Beamwidth reconfigurable antenna and base station

By combining the main radiating element and multiple sets of electronically controlled parasitic elements, and using the feed network to generate and regulate electromagnetic waves, the problem that traditional beamwidth reconfigurable antennas cannot adapt to different environments is solved, and flexible beamwidth adjustment is achieved, thus improving the adaptability of the communication system.

CN119153956BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-17ZTE CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311539335.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-17
Publication Date
2026-02-17
Estimated Expiration
2043-11-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional beamwidth reconfigurable antennas are difficult to meet the needs of different communication environments, and cannot flexibly adjust the beamwidth in indoor and outdoor environments to adapt to differences in signal focusing capability and coverage.

Method used

The design employs a main radiating unit and multiple sets of electrically controlled parasitic units. The first electromagnetic wave is generated through a feeding network, and the phase and amplitude of the second electromagnetic wave are adjusted using multiple sets of electrically controlled parasitic units, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of the beamwidth of the third electromagnetic wave in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible adjustment of beamwidth to adapt to different communication environments, improves the performance and adaptability of the communication system, and meets the communication needs of indoor and outdoor environments.

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Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a beam width reconfigurable antenna and a base station, the antenna comprising: a main radiation unit configured to generate a first electromagnetic wave based on a feed network; a plurality of groups of electrically-controlled parasitic units arranged around the main radiation unit and configured to generate a second electromagnetic wave, so that the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are fused to generate a third electromagnetic wave, and the third electromagnetic wave has adjustable beam width in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. Through the present application, at least the problem that it is difficult to meet the needs of different communication environments in the related art is solved.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular, to a beam width reconfigurable antenna and a base station. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of communication technology, beam width reconfigurable antennas, as an important communication device, are widely used in wireless communication systems. Beam width reconfigurable antennas are antennas that can adjust the beam width according to actual needs. By controlling the radiation characteristics of the antenna, the directivity and beam width of the antenna can be adjusted. Traditional beam width reconfigurable antennas usually use fixed radiation elements and corresponding control circuits to adjust the beam width by adjusting the circuit parameters. This antenna design meets the demand of communication systems for adjustable beam width to some extent, but still has some limitations.

[0003] However, in the face of the complexity and diversity of real communication environments, different communication scenarios have different requirements for beam width. For example, in indoor environments, due to the multipath effect of signals and more interference, a narrower beam width can improve the focusing ability and anti-interference of signals, while in outdoor environments, a wider beam width can provide greater coverage and signal transmission efficiency.

[0004] However, traditional beam width reconfigurable antennas can only provide fixed beam width, making it difficult to meet the needs of different communication environments. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a beam width reconfigurable antenna and a base station to at least solve the problem that the beam width reconfigurable antenna in the related art is difficult to meet the needs of different communication environments.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present application, a beam width reconfigurable antenna is provided, comprising:

[0007] a main radiation element for generating a first electromagnetic wave based on a feed network;

[0008] a plurality of groups of electrically controlled parasitic elements arranged around the main radiation element for generating a second electromagnetic wave, so that the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are fused to produce a third electromagnetic wave, and the beam width of the third electromagnetic wave in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane is adjustable.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present application, a base station is also provided, comprising the above-mentioned antenna.

[0010] Compared with the conventional fixed-beam-width reconfigurable antenna, the scheme of the present application has the advantage of the presence of multiple groups of electrically controlled parasitic units. These parasitic units can independently control the output of the second electromagnetic wave, and in combination with the first electromagnetic wave output by the main radiation unit, the different beam widths in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane can be adjusted. By adjusting the working state and parameters of these parasitic units, flexible adjustment of the beam width of the antenna can be realized to adapt to different communication environments. Therefore, the scheme of the present application can solve the problem that the conventional beam-width reconfigurable antenna can only provide a fixed beam width. Through the design of multiple groups of electrically controlled parasitic units, the beam width in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane is realized. In this way, whether in an indoor environment or an outdoor environment, the beam width of the antenna can be adjusted according to actual needs, thereby improving the performance and adaptability of the communication system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beam-width reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment One of the present application in a first perspective view Figure 1 ;

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beam-width reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment One of the present application in a first perspective view Figure 2 ;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beam-width reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment One of the present application in a second perspective view

[0014] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a parasitic patch, a dielectric substrate, a ground plate, and a feed substrate according to Embodiment One of the present application

[0015] Figure 5 is a sectional view of a parasitic patch, a dielectric substrate, a ground plate, a feed substrate, and a side wall block according to Embodiment One of the present application

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a main radiation unit and a feed network according to Embodiment One of the present application

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feed network according to Embodiment One of the present application, which is a series multi-point feed network

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feed network according to Embodiment One of the present application, which is a parallel multi-point feed network

[0019] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beam-width reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment Two of the present application in a first perspective view

[0020] Figure 10 is a schematic view of an overall structure of a beamwidth reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment Two of the present application in a second viewing angle;

[0021] Figure 11 is a sectional view of a dielectric substrate according to Embodiment Two of the present application;

[0022] Figure 12 is Figure 10 is a partial enlarged view at mark B in FIG. 6;

[0023] Figure 13 is Figure 10 is a partial enlarged view at mark C in FIG. 6;

[0024] Figure 14 is Figure 10 is a partial enlarged view at mark D in FIG. 6;

[0025] Figure 15 is Figure 11 is a partial enlarged view at mark E in FIG. 6;

[0026] Figure 16 is Figure 11 is a partial enlarged view at mark F in FIG. 6;

[0027] Figure 17 is Figure 11 is a partial enlarged view at mark G in FIG. 6;

[0028] Figure 18 is a directional diagram of narrow-narrow polar coordinates generated according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 19 is a directional diagram of narrow-wide polar coordinates generated according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 20 is a directional diagram of wide-narrow polar coordinates generated according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 21 is a directional diagram of wide-wide polar coordinates generated according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Explanation of reference signs: 1, main radiation unit; 11, radiation patch; 111, partition groove; 12, side wall block; 2, first group of electrically controlled parasitic elements; 3, second group of electrically controlled parasitic elements; 4, first electrically controlled switch; 5, second electrically controlled switch; 6, floor; 61, gap groove; 7, feed network; 71, input port; 72, output port; 73, output branch; 74, main trunk; 8, dielectric substrate; 9, conductive metal body; 10, feed substrate; 101, support block; A1, parasitic patch; A2, adjusting conductor; A3, short-circuit conductor; 20, dielectric plate; 30, first metal strip line; 40, adjusting metal strip; 50, second metal strip line; 60, short-circuit metal strip; 70, conductive body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second" and the like in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-described drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily have to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0035] In this embodiment, a beam width reconfigurable antenna is provided, comprising:

[0036] The main radiation unit is used to generate a first electromagnetic wave based on the feed network;

[0037] The main radiation unit of the present application has high radiation efficiency and directivity, which can be achieved by selecting appropriate antenna structure and material. For example, the main radiation unit can adopt microstrip antenna, antenna array or other antenna structure with good radiation characteristics.

[0038] The feed network is used to feed the main radiation unit, which is used to adjust the radiation characteristics of the first electromagnetic wave. The feed network can include different network elements, such as filters, couplers, phase shifters, etc. These network elements adjust their parameters to achieve the adjustment of the radiation characteristics of the first electromagnetic wave.

[0039] By simulating the parameters of the feed network, the appropriate type, parameters and layout of the network elements can be determined to obtain the required first electromagnetic wave.

[0040] After the simulation analysis is completed, the feed network is integrated with the main radiation unit. The network elements are connected to the appropriate position of the main radiation unit, and it is ensured that the signal can be correctly transmitted and radiated.

[0041] Finally, testing and adjustment are performed to ensure that the main radiating unit is able to generate the required first electromagnetic wave based on the feed network. The testing can be performed by using an antenna test equipment (e.g. an antenna test bench or an antenna test meter) and a signal source (e.g. a signal generator). The radiation characteristics and beamwidth of the antenna can be evaluated through the testing, and necessary adjustment and optimization can be performed.

[0042] In this way, the main radiating unit is able to generate the required first electromagnetic wave based on the feed network.

[0043] A plurality of electrically controlled parasitic units are arranged around the main radiating unit, for generating a second electromagnetic wave, so that the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are fused to generate a third electromagnetic wave, and the beamwidth of the third electromagnetic wave in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane is adjustable. The second electromagnetic wave is generated by the plurality of electrically controlled parasitic units, and interacts with the first electromagnetic wave generated by the main radiating unit, for example, phase superposition or amplitude superposition, to generate the third electromagnetic wave. By adjusting the electrically controlled parasitic units, the phase or amplitude of the second electromagnetic wave is changed, so that the direction or beam of the third electromagnetic wave is changed, and further, the beamwidth of the third electromagnetic wave in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane is changed.

[0044] Further, the electrically controlled parasitic unit can comprise:

[0045] A parasitic patch for outputting the second electromagnetic wave according to the current flowing therethrough;

[0046] The parasitic patch is a special inductive element that generates the second electromagnetic wave through the current flowing therethrough. The design and material selection of the parasitic patch affect the inductance value and the output effect of the second electromagnetic wave.

[0047] A ground plate for conducting current with the parasitic patch;

[0048] The ground plate refers to a ground plane or substrate connected to the parasitic patch. The function of the ground plate is to provide a low-impedance loop, so that the current flowing through the parasitic patch can flow out of the parasitic patch, or the current flowing through the ground plate flows into the parasitic patch, to form a closed loop.

[0049] A short-circuit assembly arranged between the parasitic patch and the ground plate for conducting the parasitic patch and the ground plate;

[0050] The short-circuit assembly refers to a set of connecting conductors arranged between the parasitic patch and the ground plate. The function of the short-circuit assembly is to conduct the current flowing through the parasitic patch to the ground plate, or to conduct the current of the ground plate to the parasitic patch, to realize the closed loop of the current. By adjusting the shape and position of the short-circuit assembly, the distribution and path of the current can be affected, and further, the second electromagnetic wave output by the parasitic patch can be changed.

[0051] An adjusting assembly is arranged between the parasitic patch and the ground plate to adjust the current flow path between the parasitic patch and the ground plate, so as to change the current flow path on the parasitic patch to make the parasitic patch output different second electromagnetic waves.

[0052] The adjusting assembly refers to a set of adjustable assemblies arranged between the parasitic patch and the ground plate. The adjusting assembly controls the current flow mode between the parasitic patch and the ground plate, so as to change the current distribution and flow direction on the parasitic patch. By adjusting the parameters (such as size, shape, position, etc.) of the adjusting assembly, the second electromagnetic waves output by the parasitic patch can be adjusted.

[0053] In summary, the parasitic patch generates second electromagnetic waves through the flowing current, the ground plate provides a loop for the current to flow out / in, the short circuit assembly guides the current to the ground plate, or can also guide the current of the ground plate to the parasitic patch, and the adjusting assembly adjusts the second electromagnetic wave output by the parasitic patch by changing the current flow mode.

[0054] Further, the short circuit assembly can include:

[0055] At least one set of short circuit conductors, one end of which is used to connect the parasitic patch, and the other end of which is used to connect the ground plate, so as to make the parasitic patch conductive with the ground plate. The short circuit conductors, as part of the short circuit assembly, cooperate with the parasitic patch and the ground plate to achieve the effect of guiding the current flowing on the parasitic patch to the ground plate, or guiding the current of the ground plate to the parasitic patch through good electrical contact and conductivity. In this way, it can ensure that the current can form a closed loop, so that the parasitic patch can work normally and output the required second electromagnetic waves.

[0056] Further, the adjusting assembly includes:

[0057] An adjusting conductor is located on one side of the short circuit conductor, one end of which is used to connect the parasitic patch, and the other end of which is used to connect the ground plate through an electrically controlled switch;

[0058] An electrically controlled switch is used to change the current flow mode between the adjusting conductor and the ground plate.

[0059] The adjusting conductor is arranged to facilitate the conduction between the parasitic patch and the ground plate, and the electrically controlled switch is arranged to facilitate the change of the current flow mode on the adjusting conductor. For example, when the electrically controlled switch is in the on state, the current on the adjusting conductor first flows through the electrically controlled switch and then flows into the ground plate. When the electrically controlled switch is in the off state, the current in the adjusting conductor flows into the ground plate in a radiating manner. Although the current in the adjusting conductor can enter the ground plate regardless of the state of the electrically controlled switch. However, the two working modes of the electrically controlled switch can change the current flow mode, and the two current flow modes in combination with the effect of the short circuit conductor can change the current flow path on the parasitic patch.

[0060] Therefore, by controlling the state of the electrically controlled switch, the effect of selecting the current to flow through the adjusting conductor or the short-circuit conductor can be achieved, thereby changing the flow path of the current on the parasitic patch. In this way, the intensity or direction of the second electromagnetic wave output by the parasitic patch can be adjusted, achieving the adjustment and control of the second electromagnetic wave.

[0061] Further, the main radiation unit adopts an air medium microstrip antenna.

[0062] Specifically, the air medium microstrip antenna is a type of antenna used for wireless communication. The substrate of the microstrip antenna is usually a non-conductive material such as fiberglass, ceramic, or polymer. The working principle of this antenna is based on the radiation of the microstrip patch and the resonance of the conductor. The microstrip antenna can achieve a wide bandwidth with a small size, so it is widely used in the application of microwave and millimeter wave frequency bands. It has the advantages of small size, light weight, low manufacturing cost, and easy integration, so it has been widely used in the fields of wireless communication, satellite communication, radar, and wireless sensor networks.

[0063] Further, the main radiation unit can include:

[0064] A dielectric substrate is arranged on one side of the ground plate.

[0065] The dielectric substrate is a basic component of the main radiation unit, arranged on one side of the ground plate. It provides a stable platform for support and also serves as a dielectric to change the propagation properties of electromagnetic waves. By selecting different dielectric materials and designing different structures, the propagation speed, impedance matching, and other characteristics of electromagnetic waves can be adjusted.

[0066] A radiation patch is arranged on one side of the dielectric substrate to generate a first electromagnetic wave according to the current flowing through it. The radiation patch is one of the most important components in the main radiation unit, which generates a first electromagnetic wave through the current flowing through it. The shape and size of the radiation patch determine the frequency and radiation characteristics of the generated electromagnetic wave. By using different shapes and different sizes of the radiation patch, the frequency and radiation direction of the radiated electromagnetic wave can be adjusted.

[0067] A plurality of side wall blocks are arranged between the dielectric substrate and the radiation patch, one end connected to the dielectric substrate and the other end connected to the radiation patch, to create a distance between the radiation patch and the dielectric substrate and to transmit the output signal output by the feed network to the radiation patch.

[0068] The side wall block is a component located between the dielectric substrate and the radiation patch, one end connected to the dielectric substrate and the other end connected to the radiation patch. Its role is to create a certain distance between the dielectric substrate and the radiation patch and to transmit the signal output by the feed network to the radiation patch. The design of the side wall block can affect the radiation effect and radiation characteristics of the radiation patch, such as increasing the radiation efficiency of the radiation patch, reducing the coupling between the radiation patch and the dielectric substrate, etc.

[0069] Further, the feeding network is a multi-output port network for feeding the main radiating unit to make the main radiating unit output the first electromagnetic wave.

[0070] The feeding network can be composed of multiple branches, each of which can be provided with different phases and amplitudes. These branches can realize the adjustment of the phase and amplitude through resistors, capacitors, inductors and other elements. By adjusting the parameters of the feeding network, the first electromagnetic wave output by the radiating patch can be adjusted. For example, by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each branch, the radiating patch can output more power in a specific direction, thereby realizing the adjustment of the radiation direction; or by adjusting the phase difference of each branch, the radiating patch can be consistent in phase in a specific direction, thereby realizing the effect of beam forming. The technical solution of the present application mainly adjusts the phase difference of each branch to output output signals with different phases. By adjusting the amplitude of the output signal, the amplitudes of multiple groups of output signals can be kept the same.

[0071] In summary, the feeding network adjusts the phase and amplitude of the input signal to adjust the first electromagnetic wave output by the radiating patch. In this way, the direction, intensity and other parameters of electromagnetic wave radiation can be controlled to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0072] Further, the feeding network comprises:

[0073] An input port for obtaining an input signal; the input port is used to obtain an input signal, which can be connected to an external control system or a signal source. Through the input port, the input signal can be provided to the feeding network for adjusting the phase and amplitude of the output signal of multiple groups of output ports.

[0074] Multiple groups of output ports for outputting multiple groups of output signals based on the input signal to make the main radiating unit generate the first electromagnetic wave;

[0075] Each output port can provide an independent output signal. By adjusting the parameters of each branch in the feeding network, the phase and amplitude of the output signal can be adjusted. Therefore, each output port can output signals with different phases and amplitudes, thereby realizing the control of the main radiating unit to generate the first electromagnetic wave.

[0076] Multiple groups of output branches with different lengths to make the multiple groups of output ports output multiple groups of output signals with the same amplitude and different phases.

[0077] The multiple sets of output branches are key components of the feeding network, and lengths of the multiple sets of output branches are different. The different lengths of the multiple sets of output branches cause time delays of signals reaching the multiple sets of output ports to be different. By adjusting the length of each output branch, the multiple sets of output ports can output the output signals with the same amplitude and different phases. Specifically, by controlling the length of the output branch, the propagation time of the input signal in the branch can be controlled, so that the phase difference of the input signal reaching the multiple sets of output ports is controlled.

[0078] In summary, the input port is configured to obtain an input signal, the multiple sets of output ports are configured to output multiple sets of output signals based on the input signal, and the lengths of the multiple sets of output branches are different to enable the multiple sets of output ports to output the output signals with the same amplitude and different phases. By adjusting the parameters and structures of these components, the control of the main radiating unit to generate the first electromagnetic wave can be achieved.

[0079] Further, the end of each set of side wall blocks is provided with a feeding point, so that the output signal enters the side wall block through the feeding point.

[0080] The feeding point can be a conductive patch, and the feeding point is connected to the end of the side wall block by bonding or welding.

[0081] Further, the multiple sets of conductive metal bodies are further included, one end of each set of conductive metal bodies is connected to the feeding point, and the other end is connected to the output port of the feeding network.

[0082] Through the above scheme, the output signal output by the output port of the feeding network can be transmitted to the side wall block through the conductive metal body, and then transmitted to the radiation patch, thereby facilitating the feeding of the radiation patch. Since the conductive metal body has a certain length, the distance between the radiation patch and the feeding network can be extended, and the degree of interference between the first electromagnetic wave generated by the radiation patch and the electromagnetic wave generated by the feeding network can be reduced.

[0083] Further, the radiation patch is provided with multiple sets of partition grooves.

[0084] When current flows on the radiation patch, the partition grooves can block the current, so that the current flows around the partition grooves, effectively extending the current flow path, so that the radiation patch generates different first electromagnetic waves.

[0085] Further, the multiple sets of electrically controlled parasitic units are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the main radiating unit.

[0086] Further, the multiple sets of output ports are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the main radiating unit, and the multiple sets of output branches with different lengths enable the multiple sets of output ports to output the multiple sets of output signals with the same amplitude and an equidifference distribution of phases.

[0087] Further, the multiple sets of side wall blocks are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the radiation patch.

[0088] Further, the feeding point is located at the middle of the end of the side wall block.

[0089] Further, the radiation patch is circular or polygonal in shape.

[0090] Further, the parasitic patch is rectangular or arc-shaped in cross section.

[0091] Further, the feeding network is a series multi-point feeding network or a parallel multi-point feeding network.

[0092] Further, the side wall block is detachably connected with the radiation patch and the dielectric substrate.

[0093] Further, the number of output ports, conductive metal bodies, feeding points and side wall blocks is consistent.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the above is explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

[0095] Embodiment One

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beam width reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment One of the present application from a first perspective Figure 1 ; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beam width reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment One of the present application from a first perspective Figure 2 ; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beam width reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment One of the present application from a second perspective. As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , the electrically controlled parasitic units are preferably four groups, including a first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 and a second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3. The first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 is provided with two groups, symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the main radiation unit 1. The second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3 is provided with two groups, symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the main radiation unit 1. Of course, the two groups of first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 can also be arranged on the front and rear sides of the main radiation unit 1, and the two groups of second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3 can also be arranged on the left and right sides of the main radiation unit 1, which is not limited here.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 and the second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3 are located on one side close to the main radiation unit 1 (as shown in Figure 3 ), or can be located on a side away from the main radiation unit 1 (not shown in the figure). The first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 and the second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3 can be arranged parallel to each other (as shown in Figure 3As shown in Fig. 1, the first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 and the second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3 are arranged on the ground plate 6 in a staggered manner, and are arranged around the main radiation unit 1 (not shown in the figure).

[0098] The first group of shorting components preferably comprises two shorting conductors A3, and the second group of adjusting components comprises an adjusting conductor A2 and an electrically controlled switch. The adjusting conductor A2 is arranged between the two shorting conductors A3, and the shorting conductors A3 and the adjusting conductor A2 are both conductive metal columns.

[0099] Figure 4 Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the parasitic patch A1, the dielectric substrate 8, the ground plate 6 and the feed substrate 10 according to the first embodiment of the present application, as shown in Fig. 1. Figure 3 Figure 4 As shown in Fig. 2, the ground plate 6 is provided with a slot 61, and the slot 61 is arranged to separate the adjusting conductor A2 from the ground plate 6. The electrically controlled switch is arranged in the slot 61, one end of the electrically controlled switch is connected to the end of the adjusting conductor A2 away from the parasitic patch A1, and the other end of the electrically controlled switch is connected to the slot wall of the slot 61, so as to adjust the current flow state of the adjusting conductor A2 according to the state of the electrically controlled switch. When the electrically controlled switch is in an off state, the current flows through the parasitic patch A1, and mainly flows into the ground plate 6 through the two shorting conductors A3, respectively. When the electrically controlled switch is in an on state, the current flows out of the parasitic patch A1, and flows into the ground plate 6 not only through the two shorting conductors A3, respectively, but also through the adjusting conductor A2. Since the adjusting conductor A2 is arranged between the two shorting conductors A3, the current on the parasitic patch A1 has an additional flow path to flow into the ground plate 6, so as to change the current flow path on the parasitic patch A1, and thus change the second electromagnetic wave generated by the parasitic patch A1, and further change the coupling relationship between the second electromagnetic wave generated by the parasitic patch A1 and the first electromagnetic wave generated by the main radiation unit 1, to generate a third electromagnetic wave, so as to change the beam width of the third electromagnetic wave. Therefore, since the first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 is arranged, the beam width in the horizontal direction can be changed by the first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2, and the beam width in the vertical direction can be changed by the second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3. Of course, the beam width in the vertical direction can also be changed by the first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2, and the beam width in the horizontal direction can also be changed by the second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3, which is not limited herein.

[0100] Further, the electrically controlled switch preferably comprises a first electrically controlled switch 4 and a second electrically controlled switch 5, the first electrically controlled switch 4 is used to adjust the current flow mode of the adjusting conductor A2 of the first group of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 and the ground plate, and the second electrically controlled switch 5 is used to adjust the current flow mode of the adjusting conductor A2 of the second group of electrically controlled parasitic units 3 and the ground plate. The related adjusting mode refers to the above content, which is not repeated herein.

[0101] ​Further, in order to facilitate the installation and fixation of the adjusting conductor A2, a support block 101 is arranged in the gap groove 61, and the support block 101 is located at the end of the adjusting conductor A2 away from the parasitic patch A1, and is used to support the adjusting conductor A2. The support block 101 is an insulator, which further effectively isolates the adjusting conductor A2 from the floor 6. The support block 101 is detachably connected in the gap groove 61, and can be connected to the floor 6 by means of bonding or welding, which is not limited herein. The detachable connection facilitates the replacement of the adjusting conductor A2, the parasitic patch A1, the floor 6 and other components.

[0102] Further, in order to facilitate the replacement of the adjusting conductor A2, the parasitic patch A1, the floor 6 and other components, the support block 101 can also be not connected to the floor 6. When the feeding substrate 10 is located on the side of the floor 6 away from the dielectric substrate 8, the dielectric substrate 8, the floor 6 and the feeding substrate 10 are parallel to each other during the installation and integration of the beamwidth reconfigurable antenna, and the dielectric substrate 8 and the floor 6 are in abutment, and the floor 6 and the feeding substrate 10 are in abutment, so that the support block 101 is in abutment with the feeding substrate 10. Therefore, the feeding substrate 10 can support the support block 101, thereby facilitating the fixation of the support block 101.

[0103] Further, the radiation patch 11 is a rectangular block, and four partition grooves 111 are arranged on the four sides of the radiation patch 11. Therefore, when the current flows at the position close to the side edge of the radiation patch 11, the partition grooves 111 can make the current bypass the partition grooves 111 and flow from other positions on the radiation patch 11, thereby changing the flow path and the length of the path of the current on the radiation patch 11, so as to produce a better radiation effect.

[0104] Further, the partition grooves 111 are rectangular grooves, and can also be arc grooves or U-shaped grooves (not shown in the figure), and the arc grooves or the U-shaped grooves can also be four, and are arranged on the four sides of the radiation patch 11. The partition grooves 111 can also be cross-shaped grooves, and one cross-shaped groove can be arranged at the center position of the radiation patch 11 (not shown in the figure).

[0105] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the parasitic patch A1, the dielectric substrate 8, the floor 6, the feeding substrate 10 and the side wall block 12 according to the first embodiment of the present application, Figure 6 is a structural schematic view of the main radiation unit 1 and the feeding network 7 of the first embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , and

[0106] Further, the side wall block 12 is a rectangular block, one long side of the side wall block 12 is connected with the radiation patch 11, and the other long side of the side wall block 12 is connected with the dielectric substrate 8, so as to increase the contact area, thus not only making the connection of the radiation patch 11, the side wall block 12 and the dielectric substrate 8 more stable, but also facilitating the output signal output by the feed network 7 to effectively enter the radiation patch 11. The connection mode can adopt the bonding or welding mode, which will not be described here.

[0107] Further, the side wall block 12 is preferably four, and the opposite two side wall blocks 12 are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the radiation patch 11. The side wall block 12 is located on the side of the partition groove 111 close to the center of the radiation patch 11, and the side wall of the side wall block 12 facing the partition groove 111 is flush with the side wall of the partition groove 111 close to the center of the radiation patch 11, so as to further increase the contact area between the side wall block 12 and the radiation patch 11. Thus, the output signal output by the feed network 7 can more effectively enter the radiation patch 11 and flow around the partition groove 111.

[0108] Further, the side wall block 12 and the radiation patch 11 can also be an integral molding structure, and the radiation patch 11 is cut and bent to form the side wall block 12 and the partition groove 111.

[0109] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the structure of the feed network 7 of Example One of the present application; as Figure 7 shown,

[0110] Further, the feed network 7 is a series multi-point feed network 7, and the feed network 7 preferably includes an input port 71, four groups of output ports 72, and four groups of output branches 73, and the four groups of output branches 73 are connected in series on the main trunk 74 of the feed network 7. The main trunk 74 can include different network elements, such as the above-mentioned filter, coupler, phase shifter and the like. The output port 72 is located at one end of the output branch 73 away from the main trunk 74, and the two opposite output ports 72 are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the radiation patch 11, so as to facilitate the four output ports 72 to output output signals with the same amplitude. The lengths of the four groups of output branches 73 are different, so that the four output ports 72 output output signals with equally distributed phases. The input port 71 receives an input signal, which is subjected to power distribution and 90° shifting by the four groups of output branches 73 and the four groups of output ports 72, respectively, to generate output signals with the same amplitude and phases of 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°.

[0111] Furthermore, the four sets of output ports 72 are mirrored about the center point of the radiating patch 11 so that the input port 71 receives the input signal, and after equal power distribution and 90° phase shifting through the four sets of output branches 73 and the four sets of output ports 72, output signals with the same phase and amplitude at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° are generated respectively, further making the output signal more accurate.

[0112] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the conductive metal body 9 is preferably a conductive metal probe. Four sets of conductive metal bodies 9 are provided. One end of each set of conductive metal bodies 9 is connected to the output port 72 of the feed network 7, and the other end is connected to the feed point on the sidewall block 12. Therefore, the output signal output through the output port 72 passes sequentially through the conductive metal body 9, the feed point, and the sidewall block 12, and finally enters the radiating patch 11.

[0113] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the power supply network 7 in Example 1 of this application, which is a parallel multi-point power supply network 7, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the difference between the parallel multi-point power supply network 7 and the series multi-point power supply network 7 is that the four sets of output branches 73 are connected in parallel.

[0114] Example 2:

[0115] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beamwidth reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention from a first viewing angle.

[0116] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a beamwidth reconfigurable antenna according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention from a second viewing angle. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the dielectric substrate 8 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown,

[0117] The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that a dielectric plate 20 is provided between the dielectric substrate 8 and the parasitic patch A1. One end of the dielectric plate 20 is connected to the dielectric substrate 8, and the other end is connected to the parasitic patch A1 to support the parasitic patch A1.

[0118] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of the area marked B, as shown below. Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown,

[0119] Furthermore, the adjustment components of the first set of electrically controlled parasitic units 2 preferably include a first metal strip 30, an adjustment metal strip 40, a second metal strip 50, and a first electrically controlled switch 4. The adjustment metal strip 40 is detachably connected to the side wall of the dielectric plate 20, for example, by bonding or welding. One end of the first metal strip 30 is conductive to the ground plate 6, and the other end is connected to the first electrically controlled switch 4. The other end of the first electrically controlled switch 4 is connected to the adjustment metal strip 40, and the other end of the adjustment metal strip 40 is connected to the second metal strip 50. The other end of the second metal strip 50 is connected to the parasitic patch A1 to form a conductive circuit.

[0120] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of the area marked C, as shown below. Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown,

[0121] Furthermore, the adjustment components of the second set of electrically controlled parasitic units 3 preferably include a first metal strip 30, an adjustment metal strip 40, a second metal strip 50, and a second electrically controlled switch 5. The adjustment metal strip 40 is detachably connected to the side wall of the dielectric plate 20, for example, by bonding or welding. One end of the first metal strip 30 is conductive to the ground 6, and the other end is connected to the second electrically controlled switch 5. The other end of the second electrically controlled switch 5 is connected to the adjustment metal strip 40, and the other end of the adjustment metal strip 40 is connected to the second metal strip 50. The other end of the second metal strip 50 is connected to the parasitic patch A1 to form a conductive circuit.

[0122] Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of the area marked D, as shown below. Figure 10 and Figure 14 As shown,

[0123] Furthermore, the short-circuit assembly preferably includes a first metal strip 30, a short-circuit metal strip 60, and a second metal strip 50. The short-circuit metal strip 60 is detachably connected to the sidewall of the dielectric substrate 20, for example, by bonding or welding. One end of the first metal strip 30 is conductive to the ground plane 6, and the other end is connected to the short-circuit metal strip 60. The other end of the short-circuit metal strip 60 is connected to the second metal strip 50, and the other end of the second metal strip 50 is connected to the parasitic patch A1 to form a conductive circuit.

[0124] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of the area marked E in the middle. Figure 16 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of the area marked F in the middle. Figure 17 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of the area marked G, as shown below. Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 As shown,

[0125] Further, the first metal strip line 30 is connected to the ground plate 6 through a conductive body 70, one end of the conductive body 70 is connected to the first metal strip line 30, and the other end is connected to the ground plate 6 through the dielectric substrate 8. The second metal strip line 50 is also connected to the parasitic patch A1 through the conductive body 70, one end of the conductive body 70 is connected to the second metal strip line 50, and the other end is connected to the parasitic patch A1 to form a conductive loop.

[0126] Further, the conductive body 70 can be a conductive block or a conductive wire, thereby facilitating the flow of current between the first metal strip line 30 and the ground plate 6, or the flow of current between the second metal strip line 50 and the parasitic patch A1.

[0127] Specifically, the components involved in the embodiments of the present application are explained in detail:

[0128] 1. The radiation patch on the main radiation unit of the embodiments of the present application preferably has a square cross-section, and the parasitic patch on the electrically controlled parasitic unit has an elongated rectangular cross-section, mainly based on structural symmetry and miniaturization considerations, and also to generate a symmetrical radiation pattern. However, in specific implementation, the structural scheme is not limited to this, and the main radiation unit 11 can use circular radiation patches, regular polygonal radiation patches, etc.; the electrically controlled parasitic unit can use elongated arc-shaped parasitic patches, etc.

[0129] 2. The electrically controlled switch in the embodiments of the present application is a PIN diode switch, and in specific implementation, the switch selection is not limited to this, and can use MEMS switches, etc.

[0130] 3. The two-dimensional control and one-dimensional control principles of the embodiments of the present application are consistent, both of which are achieved by controlling the coupling amplitude and phase synthesis of the electrically controlled parasitic units around the main radiation unit. However, the implementation method of one-dimensional control needs to replace the four-point feed network of the main antenna with a differential feed network, and the parasitic units are arranged in one dimension.

[0131] Among them, the main radiation unit adopts a four-point symmetric feed mode, and obtains a completely symmetrical directional pattern characteristic in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane within a wide impedance bandwidth (2515MHz to 2675MHz).

[0132] Table 1 shows the beam width from 2515MHz to 2675MHz under different PIN tube states, as shown in Table 1,

[0133] The main radiation unit 11 is loaded with two groups of parasitic units around it, and the beam width is adjusted through the electrically controlled switch (for example: PIN diode, hereinafter referred to as PIN diode.) on the parasitic unit. For example, the beam width state of different PIN diode configurations in Table 1:

[0134] When the PIN diode switch is on, the parasitic unit outside will generate a reverse current, which can stimulate the working mode of the parasitic unit on both sides to generate a second electromagnetic wave with a middle concave and two end convex directional diagram, which is superimposed with the first electromagnetic wave generated by the main radiation unit 11 with a middle convex directional diagram, to synthesize a third electromagnetic wave with a wide beam state; when the PIN diode switch is off, mainly by the main radiation unit 11 generates an electromagnetic wave with a narrow beam state directional diagram. Based on different configurations of the PIN diode, two-dimensional directional diagram reconfiguration can be realized, including wide wide beam, wide narrow beam, narrow wide beam and narrow narrow beam in xoz plane and yoz plane, and the specific cases are as follows:

[0135] Figure 18 is a narrow narrow polar coordinate directional diagram generated according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Table 1 and Figure 18

[0136] When all the PIN diodes are off, configured as 0000, the corresponding directional diagram is in a narrow narrow beam state, and the horizontal plane and vertical plane beam width is 60±5°

[0137] Figure 19 is a narrow wide polar coordinate directional diagram generated according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Table 1 and Figure 19

[0138] When the vertical plane PIN diode is on and the horizontal plane PIN diode is off, configured as 0011, the corresponding directional diagram is in a narrow wide beam state, the horizontal plane beam width is 60±5°, and the vertical plane beam width is 95±10°;

[0139] Figure 20 is a wide narrow polar coordinate directional diagram generated according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Table 1 and Figure 20

[0140] When the horizontal plane PIN diode is on and the vertical plane PIN diode is off, configured as 1100, the corresponding directional diagram is in a wide narrow beam state, the horizontal plane beam width is 95±10°, and the vertical plane beam width is 60±5°;

[0141] Figure 21 is a wide wide polar coordinate directional diagram generated according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Table 1 and Figure 21

[0142] When all the PIN diodes are on, configured as 1111, the corresponding directional diagram is in a wide wide beam state, and the horizontal plane and vertical plane beam width is 125±15°;

[0143] ​​​​Based on different configurations of the PIN diode, the XZ plane and YOZ plane two-dimensional directional pattern reconfiguration can be realized, including four states of wide-wide beam, wide-narrow beam, narrow-wide beam and narrow-narrow beam in horizontal plane and vertical plane. In addition, the main radiation unit 11 proposed in the embodiment of the present application adopts a straight-inserted air microstrip form, and the integrated miniaturization design is realized through the meandering folding method, and meanwhile, good beam width consistency can be ensured in a wide impedance bandwidth, which is beneficial to the synchronization of the receiving and transmitting characteristics in the antenna frequency band, and is convenient for assembly.

[0144] Table 1 is the beam width from 2515MHz to 2675MHz in different PIN diode states

[0145]

[0146] The embodiment of the present application also provides a base station comprising the above-mentioned antenna.

[0147] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. The present application can have various modifications and changes for those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. within the principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A beamwidth reconfigurable antenna, characterized in that, include: The main radiating unit is used to generate a first electromagnetic wave based on the feed network. The main radiating unit includes multiple sets of sidewall blocks disposed between the dielectric substrate and the radiating patch. One end of the sidewall blocks is connected to the dielectric substrate, and the other end is connected to the radiating patch, so that there is a distance between the radiating patch and the dielectric substrate and the output signal output by the feed network is transmitted to the radiating patch. Multiple sets of electrically controlled parasitic units are disposed around the main radiating unit to generate a second electromagnetic wave, so that the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are merged to generate a third electromagnetic wave. The beamwidth of the radiation pattern of the third electromagnetic wave is adjustable in the horizontal and vertical planes. Specifically, the beamwidth of the radiation pattern of the third electromagnetic wave in the horizontal plane is adjusted by one set of the electrically controlled parasitic units, and the beamwidth of the radiation pattern of the third electromagnetic wave in the vertical plane is adjusted by another set of the electrically controlled parasitic units. The electronically controlled parasitic unit includes: a parasitic patch, a floor, a short-circuit assembly, and an adjustment assembly; The parasitic patch is used to output the second electromagnetic wave according to the current flowing through it; the ground plane is used to allow current to flow between the parasitic patch and the ground plane; the short-circuit assembly is disposed between the parasitic patch and the ground plane, the short-circuit assembly includes at least one set of short-circuit conductors, one end of the short-circuit conductor is used to connect the parasitic patch, and the other end of the short-circuit conductor is used to connect the ground plane, for conducting the parasitic patch and the ground plane; The regulating component includes a regulating conductor and an electronically controlled switch. The regulating conductor is located in the middle of a group of short-circuit conductors. One end of the regulating conductor is used to connect to the parasitic patch, and the other end of the regulating conductor is used to connect to the ground via the electronically controlled switch. The electronically controlled switch is used to change the current flow mode between the regulating conductor and the ground, and to regulate the current flow path between the parasitic patch and the ground by switching the electronically controlled switch on and off, so as to change the current flow path on the parasitic patch and make the parasitic patch output different second electromagnetic waves.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric substrate of the main radiating unit is disposed on one side of the floor; The radiating patch of the main radiating unit is disposed on one side of the dielectric substrate to generate the first electromagnetic wave according to the current flowing through it.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply network is a multi-output port network used to power the main radiating unit.

4. The antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply network includes: Input port, used to acquire input signals; Multiple output ports are used to output multiple sets of output signals based on the input signal; Multiple output branches of different lengths are provided so that the multiple output ports output multiple output signals with the same amplitude but different phases.

5. The antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each set of sidewall blocks has a power supply point at its end, so that the output signal enters the sidewall block through the power supply point.

6. The antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple sets of conductive metal bodies, one end of each set of conductive metal bodies is connected to the feed point, and the other end is connected to the output port of the feed network.

7. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radiating patch has multiple sets of partition grooves.

8. The antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multiple sets of output ports are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the main radiating unit, and the multiple sets of output branches of different lengths enable the multiple sets of output ports to output multiple sets of output signals with the same amplitude and phase distribution.

9. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple sets of sidewall blocks are symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the radiating patch.

10. The antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power supply point is located at the middle position of the end of the sidewall block.

11. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shape of the radiating patch is circular or polygonal.

12. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the parasitic patch is rectangular or arc-shaped.

13. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply network is either a series multi-point power supply network or a parallel multi-point power supply network.

14. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sidewall block is detachably connected to the radiation patch and the dielectric substrate.

15. The antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that, The number of output ports, conductive metal bodies, power supply points, and sidewall blocks are the same.

16. A base station, characterized in that, The antenna includes any one of claims 1 to 15.

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