Phase shifter and base station antenna based on slow-wave transmission line

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and discloses a phase shifter and base station antenna based on a slow-wave transmission line, comprising: an input port, a plurality of phase shifting sections, a plurality of matching sections, and a plurality of output ports; the input port is arranged in the middle position of the phase shifter for receiving an input signal; the phase shifting section comprises a dielectric substrate and two layers of slow-wave transmission lines arranged on the dielectric substrate, and adjusts the phase of the input signal; the matching section is connected between adjacent phase shifting sections to match the impedance; the plurality of output ports are mirror-distributed on both sides of the phase shifter to achieve signal distribution to the plurality of output ports. The present invention provides different phase adjustments for the plurality of output ports at the same time through the design of a plurality of output ports; through the structural design of the phase shifting section, the signal has a higher flexibility of phase adjustment during the transmission process; through the matching section, the impedance is matched, and reflection and signal loss can be minimized to ensure effective signal transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a phase shifter and a base station antenna based on a slow-wave transmission line. Background Art

[0002] With the development of 5G and future communication technologies, the demand for high-performance, low-cost phase shifters and base station antennas is increasing. Phase shifters are important devices for controlling the phase of signals and play an important role in wireless communications, radars, and satellite communications. By changing the phase of the input signal, the phase shifter can achieve beam orientation, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, extend the communication distance, and enhance the anti-interference ability of the system. As a special structure, the slow-wave transmission line can effectively control the propagation speed of the signal, enhance the signal modulation capability, and help achieve precise beam control.

[0003] For example, a Chinese patent with authorization announcement number CN111180838B discloses a phase shifter unit, a phase shifter and an antenna. The phase shifter unit includes a dielectric substrate and a movable circuit. The dielectric substrate includes a plate body and a limiter. The limiter cooperates with the plate body to form a slideway, and a metal circuit is formed on the side of the plate body and the limiter facing the slideway to form a fixed circuit layer. The movable circuit is passed through the slideway, and the plate body and the limiter cooperate to achieve positioning. Metal circuits are formed on the plate body and the limiter, and the obtained fixed circuit layer is a three-dimensional rather than a single-sided structure. Therefore, the fixed circuit layer and the movable circuit layer are multi-faceted coupled, and the coupling effect between the two is enhanced. Even if there are fluctuations in the sliding process of the movable circuit, the coupling connection can be kept stable.

[0004] The above patents have the problems raised by this background technology: traditional phase shifters can usually only support single signal output and can only provide phase adjustment for one output port. They have single functions and are difficult to meet the requirements of modern communication systems for multi-user and multi-signal processing. They have low flexibility and can usually only be used in specific application scenarios. To solve the above problems, the present invention proposes a phase shifter and base station antenna based on a slow-wave transmission line. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a phase shifter and a base station antenna based on a slow-wave transmission line, which can effectively solve the problems in the background technology. The specific technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0006] A phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line, comprising:

[0007] A phase shifter housing, and an input port, a plurality of phase shifting sections, a plurality of matching sections and at least one output port configured on the phase shifter housing; wherein:

[0008] The input port is arranged at the middle position of the phase shifter housing and is used to receive an input signal;

[0009] The plurality of phase shifting segments are arranged inside the phase shifter housing and include a dielectric substrate and at least one layer of slow-wave transmission line arranged on the dielectric substrate, wherein the slow-wave transmission line adjusts the phase of the input signal;

[0010] The matching section is arranged between every two adjacent phase-shifting sections to match the impedance;

[0011] The at least one output port is arranged at the middle position of the phase shifter housing, and the other output ports are distributed on both sides of the phase shifter in a mirror-symmetrical manner to output signals after phase shifting processing.

[0012] Specifically, the phase shift section includes two layers of slow-wave transmission lines, the first slow-wave transmission line and the second slow-wave transmission line are distributed in mirror symmetry on the upper and lower sides of the dielectric substrate, and are electrically connected through a plurality of conductive vias, and the plurality of conductive vias are provided on the dielectric substrate.

[0013] Specifically, the first slow-wave transmission line in the phase-shifting section includes a plurality of first conductive patches, which are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the first slow-wave transmission line, and there is a gap between two adjacent first conductive patches.

[0014] Specifically, the second slow-wave transmission line in the phase-shifting section is a zigzag line structure.

[0015] Specifically, the matching section adopts a multi-section matching technology, including:

[0016] Multiple discrete matching elements, each matching element achieves dynamic matching by adjusting impedance to maintain signal stability.

[0017] Specifically, the conductive via is a multi-section square hole.

[0018] Specifically, the dielectric substrate is a printed circuit board.

[0019] A base station antenna, comprising the phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line, further comprising:

[0020] A plurality of radiation units, each of which is connected to the phase shifter, and changes the beam direction of the radio wave according to the phase control of the phase shifter;

[0021] A feeding network is connected to the radiating units via transmission lines to distribute electrical energy to each radiating unit.

[0022] Specifically, the feeding network is an integrated feeding network that evenly distributes signals to each radiating unit.

[0023] Specifically, the multiple radiation units are evenly distributed around the phase shifter.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The present invention receives signals centrally through input ports, and realizes signal distribution to multiple output ports through multiple output ports with mirror-symmetrical distribution, and provides different phase adjustments for multiple output ports at the same time; through the structural design of the phase-shifting section, the slow-wave transmission line is used to enable the signal to have higher phase adjustment flexibility during the transmission process to meet the needs of different signal operations; the impedance is matched by connecting adjacent phase-shifting sections through matching sections, and through impedance matching, reflection and signal loss can be minimized to ensure effective signal transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is an overall architecture diagram of a phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a phase shifting section in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the first slow-wave transmission line in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the second slow-wave transmission line in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive via in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0031] In the figure: 1. input port; 2. output port; 3. matching section; 4. phase shift section; 5. dielectric substrate; 6. first slow-wave transmission line; 7. second slow-wave transmission line; 8. conductive via; 9. first conductive patch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention, but the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The term "in one embodiment" that appears in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it refer to a separate or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] This embodiment provides a phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line, such as Figure 1 As shown, the phase shifter based on the slow-wave transmission line comprises:

[0037] A phase shifter housing, and an input port 1, a plurality of phase shifting sections 4, a plurality of matching sections 3 and at least one output port 2 arranged on the phase shifter housing; wherein:

[0038] The input port 1 is arranged at the middle position of the phase shifter housing and is used to receive an input signal;

[0039] The plurality of phase shifting sections 4 are arranged inside the phase shifter housing, and include a dielectric substrate 5 and at least one layer of slow-wave transmission line arranged on the dielectric substrate 5, and the slow-wave transmission line adjusts the phase of the input signal;

[0040] The matching section 3 is arranged between every two adjacent phase-shifting sections 4 to match the impedance;

[0041] The at least one output port 2 is arranged at the middle position of the phase shifter housing, and the other output ports 2 are distributed on both sides of the phase shifter in a mirror-symmetrical manner to output signals after phase shifting processing.

[0042] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, a phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line consists of an input port 1, multiple phase shifting segments 4, multiple matching segments 3 and multiple output ports 2. The input port 1 is used to receive an external input signal and is usually connected in the form of a waveguide or microstrip line. It is located in the middle position, which helps to achieve better symmetry and improve the accuracy of signal processing. By centrally receiving signals, the loss can be reduced.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the phase shift section 4 includes a dielectric substrate 5 and two layers of slow-wave transmission lines arranged on the dielectric substrate 5. The first slow-wave transmission line 6 and the second slow-wave transmission line 7 are distributed on the front and back sides of the dielectric substrate 5 in a mirror-symmetrical manner, and are electrically connected through a plurality of conductive vias 8. This structural design can change the phase of the input signal by adjusting the characteristics of the transmission line. The use of the slow-wave transmission line enables the signal to have higher phase adjustment flexibility during the transmission process to meet the needs of different signal operations. Through the design of mirror-symmetrical distribution, the signal loss and distortion can be effectively reduced, and the signal integrity can be improved.

[0044] Specifically, the matching section 3 is located between adjacent phase shifting sections 4 to match the impedance. Excellent impedance matching can be achieved by adjusting the geometry or material properties of the transmission line. Through impedance matching, reflection and signal loss can be minimized to ensure effective signal transmission. One output port 2 is set in the middle of the phase shifter, and the other output ports 2 are distributed on both sides of the phase shifter in a mirror-symmetrical manner. The output port 2 in the middle helps to maintain the symmetry of the signal, thereby improving the quality of the signal. The mirror-symmetrical distribution design can achieve the same signal distribution between multiple output ports 2, enhance the compatibility and stability of the system, and is suitable for multi-channel signal processing. The design of multiple output ports can output the phase-shifted signal to multiple channels at the same time. The mutually symmetrical design of multiple outputs helps to reduce the imbalance and asymmetry of the signal, thereby reducing signal distortion and reflection.

[0045] The present invention receives signals centrally through an input port 1, and realizes signal distribution to multiple output ports 2 with multiple mirror-symmetrically distributed output ports 2, while providing different phase adjustments for multiple output ports 2; through the structural design of the phase shift segment 4, a slow-wave transmission line is used to enable the signal to have higher phase adjustment flexibility during the transmission process to meet the needs of different signal operations; the adjacent phase shift segments 4 are connected through the matching segment 3 to match the impedance. Through impedance matching, reflection and signal loss can be minimized to the greatest extent, ensuring effective signal transmission.

[0046] Furthermore, the first slow-wave transmission line 6 in the phase-shifting section 4 includes a plurality of first conductive patches 9 , which are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the first slow-wave transmission line 6 , and there is a gap between two adjacent first conductive patches 9 .

[0047] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the first slow-wave transmission line 6 includes a plurality of first conductive patches 9, which are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the transmission line, and a certain gap is left between two adjacent first conductive patches 9. This structure utilizes the slow-wave effect of electromagnetic waves when propagating in a periodic structure. When electromagnetic waves pass through this periodic patch structure, their propagation speed will decrease, thereby causing a phase delay. By changing the size, shape, gap size and other parameters of the patch, the intensity of the slow-wave effect can be adjusted, thereby achieving precise control of the phase; through this structural design, the frequency band characteristics of the slow-wave transmission line can be controlled so that it exhibits an ideal phase response within a specific frequency range. The patch structure provides more adjustment freedom for impedance matching, and impedance matching with other circuits can be more easily achieved.

[0048] Furthermore, the second slow-wave transmission line 7 in the phase-shifting section 4 is a zigzag line structure.

[0049] In this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the second slow-wave transmission line 7 adopts a zigzag line structure design and is formed by bending. The zigzag line design can introduce additional electromagnetic characteristics. Since the physical length of the zigzag line is relatively long, the propagation of electromagnetic waves inside it will produce a phase delay relative to the straight transmission line, achieving a slow-wave effect. Through this zigzag design, a larger electrical length can be achieved in a smaller physical volume, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the phase shifter. The zigzag line structure increases the propagation distance of the transmission line, which can effectively adjust the signal phase passing through the zigzag line, thereby achieving precise phase control; the zigzag line structure increases the signal transmission path, increases the phase delay, and makes the phase adjustment more precise. Due to the geometric design of the zigzag line, the radiation and loss of the electromagnetic signal during the transmission process can be improved, thereby improving the signal transmission efficiency and enhancing the performance and anti-interference ability of the phase shifter.

[0050] Furthermore, the matching section 3 adopts a multi-section matching technology, including:

[0051] Multiple discrete matching elements, each matching element achieves dynamic matching by adjusting impedance to maintain signal stability.

[0052] In this embodiment, the matching section 3 uses multiple discrete matching elements to achieve dynamic impedance matching, which can maintain the stability of the signal under different working conditions. Multiple independent matching elements are used instead of a single fixed matching network. These elements may include adjustable capacitors, adjustable inductors, switched capacitor arrays and other elements. Each matching element can independently adjust its impedance value. By optimizing impedance matching in real time, reflection losses can be minimized and the energy transmission efficiency of the system can be improved. Good impedance matching can reduce signal reflection and distortion, improve signal quality and integrity, and the design of multiple discrete components provides a certain degree of redundancy, thereby improving the stability of the phase shifter.

[0053] Furthermore, the conductive vias 8 are evenly distributed on the dielectric substrate 5 , and each of the first conductive patches 9 is electrically connected to the second slow-wave transmission line 7 via at least one conductive via 8 .

[0054] In this embodiment, the conductive vias 8 are designed to be evenly distributed on the dielectric substrate 5, and each first conductive patch 9 is electrically connected to the second slow-wave transmission line 7 through at least one conductive via 8. This design can ensure that the signal is transmitted from the first slow-wave transmission line 6 to the second slow-wave transmission line 7, maintain the continuity and consistency of the signal, and achieve the desired phase adjustment effect; the uniform distribution of the conductive vias 8 can reduce local signal distortion and ensure the integrity of the signal during transmission. By ensuring that each first conductive patch 9 has a direct electrical connection with the second slow-wave transmission line 7, phase differences are avoided and the overall phase consistency of the phase shifter is ensured.

[0055] Furthermore, the conductive via 8 is a multi-section square hole.

[0056] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, a double-section square hole is provided on the dielectric substrate 5. By opening a plurality of continuous conductive vias 8 on the dielectric substrate 5, the shape of the square hole provides a larger contact area for the conductive via 8, which helps to enhance the mechanical strength and provide higher reliability. The connection design of the plurality of holes makes the overall structure more stable. The design of the multi-section square hole can make the current evenly distributed in the space, reduce the local stress concentration, and reduce the temperature rise when the current passes through; the multi-section square hole reduces the resistance of the transmission path, improves the conductivity, and makes the signal transmission more efficient.

[0057] Furthermore, the dielectric substrate 5 is a printed circuit board (PCB board).

[0058] In this embodiment, the dielectric substrate 5 uses a printed circuit board (PCB board). The PCB board can be a single-layer, double-layer or multi-layer structure, allowing multiple circuit layers to be integrated on the same substrate, so that the PCB board can realize complex circuit connections in a limited space, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the phase shifter. The design of the PCB board can optimize the electrical performance, such as reducing the impedance of the signal path, reducing electromagnetic interference and improving signal integrity, meeting the requirements of high-frequency circuits, thereby improving the performance of the phase shifter.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] A base station antenna, comprising the phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line, further comprising:

[0061] A plurality of radiation units, each of which is connected to the phase shifter, and changes the beam direction of the radio wave according to the phase control of the phase shifter;

[0062] A feeding network is connected to the radiating units via transmission lines to distribute electrical energy to each radiating unit.

[0063] In this embodiment, the phase shifter based on the slow-wave transmission line is used in the base station antenna. The base station antenna also includes multiple radiating units. The radiating unit is the main part of the antenna radiation and is usually composed of multiple antenna elements. Each radiating unit is connected to the phase shifter and receives the adjusted signal from the phase shifter through the feeding network. According to the phase adjusted by the phase shifter, the radiating unit radiates the radio waves into the air to form electromagnetic wave propagation. Through the phase control of multiple radiating units, directional radiation can be achieved, interference can be reduced, and the signal reception capability can be improved.

[0064] Specifically, the feed network in the base station antenna is responsible for distributing electrical energy from the signal source to each radiating unit. It is generally connected through a transmission line to ensure that each radiating unit obtains sufficient power. In the feed network, the design of splitters and phase control ensures that each radiating unit obtains the appropriate phase and amplitude signal; the feed network can ensure that the signal power received by each radiating unit is uniform, which helps to achieve the best radiation pattern, effectively distribute electrical energy to each radiating unit, and improve the overall power utilization of the system. This base station antenna design enhances the effectiveness of radio wave propagation and improves network reliability through precise phase adjustment and beam control, providing powerful communication capabilities and flexibility.

[0065] Furthermore, the feeding network is an integrated feeding network that evenly distributes the signal to each radiating unit.

[0066] In this embodiment, the feeding network is designed as an integrated feeding network, which integrates the signal distribution function into a compact structure. The integrated design can accurately control the phase of the signal during the distribution process. The integrated design greatly reduces the length and connection points of the transmission line, thereby reducing signal loss, improving overall efficiency, and significantly reducing the volume of the feeding network, making the entire antenna system more compact.

[0067] Furthermore, the multiple radiation units are evenly distributed around the phase shifter.

[0068] In this embodiment, multiple radiation units are evenly distributed around the phase shifter to ensure the symmetry and consistency of the radiation field. Such a layout enables each radiation unit to transmit or receive signals under the same conditions, thereby improving the performance of the overall system; evenly distributed radiation units can reduce signal interference and attenuation, thereby improving signal quality and transmission effects. Through the coordinated work of multiple radiation units, higher performance and efficiency can be achieved, which may reduce the demand for high-power units, thereby reducing the overall cost of the system. The evenly distributed design can reduce signal distortion caused by environmental changes or external interference, and increase the stability and reliability of the system.

[0069] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, which fall within the scope of the present invention to be protected. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line, characterized in that: include: A phase shifter housing, and an input port, a plurality of phase shifting sections, a plurality of matching sections and at least one output port configured on the phase shifter housing; wherein: The input port is arranged at the middle position of the phase shifter housing and is used to receive an input signal; The plurality of phase shifting segments are arranged inside the phase shifter housing and include a dielectric substrate and at least one layer of slow-wave transmission line arranged on the dielectric substrate, wherein the slow-wave transmission line adjusts the phase of the input signal; The phase shift section includes two layers of slow-wave transmission lines, the first slow-wave transmission line and the second slow-wave transmission line are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the dielectric substrate in a mirror-symmetrical manner, and are electrically connected through a plurality of conductive vias, and the plurality of conductive vias are provided on the dielectric substrate; The matching section is arranged between every two adjacent phase-shifting sections to match the impedance; The at least one output port is arranged at the middle position of the phase shifter housing, and the other output ports are distributed on both sides of the phase shifter in a mirror-symmetrical manner to output signals after phase shifting processing.

2. The phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first slow-wave transmission line in the phase-shifting section includes a plurality of first conductive patches, which are arranged in sequence along an extension direction of the first slow-wave transmission line, and a gap exists between two adjacent first conductive patches.

3. The phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second slow-wave transmission line in the phase-shifting section is a zigzag line structure.

4. The phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The matching section adopts a multi-section matching technology, including: Multiple discrete matching elements, each matching element achieves dynamic matching by adjusting impedance to maintain signal stability.

5. The phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive via is a multi-section square hole.

6. The phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dielectric substrate is a printed circuit board.

7. A base station antenna, characterized in that: A phase shifter based on a slow-wave transmission line according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A plurality of radiation units, each of which is connected to the phase shifter, and changes the beam direction of the radio wave according to the phase control of the phase shifter; A feeding network is connected to the radiating units via transmission lines to distribute electrical energy to each radiating unit.

8. The base station antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: The feeding network is an integrated feeding network that evenly distributes signals to each radiating unit.

9. The base station antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of radiation units are evenly distributed around the phase shifter.

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