Integrated antenna and base station

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated antenna and a base station, and belongs to the technical field of mobile communication. The integrated antenna comprises a power divider, a feed module and an antenna array. The input end of the power divider is used for being connected with a signal input port. The feed module comprises a plurality of feed networks, and each feed network is connected with one output end of the power divider; the antenna array comprises a plurality of sub-arrays, each sub-array is connected with a feed network, each sub-array comprises at least one radiation unit, the polarization modes of the radiation units in the same sub-array are the same, and the polarization modes of the radiation units in different sub-arrays are different. Due to the fact that the polarization modes of the radiation units in different sub-arrays are different, the antenna can transmit communication signals in multiple directions under the action of the radiation units in the multiple sub-arrays, air-to-ground integrated coverage of one signal input port is achieved, independent shaping of an air-to-ground radiation directional diagram is met, and the antenna can transmit communication signals in multiple directions. And the signals of different sub-arrays do not influence each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to an integrated antenna and base station. Background Art

[0002] As a new economic form, low-altitude economy has attracted more and more attention. Low-altitude aircraft (especially unmanned aircraft) require mobile communication signals to achieve coverage in low-altitude areas. How to achieve low-altitude signal coverage under existing base station conditions is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an integrated antenna and base station that can complete low-altitude signal coverage under existing base station conditions to address the above technical problems.

[0004] In the first aspect, the present application proposes an integrated antenna, comprising: a power divider, the input end of the power divider is used to connect to a signal input port; a feeding module, the feeding module includes multiple feeding networks, each of the feeding networks is connected to an output end of the power divider; an antenna array, the antenna array includes multiple sub-arrays, each of the sub-arrays is connected to one of the feeding networks, each of the sub-arrays includes at least one radiating unit, the polarization modes of the radiating units in the same sub-array are the same, and the polarization modes of the radiating units in different sub-arrays are different.

[0005] In one embodiment, the power divider includes: a first output end and a second output end, the feeding module includes: a first feeding network and a second feeding network, the antenna array includes: a first subarray and a second subarray, the first output end is connected to the first subarray through the first feeding network, and the second output end is connected to the second subarray through the second feeding network.

[0006] In one of the embodiments, the beam generated by the first subarray covers the air, and the beam generated by the second subarray covers the ground.

[0007] In one of the embodiments, the radiation elements of the first subarray and the radiation elements of the second subarray are orthogonally polarized.

[0008] In one of the embodiments, the polarization mode of the radiation units of the first subarray is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation units of the second subarray is -45° polarization.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first sub-array and the second sub-array are arranged in the same horizontal direction or the same vertical direction.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, the radiation elements in the first sub-array and the second sub-array are arranged on the same structure.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the antenna array further comprises: a reflector, and the plurality of sub-arrays are arranged on the reflector.

[0012] In one embodiment, the power divider includes: a first power divider and a second power divider, the feeding module includes: a first feeding network, a second feeding network, a third feeding network and a fourth feeding network, the antenna array includes: a first subarray, a second subarray, a third subarray and a fourth subarray, the first output end of the first power divider is connected to the first subarray through the first feeding network, the second output end of the first power divider is connected to the second subarray through the second feeding network, the third output end of the second power divider is connected to the third subarray through the third feeding network, the fourth output end of the second power divider is connected to the fourth subarray through the fourth feeding network, the radiation units in the first subarray and the third subarray are arranged in the same structure, the radiation units in the second subarray and the fourth subarray are arranged in the same structure, the polarization mode of the radiation units of the first subarray and the fourth subarray is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation units of the second subarray and the third subarray is -45° polarization.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present application further proposes a base station, comprising the integrated antenna described in the embodiment of the first aspect above.

[0014] The above-mentioned integrated antenna and base station are equipped with a power divider under the existing base station conditions, so that the power divider divides the RF signal input from the signal input port into multiple signals, and then transmits it to the corresponding sub-array in the antenna array through the feeding network, and completes the transmission of the divided signal through the radiation unit in the sub-array. Since the polarization modes of the radiation units in different sub-arrays are different, the antenna can transmit communication signals in multiple directions under the action of the radiation units in multiple sub-arrays, thereby realizing the integrated coverage of one signal input port from air to ground, and at the same time satisfying the independent shaping of the air to ground radiation pattern, and the signals of different sub-arrays will not affect each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the conventional technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a module of an integrated antenna in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a module of an integrated antenna in another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a module of an integrated antenna in yet another embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a module of an integrated antenna in yet another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 is a vertical radiation pattern of an integrated antenna in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a module schematic diagram of an integrated antenna under two signal input ports in an embodiment.

[0022] Description of reference numerals:

[0023] A power divider 110 , a feeding module 120 , an antenna array 130 , a first feeding network 121 , a second feeding network 122 , a first sub-array 131 , and a second sub-array 132 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to facilitate understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more fully below with reference to the relevant drawings. Embodiments of the present application are provided in the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application.

[0026] It is understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. used in this application can be used in this article to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish a first element from another element. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element through an intermediate element. In addition, the "connection" in the following embodiments should be understood as "electrical connection", "communication connection", etc. if there is transmission of electrical signals or data between the connected objects.

[0028] When used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "said / the" may also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "include / comprise" or "have" and the like specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. At the same time, the term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the relevant listed items.

[0029] In one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, an integrated antenna is provided, including: a power divider 110, a feeding module 120 and an antenna array 130, wherein the input end of the power divider 110 is used to connect to a signal input port; the feeding module 120 includes a plurality of feeding networks, each of which is connected to an output end of the power divider 110; the antenna array 130 includes a plurality of sub-arrays, each of which is connected to a feeding network, each of which includes at least one radiating unit, the radiating units in the same sub-array have the same polarization mode, and the radiating units in different sub-arrays have different polarization modes.

[0030] Specifically, the power divider 110 includes an input end and multiple output ends, which is a one-to-n power divider. For example, a one-to-two power divider, a one-to-three power divider, etc. The power divider 110 is used to evenly divide the radio frequency signal from a signal input port into multiple signals, and output it from multiple output ends (output end 1, output end 2, ..., output end n). The feed module 120 includes multiple feed networks (feed network 1, feed network 2, ..., feed network n). The power divider 110 evenly distributes the radio frequency signal to each feed network in the feed module 120 through the output end. The number of feed networks in the feed module 120 is the same as the number of output ends of the power divider 110. One feed network is connected to the output end of a power divider 110. The feed network can be a feed network with a phase shifter or a feed network with a fixed amplitude and phase. The feed network is used to further transmit the signal distributed by the power divider 110 to each sub-array of the antenna array 130.

[0031] The antenna array 130 includes multiple subarrays (subarray 1, subarray 2, ..., subarray n). The number of subarrays in the antenna array 130 is the same as the number of feeding networks in the feeding module 120. One feeding network is connected to one subarray. Each subarray includes at least one radiating unit, and these radiating units are independent of each other in physical layout and electrical characteristics. The radiating units in the same subarray have the same polarization mode, which is used to enhance the transmission and reception capabilities of signals in a specific direction. The radiating units in different subarrays use different polarization modes (such as ±45° polarization, horizontal vertical polarization, circular polarization, etc.). Different polarization modes can reduce interference between signals, while increasing the penetration and coverage of signals in complex environments, satisfying the independent shaping of air-to-ground radiation patterns, and completing the coverage of low-altitude signals.

[0032] It can be understood that the integrated antenna of the embodiment of the present application can also complete the reception of wireless signals. When the wireless signal reaches the antenna array 130, the radiating units of different polarization modes in the antenna array 130 will receive signal components of different polarizations. Since the radiating units of each sub-array have the same polarization mode, they will receive signals of the same polarization and convert them into corresponding electrical signals. These electrical signals are transmitted back to the power divider 110 through the corresponding feeding network. The power divider 110 can synthesize multiple signals into one and converge them on the reverse path of the signal input port, thereby completing the reception of the wireless signal.

[0033] The above-mentioned integrated antenna is equipped with a power divider 110 under the existing base station conditions, so that the power divider 110 divides the RF signal input from the signal input port into multiple signals, and then transmits them to the corresponding sub-arrays in the antenna array 130 through the feeding network, and completes the transmission of the divided signals through the radiation units in the sub-arrays. Since the polarization modes of the radiation units in different sub-arrays are different, the antenna can transmit communication signals in multiple directions under the action of the radiation units in multiple sub-arrays, thereby realizing the integrated coverage of one signal input port from air to ground, and at the same time satisfying the independent shaping of the air to ground radiation pattern, and the signals of different sub-arrays will not affect each other.

[0034] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the power divider 110 includes: a first output end and a second output end, the feeding module 120 includes: a first feeding network 121 and a second feeding network 122, the antenna array 130 includes: a first sub-array 131 and a second sub-array 132, the first output end is connected to the first sub-array 131 through the first feeding network 121, and the second output end is connected to the second sub-array 132 through the second feeding network 122.

[0035] Specifically, in the integrated antenna of this embodiment, the power divider 110 is set as a one-to-two power divider, and the power divider 110 includes an input end and two output ends (a first output end and a second output end). Correspondingly, the feeding module 120 includes a first feeding network 121 and a second feeding network 122, and the antenna array 130 includes a first sub-array 131 and a second sub-array 132. The first output end of the power divider 110 is connected to the first sub-array 131 through the first feeding network 121, and the second output end of the power divider 110 is connected to the second sub-array 132 through the second feeding network 122. The first sub-array 131 and the second sub-array 132 each include at least one radiating unit. In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the first sub-array 131 and the second sub-array 132 are respectively provided with five radiating elements, and the radiating elements in the first sub-array 131 and the radiating elements in the second sub-array 132 have different polarization modes.

[0036] In one embodiment, the beam generated by the first subarray 131 covers the sky, and the beam generated by the second subarray 132 covers the ground. Specifically, in this embodiment, the radiation units of the first subarray 131 adopt a specific arrangement and feeding phase so that the beams generated by them point to the sky, and the radiation units of the second subarray 132 adopt another arrangement and feeding phase so that the beams generated by them point to the ground, so as to meet the communication requirements in different directions to the sky and the ground, and improve the coverage of the integrated antenna.

[0037] In one embodiment, the radiation units of the first subarray 131 and the radiation units of the second subarray 132 are orthogonally polarized. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electric field vector generated by the radiation units of the first subarray 131 and the electric field vector generated by the radiation units of the second subarray 132 are perpendicular to each other. For example, the radiation units of the first subarray 131 are horizontally polarized, and at this time, the corresponding radiation units of the second subarray 132 are vertically polarized, and they have an orthogonal relationship. The radiation units of the first subarray 131 are left-hand circularly polarized, and at this time, the corresponding radiation units of the second subarray 132 are right-hand circularly polarized, and they also have an orthogonal relationship. By adopting the orthogonal polarization method, the mutual interference between the signals of the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 can be reduced, and the utilization rate of spectrum resources can be improved.

[0038] In one embodiment, the polarization mode of the radiation unit of the first subarray 131 is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation unit of the second subarray 132 is -45° polarization. Specifically, in this embodiment, the polarization modes of the radiation units of the first subarray 131 and the radiation units of the second subarray 132 are both oblique polarization, the electric field vector of the radiation unit of the first subarray 131 is at a +45° angle to the horizontal direction, and the electric field vector of the radiation unit of the second subarray 132 is at a -45° angle (or 135° angle) to the horizontal direction. Through this setting, the interference of the vertical or horizontal polarization antenna to the integrated antenna of the present application can be reduced. And when the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 adopt +45° polarization and -45° polarization respectively, the electric field vectors therebetween are perpendicular to each other, so the mutual interference between them is small.

[0039] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 are arranged in the same vertical direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 are arranged in the same vertical direction and are arranged in different polarization modes, so as to achieve spatial multiplexing. When the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 work at the same time, they will not interfere with each other, thereby improving the spectrum efficiency and capacity of the communication system. In some other embodiments, when the antenna array 130 includes multiple subarrays, the multiple subarrays can also be arranged in the same vertical direction.

[0040] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 are arranged in the same horizontal direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, by arranging the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 in the same horizontal direction and setting them to different polarization modes, when the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 work at the same time, they will not interfere with each other. In some embodiments, when the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 are arranged in the same horizontal direction, the beam generated by the first subarray 131 covers the air, and the beam generated by the second subarray 132 covers the ground. The radiation units of the first subarray 131 and the radiation units of the second subarray 132 are orthogonally polarized. The polarization mode of the radiation units of the first subarray 131 is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation units of the second subarray 132 is -45° polarization. In some other embodiments, when the antenna array 130 includes multiple subarrays, the multiple subarrays can also be arranged in the same horizontal direction.

[0041] In one embodiment, Figure 4As shown, the radiation units in the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 are arranged on the same structure. Specifically, in this embodiment, the radiation units in the first subarray 131 and the radiation units in the second subarray 132 are arranged on the same structure, so that the structure of the entire antenna array 130 is more compact, thereby reducing the volume of the antenna array 130 and realizing the miniaturization of the antenna. At the same time, since the radiation units in the first subarray 131 and the radiation units in the second subarray 132 have different polarization modes, even if the radiation units are arranged in the same structure, the two radiation units will not affect each other, and the corresponding signal transmission function can be completed. In some embodiments, when the radiation units in the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 are arranged on the same structure, the beam generated by the first subarray 131 covers the air, and the beam generated by the second subarray 132 covers the ground. The radiation units of the first subarray 131 and the radiation units of the second subarray 132 are orthogonally polarized, the polarization mode of the radiation units of the first subarray 131 is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation units of the second subarray 132 is -45° polarization.

[0042] In one embodiment, the antenna array 130 further includes: a reflector, and the multiple sub-arrays are all arranged on the reflector. Specifically, in this embodiment, the multiple sub-arrays in the antenna array 130 are all arranged on the reflector. By setting the reflector, the front-to-back ratio of the antenna radiation can be significantly improved, so that the main radiation energy of the antenna is concentrated in the desired direction, and unnecessary backward radiation is reduced, so that the radiation energy of the antenna is more concentrated, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and receiving sensitivity of the signal. The reflector also helps to control the beam width of the antenna so that it can better adapt to the shape and coverage of the service area.

[0043] In one embodiment, the subarray includes a plurality of radiating units, and all of the radiating units are arranged in a straight line. Specifically, in this embodiment, each subarray includes a plurality of radiating units, and the radiating units are arranged in a straight line to form a linear array. When there are multiple radiating units, the fixed tilt angle of the antenna can be achieved by adjusting the feeding network connected thereto, or the radiating units can be connected through phase shifters to achieve an adjustable tilt angle. The beam tilt angles of different subarrays can be adjusted according to the coverage scenario, such as an upward tilt angle for the air beam and a downward tilt angle for the ground beam. In some other embodiments, the multiple radiating units in the subarray can also be arranged in a rectangular grid arrangement, a triangular grid arrangement, a circular arrangement, a ring arrangement, or an irregular arrangement.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, when the integrated antenna is configured as Figure 2In the structure shown in FIG. 1 , the first subarray 131 and the second subarray 132 are arranged in the same vertical direction, the polarization mode of the radiation unit of the first subarray 131 is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation unit of the second subarray 132 is -45° polarization. The radiation units of the first subarray 131 and the radiation units of the second subarray 132 are both arranged on the reflector, the radiation units of the first subarray 131 are used to generate an air beam, and the radiation units of the second subarray 132 are used to generate a ground beam, and the vertical radiation pattern thereof is as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, through Figure 5 It can be seen that the air-to-air beam can better complete the radiation in the air direction, thereby completing the coverage of low-altitude signals. At the same time, the ground-to-ground beam can also complete the coverage of ground signals, so that the integrated antenna can complete the integration of air and ground.

[0045] In one embodiment, the present application also proposes a base station, including the integrated antenna in the above embodiment. The base station of this embodiment, by adding a power divider 110 under the existing base station conditions, enables the power divider 110 to divide the radio frequency signal input from the signal input port into multiple signals, and then transmits it to the corresponding sub-array in the antenna array 130 through the feeding network, and completes the transmission of the divided signal through the radiation unit in the sub-array. Since the polarization modes of the radiation units in different sub-arrays are different, under the action of the radiation units in multiple sub-arrays, the antenna can transmit communication signals in multiple directions, thereby realizing integrated air-to-ground coverage of a signal input port, while satisfying the independent shaping of the air-to-ground radiation pattern, and the signals of different sub-arrays will not affect each other.

[0046] In one embodiment, when the base station is provided with multiple signal input ports, a power distributor 110 may be provided for each signal input port, and then the corresponding feeding module 120 and antenna array 130 may be provided according to the configuration method of the integrated antenna in the above embodiment, so as to complete the configuration of the base station antenna. Figure 6As shown, the base station is provided with two signal input ports, namely input terminal 1 and input terminal 2, and correspondingly, the power divider includes: a first power divider and a second power divider. Among them, the first power divider and the second power divider are both one-to-two power dividers. The feeding module includes: a first feeding network, a second feeding network, a third feeding network and a fourth feeding network, namely feeding network 1, feeding network 2, feeding network 3 and feeding network 4. The antenna array includes: a first subarray, a second subarray, a third subarray and a fourth subarray, and the first output terminal of the first power divider is connected to the first subarray through the first feeding network, that is, the output terminal 1 of the first power divider is connected to the first subarray through the feeding network 1. The second output terminal of the first power divider is connected to the second subarray through the second feeding network, that is, the output terminal 2 of the first power divider is connected to the second subarray through the feeding network 2. The third output terminal of the second power divider is connected to the third subarray through the third feeding network, that is, the output terminal 3 of the second power divider is connected to the third subarray through the feeding network 3. The fourth output terminal of the second power divider is connected to the fourth subarray through the fourth feeding network, that is, the output terminal 4 of the second power divider is connected to the fourth subarray through the feeding network 4. The radiation units in the first subarray and the third subarray are arranged in the same structure, and the radiation units in the second subarray and the fourth subarray are arranged in the same structure. The polarization mode of the radiation units in the first subarray and the fourth subarray is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation units in the second subarray and the third subarray is -45° polarization. Through this setting, the coverage of the communication signal can be completed under the condition that the signals do not affect each other, and through the setting mode of the same structure, the area occupied by the antenna array 130 can be reduced to achieve the miniaturization of the antenna.

[0047] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "specific embodiments", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0048] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0049] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. An integrated antenna, characterized in that: include: A power distributor, wherein the input end of the power distributor is used to connect to the signal input port; A feeding module, the feeding module comprising a plurality of feeding networks, each of the feeding networks being connected to an output end of the power divider; An antenna array, wherein the antenna array includes a plurality of subarrays, each of the subarrays is connected to a feed network, each of the subarrays includes at least one radiating unit, the radiating units in the same subarray have the same polarization mode, and the radiating units in different subarrays have different polarization modes.

2. The integrated antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power divider includes: a first output end and a second output end, the feeding module includes: a first feeding network and a second feeding network, the antenna array includes: a first subarray and a second subarray, the first output end is connected to the first subarray through the first feeding network, and the second output end is connected to the second subarray through the second feeding network.

3. The integrated antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The beam generated by the first subarray covers the air, and the beam generated by the second subarray covers the ground.

4. The integrated antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The radiation elements of the first subarray and the radiation elements of the second subarray are orthogonally polarized.

5. The integrated antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that: The polarization mode of the radiation units of the first subarray is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation units of the second subarray is -45° polarization.

6. The integrated antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sub-array and the second sub-array are arranged in the same horizontal direction or the same vertical direction.

7. The integrated antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The radiation elements in the first sub-array and the second sub-array are arranged on the same structure.

8. The integrated antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The antenna array further comprises: a reflector, and the plurality of sub-arrays are arranged on the reflector.

9. The integrated antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power divider includes: a first power divider and a second power divider, the feeding module includes: a first feeding network, a second feeding network, a third feeding network and a fourth feeding network, the antenna array includes: a first subarray, a second subarray, a third subarray and a fourth subarray, the first output end of the first power divider is connected to the first subarray through the first feeding network, the second output end of the first power divider is connected to the second subarray through the second feeding network, the third output end of the second power divider is connected to the third subarray through the third feeding network, the fourth output end of the second power divider is connected to the fourth subarray through the fourth feeding network, the radiation units in the first subarray and the third subarray are arranged in the same structure, the radiation units in the second subarray and the fourth subarray are arranged in the same structure, the polarization mode of the radiation units of the first subarray and the fourth subarray is +45° polarization, and the polarization mode of the radiation units of the second subarray and the third subarray is -45° polarization.

10. A base station, characterized in that: The integrated antenna comprises the integrated antenna as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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