / 4HB combination according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Figure 12 An exemplary antenna element having a 1LB / 3HB combination according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0077] Figure 13 An exemplary antenna element having a 1LB / 4HB combination according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0078] Figure 14 A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] Figure 1 An antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The antenna element 100 may be used to form a multi-band antenna device, such as a dual-band antenna device or a tri-band antenna device. Figure 1 The antenna element 100 is exemplarily shown to operate in two frequency bands, but it can operate in more than two frequency bands.

[0080] The antenna element 100 comprises a dielectric 101 provided with one or more metal layers. The one or more metal layers may be arranged on the dielectric 101, in particular on the surface of the dielectric 101. However, the one or more metal layers may also be arranged inside the dielectric 101. Furthermore, the dielectric may be made of plastic. In particular, the dielectric may therefore be a selectively metallized plastic component. The dielectric 101 comprises a substrate 101a and one or more wall elements 101b, 101c arranged on the substrate 101a. The one or more wall elements 101b, 101c may protrude from the substrate 101a along the z-axis (i.e. perpendicular to the axis of the substrate) and may also be formed integrally with the substrate 101a. The one or more wall elements 101b, 101c may comprise an outer wall element 101b, for example, the outer wall element 101b surrounds the substrate 101a, i.e. extends along an edge of the substrate 101a (e.g. Figure 1 Furthermore, the one or more wall elements 101b, 101c may include one or more inner wall elements 101c, i.e., one or more wall elements 101c arranged on the center of the base plate 101a and / or arranged in an area surrounded by the outer wall elements 101b.

[0081] Furthermore, antenna element 100 includes one or more first radiating elements 102, which are arranged, for example, regularly (e.g., in rows and / or columns) or irregularly on substrate 101a, wherein each first radiating element 102 is configured to radiate in a first frequency band. Antenna element 100 also includes one or more second radiating elements 103, which are arranged, for example, regularly (e.g., in rows and / or columns) or irregularly on substrate 101a and / or interleaved with first radiating elements 102, wherein each second radiating element 103 is configured to radiate in a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band can be different frequency bands. For example, the first frequency band can be lower than the second frequency band, or vice versa. The first and second frequency bands can overlap, specifically partially overlap, or they can be non-overlapping. For example, the first frequency band can be in the frequency range of 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz, and the second frequency band can be in the frequency range of 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz.

[0082] One or more first radiating elements 102 may include one or more dipole radiating elements, and / or one or more second radiating elements 103 may include one or more patch radiating elements, or vice versa. Thus, one or more first radiating elements 102 and / or one or more second radiating elements 103 may include one or more linear dual-polarized radiating elements. The first radiating element 102 may include one or more LB radiating elements, and thus may form an LB antenna array. The second radiating element 103 may include one or more HB radiating elements, and thus may form an HB antenna array. Alternatively, the first radiating element 102 may include one or more HB radiating elements, and the second radiating element 103 may include one or more LB radiating elements. The one or more first radiating elements 102 and / or the one or more second radiating elements 103 may be formed at least partially by the dielectric body 101, i.e., by one or more metal layers of the dielectric body 101.

[0083] Antenna element 100 also includes a first feed network 104 connected to one or more first radiating elements 102 for use as a first antenna array. Furthermore, antenna element 100 includes a second feed network 105 connected to one or more second radiating elements 103 for use as a second antenna array. First feed network 104 and / or second feed network 105 may include one or more feed lines, specifically for connection to the respective radiating elements 102 / 103 fed by feed network 104 / 105. Thus, first feed network 104 and second feed network 105 may be arranged so that the respective feed lines do not intersect. Both first feed network 104 and second feed network 105 no longer require a multi-layer structure.

[0084] Specifically, the first feed network 104 is at least partially provided as a metal layer in one or more metal layers on one or more wall elements 101b, 101c, i.e., formed by the dielectric body 101. For example, the first feed network 104 can be provided on the outer wall element 101b and / or on one or more inner wall elements 101c. In other words, the first feed network 104 can be integrated into the wall elements 101b, 101c of the dielectric body 101 of the antenna element 100. For example, one or more wall elements 101b, 101c can have a first surface, wherein the first feed network 104 is provided as a metallization layer or metal layer on the first surface. In addition, one or more wall elements 101b, 101c can have a second surface, which can serve as a ground for the feed network 104, with the ground provided as a metallization layer or metal layer on the second surface. The outer wall element 101b can also serve as an electric fence, configured to conform to the radiation pattern of one or both of the first and second frequency bands. That is, the outer wall element 101 b may be configured to conform radiation from the one or more first radiating elements 102 and / or radiation from the one or more second radiating elements 103 .

[0085] Furthermore, the second feed network 105 can be at least partially provided as a metal layer on the dielectric body 101, specifically on the substrate 101a. In other words, the second feed network 105 can be integrated into the bottom of the dielectric body 101 of the antenna element 100. However, at least a portion of the second feed network 105 can also be provided on one or more wall elements 101b, 101c.

[0086] Figures 2 to 5 An antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is built on Figure 1 Based on the embodiment shown. Figure 1 、 Figures 2 to 5 The same elements in FIG. 1 have the same reference numerals and can be implemented similarly. Specifically, Figure 2 shows a top view of the antenna element 100, Figure 3 shows an enlarged top view of the antenna element 100, Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the antenna element 100, Figure 5 An enlarged bottom view of the antenna element 100 is shown.

[0087] Specifically, in Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first radiation elements 102 are LB radiation elements and form an LB array, and the second radiation elements 103 are HB radiation elements and form an HB array.

[0088] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first feed network 105 of the LB radiating element 102 is at least partially arranged on one or more wall elements 101b, 101c. Specifically, the first feed network 104 is arranged on the outer wall element 101b of the dielectric body 101. Thus, one of the polarizations can be arranged in the first wall portion of the outer wall element 101b, for example, the left portion of the outer wall element 101b. The other polarization can be arranged in the second wall portion of the outer wall element 101b, for example, the right portion of the outer wall element 101b. The inner wall element 101c of the dielectric body 101 can be used to route signals from the LB radiating elements 102 (those arranged in the center, specifically those arranged between the HB radiating elements 103) to the outer wall element 101b. The first feed network 104 can also be arranged on the inner wall element 101c of the dielectric body 101.

[0089] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second feed network 105 of the HB radiating element is arranged on the lower surface of the bottom region of the dielectric body 101, namely, in the substrate 101a. The dielectric body 101 is also arranged on top of a reflector, which serves as a ground for the second feed network 105 of the HB array. An implementation is also possible in which the second feed network 105 is arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 101a of the dielectric body 101, and the ground is arranged in the lower surface of the substrate 101a, or vice versa (without using any reflector).

[0090] exist Figures 2 to 5 In an embodiment, for example, the HB frequency band is 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz and the LB frequency band is 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz. The spacing between the HB radiating elements 103 can be 43 mm horizontally and 62.5 mm vertically, while the vertical spacing between the LB radiating elements 102 can be 125 mm.

[0091] The LB radiating elements may be cross-fed dipoles and the HB radiating elements 103 may be probe-fed patches. Some or all of the radiating elements 102 / 103 may be linear dual polarized + / - 45° tilt.

[0092] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown in the example, there may be three dipole radiating elements 102 operating in LB and twelve patch radiating elements 103 operating in HB. In this particular example, the HB radiating elements 103 are clustered into four groups of three dual-polarized radiating elements 103 in each group (in Figure 4 ), where two clusters are located on one (long) side of the antenna element 100 and the other two clusters are located on the other (long) side of the antenna element 100.

[0093] The above frequency bands, dimensions, and clusters are merely examples to convey the concept of embodiments of the present invention. However, embodiments of the present invention can be extended to be used with any other combination of frequency bands, dimensions, and clusters. Embodiments of the present invention are also not limited to any particular type of radiating elements 102 and 103.

[0094] Figure 6 An antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is built on Figures 2 to 5 Based on the embodiment shown. Figure 6 、 Figures 2 to 5 The same elements in FIG. 1 have the same reference numerals and can be implemented similarly. Specifically, Figure 6 It is shown that the first portion 102a of the first radiating element 102 can be formed by the dielectric body 101, and the second portion 102b of the first radiating element 102 can be realized as a separate portion 102b, that is, as a portion 102b added to the dielectric body 101. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the dipole of the first radiating element 102 can be implemented in an additional PCB (as component 102b), which can be soldered to component 102a of the first radiating element 102 formed by the dielectric body 101, specifically a balun. Specifically, each of the one or more first radiating elements 102 can include a balun 102a formed by the dielectric body 101, and can include an additional PCB 102b in which the dipole is formed, the additional PCB 102b being connected to the balun 102a.

[0095] In addition, the first portion 103a of the second radiating element 103 may be formed of the dielectric body 101, and the second portion 103b of the second radiating element 103 may be formed as a separate portion 103b, that is, as a portion 103b added to the dielectric body 101. For example, each of the one or more second radiating elements 103 may include a first portion (e.g., a patch) 103a formed of the dielectric body 101, and may include a second portion (e.g., a patch) 103b connected to the first portion 103a.

[0096] in this regard, Figure 7 It is shown that the second portions 102b and 103b of the one or more first radiating elements 102 and the one or more second radiating elements 103, respectively, may be formed at least partially from another dielectric body 701. For example, the second patch 103b and the additional PCB 102b may each be formed from another dielectric body 701 (e.g., having one or more metal layers) of the antenna element 100. The further dielectric body 701 may be attached / connected to the dielectric body 101 ( Figure 8 shown in assembled state).

[0097] For example, the reason for not including all components into the dielectric body 101 may be, for example, the presence of dipoles (in Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the stacked patches 103b are provided / defined in the additional PCB 102b (in the embodiment of the present invention) and the stacked patches 103b are provided / defined in the additional PCB 102b. This will complicate the molding and etching of the dielectric body 101 and thus increase the production cost. The additional stacked patches 103b can also increase the bandwidth of the second array (e.g., the HB array), so if the bandwidth requirements cannot be achieved with only one patch 103a, the additional stacked patches 103b can be considered. A good alternative to minimize the number of components is to merge all the additional components 102b and 103b (e.g., the LB dipole PCB 102b and the HB stacked patches 103b) into another dielectric body 701, for example, as another metallized plastic component.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, the HB radiation element 103 may be arranged side by side relative to the LB radiation element 102 (see, for example, Figures 2 to 5 ). However, if Figure 9 As shown, an antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, but they can also be arranged along the same line, for example along the length of the antenna element 100 .

[0099] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second feeding network 105 may be arranged at the bottom, i.e. in the substrate 101a, while the first feeding network 104 is arranged in one or more wall elements 101b, 101c, in particular in the outer wall element 101b (see, for example, Figures 2 to 5 ). This may be a preferred option when the number of columns of the second radiating elements 103 is greater than the number of columns of the first radiating elements 102 (a column is a group of radiating elements 102 / 103 arranged one after another on a common axis, wherein, specifically, the common axis points to the length of the substrate 101a, more specifically, perpendicular to the length (long side) of the substrate 101a; similarly, a row of radiating elements 102 / 103 may be perpendicular to a column of radiating elements 102 / 103). However, for the case where the number of columns of the second radiating elements 103 is the same as the number of columns of the first radiating elements 102 (as in Figure 9 ), the second feed network 105 may preferably be arranged in one or more wall elements 101b, 101c, in particular in the outer wall element 101b, and / or the first feed network 104 may be arranged in the substrate 101a.

[0100] In another embodiment, a third frequency band can be added that coexists in the same dielectric 101. For example, Figure 10 An antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is built on Figures 2 to 5 Based on the embodiment shown. Figure 10 、 Figures 2 to 5identical elements in the figures have identical reference signs and can be implemented similarly. In particular, Figure 10 A three-band antenna element 100 is shown. The antenna element 100 comprises one or more third radiating elements 1000 configured to radiate in a third frequency band (higher than the first or second frequency band, or lower than the first and second frequency band, or between the first and second frequency band). The antenna element 100 can further comprise a third feed network connected to the one or more third radiating elements 1000 for using the one or more third radiating elements 1000 as a third antenna array. The third feed network can be formed at least partly as a metal layer on the dielectric body 101, e.g. on one or more wall elements 101b, 101c, just like the first and second feed networks 104, 105 as described above.

[0101] Furthermore, in other embodiments of the application different combinations of HB / LB radiating element columns can be considered. For example, in Figures 11 to 13 In the following, some examples are shown. In particular, Figure 11 An exemplary antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the application is shown, having a 2LB / 4HB combination, i.e. a LB column comprising two LB radiating elements 102 and a HB column comprising four HB radiating elements 103. Figure 12 An exemplary antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the application is shown, having a 1LB / 3HB combination, i.e. a LB column comprising one LB radiating element 102 and a HB column comprising three HB radiating elements 103. Figure 13 An exemplary antenna element 100 according to an embodiment of the application is shown, having a 1LB / 4HB combination, i.e. a LB column comprising one LB radiating element 102 and a HB column comprising four HB radiating elements 103.

[0102] Figure 14A method 1400 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. The method 1400 can be used for manufacturing an antenna element 100 as shown in any of the above figures. The method comprises a step 1401 of forming a dielectric body 101 comprising a substrate 101a and one or more wall elements 101b, 101c arranged on the substrate 101a. Further, the method comprises a step 1402 of forming one or more first radiating elements 102 arranged on the substrate 101a, each first radiating element 102 being configured to radiate in a first frequency band, and a step 1403 of forming one or more second radiating elements 103 arranged on the substrate 101, each second radiating element 103 being configured to radiate in a second frequency band. Further, the method 1400 comprises a step 1404 of forming a first feed network 104 connected to the one or more first radiating elements 102 for using the one or more first radiating elements as a first antenna array, and a step 1405 of forming a second feed network 105 connected to the one or more second radiating elements 103 for using the one or more second radiating elements as a second antenna array. The first feed network 104 is formed at least partly by metallizing the one or more wall elements 101b, 101c, in particular the one or more outer wall elements 101b and / or the one or more inner wall elements 101c. The second feed network 105 can be formed at least partly by metallizing the substrate 101a.

[0103] The application has been described in relation to various embodiments and implementations as examples. However, a person skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that other variations are possible in the light of the application, the drawings, the disclosure and the independent claims. In the claims and the specification, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit can fulfil the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The specific measures described in the dependent claims are not to be understood as measures that have to be implemented only in the specific combination indicated.

Claims

1. An antenna element (100) for a multi-band antenna device, the antenna element (100) comprising: A dielectric body (101) provided with one or more metal layers, the dielectric body (101) comprising a substrate (101a) and one or more wall elements arranged on the substrate (101a); One or more first radiating elements (102) arranged on the substrate (101a), each first radiating element (102) being configured to radiate in a first frequency band; One or more second radiating elements (103) arranged on the substrate (101a), each second radiating element (103) being configured to radiate in a second frequency band; a first feed network (104) connected to the one or more first radiating elements (102) for using the one or more first radiating elements (102) as a first antenna array; as well as a second feed network (105) connected to the one or more second radiating elements (103) for using the one or more second radiating elements (103) as a second antenna array; wherein the first feed network (104) is at least partially provided as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers on the one or more wall elements; wherein the one or more wall elements include an outer wall element (101b) extending along an edge of the substrate (101a), and the one or more wall elements further include one or more inner wall elements (101c), each inner wall element (101c) connecting the outer wall element (101b) to one of the one or more first radiating elements (102); and Part of the first feed network (104) is provided on the outer wall element (101b) as a metal layer among the one or more metal layers, and another part of the first feed network (104) is provided on the inner wall element (101c) as a metal layer among the one or more metal layers.

2. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The portion of the first feed network (104) is provided as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers on one of the surfaces of the outer wall element (101b), and A ground for the first feed network (104) is provided as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers on an opposite surface of the outer wall element (101b).

3. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outer wall element (101b) is configured to conform radiation from the one or more first radiating elements (102) and / or radiation from the one or more second radiating elements (103).

4. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first feed network (104) includes a first feed element for operating the one or more first radiating elements (102) according to a first polarization and a second feed element for operating the one or more first radiating elements (102) according to a second polarization; The outer wall element (101b) comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion; and The first feeding element is provided on the first wall portion as a metal layer among the one or more metal layers, and the second feeding element is provided on the second wall portion as a metal layer among the one or more metal layers.

5. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second feed network (105) is at least partially provided on the substrate (101a) as a metal layer of the one or more metal layers.

6. The antenna element (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more wall elements and the radiating element are arranged on an upper surface of the substrate (101a); A portion of the second feed network (105) is provided on the lower surface of the substrate (101a) as a metal layer among the one or more metal layers; and The substrate (101a) is arranged on a reflector of the antenna element (100), and the reflector serves as a ground for the second feed network (105).

7. The antenna element (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The reflector is configured to reflect radiation from the one or more first radiation elements (102) and / or radiation from the one or more second radiation elements (103) to a main radiation direction.

8. The antenna element (100) of claim 5, wherein: The one or more wall elements and the radiating element are arranged on an upper surface of the substrate (101a); The second feed network (105) is provided on the upper surface of the substrate (101a) as a metal layer among the one or more metal layers; as well as A ground for the second feed network (105) is provided on the lower surface of the substrate (101a) as a metal layer among the one or more metal layers.

9. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first feed network (104) and the second feed network (105) are arranged so that no feed line of the first feed network (104) and a feed line of the second feed network (105) cross each other.

10. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more first radiating elements (102) are one or more low-band (LB) radiating elements, and the one or more second radiating elements (103) are one or more high-band (HB) radiating elements; or The one or more first radiating elements (102) are one or more HB radiating elements, and the one or more second radiating elements (103) are one or more LB radiating elements.

11. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band; and / or The first frequency band is a frequency range of 1.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz, and the second frequency band is a frequency range of 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz.

12. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more first radiating elements (102) include one or more dipole radiating elements; and / or The one or more second radiating elements (103) include one or more patch radiating elements.

13. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The one or more first radiating elements (102) and / or the one or more second radiating elements (103) include one or more linear dual-polarized radiating elements.

14. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more first radiating elements (102) and / or the one or more second radiating elements (103) are at least partially formed by the dielectric body (101).

15. The antenna element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each of the one or more second radiating elements (103) includes a first patch (103a) formed of the dielectric body (101) and a second patch (103b) stacked on the first patch (103a).

16. The antenna element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each of the one or more first radiating elements (102) includes a balun (102a) formed of the dielectric body (101), and includes a PCB (102b) in which a dipole is formed, the PCB (102b) being connected to the balun (102a).

17. The antenna element (100) of claim 15, wherein: The second patch (103b) and the PCB (102b) are formed by a further dielectric body (701) of the antenna element (100), the further dielectric body (701) being attached to the dielectric body (101).

18. A multi-band antenna device comprising one or more antenna elements (100), each antenna element being configured according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method (1400) for producing an antenna element (100) for a multi-band antenna device, the method (1400) comprising: forming a dielectric body (101) comprising a substrate (101a) and one or more wall elements arranged on the substrate (101a); forming one or more first radiating elements (102) arranged on the substrate (101a), each first radiating element (102) being configured to radiate in a first frequency band; forming one or more second radiating elements (103) arranged on the substrate (101a), each second radiating element (103) being configured to radiate in a second frequency band; forming a first feed network (104) connected to the one or more first radiating elements (102) for using the one or more first radiating elements (102) as a first antenna array; as well as forming a second feed network (105) connected to the one or more second radiating elements (103) for using the one or more second radiating elements (103) as a second antenna array; wherein the first feed network (104) is formed at least in part by metallizing the one or more wall elements; wherein the one or more wall elements include an outer wall element (101b) extending along an edge of the substrate (101a), and the one or more wall elements further include one or more inner wall elements (101c), each inner wall element (101c) connecting the outer wall element (101b) to one of the one or more first radiating elements (102); and wherein a portion of the first feed network (104) is formed by metallizing the outer wall element (101b), and another portion of the first feed network (104) is formed by metallizing the inner wall element (101c).

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