Antenna system and communication device

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses an antenna system and a communication device, which comprise a first antenna and a second antenna; the first antenna comprises a feed source, the feed source is used for emitting electromagnetic waves, a first reflector, a reflecting surface of the first reflector faces the feed source, and the first reflector is used for reflecting the electromagnetic waves emitted by the feed source; a second reflector, the feed source is located between the second reflector and the first reflector, the feed source is arranged close to a reflecting surface of the second reflector, and the second reflector is used for reflecting the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first reflector; the second antenna comprises an optical fiber and a lens assembly connected with the optical fiber; the first reflector comprises a first through hole, the optical fiber is arranged through the first through hole, and the lens assembly is located on a side of the first reflector away from the second reflector. The first antenna and the second antenna can share the aperture of the second reflector, and the occupied space is smaller. Meanwhile, the two antennas are mixed into a network, channel complementation is realized, and the communication performance is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antennas, and more particularly to an antenna system and communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, millimeter-wave antennas are widely used in wireless communication, with millimeter waves becoming the main frequency band for microwave backhaul. However, millimeter waves attenuate more severely in the atmosphere, affecting the communication distance of the backhaul link.

[0003] Wireless light has stronger resistance to rain attenuation, while millimeter waves have stronger resistance to fog attenuation and snow attenuation.

[0004] Therefore, by combining millimeter-wave antennas and optical antennas in a hybrid network, channel complementarity can be achieved, thereby improving the communication performance of long-distance wireless backhaul.

[0005] Currently, there are several hybrid networking solutions combining millimeter wave and wireless optical technologies, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the communication device 002 includes a millimeter-wave antenna and an optical antenna.

[0006] The millimeter-wave antenna includes a millimeter-wave feed 10 and a reflector 11 arranged sequentially along the x-direction.

[0007] The optical antenna includes a dielectric dichroic mirror 12, a lens assembly 14, and a wireless light source 13 arranged sequentially along the x-direction.

[0008] The millimeter-wave emitted by the millimeter-wave feed 10 is reflected by the reflector 11 and then emitted along the -x direction. The wireless light emitted by the wireless light source 13 is transmitted through the lens assembly 14 and the reflector 11 to the dielectric dichroic mirror 12, reflected by the dielectric dichroic mirror 12 and then reflected by the reflector 11, and finally emitted along the -x direction.

[0009] However, with the millimeter-wave feed in front, the power loss and feed line blockage have a significant impact on the antenna gain. Furthermore, the millimeter-wave and wireless light share the same reflector 11, making it difficult for the reflector 11 to simultaneously satisfy the reflection requirements of both millimeter-wave and wireless light.

[0010] The aforementioned millimeter-wave antennas and optical antennas are all deployed separately, requiring separate installation and alignment. Furthermore, the equipment is large in size, and the tower rental and installation costs are high, making large-scale deployment difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This application provides an antenna system and communication device that solves the problem of difficult assembly of millimeter-wave antennas and optical antennas.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, an antenna system is provided, comprising: a first antenna and a second antenna; the first antenna includes: a feed source for transmitting electromagnetic waves; a first reflector with its reflective surface facing the feed source, the first reflector reflecting the electromagnetic waves emitted by the feed source; a second reflector, the feed source located between the second reflector and the first reflector, the feed source being positioned close to the reflective surface of the second reflector, the second reflector reflecting the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first reflector; the second antenna includes: an optical fiber and a lens assembly connected to the optical fiber; the first reflector includes a first through-hole through which the optical fiber passes, and the lens assembly is located on the side of the first reflector away from the second reflector. Thus, the first antenna is a reflector antenna, and the second antenna is an optical antenna. The electromagnetic waves emitted by the feed source of the first antenna pass sequentially through the first reflector and the second reflector before being emitted. The aperture of the millimeter-wave antenna can be a ring formed by the edges of the second reflector and the first reflector, meaning that no millimeter waves are emitted within the aperture of the first reflector. The optical fiber of the optical antenna passes through the first reflector, from which wireless light is emitted through the center of the first reflector and then exits through the lens assembly. The lens assembly is positioned opposite the first reflector, ensuring that the wireless light is within the aperture range of the dielectric lens (i.e., the first reflector's aperture). In other words, the aperture of the optical antenna can be a circle enclosed by the edge of the dielectric lens. Therefore, passing the optical fiber through the aperture of the first reflector facilitates installation and alignment. Furthermore, the first and second antennas can share the aperture of the second reflector, occupying less space and reducing equipment size, enabling large-scale deployment. Interference between the first and second antennas is also minimal, improving antenna efficiency. Simultaneously, the hybrid networking of millimeter-wave and optical antennas enables channel complementarity, enhancing long-distance wireless backhaul communication performance.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the focal trajectory of the first reflector is a circular ring, which is perpendicular to the axis of the first antenna. Therefore, the first antenna is a ring-focus antenna, which reduces the obstruction of electromagnetic waves reflected by the second reflector by the first reflector, and also reduces the backscattering of the first reflector to the feed source. This allows the feed source and the first reflector to be designed very close together, which helps to reduce the antenna's sidelobes and VSWR, and improve antenna efficiency.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, the first through-hole is located at the center of the first reflector. This allows the optical fiber to be positioned at the center of the first reflector, effectively using the first reflector as the aperture of an optical antenna and improving aperture efficiency.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the feed source includes a waveguide and a feed horn, with the optical fiber passing through the waveguide and the feed horn. This achieves a coaxial structure for the first and second antennas, which assists in wireless optical alignment, reduces installation difficulty and time costs, and facilitates the large-scale commercialization of hybrid networking products.

[0016] In one optional implementation, the waveguide includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide, and a combining terminal of the first and second waveguides. One end of the first waveguide and one end of the second waveguide are connected to the combining terminal, and the optical fiber enters the waveguide through the combining terminal. Thus, differential feeding can be achieved through the first and second waveguides, and the optical fiber can pass through the gap between the first and second waveguides to enter the combining terminal, eliminating the need for additional openings on the waveguides to introduce the optical fiber and reducing production costs.

[0017] In one optional implementation, the waveguide further includes a third waveguide and a fourth waveguide, one end of the third waveguide and one end of the fourth waveguide being connected to the combining terminal. The polarization directions of the third and fourth waveguides are orthogonal to the polarization directions of the first and second waveguides. Thus, by using the third and fourth waveguides, dual polarization of the antenna can be achieved, saving space occupied by the dual-polarized antenna.

[0018] In one optional implementation, the method further includes a metal tube disposed in the feed source, with one end connected to the port of the combiner and the other end connected to the first reflector, and the optical fiber passing through the metal tube. Thus, the metal tube not only provides support for the first reflector but also further reduces millimeter-wave leakage and minimizes the impact of the optical fiber transmission line on millimeter-wave radiation.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, the metal tube is coaxially arranged with the first antenna. This achieves a coaxial structure between the first and second antennas, which aids in wireless optical alignment, reduces installation difficulty and time costs, and facilitates the large-scale commercialization of hybrid networking products.

[0020] In one optional implementation, the combining end of the first waveguide and the second waveguide is provided with a stepped structure, the step surface of which is perpendicular to the axis of the first antenna. Therefore, by providing the stepped structure, the influence of the optical fiber on the transmission mode of the millimeter-wave antenna can be reduced, thereby minimizing beam distortion.

[0021] In one optional implementation, the stepped structure is made of metal. This improves the performance of the stepped structure and better reduces its impact on the millimeter-wave antenna transmission mode.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the lens assembly and the first antenna are coaxially arranged. This allows the lens assembly, i.e., the optical antenna, to better reuse the aperture of the first reflector, and reduces interference between the first and second antennas, thereby improving antenna efficiency.

[0023] In one alternative implementation, the aperture of the lens assembly is smaller than or equal to the aperture of the first reflector. This improves the isolation between the first and second antennas, further reducing mutual interference and increasing antenna efficiency.

[0024] In one alternative implementation, the system further includes a transceiver, to which both the feed source and the optical fiber are connected. Thus, the transceiver can be used to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves and wireless light.

[0025] In one alternative implementation, the second reflector includes a second through-hole, with the transceiver located within the second through-hole. Therefore, placing the transceiver within the through-hole of the second reflector reduces the space occupied by the transceiver.

[0026] In one alternative implementation, the second through-hole is located at the center of the second reflector. This facilitates coaxial alignment of the feed and the optical fiber, aids in wireless optical alignment, reduces installation difficulty and time costs, and promotes the large-scale commercialization of hybrid networking products.

[0027] In one alternative implementation, the first antenna is a millimeter-wave antenna. Therefore, millimeter-wave antennas and optical antennas exhibit different channel attenuation resistance under different environments. By hybridizing millimeter-wave and optical antennas in a network, channel complementarity can be achieved, improving the antenna's communication performance.

[0028] In one alternative implementation, the lens assembly includes a dielectric lens disposed on the side of the optical fiber away from the first reflector. Thus, the dielectric lens can function as an optical antenna.

[0029] In one optional implementation, the lens assembly further includes a fiber optic beam expander located between the first reflector and the dielectric lens, and connected to the optical fiber. The dielectric lens is disposed on the light-emitting side of the fiber optic beam expander. Thus, the beam expander can amplify the wireless light emitted from the optical fiber.

[0030] Secondly, a communication device is provided, which includes the antenna system described above. Therefore, by using the aforementioned antenna, the installation difficulty of the communication device can be reduced.

[0031] In one alternative implementation, the communication device is a wireless backhaul base station. Therefore, when used in a wireless backhaul node, this antenna enables channel complementarity and improves the communication performance of long-distance wireless backhaul. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of communication device;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the working status of communication equipment in China;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a Chinese communication device;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at position 1002 in the middle;

[0040] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A 3D view at position 1002 in the center;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion at position 1002 in the center;

[0043] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A three-dimensional image at position 1002;

[0044] Figure 13 for Figure 10 Another magnified view of the area at position 1002;

[0045] Figure 14 for Figure 10 Another stereoscopic view at position 1002. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0048] Furthermore, in this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0049] The following explains the terminology that may appear in the embodiments of this application.

[0050] A Cassegrain antenna consists of a second reflector, a first reflector, and a radiating source. The second reflector is a paraboloid of revolution, and the first reflector is a hyperboloid of revolution. Structurally, one focus of the hyperboloid coincides with the focus of the paraboloid, and the focal axis of the hyperboloid coincides with the focal axis of the paraboloid. The radiating source is located at the other focus of the hyperboloid. The first reflector reflects the electromagnetic waves emitted from the radiating source to the second reflector, which then reflects the waves again to obtain a plane wave beam in the corresponding direction, thus achieving directional transmission.

[0051] A ring-focus antenna has a second reflector that is a paraboloid of revolution, a first reflector whose generatrix is ​​an ellipse or hyperbola, and a focal trajectory that is a circular ring.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided as an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes: context-aware sensors 001 and communication equipment 002.

[0053] Among them, the environmental perception sensor 001 is used to acquire environmental information, such as determining fog, rain, and snow conditions.

[0054] This application also provides a communication device, which may include at least one transmitting device and at least one receiving device.

[0055] The aforementioned transmitting equipment is used to transmit electromagnetic waves. The transmitting equipment can be an evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, etc. It can also be a gNB in ​​a 5G system, such as a transmission point (TRP or TP), or one or a group of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, etc., without exhaustive list.

[0056] The aforementioned receiving equipment is used to receive electromagnetic waves. The transmitting equipment can be an evolved Node B, a radio network controller, a Node B, a base station controller, a base transceiver station, a home base station, a baseband unit, an access point, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point, or transmit / receive point in a wireless fidelity system, etc. It can also be 5G, such as a gNB in ​​an NR system, or a transmission point, or one or a group of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, etc. It can also be user equipment (UE), a mobile station, or a remote station, etc. It is a network device with wireless receiving capabilities. The terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Specifically, it can be a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, or a remote medical device. Wireless terminals in medical applications, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, and smart homes, etc., are not listed exhaustively.

[0057] The aforementioned communication equipment may include an antenna system for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves. In one embodiment, the communication equipment may be a ground station, which is a component of a satellite or space system, i.e., a ground-based device located on Earth for space communication. For example, it may be a ground-based device located on the Earth's surface (including those mounted on ships and aircraft) for artificial satellite communication. In operation, it can transmit signals to or receive signals transmitted by satellites.

[0058] In another embodiment, the communication device can be a base station for wireless backhaul, i.e., to complete data communication between the base station and the core network. The wireless backhaul technology includes microwave transmission and wireless optical backhaul technology. This communication device can be used in a wireless backhaul communication system, which typically includes at least one base station, each providing services to multiple terminals. One of the at least one base station (e.g., base station A) is wired / wirelessly connected to the core network, and the remaining base stations are connected to the core network through base station A.

[0059] Among them, fog, rain, and snow have different effects on the transmission links of different antennas.

[0060] For example, fog has a much greater attenuating effect on free space optical communications (FSO) links than on electromagnetic frequencies (RF).

[0061] When the frequency of electromagnetic waves is higher than 40 GHz, the attenuation effect of rainwater on electromagnetic wave transmission links is much greater than its attenuation effect on free-space optical communication links.

[0062] When the frequency of electromagnetic waves is less than 100 GHz, the attenuation effect of snow on electromagnetic wave transmission links is much smaller than its attenuation effect on free-space optical communication links.

[0063] Therefore, this application provides an antenna system that combines electromagnetic waves 003 and free space light 004 into a hybrid network to achieve channel complementarity and improve long-distance wireless communication performance.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device 002 includes a millimeter-wave antenna and an optical antenna, wherein the millimeter-wave antenna is used to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves to realize the above-mentioned electromagnetic wave transmission, and the optical antenna is used to receive and transmit wireless light to realize the above-mentioned free space optical communication.

[0065] The communication device 002 can control the operation of the millimeter-wave antenna and the optical antenna based on the environmental information obtained by the environmental sensing sensor 001.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of communication device. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the communication device 002 includes a millimeter-wave antenna and an optical antenna.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the millimeter-wave antenna is a Cassegrain antenna, including: a feed 100, a second reflector 101, a first reflector 102, and a support tube 103.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the reflecting surface of the second reflector 101 is a paraboloid of revolution, and the reflecting surface of the first reflector 102 is a hyperboloid of revolution. The reflecting surfaces of the second reflector 101 and the first reflector 102 are opposite to each other. The feed 100 adopts a hollow metal waveguide design, which can completely confine the transmitted electromagnetic waves within the metal tube. The feed 100 (waveguide) passes through the second reflector 101 and is opposite to the first reflector 102. In addition, the feed 100 is connected to the first reflector 102 through a support tube 103.

[0069] Figure 4for Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the operating state of a mid-millimeter wave antenna. Figure 4 As shown, during operation, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the feed 100 are reflected by the first reflector 102 to the second reflector 101, and after being reflected by the second reflector, they are emitted along the +x direction.

[0070] The optical antenna includes an optical fiber 200 and a lens assembly 14 connected to the optical fiber 200. The optical fiber 200 passes through a feed 100. Specifically, the optical fiber 200 passes through a waveguide (feed 100) and a support tube 103.

[0071] The wireless light emitted by the optical fiber 200 is emitted along the +x direction through the lens assembly 14.

[0072] However, the Cassegrain antenna is a dual-reflector antenna system. The first reflector 102, the feed 100, and the support tube 103 will have a blocking effect on the second reflector, causing the sidelobes of the Cassegrain antenna to rise and the gain to decrease.

[0073] Furthermore, the coaxial design of millimeter-wave waveguides and optical fibers affects the fundamental mode transmission, compressing the feed bandwidth to less than 2%, and the feed radiation distortion and the destruction of the first reflector structure result in an antenna aperture efficiency of only 26%.

[0074] Antenna aperture is a parameter representing the efficiency of an antenna in receiving electromagnetic waves; it refers to the area perpendicular to the direction of the incident electromagnetic wave and that effectively intercepts the energy of the incident electromagnetic wave. For example, in... Figure 4 In the antenna shown, the aperture of the millimeter-wave antenna can be a circle formed by the edges of the second reflector 101.

[0075] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide an improved antenna system.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the antenna system includes a transceiver 1001, and a first antenna and a second antenna connected to the transceiver 1001, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna share the same aperture.

[0077] In one embodiment, the first antenna is a millimeter-wave antenna for transmitting and receiving millimeter waves. The second antenna is an optical antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless light.

[0078] The transceiver 1001 is used to receive or transmit electromagnetic waves through the first antenna and to receive or transmit wireless light through the second antenna.

[0079] The first antenna includes a second reflector 1004, a feed 1002, and a first reflector 1005 arranged sequentially along the +z direction. The feed 1002 is located between the second reflector 1004 and the first reflector 1005.

[0080] The second reflector 1004 includes opposing first and second surfaces, and the first reflector 1005 includes opposing first and second surfaces. The first surface of the second reflector 1004 and the second surface of the first reflector 1005 are opposite each other.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first surface of the second reflector 1004 can serve as the reflecting surface of the second reflector 1004, and the second surface of the first reflector 1005 can serve as the reflecting surface of the first reflector 1005.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, when the first antenna is working, the feed 1002 emits electromagnetic waves to the first reflector 1005. The first reflector 1005 can reflect the electromagnetic waves generated by the feed 1002 to the second reflector 1004. The second reflector 1004 can reflect the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first reflector 1005, so that the electromagnetic waves are emitted along the +z direction.

[0083] The second antenna includes an optical fiber 1003 and a lens assembly arranged sequentially along the +z direction. The lens assembly is connected to the optical fiber 1003.

[0084] In one embodiment, the lens assembly includes a fiber optic beam expander 1006 and a dielectric lens 1007 arranged sequentially along the +z direction. The fiber optic beam expander 1006 is located between the fiber optic cable 1003 and the dielectric lens 1007, and is connected to the fiber optic cable 1003. The dielectric lens 1007 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the fiber optic beam expander 1006.

[0085] In some embodiments of this application, the first reflector 1005 includes a first through-hole through which the optical fiber 1003 passes, and the lens assembly is located on the side of the first reflector away from the second reflector 1004. In one embodiment, the first through-hole is located at the center of the first reflector. This allows the optical fiber to be positioned at the center of the first reflector, effectively using the first reflector as the aperture of an optical antenna and improving aperture efficiency.

[0086] In one embodiment, the fiber optic beam expander 1006 can change the beam diameter and divergence angle. The beam emitted from the optical fiber has a certain divergence angle, and the beam can be collimated (parallel) by adjusting the fiber optic beam expander 1006.

[0087] The medium lens 1007 is used to adjust the light emitted from the fiber optic beam expander 1006, such as controlling and changing the direction or thickness of the beam, as well as focusing and defocusing.

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, when the second antenna is working, the wireless light emitted by the optical fiber 1003 is irradiated by the fiber optic beam expander 1006 and then by the dielectric lens 1007, causing the wireless light to be emitted along the +z direction.

[0089] Therefore, the first antenna is a reflector antenna, and the second antenna is an optical antenna. The electromagnetic waves emitted by the feed of the first antenna pass through the first reflector and the second reflector in sequence before being emitted. The optical fiber of the second antenna passes through the first reflector, and the wireless light is emitted from the center of the first reflector and emitted through the lens assembly. The aperture of the first antenna can be a ring formed by the edges of the second reflector and the edges of the first reflector. That is to say, no millimeter waves are emitted within the aperture of the first reflector.

[0090] The optical fiber of the second antenna passes through the first reflector, and the wireless light is emitted from the center of the first reflector, passing through the lens assembly. The lens assembly is positioned opposite the first reflector, ensuring that the wireless light is within the aperture range of the dielectric lens (i.e., the aperture of the first reflector). In other words, the aperture of this optical antenna can be a circle enclosed by the edge of the dielectric lens. Therefore, passing the optical fiber through the aperture of the first reflector facilitates installation and alignment. Furthermore, the first and second antennas can share the aperture of the second reflector, resulting in a smaller footprint, which helps reduce equipment size and enables large-scale deployment.

[0091] Meanwhile, by combining millimeter-wave antennas and optical antennas into a hybrid network, channel complementarity can be achieved, improving the communication performance of long-distance wireless backhaul.

[0092] In some embodiments of this application, the second reflector includes a second through-hole, wherein the transceiver 1001 is located in the second through-hole. In one embodiment, the second through-hole is located at the center of the second reflector.

[0093] Therefore, placing the transceiver 1001 in the through hole of the second reflector can reduce the space occupied by the transceiver 1001. Placing the second through hole in the center of the second reflector 1004 can facilitate the coaxiality of the feed and the optical fiber, assist in wireless optical alignment, reduce installation difficulty and time cost, and promote the large-scale commercial use of hybrid networking products.

[0094] In one embodiment, the first antenna is a loop-focus antenna. For example, the focal trajectory of the first reflector is a ring, perpendicular to the axis of the first antenna. Thus, the first antenna is a loop-focus antenna, which reduces the obstruction of electromagnetic waves reflected by the second reflector by the first reflector, and also reduces the backscattering of the first reflector to the feed source. This allows the feed source and the first reflector to be designed very close together, which is beneficial for reducing antenna sidelobes and VSWR, and improving antenna efficiency.

[0095] In one embodiment, the annulus formed by the focal trajectory of the first reflector is larger than or equal to the aperture of the first reflector. The aperture of the first reflector can be the annulus formed by the edges of the first reflector. This further reduces the obstruction of electromagnetic waves reflected by the second reflector by the first reflector.

[0096] The following is combined with Figure 6 The structure of the first antenna is described. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the reflecting surface of the second reflector 1004 is a partially parabolic sphere of revolution, and the reflecting surface of the first reflector 1005 is formed by rotating an elliptical arc CB around the axis OC of the second reflector. The feed 1002 is located at one focus M of the ellipsoid. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the feed 1002 are reflected by the first reflector 1005 and converge at another focus of the ellipsoid. The focus of the first reflector 1005 is the focus of the parabolic sphere OD. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves reflected by the second reflector 1004 are emitted in parallel. The focus of the first reflector 1005 forms a ring perpendicular to the antenna axis, hence this antenna is called a ring-focus antenna. The design of the ring-focus antenna reduces the obstruction of electromagnetic waves by the first reflector 1005 and also reduces the backscattering of the first reflector 1005 to the feed 1002. The feed 1002 and the first reflector 1005 can be designed very close together, which is beneficial for reducing the sidelobes and VSWR of the antenna over a wide bandwidth and improving antenna efficiency.

[0097] In the ring-focus antenna, no electromagnetic waves are emitted in the XOY region where the first reflector 1005 is located. In this embodiment, a second antenna is set on the side of the first reflector 1005 away from the second reflector 1004, so that the second antenna can reuse the aperture of the area opposite to the second reflector 1004 and the first reflector 1005, and reduce the mutual interference between the radio light emitted by the second antenna and the electromagnetic waves emitted by the ring-focus antenna, thereby further improving the antenna efficiency.

[0098] Therefore, the first antenna is a loop-focus antenna, which can reduce the obstruction of electromagnetic waves reflected by the second reflector by the first reflector, and also reduce the backscattering of the feed source by the first reflector. This allows the feed source and the first reflector to be designed very close, which is beneficial to reduce the sidelobes and VSWR of the antenna and improve the antenna efficiency.

[0099] Antenna aperture is a parameter representing the efficiency of an antenna in receiving electromagnetic waves; it refers to the area perpendicular to the direction of the incident electromagnetic wave and that effectively intercepts the energy of the incident electromagnetic wave. For example, in... Figure 6 In the antenna shown, the aperture of the first antenna can be a ring formed by the edges of the second reflector 1004 and the first reflector 1005, and the aperture of the optical antenna can be a circle formed by the edges of the dielectric lens 1007.

[0100] In some embodiments, the lens assembly and the first antenna are coaxially arranged. This allows the lens assembly, i.e., the second antenna, to better reuse the aperture of the first reflector, and reduces interference between the first and second antennas, thereby improving antenna efficiency.

[0101] The aperture of the second antenna is less than or equal to the aperture of the first reflector 1005.

[0102] This further reduces the mutual interference between the first and second antennas, improving antenna efficiency.

[0103] This application does not limit the feeding method of the ring-focus antenna. In other embodiments, the ring-focus antenna uses a differential feeding method. For example, Figure 7 As shown in 1002, the transceiver 1001 is connected to the feed 1002 via a waveguide 1008. In one embodiment, the waveguide 1008 is, for example, a hollow metal waveguide, which can completely confine the transmitted electromagnetic waves within the metal tube, also known as a closed waveguide.

[0104] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view at position 1002. Figure 9 for Figure 7 A 3D view at position 1002. (See image below.) Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the feed 1002 includes: a feed horn 10021, a first waveguide 10081, a second waveguide 10082, and a combiner 10083 connected to the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082. A gap is provided between the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082. The optical fiber can pass through the gap into the combiner 10083 of the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082, and then enter the feed horn 10021 from the combiner 10083, and finally exit from the first reflector 1005.

[0105] The first waveguide 10081 includes a first end and a second end, and the second waveguide 10082 includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first waveguide 10081 and the first end of the second waveguide 10082 are connected to the combiner 10083. The second end of the first waveguide 10081 and the second end of the second waveguide 10082 are connected to the transceiver 1001 through the waveguide.

[0106] This enables the coaxial alignment of optical fiber and waveguide 1008, which can assist in wireless optical alignment, reduce installation difficulty and time cost, and promote the large-scale commercialization of hybrid wireless optical and electromagnetic wave networking products.

[0107] To reduce the impact of the coaxial relationship between fiber optic 1003 and differentially fed waveguide 1008 on fundamental mode transmission, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, a stepped structure 10084 is further provided on the combining end 10083 of the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082. In one embodiment, the stepped surface of the stepped structure 10084 is perpendicular to the axis of the first antenna.

[0108] In one embodiment, the stepped structure 10084 includes a boss.

[0109] In one embodiment, the boss is made of metal.

[0110] The protrusion is formed at the combining end 10083. The protrusion can be a solid structure or a hollow structure. In this embodiment, the optical fiber 1003 needs to pass through the combining end 10083, therefore, the protrusion can be made into a hollow structure.

[0111] The stepped structure 10084 can reduce the impact of optical fiber 1003 on the transmission mode and reduce the distortion of the radiation beam.

[0112] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 10 As shown, a metal tube 1009 can also be provided in the feed source 1002, such that one end of the metal tube 1009 is connected to the port of the combining end, and the other end is connected to the first reflector 1005, and the optical fiber 1003 passes through the metal tube 1009.

[0113] Therefore, the metal tube 1009 can not only accommodate the optical fiber 1003, but also provide support for the first reflector 1005, thus eliminating the need for other support rods and saving space.

[0114] This metal tube can further reduce the impact of fiber optic transmission lines on millimeter-wave radiation, while also reducing millimeter-wave energy leakage.

[0115] Figure 11 for Figure 10A magnified view of a portion at position 1002. Figure 12 for Figure 10 A three-dimensional image at position 1002. (Example) Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the feed 1002 includes: a feed horn 10021, a first waveguide 10081, a second waveguide 10082, and a combiner 10083 connected to the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082, with a gap between the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082.

[0116] In addition, the feed source 1002 is also provided with a metal tube 1009, which is inserted into the feed source 1002. One end of the metal tube 1009 is connected to the port of the combining terminal, and the other end is connected to the first reflector 1005. The optical fiber can pass through the gap between the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082 into one end of the metal tube 1009 and exit from the other end of the metal tube 1009.

[0117] Therefore, the metal tube not only provides support for the first reflector, but also further reduces millimeter wave leakage and reduces the impact of fiber optic transmission lines on millimeter wave radiation.

[0118] In one embodiment, the metal tube 1009 is coaxially arranged with the first antenna.

[0119] This enables coaxial alignment of optical fibers and metal tubes, which can assist in wireless optical alignment, reduce installation difficulty and time costs, and facilitate the large-scale commercialization of hybrid networking products.

[0120] To reduce the impact of the coaxial relationship between fiber optic 1003 and differentially fed waveguide 1008 on fundamental mode transmission, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, a stepped structure 10084 is also provided on the combining end 10083 of the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082. In one embodiment, the stepped structure 10084 includes a plurality of bosses.

[0121] The stepped structure 10084 can be a plurality of protrusions formed around the metal tube, and the protrusions can be, for example, solid metal structures.

[0122] The stepped structure 10084 can reduce the impact of optical fiber 1003 on the transmission mode and reduce the distortion of the radiation beam.

[0123] In some embodiments of this application, the first antenna is a dual-polarized antenna. Figure 13 for Figure 10 Another magnified view of the area at position 1002. Figure 14 for Figure 10 Another 3D view at position 1002. (See image below.) Figure 13, Figure 14 As shown, the feed 1002 further includes a third waveguide 10085 and a fourth waveguide 10086, one end of the third waveguide 10085 and one end of the fourth waveguide 10086 are connected to the combiner 10083, and the polarization directions of the third waveguide 10085 and the fourth waveguide 10086 are orthogonal to the polarization directions of the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first waveguide 10081 and the second waveguide 10082 are horizontally polarized waveguides, and the third waveguide 10085 and the fourth waveguide 10086 are vertically polarized waveguides.

[0125] Therefore, by setting up a third and fourth waveguide, dual polarization of the antenna can be achieved, saving the space occupied by the dual polarization antenna.

[0126] The antenna system provided in this application includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna may be a reflector antenna. In some embodiments of this application, the reflector antenna is a ring-focus antenna, which includes a second reflector, a feed source, and a first reflector. The electromagnetic waves emitted by the feed source of the first antenna pass through the first reflector and the second reflector in sequence before being emitted. The aperture of the first antenna may be a ring formed by the edge of the second reflector and the edge of the first reflector. That is to say, no millimeter waves are emitted within the aperture of the first reflector.

[0127] The optical fiber of the second antenna passes through the first reflector, and the wireless light is emitted from the center of the first reflector, passing through the lens assembly. The lens assembly is positioned opposite the first reflector, ensuring that the wireless light is within the aperture range of the dielectric lens (i.e., the aperture of the first reflector). In other words, the aperture of this optical antenna can be a circle enclosed by the edge of the dielectric lens. Therefore, passing the optical fiber through the aperture of the first reflector facilitates installation and alignment. Furthermore, the first and second antennas can share the aperture of the second reflector, resulting in a smaller footprint, which helps reduce equipment size and enables large-scale deployment.

[0128] In addition, the first antenna is used to transmit and receive millimeter waves. The second antenna includes an optical fiber and a lens assembly connected to the optical fiber, and is used to transmit and receive wireless light. Wireless light has stronger resistance to rain attenuation, while millimeter waves have stronger resistance to fog and snow attenuation. By combining the first and second antennas in a hybrid network, channel complementarity can be achieved, improving the communication performance of long-distance wireless backhaul.

[0129] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna system, characterized in that, include: First antenna and second antenna; The first antenna includes: A feed source, the feed source being used to transmit electromagnetic waves; A first reflector, the reflecting surface of the first reflector facing the feed source, the first reflector being used to reflect electromagnetic waves emitted by the feed source, the focal trajectory of the reflecting surface of the first reflector being a circular ring, the circular ring being perpendicular to the axis of the first antenna; The second reflector has a feed source located between the second reflector and the first reflector, and the feed source is positioned close to the reflecting surface of the second reflector. The second reflector is used to reflect the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first reflector. The second antenna includes an optical fiber and a lens assembly connected to the optical fiber; the first reflector includes a first through-hole located at the center of the first reflector, the optical fiber passing through the first through-hole, and the lens assembly located on the side of the first reflector away from the second reflector.

2. The antenna system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed source includes a waveguide and a feed horn, and the optical fiber passes through the waveguide and the feed horn.

3. The antenna system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The waveguide includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide, and a combining terminal. One end of the first waveguide and one end of the second waveguide are both connected to the combining terminal, and the optical fiber enters the feed horn from the combining terminal.

4. The antenna system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The waveguide further includes a third waveguide and a fourth waveguide, one end of the third waveguide and one end of the fourth waveguide are connected to the combining end, and the polarization directions of the third waveguide and the fourth waveguide are orthogonal to the polarization directions of the first waveguide and the second waveguide.

5. The antenna system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A metal tube is inserted through the feed source, with one end of the metal tube connected to the port of the combiner and the other end connected to the first reflector, and the optical fiber is inserted through the metal tube.

6. The antenna system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The metal tube is coaxially arranged with the first antenna.

7. The antenna system according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The combining end is provided with a stepped structure, and the stepped surface of the stepped structure is perpendicular to the axis of the first antenna.

8. The antenna system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The material of the stepped structure includes: metal.

9. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The lens assembly and the first antenna are coaxially arranged.

10. The antenna system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The aperture of the lens assembly is less than or equal to the aperture of the first reflector.

11. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Also includes: The transceiver is connected to both the feed source and the optical fiber.

12. The antenna system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second reflector includes a second through-hole, wherein the transceiver is located in the second through-hole.

13. The antenna system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second through hole is located at the center of the second reflector.

14. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The lens assembly includes a dielectric lens disposed on the side of the optical fiber away from the first reflector.

15. The antenna system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The lens assembly further includes: an optical fiber beam expander, which is located between the first reflector and the dielectric lens, and is connected to the optical fiber; the dielectric lens is disposed on the light-emitting side of the optical fiber beam expander.

16. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first antenna is a millimeter-wave antenna.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes the antenna system described in any one of claims 1-16.

18. The communication device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The communication device is a wireless backhaul base station.

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