Base station antennas and base station antenna feed systems

Abstract

The present application provides a base station antenna, comprising a radiating element array and a radio frequency lens, wherein the radiating element array comprises a plurality of radiating elements, and the plurality of radiating elements are arranged along a first direction. The radio frequency lens is arranged above the radiating element array to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiating element array, and the radio frequency lens is strip-shaped, and a plurality of grooves are formed on one surface of the radio frequency lens, thereby forming a central portion and a plurality of lens portions on the radio frequency lens. The central portion and the plurality of lens portions both extend along the first direction. The central portion is arranged in the middle position of the radio frequency lens, and the plurality of lens portions are arranged on both sides of the central portion along a second direction, and are symmetrical about the central portion, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The radio frequency lens in the base station antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application has a specific structure, which can effectively narrow the beam width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of radio communications, and in particular to a base station antenna and a base station antenna feed system. Background Art

[0002] In a typical cellular communication system, the coverage area is often divided into individual cells, and each base station is often divided into three sectors. In the most common possible configuration, the cell is divided into three 120-degree sectors, and each sector is served by one or more base station antennas. This requires each base station antenna to have a 3dB beamwidth of approximately 65 degrees and a 10dB beamwidth of approximately 120 degrees. Mobile operators are currently in urgent need of increased capacity, but spectrum resources are limited. MIMO has garnered significant attention in recent years because it can significantly increase system throughput and transmission range without increasing bandwidth or overall transmit power expenditure. The core concept of MIMO is to effectively improve the spectrum efficiency of wireless communication systems by utilizing the spatial freedom provided by multiple transmit and receive antennas, thereby increasing transmission rates and improving communication quality.

[0003] Currently, increasing the number of base station antennas is often impossible due to regulations, tower weight, and wind load restrictions. This necessitates cramming more antennas into a single antenna. Since antenna length cannot be extended indefinitely, antenna arrays often need to be placed side by side. Signal coupling between arrays can lead to an undesirable widening of the beamwidth. Alternatively, as another means of expanding capacity, multi-beam antennas can be used to divide existing cells into more cells while maintaining the same antenna aperture size, thereby increasing the effective capacity of the original cell. Currently, dual-beam antennas with two transmit and two receive (2T2R) and four transmit and four receive (4T4R) transmission lines have been widely deployed globally, effectively alleviating customer network congestion issues and demonstrating their significant capacity expansion value.

[0004] However, all of the above solutions face the problem of how to narrow the antenna beam width. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a base station antenna and a base station antenna feed system that can effectively narrow the antenna beam width.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present application provides a base station antenna comprising a radiating element array and a radio frequency lens. The radiating element array includes multiple radiating elements arranged along a first direction. The radio frequency lens is disposed above the radiating element array to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiating element array. The radio frequency lens is strip-shaped, with a surface having a plurality of grooves formed thereon. A central portion and multiple lens portions are formed thereon. The central portion and the multiple lens portions both extend along the first direction. The central portion is disposed in the middle of the radio frequency lens. The multiple lens portions are disposed on either side of the central portion along a second direction, symmetrically about the central portion, with the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. In the base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application, the radio frequency lens has a specific structure. Specifically, the base station antenna is provided with an axisymmetric "tooth"-like structure based on the Fresnel lens principle. The "tooth"-like structure is used to refract electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiating element array, thereby narrowing the beam width. Furthermore, the base station antenna can reduce the thickness of the radio frequency lens, even making it thin. This facilitates reducing the size of the base station antenna and improving heat dissipation.

[0007] In one possible design, the central portion and the lens portion are both tooth-shaped, with their widths gradually decreasing along a third direction, with the ends of the lens portion gradually approaching the central portion. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. In this way, the RF lens utilizes a "tooth"-like structure to replace a conventional dielectric lens, offering advantages such as a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0008] In one possible design, the bottom edge of each lens portion and the bottom edge of the central portion are aligned, or together form a curved, folded, or arcuate surface. In this way, the RF lens utilizes a "tooth"-like structure to replace a conventional dielectric lens, resulting in advantages such as a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0009] In one possible design, the two side edges of each lens portion and the two side edges of the central portion are straight or have a certain curvature. In this way, the RF lens uses a "tooth" structure to replace a conventional dielectric lens, and the overall advantages include a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0010] In one possible design, the central portion and the multiple lens portions are arranged toward the radiating element array. Thus, by orienting the central portion of the RF lens and the surfaces of the lens portions toward the radiating element array, and aligning the axis of symmetry of the RF lens (e.g., normal z) with the center of the radiating element array, the RF lens can converge the beam width and increase the gain.

[0011] In one possible design, the central portion and the multiple lens portions are arranged facing away from the radiating element array. Thus, by aligning the central portion of the RF lens and the surfaces of the lens portions facing away from the radiating element array, and aligning the axis of symmetry of the RF lens (e.g., normal z) with the center of the radiating element array, the RF lens can converge the beam width and increase the gain.

[0012] In a possible design, the length of the radio frequency lens is greater than or equal to the length of the radiation element array, so as to ensure that the radio frequency lens can fully receive the electromagnetic radiation of the corresponding radiation element array.

[0013] In one possible design, the base station antenna includes a plurality of RF lenses arranged along a predetermined direction, and a total length of the plurality of RF lenses is greater than or equal to a length of the radiating element array. This ensures that the RF lenses can fully receive electromagnetic radiation from the corresponding radiating element array.

[0014] In a possible design, the width of the radio frequency lens is greater than or equal to the width of the radiation element array, so as to ensure that the radio frequency lens can fully receive the electromagnetic radiation of the corresponding radiation element array.

[0015] In one possible design, the RF lens is made of a dielectric material with a dielectric constant greater than 1. Thus, the base station antenna provided in this embodiment utilizes the "tooth" structure to refract electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiating element array, thereby narrowing the beam width. Furthermore, the base station antenna can reduce the thickness of the RF lens, even allowing it to be formed into a thin sheet. This facilitates reducing the size of the base station antenna and improving heat dissipation.

[0016] In one possible design, the base station antenna includes multiple RF lenses and multiple radiating element arrays. The multiple RF lenses are integrally formed, and each RF lens corresponds to a radiating element array. In this way, the base station antenna utilizes a "tooth"-like structure to replace conventional dielectric lenses, resulting in advantages such as a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0017] In one possible design, the base station antenna further includes a radome, within which the radiating element array and the RF lens are housed. Thus, the base station antenna utilizes a "tooth"-like structure to replace a conventional dielectric lens, resulting in advantages such as a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0018] In one possible design, the base station antenna further includes a radome, and the RF lens is integrated into the radome. Thus, by integrating the RF lens into the radome, the beam width of the base station antenna can be effectively converged without adding additional components.

[0019] In one possible design, the base station antenna further includes a reflector, on which the radiating element array is disposed. Thus, the base station antenna utilizes a "tooth"-like structure to replace a conventional dielectric lens, resulting in advantages such as a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0020] In one possible design, the base station antenna also includes a feed network electrically connected to the radiating element array. The feed network includes a phase shifter, a combiner, and a filter. In this way, the base station antenna utilizes a "tooth"-like structure instead of a conventional dielectric lens, resulting in advantages such as a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0021] In one possible design, the base station antenna also includes an extension module, which includes a transmission component and a calibration network. The feed network uses the transmission component to achieve different radiation beam pointing, or the feed network is connected to the calibration network to obtain a calibration signal. In this way, the base station antenna uses a "tooth" structure to replace a conventional dielectric lens, resulting in advantages such as a low profile, light weight, and low cost.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present application provides a base station antenna feed system, comprising a mast, an adjustment bracket, and a base station antenna according to the first aspect and any possible design thereof. The base station antenna is mounted on the mast, and the position of the base station antenna is adjusted by the adjustment bracket. The technical effects of the second aspect can be found in the description of the base station antennas of the various designs of the first aspect, and are not further elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0024] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structural change from traditional lens to Fresnel lens;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base station antenna in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2A schematic diagram of the structure of the radio frequency lens in the base station antenna shown;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a radio frequency lens in a base station antenna is shown;

[0028] Figures 5A to 5C for Figure 2 Several schematic diagrams of RF lenses in base station antennas are shown;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an RF lens applied to an array of multiple radiation elements in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is another schematic diagram of a base station antenna in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is another schematic diagram of a base station antenna in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is another schematic diagram of a base station antenna in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a functional block diagram of a base station antenna in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a base station antenna applied to a base station antenna feed system in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Description of main component symbols

[0036] Base station antenna 100 reflector 11 radiation unit array 13 radio frequency lens 15

[0037] The central portion 151 of the radiation element 131 and the lens portion 153 in the first direction y

[0038] Second direction x Third direction (normal line z First reference line x1 Second reference line x2

[0039] First reference point a1 Second reference point a2 Radome 16 Feed network 17

[0040] Extension module 18 Phase shifter 171 Extension unit 173 Base station antenna feed system 200

[0041] Pole 201 Adjustment bracket 202 Antenna connector 203 Connector seal 204

[0042] Grounding device 205

[0043] The following specific implementation methods will further illustrate this application in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "a plurality" refers to two or more. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the art to which this application relates. The terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application.

[0046] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, " / " in this application represents an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent either A or B. "A and / or B" in this application is simply a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three possible relationships: only A exists, only B exists, or both A and B exist.

[0047] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying an order. Features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way.

[0048] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the term "height" refers to the projected length in a direction perpendicular to the reference stratum. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," and "outside" indicate positions or location relationships based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of this application and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0049] Please also refer to Figure 1 , is a schematic diagram of the structural change from a traditional lens to a Fresnel lens. Among them, the convex lens can focus light, and the refraction of light only occurs on the optical surface of the lens (that is, the lens surface). When the continuous part in the middle of the convex lens is removed, the retained curved surface "collapses" into a plane to form a Fresnel lens. From the cross-section of the Fresnel lens, its surface is composed of a series of sawtooth-shaped grooves, and the central part is an elliptical arc. Each groove has a different angle with the adjacent grooves, but the lens can still concentrate the light to form a central focus, which is the focus of the lens. Each groove can be regarded as an independent small lens to adjust the light into parallel light or concentrated light.

[0050] It can be understood that, similar to an optical lens, when a lens is applied to an antenna, a dielectric lens can also focus the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna, thereby forming a narrower beam. For example, when Fresnel lens technology is applied in the field of antennas, by placing a Fresnel lens above the antenna, similar to how a Fresnel lens can focus a light beam, the Fresnel lens can also focus electromagnetic waves, thereby narrowing the antenna beam width. However, the Fresnel lens is usually a circular structure. Therefore, when it is necessary to apply the Fresnel lens to an antenna array formed by multiple antenna units, a separate Fresnel lens needs to be set above each antenna unit. In this way, the problems such as processing difficulty and cost will limit its application.

[0051] Furthermore, a Luneburg lens is a dielectric lens with a non-uniform refractive index. When placed above the antenna array of a base station antenna system, it can also narrow the beam, particularly significantly narrowing the H-plane beam. However, Luneburg antennas also suffer from inherent issues with lens antennas, such as being heavy, bulky, and expensive, which can lead to high equipment costs.

[0052] Therefore, an embodiment of the present application provides a base station antenna comprising a radiating element array and a radio frequency lens. The radiating element array comprises multiple radiating elements arranged along a first direction. The radio frequency lens is disposed above the radiating element array to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiating element array. The radio frequency lens is strip-shaped, with a surface having multiple grooves formed thereon, thereby forming a central portion and multiple lens portions. The central portion and the multiple lens portions both extend along the first direction, with the central portion disposed in the middle of the RF lens. The multiple lens portions are disposed symmetrically about the central portion along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on either side of the central portion. The radio frequency lens in the base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application has a specific structure: an axisymmetric "tooth"-like structure based on the Fresnel lens principle is provided. The "tooth"-like structure refracts electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiating element array, thereby narrowing the beam width. Furthermore, the base station antenna can reduce the thickness of the radio frequency lens, even allowing it to be formed into a thin sheet. This facilitates reducing the size of the base station antenna and improving heat dissipation.

[0053] Please also refer to Figure 2 , is a schematic diagram of a base station antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. The base station antenna 100 at least includes a reflector 11, a radiation element array 13 and a radio frequency lens 15.

[0054] The reflector 11 can also be referred to as a base plate, backplane, antenna panel, or metal reflective surface. The reflector 11 is used to improve the antenna signal's reception sensitivity by focusing the reflected antenna signal at the receiving point. In the present embodiment, the reflector 11 not only enhances the antenna's reception and / or transmission capabilities but also blocks and shields the received signal from interference from other radio waves originating from the back (or in the opposite direction).

[0055] The radiation element array 13 is arranged on one side of the reflector 11. The radiation element array 13 includes a plurality of radiation elements 131 (see Figure 7A , Figure 8A , Figure 9A The radiating elements 131, also known as antenna elements, oscillators, etc., constitute the basic structural units of the radiating element array 13 for effectively transmitting and / or receiving radio waves. It will be appreciated that the number and arrangement of the radiating elements 131 can be designed based on specific needs. For example, the radiating element array 13 can form a linear array. The linear array is a column of radiating elements oriented vertically or a row of radiating elements oriented horizontally.

[0056] It is understood that in the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on the type of the radiating element 131 in the radiating element array 13. For example, the radiating element 131 may be, but is not limited to, a dipole, a cross dipole, and / or a patch radiating element.

[0057] The RF lens 15 is disposed above the radiating element array 13. The RF lens 15 is used to receive electromagnetic radiation from the radiating element array 13, so that the electromagnetic radiation generated by the corresponding radiating element array 13 is further concentrated toward its maximum radiation direction.

[0058] It is understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the RF lens 15 can be made of a dielectric material with a dielectric constant greater than 1. The dielectric material includes, but is not limited to, fiberglass, U-PVC or other dielectric materials.

[0059] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, to ensure that the RF lens 15 fully receives the electromagnetic radiation of the corresponding radiating element array 13, the RF lens 15 can be constructed to have an overall length greater than or equal to the length of the corresponding radiating element array 13, and an overall width greater than or equal to the width of the corresponding radiating element array 13. Of course, in some embodiments, the RF lens 15 may include multiple RF lenses arranged along the layout direction of the radiating element array 13, and the total length of the multiple RF lenses is greater than or equal to the length of the radiating element array 13.

[0060] It will be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the distance between the RF lens 15 and the corresponding radiating element array 13 is not limited, and can be designed according to specific needs. For example, in some embodiments, the RF lens 15 can be positioned very close to the radiating element array 13. For example, the frontmost portion of the radiating element 131 in the radiating element array 13 is in contact with (or almost in contact with) the inner surface of the RF lens 15. For another example, in some other embodiments, the RF lens 15 can be positioned to maintain a preset distance from the radiating element array 13.

[0061] Please also refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 Shown Figure 2The specific structural diagram of the RF lens in the base station antenna is shown. In the embodiment of the present application, the RF lens 15 is a thin sheet in the shape of a rectangular strip. The RF lens 15 includes a central portion 151 and a plurality of lens portions 153. The central portion 151 is arranged in the middle of the RF lens 15 and extends along a first direction (for example, the y-axis direction). The plurality of lens portions 153 are arranged on both sides of the central portion 151 along a second direction (for example, the x-axis direction) and are symmetrical about the central portion 153. Each lens portion 153 also extends along the first direction (for example, the y-axis direction). It can be understood that the central portion 151 and the plurality of lens portions 153 can be formed by surface processing or treating a dielectric plate to form a group of tooth-shaped grooves on one surface thereof. In the embodiment of the present application, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The first direction is the layout direction of the radiating elements 131 in the radiating element array 13. That is, the central portion 151 and the plurality of lens portions 153 extend along the arrangement direction of the radiation elements 131 in the radiation element array 13 .

[0062] Please also refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 3 The schematic cross-sectional view of the RF lens shown. From the cross-sectional view, the cross-section of the center portion 151 is roughly in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The cross-section of each lens portion 153 is in the shape of a right triangle. One side of the center portion 151, such as the bottom side, and one side of the lens portion 153, such as the bottom side, are located on the same straight line. Multiple center portions 151 are respectively arranged on both sides of the center portion 151 and are symmetrical about the axis of the center portion 151. In this way, it can be understood that the two symmetrically arranged lens portions 153 arranged in the middle position of the RF lens 15 together constitute the center portion 151 that is roughly in the shape of an isosceles triangle. That is, the center portion 151 can be composed of two symmetrically arranged lens portions 153. In this way, the RF lens 15 constitutes a tooth-shaped structure in which the center portion 151 is arranged in the middle of the RF lens 15, the lens portions 153 are arranged on both sides thereof, and face the center portion 151.

[0063] It can be understood that since the central portion 151 and the lens portion 153 are both tooth-shaped, the widths of the central portion 151 and the lens portion 153 gradually decrease along a third direction (e.g., the z-axis direction), for example, in a direction toward or away from the radiation element array 13, and the end of the lens portion 153 gradually approaches the central portion 151. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. For example, Figure 4As shown, the centerline (third direction) of the center portion 151 is defined as the normal z, and two reference lines are drawn perpendicular to the normal z. A first reference line x1 is formed at a first position of the lens portion 153 away from the radiating element array 13, and a second reference line x2 is formed at a second position of the lens portion 153 closer to the radiating element array 13. The first reference line x1 and the second reference line x2 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the normal z. The second reference line x2 is closer to the radiating element array 13 than the first reference line x1.

[0064] Obviously, each lens portion 153 forms two intersections with the first reference line x1 and the second reference line x2. Using the centers of the two intersections as reference points, two reference points are formed on each lens portion 153, for example, a first reference point a1 and a second reference point a2. The first reference point a1 is the center of the two intersections of the lens portion 153 and the first reference line x1. The second reference point a2 is the center of the two intersections of the lens portion 153 and the second reference line x2. Obviously, the second reference point a2 in each lens portion 153 is closer to the normal z than the first reference point a1.

[0065] It is understandable that Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the above embodiment, the cross-section of each lens portion 153 and the central portion 151 is a right triangle, that is, each side thereof is a straight line. Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on the specific shape of the lens portion 153 and the central portion 151. For example, please refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B In another embodiment, the edges (e.g., side edges) of the lens portion 153 and the center portion 151 and the vertices formed by the side edges can also form a certain curvature and / or be deformed according to specific circumstances, such as according to the requirements of the manufacturing process.

[0066] It is understandable that Figures 2 to 5A As shown in the above embodiment, each lens portion 153 and one side (e.g., bottom side) of the central portion 151 are located on the same straight line, for example, both are located on a horizontal plane. Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, there is no limitation on the specific shapes of the lens portion 153 and the central portion 151. For example, please refer to Figure 5B and Figure 5C Each of the lens portion 153 and the portion of the central portion 151 away from the radiation element array 13 (such as the bottom edge) can be set to, but not limited to, a curved surface (see Figure 5B ), folded surface (refer to Figure 5C ), curved surfaces, or other surfaces, etc.

[0067] Understandable, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a scenario where the radio frequency lens 15 is applied to a single radiation element array 13. Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, the radio frequency lens 15 can also be applied to multiple radiation element arrays 13. For example, please refer to Figure 6 , which is a scenario where the RF lens 15 is applied to two radiating element arrays 13. Each RF lens 15 corresponds to a radiating element array 13, and multiple RF lenses 15 can be integrated into one body. That is, multiple RF lenses 15 are formed on a dielectric plate by processing the plate, and each RF lens 15 corresponds to a radiating element array 13. Parameters such as the length and width of the RF lens 15 can be designed and / or adjusted according to the specific structure of the radiating element array 13.

[0068] It is understood that in other embodiments, the base station antenna 100 is not limited to including the reflector 11, the radiation element array 13 and the radio frequency lens 15 described in the above embodiment, and may also include other components. For example, please refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B In this embodiment of the present application, the base station antenna 100 may further include a radome 16 .

[0069] In one embodiment, the radome 16 is used to house the reflector 11, the radiating element array 13, and the RF lens 15 to protect the base station antenna 100 from external environmental influences. It is understood that the radome 16 has good electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics in terms of electrical performance and can withstand the effects of harsh external environments in terms of mechanical performance.

[0070] Understandable, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B When the RF lens 15 is arranged above the radiating element array 13, the center portion 151 formed by the RF lens 15 and the surface where the lens portion 153 is located can face the radiating element array 13, the symmetry axis of the RF lens 15 (for example, the normal z) and the center of the radiating element array 13 are located on the same straight line, and the extension direction of the center portion 151 and the lens portion 153 is consistent with the layout direction of the radiating elements 131 in the radiating element array 13, so that the RF lens 15 plays a role in converging the beam width and improving the gain.

[0071] Of course, please also refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8BIn other embodiments, the center portion 151 formed by the RF lens 15 and the surface where the lens portion 153 is located can be arranged to face away from the radiation element array 13, and the symmetry axis (for example, the normal z) of the RF lens 15 is located on the same straight line as the center of the radiation element array 13, and the extension direction of the center portion 151 and the lens portion 153 is consistent with the layout direction of the radiation elements 131 in the radiation element array 13, so that the RF lens 15 plays a role in converging the bandwidth and improving the gain.

[0072] Understandable, please refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B In other embodiments, the RF lens 15 can also be integrated into the radome 16, that is, the RF lens 15 and the radome 16 are integrally formed. In this case, other relationships between the RF lens 15 and the radiating element array 13, such as the positional relationship, are consistent with those described in the above embodiment and are not further described here. In this way, by integrating the RF lens 15 into the radome 16, no additional processes or costs are required.

[0073] It is understood that in other embodiments, the base station antenna 100 is not limited to including the reflector 11, radiation element array 13, RF lens 15 and antenna cover 16 described in the above embodiment, and may also include other components, such as multiple circuit components installed therein. The circuit components may include, for example, a phase shifter, a remote electronic tilt (RET) actuator for mechanically adjusting the phase shifter, one or more controllers, cable connections, RF transmission lines, etc. For details, please refer to Figure 10 , which is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of the base station antenna 100. In addition to the reflector (not shown), radiating element array 13, RF lens (not shown), and radome 16 described above, the base station antenna 100 also includes a feed network 17 and / or an extension module 18.

[0074] The feed network 17 is a signal processing unit that feeds signals to the radiating element array 13 at a predetermined amplitude and phase, or transmits received wireless signals to the base station at a predetermined amplitude and phase. That is, the radiating element array 13 can receive or transmit radio frequency signals via the corresponding feed network 17. The feed network 17 is typically composed of controlled impedance transmission lines. The feed network 17 may include, but is not limited to, phase shifters 171, and expansion units 173 for performance expansion, such as combiners and filters. The specific type and structure of the feed network 17 are not limited herein.

[0075] The expansion module 18 may include, but is not limited to, a transmission component and / or a calibration network. The expansion module 18 is electrically connected to the feed network 17. The feed network 17 can achieve different radiation beam directions through the transmission component, or connect to the calibration network to obtain calibration signals required by the system.

[0076] Understandable, please refer to Figure 11 In an embodiment of the present application, a base station antenna feed system 200 is further provided. The base station antenna feed system 200 includes at least the base station antenna 100 described in the above embodiment, a mast 201, and an adjustment bracket 202. The base station antenna 100 is mounted on the mast 201, and the position of the base station antenna 100 can be adjusted via the adjustment bracket 202. Of course, in other embodiments, the base station antenna feed system 200 may further include components such as an antenna connector 203, a connector seal 204, and / or a grounding device 205.

[0077] Obviously, it can be seen from the above embodiment that the base station antenna 100 has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0078] (1) The radio frequency lens 15 has a specific structure. Specifically, the base station antenna 100 is provided with an axisymmetric "tooth" structure according to the Fresnel lens principle, and utilizes the "tooth" structure to refract the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna (i.e., the radiation element array 13) to narrow the beam width. In addition, compared with base station antennas having spherical lenses, hemispherical lenses, or cylindrical lenses with spherical or hemispherical cross-sections, the base station antenna 100 of the embodiment of the present application can allow the thickness of the radio frequency lens 15 to be reduced, and even made into a thin sheet. This is conducive to reducing the size of the base station antenna 100 and improving heat dissipation.

[0079] (2) The RF lens 15 can be integrated on the antenna cover 16, so that the beam width of the base station antenna 100 can be effectively converged without adding additional components.

[0080] (3) The RF lens 15 can utilize a "tooth"-like structure to replace a conventional dielectric lens, which has the advantages of a low profile, light weight, and low cost. Furthermore, the RF lens 15 has a consistent cross-sectional shape and can be integrally formed using the existing radome profile process without adding additional processes and costs.

[0081] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present application may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application. Those skilled in the art may also make other changes within the spirit of the present application and apply them to the design of the present application, as long as they do not deviate from the technical effects of the present application. These changes made in accordance with the spirit of the present application should be included in the scope of protection claimed in the present application.

Claims

1. A base station antenna, characterized in that: include: A radiation element array, comprising a plurality of radiation elements, wherein the plurality of radiation elements are arranged along a first direction; and A radio frequency lens is arranged above the radiation element array to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation element array. The radio frequency lens is strip-shaped, and a plurality of grooves are formed on one surface of the radio frequency lens, thereby forming a central portion and multiple lens portions on the radio frequency lens. The central portion and the multiple lens portions both extend along the first direction. The central portion is arranged in the middle position of the radio frequency lens, and the multiple lens portions are arranged on both sides of the central portion along the second direction and are symmetrical about the central portion. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, wherein: The central portion and the lens portion are both tooth-shaped, the widths of the central portion and the lens portion gradually decrease along a third direction, and the ends of the lens portion gradually approach the central portion, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

3. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The bottom edge of each lens portion and the bottom edge of the central portion are located on the same straight line, or together form an arc surface, a curved surface or a folded surface.

4. The base station antenna according to claim 3, wherein: The two side edges of each lens portion and the two side edges of the central portion are straight lines or have a certain curvature.

5. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The central portion and the plurality of lens portions are arranged toward the radiation element array.

6. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The central portion and the plurality of lens portions are arranged to face away from the radiation element array.

7. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The length of the radio frequency lens is greater than or equal to the length of the radiation element array.

8. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base station antenna includes a plurality of radio frequency lenses arranged along a preset direction, and a total length of the plurality of radio frequency lenses is greater than or equal to a length of the radiation element array.

9. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The width of the radio frequency lens is greater than or equal to the width of the radiation element array.

10. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The radio frequency lens is made of a dielectric material with a dielectric constant greater than 1.

11. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base station antenna includes a plurality of the RF lenses and a plurality of the radiating element arrays. The plurality of the RF lenses are integrally formed, and each of the RF lenses corresponds to a radiating element array.

12. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base station antenna further includes an antenna cover, and the radiation element array and the radio frequency lens are accommodated in the antenna cover.

13. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base station antenna further includes an antenna cover, and the radio frequency lens is integrated on the antenna cover.

14. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base station antenna further includes a reflector, and the radiation element array is arranged on the reflector.

15. The base station antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base station antenna further includes a feeding network, which is electrically connected to the radiation element array and includes a phase shifter, a combiner and a filter.

16. The base station antenna according to claim 15, characterized in that The base station antenna further includes an extension module, which includes a transmission component and a calibration network. The feeding network realizes different radiation beam pointing through the transmission component, or the feeding network is connected to the calibration network to obtain a calibration signal.

17. A base station antenna feed system, comprising a holding pole and an adjustment bracket, characterized in that: include: The base station antenna feed system further includes the base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the base station antenna is installed on the holding pole, and the position of the base station antenna is adjusted by the adjustment bracket.

Images