Subarray antenna suitable for mounting on other subarray antennas, and array antenna formed by such subarray antennas

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sub-array antenna (101a, 101b, 101c) adapted to be mounted to at least one other sub-array antenna (101a, 101b, 101c) along at least one extension (E1, E2) to form an array antenna (100). The sub-array antenna (101a, 101b, 101c) comprises a conductive ground plane (102a, 102b, 102c) and at least one edge portion (104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c) adapted to face the edge portion of an adjacent sub-array antenna. The edge portions (104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c) at least partially include a locking structure, the locking structure including an outer locking portion (103a, 103b) and a recess (106a, 106b) located between the outer locking portion (103a, 103b) and the ground plane (102a, 102b, 102c) in the direction of extension (E1, E2). The recess (106a, 106b) is adapted to receive an adjacent outer locking portion (103b, 103a) of an adjacent sub-array antenna (101b, 101a), and the outer locking portion (103b, 103a) is adapted to engage the recess (106b, 106a) of the adjacent sub-array antenna (101b, 101a). The outer locking portion (103b, 103a) and the recess (106a, 106b) are conductive and electrically connected to the ground plane (102a, 102b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sub-array antennas adapted to be mounted to each other, and array antennas formed by such sub-array antennas. Each sub-array antenna comprises a conductive ground plane and at least one edge portion adapted to face an edge portion of an adjacent sub-array antenna. Background Art

[0002] Global digital communications networks are generally in need of increased data capacity. Many 5G networks today use phased arrays, but solutions for 4G also exist. The trend is for arrays to become larger as the number of antenna elements increases; for future 6G networks, there is discussion of arrays with over 1,000 antenna elements. Due to bandwidth constraints, there is also a desire to use higher and higher frequencies. 5G is already using, for example, 28 GHz and 39 GHz today, with 47 GHz and possibly higher bands also under consideration. For 6G, frequencies around 100 GHz and above are being considered.

[0003] To limit the number of antennas in the network, relatively high beam steering is considered. Beam steering of ±60° in azimuth is possible. This will require a small element-to-element distance to avoid so-called grating lobes, and an element distance of approximately half a wavelength at beam steering of ±60° in azimuth. However, in elevation, beam steering is limited to + / -15° in many use cases, thus slightly relaxing the element-to-element distance.

[0004] The desire to reduce costs has led to the increasing prevalence of antenna elements integrated into packages and other types of sub-array antennas that are combined into larger arrays.

[0005] Similar challenges exist in backhaul networks, and to some extent, they are even worse, as traditional backhaul frequencies shift to 5G and 6G applications, leading to an increase in backhaul frequencies. Higher frequencies in backhaul typically result in narrower antenna lobes, which makes installing and stabilizing antennas more challenging. For high-gain, high-frequency backhaul networks, some type of beam tracking will likely be required in the future. By using small arrays to feed parabolic antennas, some beam adjustment can be performed during installation and operation.

[0006] When designing a larger overall array antenna using smaller sub-array antennas, discontinuities in the antenna grounding can cause significant issues with antenna performance.

[0007] Some problems are caused by resonances at multiples of half a wavelength.

[0008] -These may radiate.

[0009] - These may create notches in the frequency plane.

[0010] - The distance between the slots is relatively long, several half wavelengths, so they may produce grating lobes.

[0011] -Maintaining good cross polarization becomes more difficult.

[0012] - Parallel plate modes may occur, which distribute RF power among the antenna elements in an unpredictable manner.

[0013] Other issues arise from the fact that the antenna elements also excite the edge portions and the grounding of the common antenna ground plane between the sub-array antennas and the associated ground currents are not controlled.

[0014] Another issue when using multiple sub-array antennas to build a larger overall array antenna is that the alignment between the sub-array antennas needs to be good, otherwise it will adversely affect the antenna pattern and polarization purity. For example, when soldering the sub-array antenna components, small misalignments may occur, and many of these misalignments may add up to cause an overall undesirable error in the entire array antenna. There may also be high misalignments, resulting in the ground plane level of the entire array antenna being different for different sub-array antennas. This misalignment may affect the radiation pattern and also excite the edge of the ground plane.

[0015] Even relatively small offsets between adjacent subarray antennas can lead to relatively large differences in the electrical environment. Suddenly, point-like ground connections can appear, and because these connections are unpredictable, they can have a significant impact on, for example, the antenna pattern.

[0016] There may also be a high degree of misalignment, so the ground plane levels of different sub-array antennas in the entire array antenna may be different. It is therefore desirable to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0017] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for mounting sub-array antennas to each other while maintaining a continuous and horizontal ground plane for the formed array antenna.

[0018] This object is achieved by a subarray antenna adapted to be mounted to at least one other subarray antenna along at least one extension to form an array antenna. The subarray antenna comprises a conductive ground plane and at least one edge portion adapted to face an edge portion of an adjacent subarray antenna. The edge portion at least partially comprises a locking structure comprising an outer locking portion and an indentation located between the outer locking portion and the ground plane in the direction of the extension. The indentation is adapted to receive an adjacent outer locking portion of an adjacent subarray antenna, and the outer locking portion is adapted to engage the indentation of the adjacent subarray antenna. The outer locking portion and the indentation are conductive and electrically connected to the ground plane.

[0019] In this way, antenna ground plane discontinuities in an array comprising multiple sub-array antennas are mitigated. This reduces the risk of uncontrolled radiation from the array antenna, as the risk of exciting the edges of the sub-array antennas is eliminated. Consequently, alignment of the sub-array antennas is improved. These features also help improve the antenna radiation pattern. This is particularly advantageous for higher frequencies, such as 100 GHz, as sensitivity to ground plane discontinuities increases with frequency and can significantly limit array performance.

[0020] According to some aspects, the subarray antenna includes a first type of edge portion and a second type of edge portion, wherein the first type of edge portion includes a first type of locking structure adapted to engage a second type of locking structure included in the second type of edge portion.

[0021] In this way, a secure mounting is provided.

[0022] According to some aspects, the outer locking portion includes a slanted side facing the recess.

[0023] In this way, a movement in a direction perpendicular to the at least one extension, perpendicular to the extension of the ground plane, is prevented. This results in a mounting of the sub-array antennas that more surely results in a flat ground plane running in a common level.

[0024] According to some aspects, each edge portion includes at least one protrusion extending away from the edge portion and at least one notch extending in an opposite direction, each protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding notch in an adjacent subarray antenna, and each notch being adapted to engage a corresponding protrusion in an adjacent subarray antenna.

[0025] In this way, a secure mounting providing a continuous ground plane is provided.

[0026] According to some aspects, the ground plane is formed in a metal sheet and the edge portion is formed in the same metal sheet. Alternatively, according to some aspects, the ground plane is in the form of a metallization layer on a dielectric material, wherein the edge portion is formed in the dielectric material and at least partially includes the metallization layer.

[0027] This means that the mounting arrangement according to the present disclosure is applicable to many different types of antenna types.

[0028] The object is also achieved by an array antenna and a method associated with the above advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 schematically shows a cut-open side view of an array antenna according to a first example having a horn antenna;

[0031] Figure 2A schematically illustrates a first type locking structure of an array antenna according to a first example;

[0032] Figure 2B schematically illustrates a second type locking structure of the array antenna according to the first example;

[0033] Figure 3 schematically shows a front view of a first type array antenna according to a first example;

[0034] Figure 4A Schematically shows a front view of a second type array antenna according to a first example, which has co-operating protrusions and recesses along the edge;

[0035] Figure 4B Schematically shows Figure 4A Detail showing mating protrusions and indentations;

[0036] Figure 5 schematically shows a cut-away side view of an array antenna according to a second example having a microstrip patch antenna;

[0037] Figure 6A schematically illustrates a first type locking structure of an array antenna according to a second example;

[0038] Figure 6B schematically illustrates a second type locking structure of an array antenna according to a second example;

[0039] Figure 7 schematically shows a front view of a first type array antenna according to a second example;

[0040] Figure 8A schematically shows a front view of a second type array antenna according to a first example, which has mating protrusions and notches along the edges;

[0041] Figure 8B Schematically shows Figure 8A Detail of , showing mating protrusions and indentations; and

[0042] Figure 9 A flow chart of a method according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the various devices, systems, computer programs, and methods disclosed herein may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the accompanying drawings refer to like elements throughout.

[0044] The terms used herein are only used to describe aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present invention.As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1 , which schematically shows a cutaway side view of a first example of an array antenna 100 Figure 1 , the array antenna 100 includes a plurality of sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, and 101c. Figure 1 In FIG, three sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c are shown; the first sub-array antenna 101a, the second sub-array antenna 101b and the third sub-array antenna 101c are mounted to each other along the first extension E1. In practice, there are usually more sub-array antennas, which form rows and columns. Also refer to Figure 3 The sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c; 101d, 101e, 101f form two rows 310, 320 along the second extension E2, and there are three sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c; 101d, 101e, 101f in each row 310, 320.

[0046] Figure 1The description herein is limited to the first subarray antenna 101a, but is applicable to all subarray antennas 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 101e, and 101f. According to some aspects, each subarray antenna 101a, 101b, and 101f is an active subarray antenna comprising one or more antenna elements 109, each of which is fed by a feed arrangement 110, which in turn is connected to radio circuitry 111 mounted to a heat sink 112 within a radio arrangement 113. Radio arrangement 113 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 114 and electrically connected to conductors within PCB 114. Thus, each subarray antenna 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 101e, and 101f can be DC powered and can receive and transmit control signaling and signal data via PCB conductors (not shown). The PCB conductors are connected to other suitable circuitry in a well-known manner, thereby forming a radio unit. The sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c; 101d, 101e, 101f are suitable for being mounted to the PCB 114 by pick-and-place techniques and a reflow process in a manner well known in the art.

[0047] Here, antenna element 109 takes the form of a horn antenna formed in the metal sheet that forms ground planes 102a, 102b, and 102c. It is desirable to connect each subarray antenna 101a, 101b, 101c; 101d, 101e, and 101f to the adjacent subarray antennas in such a way as to form a coherent overall ground plane 130 without creating discontinuous gaps in the overall ground plane 130. Such gaps can also be caused, for example, by nonlinear mounting and variations in the ground plane level of each subarray antenna, which can in turn be due to errors during assembly and reflow. Even seemingly minor offsets of the subarrays can produce significant differences in the electrical environment. Suddenly, there may only be point-like ground connections between ground planes 102a, 102b, and 102c. Because these connections are unpredictable, they can significantly affect antenna patterns, among other things.

[0048] Each sub-array antenna 101a, 101b, 101 includes at least one edge portion 104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c, which is adapted to face the edge portion of the adjacent sub-array antenna. According to the present disclosure, the edge portion 104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c is at least partially included in Figure 2A The locking structure shown in more detail, Figure 2AAdjacent edge portions 105a, 104b between the first subarray antenna 101a and the second subarray antenna 101b are shown, wherein the first edge portion 105a is formed in the first ground plane 102a of the first subarray antenna 101a, and wherein the second edge portion 105b is formed in the second ground plane 102b of the second subarray antenna 101b.

[0049] Each locking structure comprises an outer locking portion 103a, 103b and a recess 106a, 106b located between the outer locking portion 103a, 103b and the ground plane 102a, 102b, 102c in the direction of extension E1. Figure 2A As shown, the recess 106a of the first ground plane 102a is adapted to receive the adjacent outer locking portion 103b of the second ground plane, and the recess 106b of the second ground plane 102b is adapted to receive the adjacent outer locking portion 103a of the first ground plane 102. More generally, the recesses 106a, 106b are adapted to receive the adjacent outer locking portions 103b, 103a of adjacent sub-array antennas 101b, 101a, and the outer locking portions 103b, 103a are adapted to engage the recesses 106b, 106a of adjacent sub-array antennas 101b, 101a. Moreover, generally speaking, the outer locking portions 103b, 103a and the recesses 106a, 106b are conductive and electrically connected to the ground planes 102a, 102b.

[0050] According to some aspects and Figure 1 As shown, each sub-array antenna 101a, 101b, 101c includes a first type edge portion 104a, 104b, 104c and a second type edge portion 105a, 105b, 105c, wherein Figure 2B As shown in the first subarray antenna 101a and the second subarray antenna 101b, the first type edge portion 104b includes a first type locking structure (outer locking portion 103b, recess 106b), which is suitable for engaging the second type locking structure (outer locking portion 103a, recess 106a) included in the second type edge portion 105c.

[0051] According to some aspects, the first type of locking structure (external locking portion 103b, recess 106b) includes recess 106b facing away from PCB 114 when sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c are mounted to PCB 114, and the second type of locking structure (external locking portion 103a, recess 106a) includes recess 106a facing toward PCB 114 when sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c are mounted to PCB 114. According to some aspects, each locking structure (external locking portion 103a, recess 106a; external locking portion 103b, recess 106b) is hook-shaped.

[0052] According to some aspects, reference Figure 2B , the edge portions 105'a, 104'b include outer locking portions 103'b, 103'a, wherein each outer locking portion 103'b, 103'a includes an inclined side 201a, 201b facing the recess 106'a, 106'b, such that the width of the outer locking portion 103'b, 103'a increases as it moves away from the recess 106'a, 106'b. This means that when the two locking structures (outer locking portion 103b, recess 106b) are connected to each other, the inclined sides 201a, 201b of the outer locking portions 103b, 103a engage each other, thus preventing movement in a direction N perpendicular to the extensions E1, E2 and the overall ground plane 130 when installed. This results in an even more certain installation of the subarray antennas 101a, 101b, 101c resulting in a flat ground plane running at a common level.

[0053] As originally stated, Figure 3 Six sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c; 101d, 101e, 101f are shown, forming two rows 310, 320 along the second extension E2, with three sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c; 101d, 101e, 101f in each row 310, 320. At each location where there are adjacent edges, the edge portions are connected to each other by a locking structure. In more detail, in each row 310, 320, the edge portions 105a, 104b; 105b, 104c; 105d, 104e; 105e, 104f are connected, and the rows 310, 320 are connected to each other by corresponding edge portions 304a, 315d; 304b, 315e; 304c, 315f. In particular, the locking structure belongs to the Figure 2B To this end, according to some aspects, the longitudinally running edge portions of the rows and columns forming the array antenna 100 have the same type of locking portions, thereby allowing sliding.

[0054] According to some aspects, references primarily correspond to Figure 3 of Figure 4A, there is an alternative array antenna 400. Six sub-array antennas 401a, 401b, 401c; 401d, 401e, 401f form two rows 410, 420 along the second extension E2, with three sub-array antennas 401a, 401b, 401c; 401d, 401e, 401f in each row 410, 420. In each row 410, 420, edge portions 405a, 404b, 405b, 404c, 405d, 404e, 405e, 404f are connected, and rows 410, 420 are interconnected via corresponding edge portions 404a, 415d, 404b, 415e, 404c, 415f. The following will discuss the edge portions 405a, 404b connecting the first sub-array antenna 401a to the second sub-array antenna 401b, although the same arrangement applies to all edge portions.

[0055] Also refer to Figure 4B , which shows Figure 4A Referring to the details of the embodiment of the present invention, according to some aspects, the first edge portion 405a includes a protrusion 407a extending away from the edge portion and a notch 408a extending in the opposite direction. Similarly, the second edge portion 404b includes a protrusion 407b extending away from the edge portion and a notch 408b extending in the opposite direction. When the edge portions are mounted to each other, the protrusions 407a, 407b are positioned opposite the notches 408a, 408b of the opposing edge portion, such that each protrusion 407a, 407b is adapted to engage a corresponding notch 408a, 408b in an adjacent sub-array antenna, and each notch 408a, 408b is adapted to engage a corresponding protrusion 407a, 407b in an adjacent sub-array antenna.

[0056] This prevents movement along the first extension E1 and the second extension E2 because the protrusions 407a, 407b and the notches 408a, 408b partially replace the locking structures (outer locking parts 103a, outer locking parts 103b; recesses 106a, recesses 106b) along the edge portions 405a, 404b and engage with each other in a staggered manner in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the edge portions 405a, 404b.

[0057] In the above, a first example of an active array antenna has been described in which the antenna elements are formed as metallic horn antennas, wherein the edge portions 104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c are formed in the same metal sheet. Of course, a metallized non-conductive material may be used instead. The present disclosure is generally intended to be used for all types of ground planes connected in a coherent manner, and reference will be made hereinafter to a schematic diagram showing a cutaway side view of a second example of an array antenna 500. Figure 5 Let's describe a second example of the array antenna.

[0058] The array antenna 500 is composed of a plurality of sub-array antennas 501a, 501b, and 501c. Figure 5 In FIG, three sub-array antennas are shown; a first sub-array antenna 501a, a second sub-array antenna 501b and a third sub-array antenna 501c, which are mounted to each other along a first extension E1. In practice, there are usually more sub-array antennas, which form rows and columns. Also refer to Figure 7 The sub-array antennas 501a, 501b, 501c; 501d, 501e, 501f form two rows 710, 720 along the second extension E2, and there are three sub-array antennas 501a, 501b, 501c; 501d, 501e, 501f in each row 710, 720.

[0059] Here, each sub-array antenna 501a, 501b, 501c includes a plurality of antenna elements 509 in the form of patch elements formed as a metallization layer on a dielectric material 512a, 512b, 512c. Each sub-array antenna 501a, 501b, 501c includes a ground plane 502a, 502b, 502c in the form of a metallization layer on the dielectric material 512a, 512b, 512c, wherein the ground plane 502a, 502b, 502c is formed on the opposite side of the dielectric material 512a, 512b, 512c relative to the antenna elements 509.

[0060] Each sub-array antenna 501a, 501b, 501 includes at least one edge portion 504a, 505a; 504b, 505b; 504c, 505c adapted to face the edge portion of the adjacent sub-array antenna. According to the present disclosure, in the same manner as the first example, the edge portions 504a, 505a; 504b, 505b; 504c, 505c are at least partially included in Figure 6A The locking structure shown in more detail, Figure 6A Adjacent edge portions 505a, 504b between a first subarray antenna 501a and a second subarray antenna 501b are shown, wherein, for the first subarray antenna 501a, the first edge portion 505a is formed in a dielectric material 512a and at least partially includes a metallization layer 513. For the second subarray antenna 501b, the second edge portion 504b is formed in a dielectric material 512b and at least partially includes a metallization layer 514.

[0061] The locking structure comprises outer locking portions 503a, 503b and recesses 506a, 506b, which are constructed in the same manner as in the first example. This means that the recesses 506a, 506b and adjacent outer locking portions 503b, 503a are adapted to receive each other in a locked configuration, wherein the outer locking portions 503b, 503a and recesses 506a, 506b are electrically conductive and electrically connected to the ground planes 502a, 502b via the metallization layers 513, 514.

[0062] In the following, features similar to those described for the first example will be described, but in a less detailed manner.

[0063] According to some aspects and Figure 5 As shown, each subarray antenna 501a, 501b, 501c includes a first type edge portion 504a, 504b, 504c and a second type edge portion 505a, 505b, 505c, in the same manner as described for the first example.

[0064] According to some aspects, reference Figure 6B , the edge portions 505'a, 504'b include locking portions 503'b, 503'a, wherein each outer locking portion 503'b, 503'a includes an inclined side 601a, 601b, which faces the recess 506'a, 506'b, so that the width of the outer locking portion 103'b, 103'a increases as it moves away from the recess 106'a, 106'b in the same manner as described for the first example.

[0065] As mentioned initially, Figure 7 Six sub-array antennas 501a, 501b, 501c; 501d, 501e, 501f are shown, forming two rows 710, 720 along the second extension E2, with three sub-array antennas 501a, 501b, 501c; 501d, 501e, 501f in each row 710, 720. Wherever there are adjacent edges, the edge portions are connected to each other by a locking structure. In more detail, in each row 710, 720, the edge portions 505a, 504b; 505b, 504c; 505d, 504e; 505e, 504f are connected, and the rows 710, 720 are connected to each other by corresponding edge portions 704a, 715d; 704b, 715e; 704c, 715f. In particular, the locking structure belongs to the Figure 6B To this end, according to some aspects, the longitudinally running edge portions of the rows and columns forming the array antenna 100 have the same type of locking portions, thereby allowing sliding.

[0066] According to some aspects, references primarily correspond to Figure 7 and Figure 8A , there is an alternative array antenna 800. Six sub-array antennas 801a, 801b, 801c; 801d, 801e, 801f form two rows 810, 820 along the second extension E2, with three sub-array antennas 801a, 801b, 801c; 801d, 801e, 801f in each row 810, 820. In each row 810, 820, edge portions 805a, 804b, 805b, 804c, 805d, 804e, 805e, 804f are connected, and rows 810, 820 are interconnected via corresponding edge portions 804a, 815d, 804b, 815e, 804c, 815f. Next, the edge portions 805a, 804b connecting the first subarray antenna 801a to the second subarray antenna 801b will be discussed, but of course the same arrangement applies to all edge portions.

[0067] Also refer to Figure 8B , which shows Figure 8A Referring to the details of the embodiment of the present invention, according to some aspects, the first edge portion 805a includes a protrusion 807a extending away from the edge portion and a notch 808a extending in the opposite direction. Similarly, the second edge portion 404b includes a protrusion 807b extending away from the edge portion and a notch 808b extending in the opposite direction. The protrusions 807a, 807b and the notches 808a, 808b are adapted to engage with each other in the same manner as in the first embodiment to prevent movement along the first extension E1 and the second extension E2, because the protrusions 807a, 807b and the notches 808a, 808b partially replace the locking structures (external locking portions 503a, 503b; recesses 506a, 506b) along the edge portions 805a, 804b and engage with each other in a staggered manner in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the edge portions 805a, 804b.

[0068] refer to Figure 9The present disclosure also relates to a method for assembling an array antenna 100, wherein the method includes providing (100) a first sub-array antenna 101a and a second sub-array antenna 101b, each sub-array antenna 101a, 101b including a corresponding conductive ground plane 102a, 102b, and connecting (200) a first edge portion 105a of the first sub-array antenna 101a to a second edge portion 104b of the second sub-array antenna 101b along a first extension E1. Each edge portion 105a, 104b at least partially includes a locking structure having an outer locking portion 103a, 103b and a recess 106a, 106b located between the outer locking portion 103a, 103b and the ground plane 102a, 102b in the direction of the extension E1. The recess 106a of the first edge portion 105a is configured to receive the outer locking portion 103b of the second edge portion 105a, and the outer locking portion 103a of the first edge portion 105a is configured to engage the recess 106b of the second edge portion 105a. Each outer locking portion 103b, 103a and each recess 106a, 106b is conductive and electrically connected to the ground planes 102a, 102b.

[0069] According to some aspects, the method includes forming a first row 310 of S300 sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 10c by mounting the sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 10c to each other along a first extension E1 and forming a second row 320 of S400 sub-array antennas 101d, 101e, 10f by mounting the sub-array antennas 101d, 101e, 10f to each other along the first extension E1. The method also includes mounting S500 the rows 310, 320 to each other along a second extension E perpendicular to the first extension E1 by connecting edge portions 304a, 304b, 304c of the first row 310 and edge portions 305d, 305e, 305f of the second row 320 to each other, wherein each edge portion 1304a, 304b, 304c; 305d, 305e, 305f at least partially includes a locking structure (external locking portion 103a, recess 106a; external locking portion 103b, recess 106b).

[0070] By forming the rows first and then fitting the rows to each other, certain edge sections are more easily connected to each other.

[0071] The present disclosure is not limited to the above, but may be freely varied within the scope of the appended claims. For example, according to some aspects, the subarray antenna according to the present disclosure, including the edge portion and the locking structure, may be any kind of subarray antenna including a ground plane, wherein the ground plane may have any form and position, and wherein the subarray antenna may include one or more antenna elements of any suitable kind, such as the described horn antennas, patch antennas, dipoles, stacked antenna structures, slot antennas, etc. The subarray antenna may be passive or active and may generally be considered a subarray antenna arrangement. The subarray antenna may be suitable for connection to active circuitry, but may itself constitute a passive subarray antenna. The subarray antennas 101a, 11b, 101c according to the first example have been considered to include active circuitry in the radio arrangement 113, but may of course alternatively be considered to be passive subarray antennas without the radio arrangement 113.

[0072] Different types of edge parts can be combined, for example, the reference Figure 2B and 6B The edge portion of the description is the same as the reference Figure 4A 、 4B , 8A and 8B are combined at different edge portions of the same sub-array antenna. The sub-array antenna may have different types of edge portions, for example, one or more edge portions may have one or more protrusions and notches.

[0073] There may also be one or more protrusions and one or more notches at each edge portion equipped with these elements.

[0074] According to some aspects, the indentations and protrusions can have other geometric shapes than the rectangular shapes shown.

[0075] According to some aspects, each locking structure (outer locking portion 103a, recess 106a; outer locking portion 103b, recess 106b; outer locking portion 103'a, recess 106'a; outer locking portion 103'b, recess 106'b; outer locking portion 503a, recess 506a; outer locking portion 503b, recess 506b; outer locking portion 503'a, recess 506'a; outer locking portion 503'b, recess 506'b) is hook-shaped.

[0076] In particular, using protrusions and notches to prevent lateral movement of the sub-array antennas relative to each other, array antenna 400, 800 can be lifted when mounted without spreading or shifting the sub-array antenna positions by sliding them apart. Depending on the exact arrangement chosen for array antenna 100, 400, 500, 800, it can be lifted in an SMD machine or using a suction tool. Array antenna 100, 400, 500, 800 can be assembled on a standard PCB.

[0077] The locking structure mitigates the risk of sudden height differences in the overall array antenna ground plane. The overall ground plane 130, 530 will be continuous and smooth. Furthermore, guidance features can be built into the sub-array antennas and / or PCB to ensure perfect alignment of the array antenna 100 relative to the PCB 114. This alignment can be achieved using guiding pins, brackets in the corners, or other techniques.

[0078] With the present disclosure, the risk of uncontrolled radiation from the array antenna is reduced because the risk of exciting the edges of the subarray antennas is eliminated. This improves the alignment of the subarray antennas. These features also contribute to improving the array antenna radiation pattern. Especially at higher frequencies, sensitivity to ground plane discontinuities increases, which, if not addressed, can significantly limit array antenna performance.

[0079] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a sub-array antenna 101a, 101b, 101c adapted to be mounted to at least one other sub-array antenna 101a, 101b, 101c along at least one extension E1, E2 to form an array antenna 100. The sub-array antenna 101a, 101b, 101c includes a conductive ground plane 102a, 102b, 102c and at least one edge portion 104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c adapted to face an edge portion of an adjacent sub-array antenna. Edge portions 104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; and 104c, 105c at least partially comprise a locking structure comprising outer locking portions 103a, 103b and recesses 106a, 106b located between outer locking portions 103a, 103b and ground planes 102a, 102b, 102c in the directions of extension E1, E2. Recesses 106a, 106b are adapted to receive adjacent outer locking portions 103b, 103a of adjacent sub-array antennas 101b, 101a, and outer locking portions 103b, 103a are adapted to engage recesses 106b, 106a of adjacent sub-array antennas 101b, 101a. Outer locking portions 103b, 103a and recesses 106a, 106b are electrically conductive and electrically connected to ground planes 102a, 102b.

[0080] According to some aspects, the subarray antennas 101a, 101b, 101c include a first type of edge portion 104a, 104b, 104c and a second type of edge portion 105a, 105b, 105c, wherein the first type of edge portion 104a, 104b, 104c includes a first type of locking structure (outer locking portion 103b, recess 106b) adapted to engage a second type of locking structure (outer locking portion 103a, recess 106a) included in the second type of edge portion 105a, 105b, 105c.

[0081] According to some aspects, the outer locking portion 103 'b , 103 'a includes an angled side 201a , 201b facing the recess 106 'a , 106 'b .

[0082] According to some aspects, each edge portion 405a, 404b includes at least one protrusion 407a, 407b extending away from the edge portion 405a, 404b and at least one notch 408a, 408b extending in opposite directions. Each protrusion 407a, 407b is adapted to engage a corresponding notch 408a, 408b in an adjacent sub-array antenna, and each notch 408a, 408b is adapted to engage a corresponding protrusion 407a, 407b in an adjacent sub-array antenna.

[0083] According to some aspects, the ground planes 102a, 102b, 102c are formed in a metal sheet, and wherein the edge portions 104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c are formed in the same metal sheet.

[0084] According to some aspects, the ground planes 502a, 502b, 502c have the form of a metallization layer on a dielectric material 512a, 512b, 512c, and wherein edge portions 504a, 505a; 504b, 505b; 504c, 505c are formed in the dielectric material 512a, 512b, 512c and at least partially include the metallization layer 513, 514'; 513, 514'.

[0085] According to some aspects, the sub-array antenna 101a, 101b, 101c; 501a, 501b, 501c includes a plurality of antenna elements 109, 509.

[0086] In general, the present disclosure also relates to an array antenna 100, comprising at least two sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c; 101d, 101e, 101f, mounted to one another along at least one extension E1, E2. Each sub-array antenna 101a comprises a conductive ground plane 102a and at least one edge portion 104a, 105a adapted to face the edge portion 104a, 105a of an adjacent sub-array antenna 101b. Each edge portion 104a, 105a, 104b, 105b, 104c, 105c at least partially comprises a locking structure comprising an outer locking portion 103a, 103b and a recess 106a, 106b located between the outer locking portion 103a, 103b and the ground plane 102a, 102b in the direction of the extensions E1, E2. The recesses 106a, 106b are adapted to receive adjacent outer locking portions 103b, 103a of adjacent sub-array antennas 101b, 101a, and the outer locking portions 103b, 103a are adapted to engage the recesses 106b, 106a of adjacent sub-array antennas 101b, 101a. The outer locking portions 103b, 103a and the recesses 106a, 106b are conductive and electrically connected to the ground planes 102a, 102b.

[0087] According to some aspects, each subarray antenna 101a, 101b, 101c includes a first type of edge portion 104a, 104b, 104c and a second type of edge portion 105a, 105b, 105c, wherein the first type of edge portion 104a, 104b, 104c includes a first type of locking structure (outer locking portion 103a, recess 106a) adapted to engage a second type of locking structure (outer locking portion 103b, recess 106b) included in the second type of edge portion 105a, 105b, 105c.

[0088] According to some aspects, each outer locking portion 103b, 103a includes an inclined side 201a, 201b facing the recess 106a, 106b, so that adjacent sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c can be locked to each other in a direction N, which is orthogonal to the antenna aperture of the array antenna 100.

[0089] According to some aspects, each edge portion 405a, 404b includes at least one protrusion 407a, 407b extending away from the edge portion 405a, 04b and at least one notch 408a, 408b extending in opposite directions. Each protrusion 407a, 407b is adapted to engage a corresponding notch 408a, 408b in an adjacent sub-array antenna, and each notch 408a, 408b is adapted to engage a corresponding protrusion 407a, 407b in an adjacent sub-array antenna, such that the adjacent sub-array antennas 101a, 101b, 101c are locked to each other along the edge portions 405a, 404b.

[0090] According to some aspects, the ground planes 102a, 102b, 102c are formed in a metal sheet, and wherein the edge portions 104a, 105a; 104b, 105b; 104c, 105c are formed in the same metal sheet.

[0091] According to some aspects, the ground planes 502a, 502b, 502c have the form of a metallization layer on a dielectric material 512a, 512b, 512c, wherein edge portions 504a, 505a; 504b, 505b; 504c, 505c are formed in the dielectric material 512a, 512b, 512c and at least partially include the metallization layer 513, 514; 513', 514'.

[0092] According to some aspects, the sub-array antenna 101a, 101b, 101c; 501a, 501b, 501c includes a plurality of antenna elements 109, 509.

Claims

1. A subarray antenna adapted to be mounted to at least one other subarray antenna along at least one extension to form an array antenna, the subarray antenna comprising a ground plane and at least one edge portion adapted to face an edge portion of an adjacent subarray antenna, wherein: The edge portion at least partially includes a locking structure, the locking structure including an outer locking portion and a recess located between the outer locking portion and the ground plane in the extending direction, the recess being adapted to receive an adjacent outer locking portion of an adjacent sub-array antenna, and the outer locking portion being adapted to engage the recess of an adjacent sub-array antenna, the outer locking portion and the recess being conductive and electrically connected to the ground plane.

2. The subarray antenna according to claim 1, wherein: The subarray antenna includes a first type of edge portion and a second type of edge portion, wherein the first type of edge portion includes a first type of locking structure adapted to engage a second type of locking structure included in the second type of edge portion.

3. The subarray antenna according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The outer locking portion includes an inclined side facing the recess.

4. The subarray antenna according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: Each edge portion includes at least one protrusion extending away from the edge portion and at least one notch extending in opposite directions, each protrusion being adapted to engage a corresponding notch in an adjacent sub-array antenna, and each notch being adapted to engage a corresponding protrusion (407a, 407b) in an adjacent sub-array antenna.

5. The subarray antenna according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The ground plane is formed in a metal sheet, and wherein the edge portion is formed in the same metal sheet.

6. The subarray antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The ground plane has the form of a metallization layer on a dielectric material, and wherein the edge portion is formed in the dielectric material and at least partially comprises the metallization layer.

7. The subarray antenna according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The sub-array antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements.

8. An array antenna comprising at least two sub-array antennas mounted to each other along at least one extension, each sub-array antenna comprising a ground plane and at least one edge portion adapted to face an edge portion of an adjacent sub-array antenna, wherein: Each edge portion at least partially includes a locking structure, the locking structure including an outer locking portion and a recess located between the outer locking portion and the ground plane in the direction of extension, the recess being adapted to receive an adjacent outer locking portion of an adjacent sub-array antenna, and the outer locking portion being adapted to engage the recess of an adjacent sub-array antenna, the outer locking portion and the recess being conductive and electrically connected to the ground plane.

9. The array antenna according to claim 8, wherein: Each sub-array antenna includes a first type of edge portion and a second type of edge portion, wherein the first type of edge portion includes a first type of locking structure adapted to engage a second type of locking structure included in the second type of edge portion.

10. The array antenna according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein: Each outer locking portion includes an inclined side facing the recess so that adjacent sub-array antennas are locked to each other in a direction orthogonal to the antenna aperture of the array antenna.

11. The array antenna according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: Each edge portion includes at least one protrusion extending away from the edge portion and at least one notch extending in an opposite direction, each protrusion is adapted to engage a corresponding notch in an adjacent sub-array antenna, and each notch is adapted to engage a corresponding protrusion in an adjacent sub-array antenna, so that adjacent sub-array antennas are locked to each other in a direction along the edge portion.

12. The array antenna according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The ground plane is formed in a metal sheet, and wherein the edge portion is formed in the same metal sheet.

13. The array antenna according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The ground plane has the form of a metallization layer on a dielectric material, and wherein the edge portion is formed in the dielectric material and at least partially comprises the metallization layer.

14. The array antenna according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein: The sub-array antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements.

15. A method for assembling an array antenna, wherein: The method comprises: providing a first sub-array antenna and a second sub-array antenna, each sub-array antenna including a corresponding ground plane; Connecting a first edge portion of the first subarray antenna to a second edge portion of the second subarray antenna along a first extension; wherein each edge portion at least partially includes a locking structure, the locking structure having an outer locking portion and a recess located between the outer locking portion and the ground plane in the direction of the extension, the recess of the first edge portion is used to receive the outer locking portion of the second edge portion, and the outer locking portion of the first edge portion is used to engage the recess of the second edge portion, each outer locking portion and each recess is conductive and electrically connected to the ground plane.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The method comprises: forming a first row of sub-array antennas by mounting the sub-array antennas to each other along the first extension; forming a second row of sub-array antennas by mounting the sub-array antennas to each other along the first extension; The rows are mounted to each other along a second extension perpendicular to the first extension by connecting an edge portion of the first row and an edge portion of the second row to each other, wherein each edge portion at least partially comprises the locking structure.

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