A 5G-a base station antenna integrated with a sense

Abstract

The application discloses a 5G-A base station antenna integrating communication and sensing, which comprises a reflecting plate, a communication module, a sensing module, a feed network assembly, a phase shifter assembly and a radome. The communication module is arranged on the reflecting plate and comprises a plurality of dual-polarized dipoles for transmitting beams. The sensing module is arranged on the reflecting plate and comprises a plurality of single-polarized dipoles for receiving reflected beams reflected by sensing objects. The feed network assembly is arranged on the reflecting plate and connected with the communication module and the sensing module. The phase shifter assembly is connected between the feed network assembly and the communication module and the sensing module. The radome is arranged on the communication module, the sensing module, the feed network assembly and the phase shifter assembly and connected with the reflecting plate. The above structure is suitable for a 5.5G communication system, realizes integrated design of communication and sensing, and makes up for the deficiency of a single communication mode of a traditional base station antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of base station antennas, and in particular to a 5G-A base station antenna that integrates sensing and communication. Background Technology

[0002] In the 5G era, MIMO antenna systems were designed to improve communication capacity, further addressing the surge in mobile data traffic. In April 2021, the international standards organization 3GPP announced 5G-Advanced as the official name for 5G evolution, marking a new stage in the development of global 5G technology and standards. 5G-Advanced will set new goals and capabilities for 5G development after 2024, enhancing the social and economic value of 5G through comprehensive evolution and optimization.

[0003] 5G spectrum can be divided into two sub-regions: FR1 and FR2. FR1 ranges from 450MHz to 6GHz, commonly referred to as Sub-6GHz. FR2 ranges from 24GHz to 52GHz, with wavelengths at the millimeter-wave level. Due to its strong diffraction capability, the Sub-6GHz band has the greatest development potential and is the primary band for 5G network development. Currently, the 4.9GHz band is mainly used in hotspot and high-traffic areas. Because the 4.9GHz band has independent and clean resources in the wireless environment, using 4.9GHz networks can improve uplink and downlink capacity configuration in scenarios with high uplink and downlink requirements, enabling 4.9GHz and 2.6GHz networks to develop synergistically and maximize their potential.

[0004] Sensing-communication integration is a crucial component of 5G-A. This technology integrates sensing and communication functions, improving spectral and energy efficiency by leveraging common spectrum, hardware platforms, and signal processing frameworks to address spectrum congestion while reducing hardware and signaling costs. Furthermore, through co-design, sensing-communication integrated systems can achieve communication-assisted sensing and sensing-assisted communication, significantly enhancing both sensing and communication performance. Thanks to these advantages, sensing-communication integrated systems can provide the ability to perceive the physical world anytime, anywhere.

[0005] Existing base station antennas typically consist of antenna elements, isolation strips, power supply networks, reflectors, and other components. However, traditional 5G base station antennas only perform a single communication function and cannot meet the integrated communication and sensing requirements of the 5G-A era. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated communication and sensing 5G-A base station antenna that integrates the antenna communication module and the sensing module to replace the single communication form of traditional MIMO antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an integrated sensing and communication 5G-A base station antenna.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a technical solution to solve its technical problem: an integrated 5G-A base station antenna, comprising a reflector, a communication module, a sensing module, a feed network component, a phase shifter component, and an antenna cover;

[0008] The communication module is mounted on the reflector and includes several dual-polarized oscillators for transmitting beams.

[0009] The sensing module is mounted on the reflector and includes several single-polarized oscillators for receiving the reflected beams from the object being sensed.

[0010] The power supply network component is mounted on the reflector and connected to the communication module and the sensing module;

[0011] The phase shifter assembly is connected between the power supply network assembly and the communication module and sensing module;

[0012] The radome is mounted on the communication module, sensing module, power supply network assembly, and phase shifter assembly and is connected to the reflector.

[0013] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the dual-polarized oscillator includes a first sheet metal radiating surface and a first sheet metal power supply foot integrally stamped from the first sheet metal radiating surface.

[0014] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the single-polarized oscillator includes a second sheet metal radiating surface and a second sheet metal feeding foot integrally stamped from the second sheet metal radiating surface.

[0015] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the power supply network component includes a first power divider, a second power divider, a plurality of differential microstrip lines, and a plurality of phase extension lines.

[0016] One output terminal of the first power divider is connected to the communication module via a differential microstrip line, and the other output terminal is connected to the communication module via a phase shifter assembly and a differential microstrip line.

[0017] One output of the second power divider is connected to the sensing module via a phase extension line, and the other output is connected to the sensing module via a phase shifter assembly and a phase extension line.

[0018] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first power divider has one input port and six output ports. One of the output ports is connected to the communication module via a differential microstrip line, and the other five output ports are connected to the communication module via a phase shifter assembly and a differential microstrip line.

[0019] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second power divider has one input port and three output ports. One of the output ports is connected to the communication module via a phase extension line, and the other two output ports are connected to the communication module via a phase shifter assembly and a phase extension line.

[0020] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the phase shifter assembly includes a first phase shifter connected between the communication module and the power supply network assembly, and a second phase shifter connected between the sensing module and the power supply network assembly.

[0021] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first phase shifter and / or the second phase shifter includes a first switch, a second switch, and a plurality of microstrip delay lines;

[0022] The first switch is connected to one end of the microstrip delay line and the power supply network component, and is connected to the control signal.

[0023] The second switch is connected to the other end of the microstrip delay line and the communication module or sensing module, and is connected to the control signal.

[0024] The first and second switches can be configured to connect the power supply network components to the communication module or sensing module via different microstrip delay lines based on control signals.

[0025] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an isolation strip is provided between dual-polarized oscillators, between single-polarized oscillators, and / or between dual-polarized oscillators and single-polarized oscillators.

[0026] As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the isolation strip and the reflector are integrally formed.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: A 5G-A base station antenna integrating communication and sensing includes a reflector, a communication module, a sensing module, a feed network assembly, a phase shifter assembly, and an antenna radome. The communication module is disposed on the reflector and includes several dual-polarized elements for transmitting beams. The sensing module is disposed on the reflector and includes several single-polarized elements for receiving reflected beams from sensed objects. The feed network assembly is disposed on the reflector and connected to the communication module and the sensing module. The phase shifter assembly is connected between the feed network assembly and the communication module and the sensing module. The antenna radome covers the communication module, the sensing module, the feed network assembly, and the phase shifter assembly and is connected to the reflector. This structure is suitable for 5.5G communication systems, achieving an integrated design of communication and sensing, and overcoming the shortcomings of traditional base station antennas with only a single communication mode. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first part of a 5G-A base station antenna that integrates sensing and communication.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second part of a 5G-A base station antenna that integrates sensing and communication.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of a dual-polarized oscillator;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of a dual-polarized oscillator;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the differential microstrip line and the dual-polarized oscillator.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the third part of a 5G-A base station antenna that integrates sensing and communication.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of a single-polarized oscillator.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of a single-polarization oscillator;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the phase extension line and the single-polarized oscillator.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first power divider, the first phase shifter, and the dual-polarized oscillator.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the second power divider, the second phase shifter, and the single-polarized oscillator.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the first or second phase shifter. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, "multiple" means two or more; "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 12 A 5G-A base station antenna integrating communication and sensing includes a reflector 100, a communication module 200, a sensing module 300, a feed network component 400, a phase shifter component 500, and an antenna cover.

[0046] The communication module 200 is mounted on the reflector 100. The communication module 200 includes several dual-polarized oscillators 210 for transmitting beams.

[0047] The sensing module 300 is disposed on the reflector 100. The sensing module 300 includes several single-polarized oscillators 310 for receiving the reflected beams reflected by the sensed object.

[0048] The power supply network component 400 is mounted on the reflector 100 and connected to the communication module 200 and the sensing module 300;

[0049] The phase shifter assembly 500 is connected between the power supply network assembly 400, the communication module 200, and the sensing module 300;

[0050] The radome is mounted on the communication module 200, the sensing module 300, the power supply network assembly 400, and the phase shifter assembly 500 and is connected to the reflector 100.

[0051] 1) The present invention provides a 5G-A base station antenna with integrated sensing and communication systems. The base station antenna includes an antenna radome, a communication module 200, a sensing module 300, an isolation strip 700, a power supply network component 400, and a phase shifter component 500.

[0052] Among them, the oscillator in the communication module 200 is a dual-polarized sheet metal structure, and the oscillator in the sensing module 300 is a single-polarized sheet metal structure. Both adopt miniaturized design, which can realize high gain, low profile and large angle scanning.

[0053] The front stage of the power supply network component 400 adopts a stripline power divider, and the rear stage is connected to the dual-polarized oscillator 210 through a differential microstrip line 430 and to the single-polarized oscillator 310 through a phase extension line 440.

[0054] The phase shifter assembly 500 is located between the power supply network assembly 400 and the oscillator, and is used to change the phase between the oscillators.

[0055] 2) Reference Figures 2-9 Specifically, the dual-polarized oscillator 210 includes a first sheet metal radiating surface 211 and a first sheet metal feeding foot 212 integrally stamped from the first sheet metal radiating surface 211; while the single-polarized oscillator 310 includes a second sheet metal radiating surface 311 and a second sheet metal feeding foot 312 integrally stamped from the second sheet metal radiating surface 311.

[0056] The dual-polarized vibrator 210 has four slots on the first sheet metal radiating surface 211. The metal sheet formed by the slots is bent to serve as the antenna's feeding structure and support structure (first sheet metal feeding pin 311). To obtain stable radiation pattern characteristics, the feeding pins on the 45-degree diagonal are differentially fed, i.e., differential microstrip lines 430. Furthermore, by setting a downward-bent chamfer 213 on the edge of the first sheet metal radiating surface 211, the volume of the vibrator can be reduced without affecting the vibrator's performance, which is beneficial for antenna miniaturization.

[0057] The single-polarized vibrator 310 has four slots on the second sheet metal radiating surface 311. The metal sheet formed by the slots is bent to serve as the antenna's feeding structure and support structure (second sheet metal feeding pin 312). In order to obtain stable radiation pattern characteristics, the feeding pins on the 45-degree diagonal are differentially fed, i.e., the phase extension line 440.

[0058] 3) Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 10-11The power supply network component 400 includes a first power divider 410, a second power divider 420, a plurality of differential microstrip lines 430, and a plurality of phase extension lines 440. One output terminal of the first power divider 410 is connected to the communication module 200 via the differential microstrip line 430, and the other output terminal is connected to the communication module 200 via the phase shifter component 500 and the differential microstrip line 430. One output terminal of the second power divider 420 is connected to the sensing module 300 via the phase extension line 440, and the other output terminal is connected to the sensing module 300 via the phase shifter component 500 and the phase extension line 440.

[0059] The power supply network assembly 400 adopts a multi-layer board structure. The front-end of the power supply network assembly 400 is composed of a stripline power divider. The dual-polarized oscillator 210 adopts a one-to-six structure, and the single-polarized oscillator 310 adopts a one-to-three structure. To obtain maximum gain, the dual-polarized oscillators 210 and the single-polarized oscillators 310 are connected in parallel. (Refer to...) Figure 2 For the communication module 200, six dual-polarized oscillators 210 are combined into an independent array, i.e., a one-to-six structure. The first power divider 410 has one input port and six output ports. One of the output ports is connected to the communication module 200 via a differential microstrip line 430, and the other five output ports are connected to the communication module 200 via a phase shifter assembly 500 and a differential microstrip line 430. The first power divider 410 is provided with one input port and six output ports. One output port is directly connected to one dual-polarized oscillator 210 and serves as a phase reference point. The other five ports are first connected to the first phase shifter 500a, and the first phase shifter 500a is then connected to the dual-polarized oscillator 210. The first phase shifter 500a changes the phase between the dual-polarized oscillators 210, thereby realizing the beam scanning function of the array.

[0060] Reference Figure 10 For the sensing module 300, three single-polarized vibrators 310 are combined into an independent array, i.e., a one-to-three structure. The second power divider 420 has one input port and three output ports. One of the output ports is connected to the communication module 200 via a phase extension line 440, and the other two output ports are connected to the communication module 200 via a phase shifter assembly 500 and a phase extension line 440. The second power divider 420 is configured with one input port and three output ports. One output port is directly connected to one single-polarized vibrator 310 and serves as a phase reference point. The other two ports are first connected to the second phase shifter 500b, and then the second phase shifter 500b is connected to the single-polarized vibrator 310. The second phase shifter 500b changes the phase between the single-polarized vibrators 310, thereby realizing the beam scanning function of the array.

[0061] 4) Reference Figure 12The phase shifter assembly 500 includes a first phase shifter 500a connected between the communication module 200 and the power supply network assembly 400, and a second phase shifter 500b connected between the sensing module 300 and the power supply network assembly 400.

[0062] Preferably, the first phase shifter 500a and / or the second phase shifter 500b includes a first switch 510, a second switch 520, and a plurality of microstrip delay lines 530; the first switch 510 is connected to one end of the microstrip delay line 530 and the power supply network assembly 400 respectively and is connected to a control signal; the second switch 520 is connected to the other end of the microstrip delay line 530 and the communication module 200 or the sensing module 300 respectively and is connected to a control signal; the first switch 510 and the second switch 520 can, according to the control signal, enable the power supply network assembly 400 to be connected to the communication module 200 or the sensing module 300 through different microstrip delay lines 530.

[0063] Specifically, the phase shifter is a digital phase shifter. Taking the first phase shifter 500a as an example, it consists of a first switch 510, a second switch 520, and a microstrip delay line 530. One end of the microstrip delay line 530 is connected to the output port of the feed network assembly 400, and the other end is connected to the differential microstrip line 430 of the dual-polarized vibrator 210. To achieve the phase shifting function, the required phase difference is calculated based on the vertical beam tilt angle of the antenna, thereby obtaining the length of the microstrip delay line 530. Different lengths correspond to different phase delays. By controlling the on and off states of the first switch 510 and the second switch 520, different microstrip delay lines 530 are selected, ultimately realizing the phase difference between the dual-polarized vibrators 210, thereby achieving antenna beam scanning. In some embodiments, the digital phase shifter is located on the upper and lower layers of the feed network board in the communication module 200, respectively, and is connected to the vibrators of the two polarization directions.

[0064] 5) Reference Figures 1-2 , Figure 6 An isolation strip 700 is provided between the dual-polarized oscillators 210, between the single-polarized oscillators 310, and / or between the dual-polarized oscillators 210 and the single-polarized oscillators 310; the isolation strip 700 is integrally formed with the reflector 100; the isolation strip 700 and the reflector 100 are integrally die-cast, avoiding the process of separate welding required for the isolation strip in the traditional microstrip form, and the integral forming is more robust, which is conducive to improving the stability of the antenna.

[0065] 6) The advantages of this invention are: it is applicable to 5.5G communication systems, realizes the integrated design of communication and sensing, and makes up for the shortcomings of the single communication mode of traditional base station antennas; the feed network components and the vibrator are not coplanar, which can eliminate the coupling effect of the feed network components on the vibrator; the use of digital phase shifters significantly reduces costs compared to TR components; the vibrator and isolation strip structure are made of sheet metal die casting, which is low in cost, highly reliable, and suitable for mass production.

[0066] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications and substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A C-V2X integrated 5G-A base station antenna, characterized in that: The antenna comprises a reflector (100), a communication module (200), a sensing module (300), a feed network assembly (400), a phase shifter assembly (500), and a radome. The communication module (200) is arranged on the reflector (100) and comprises a plurality of dual-polarized dipoles (210) for transmitting beams. The sensing module (300) is arranged on the reflector (100) and comprises a plurality of single-polarized dipoles (310) for receiving reflected beams reflected by sensing objects. The feed network assembly (400) is arranged on the reflector (100) and connected with the communication module (200) and the sensing module (300). The phase shifter assembly (500) is connected between the feed network assembly (400) and the communication module (200) and the sensing module (300). The radome is arranged on the communication module (200), the sensing module (300), the feed network assembly (400), and the phase shifter assembly (500) and connected with the reflector (100). 2.The 5G-A base station antenna of claim 1, wherein: The dual-polarized dipole (210) comprises a first metal radiation surface (211) and a first metal feed pin (212) integrally stamped and formed from the first metal radiation surface (211). 3.The 5G-A base station antenna of claim 1, wherein: The single-polarized dipole (310) comprises a second metal radiation surface (311) and a second metal feed pin (312) integrally stamped and formed from the second metal radiation surface (311).

4. The 5G-A base station antenna integrated with omnidirectional sensing according to claim 1, wherein: The feed network assembly (400) comprises a first power divider (410), a second power divider (420), a plurality of differential microstrip lines (430), and a plurality of phase extension lines (440). One output end of the first power divider (410) is connected with the communication module (200) through the differential microstrip line (430), and the other output end is connected with the communication module (200) through the phase shifter assembly (500) and the differential microstrip line (430). One output end of the second power divider (420) is connected with the sensing module (300) through the phase extension line (440), and the other output end is connected with the sensing module (300) through the phase shifter assembly (500) and the phase extension line (440).

5. The 5G-A integrated base station antenna of claim 4, wherein: The first power divider (410) has one input port and six output ports, one of the output ports is connected with the communication module (200) through the differential microstrip line (430), and the other five output ports are connected with the communication module (200) through the phase shifter assembly (500) and the differential microstrip line (430).

6. The 5G-A integrated base station antenna of claim 4, wherein: The second power divider (420) has one input port and three output ports, one of the output ports is connected with the communication module (200) through the phase extension line (440), and the other two output ports are connected with the communication module (200) through the phase shifter assembly (500) and the phase extension line (440).

7. The 5G-A base station antenna integrated with omnidirectional sensing according to claim 1, wherein: The phase shifter assembly (500) includes a first phase shifter (500a) connected between the communication module (200) and the power supply network assembly (400) and a second phase shifter (500b) connected between the sensing module (300) and the power supply network assembly (400). 8.The 5G-A base station antenna of claim 7, wherein: The first phase shifter (500a) and / or the second phase shifter (500b) include a first switch (510), a second switch (520), and a plurality of microstrip delay lines (530); The first switch (510) is connected to one end of the microstrip delay line (530) and the power supply network component (400) respectively and is connected to the control signal; The second switch (520) is connected to the other end of the microstrip delay line (530) and the communication module (200) or the sensing module (300) respectively and receives control signals; The first switch (510) and the second switch (520) can be connected to the power supply network component (400) and the communication module (200) or the sensing module (300) through different microstrip delay lines (530) according to the control signal. 9.The 5G-A base station antenna of claim 1, wherein: An isolation strip (700) is provided between the dual-polarized oscillators (210), between the single-polarized oscillators (310), and / or between the dual-polarized oscillators (210) and the single-polarized oscillators (310). 10.The 5G-A base station antenna of claim 9, wherein: The isolation strip (700) and the reflector (100) are integrally formed.

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