Base station antenna units and base station equipment

Abstract

The present application provides a base station antenna unit and base station equipment. The base station antenna unit comprises: a first circuit, a second circuit, a reserved interface, a logic switch, and a base station antenna connected to the first circuit. The logic switch is used to control the connection and disconnection between the first circuit and the second circuit, and the connection and disconnection between the second circuit and the reserved interface. The reserved interface is used to connect to an external antenna. This application at least solves the technical problem in the prior art that base stations are only used for communication and have a single function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a base station antenna unit and base station equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the development of mobile Internet and Internet of Things technologies, more and more industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, smart medical care, etc., have the demand for the integration of communication and perception to realize the collection, transmission and application of information.

[0003] For communication operators, in order to adapt to this development trend, how to achieve intersensory integration in base stations is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a base station antenna unit and base station equipment, which can enable traditional base stations to achieve intersensory integration.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application are implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a base station antenna unit, comprising: a first circuit, a second circuit, a reserved interface, a logical switch, and a base station antenna connected to the first circuit; wherein the logical switch is used to control the connection and disconnection between the first circuit and the second circuit, and to control the connection and disconnection between the second circuit and the reserved interface; the reserved interface is used to connect to an external antenna.

[0007] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a base station device, comprising the base station antenna unit described in the first aspect above.

[0008] Based on the base station antenna unit of this embodiment or the base station device including the base station antenna unit, in scenarios where there is a need for communication and perception fusion, an external antenna can be connected to the reserved interface, and the logic switch controls the on-off of the first circuit and the second circuit, as well as the on-off of the second circuit and the reserved interface, so as to utilize the local original base station antenna and the additional external antenna for communication and perception, thereby realizing the integration of base station communication. In addition, for scenarios where there is only a communication need, there is no need to connect an external antenna to the reserved interface, and the base station antenna unit retains the traditional communication function normally. The entire structure has been reasonably simplified, and the external antenna can be plugged in and used according to field needs to avoid hardware waste. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reserved interface of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a working frame of a base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of circuit connections of a base station antenna unit in different time slots according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a circuit connection diagram of a base station antenna unit used as an external antenna in an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of basic circuit connections of the base station antenna unit in practical applications according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the first logic switch is adopted;

[0017] Figure 8 This is another circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the first logic switch is adopted;

[0018] Figure 9 This is another circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the first logic switch is adopted;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the second logic switch is adopted;

[0020] Figure 11 This is another circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the second logic switch is adopted;

[0021] Figure 12 This is another circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the first logic switch is adopted;

[0022] Figure 13 This is another circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the second logic switch is adopted;

[0023] Figure 14 This is another circuit connection diagram of the base station antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application when the first logic switch is adopted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0025] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a base station antenna unit, also called an active antenna unit (AAU). Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the AAU embodiment of the present application, including: a first circuit, a second circuit, a reserved interface, a logic switch and a base station antenna connected to the first circuit.

[0026] in:

[0027] The reserved interface is used to connect to an external antenna. It should be noted that this embodiment does not specifically limit the form, position, and connection form of the reserved interface with the external antenna. Figure 2 This example illustrates a reserved interface structure that integrates a radio frequency interface, a control interface, and a power supply interface. The radio frequency interface is used to connect to a matching external antenna, while the control and power supply interfaces are reserved for AAU beamforming or beam scanning. During beamforming or beam scanning, the matching external antenna contains components such as electronic phase shifters that require power and control.

[0028] The logic switch is used to control the connection and disconnection between the first circuit and the second circuit, and to control the connection and disconnection between the second circuit and the reserved interface.

[0029] In scenarios where communication and perception convergence are required, an external antenna can be connected to the reserved interface. A logic switch controls the connection and disconnection between the first circuit and the second circuit, and between the second circuit and the reserved interface. This allows the existing local base station antenna and the additional external antenna to be used for communication and perception, achieving integrated base station communication and perception. Furthermore, for scenarios where only communication is required but no perception is required, there is no need to connect an external antenna to the reserved interface, and the base station antenna unit retains its traditional communication functions. The entire structure has been rationally simplified, and the external antenna can be plugged in and used as needed, avoiding hardware waste.

[0030] The following introduces the principles of AAU communication and perception.

[0031] Traditional AAUs use time-division duplex (TDD) mode to transmit and receive communication signals in a time-division manner via base station antennas. The AAU in this embodiment builds on this TDD communication foundation by incorporating active sensing functionality. Specifically, the AAU transmits sensing signals to the target area during pre-configured sensing time slots and simultaneously receives the echo signals (i.e., sensing signals) reflected from these signals.

[0032] Figure 3 This example illustrates the AAU operating frame structure for the communication and perception convergence scenario in this embodiment. C represents the communication timeslot; P represents the perception receive timeslot; and S represents the freely configurable timeslot. In time-division duplex mode, the communication timeslot is subdivided into a communication transmit timeslot and a communication receive timeslot. The communication transmit timeslot transmits communication signals, while the communication receive timeslot receives communication signals. Communication and perception switchover occurs during the freely configurable timeslot S, which provides a certain amount of reserved time for switching.

[0033] Under the above working frame structure, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the logic switch is specifically used for:

[0034] In a communication transmission time slot, controlling the first circuit to be disconnected from the second circuit, and controlling the second circuit to be disconnected from the reserved interface, so as to drive the base station antenna to transmit a communication signal through the first circuit;

[0035] In a communication receiving time slot, controlling the first circuit to be connected to the second circuit, and controlling the second circuit to be disconnected from the reserved interface, so as to receive the communication signal collected by the base station antenna through the second circuit;

[0036] During the sensing timeslot after the reserved interface is connected to the external antenna, the first circuit is disconnected from the second circuit, allowing the first circuit to drive the base station antenna to transmit the sensing signal. Furthermore, the second circuit is connected to the reserved interface, allowing the second circuit to receive the sensing signal (echo) collected by the external antenna. It should be noted that sensing signals are transmitted and received simultaneously during the sensing timeslot, unlike the time-sharing transmission and reception of communication signals.

[0037] In addition, Figure 4 Furthermore, the AAU of this embodiment may further include a load disposed outside the first circuit and the second circuit. The logic switch is specifically configured to: during communication transmission and sensing time slots, control the connection between the first circuit and the load, so that the load provides overcurrent protection for the first circuit; and during communication reception time slots, control the disconnection between the first circuit and the load, so that the load stops the first circuit from providing overcurrent protection, thereby preventing any impact on the reception sensitivity of communication or sensing signals.

[0038] In addition, reference Figure 5 As shown, in the normal state (power-off), the logic switch can control the first circuit to conduct with the second circuit, and also conduct the second circuit to the reserved interface. When the logic switch is in the normal state, this AAU can function as an external antenna for other AAUs, accessing their reserved interfaces. That is, during sensing timeslots, other AAUs receive sensing signals via this AAU's base station antenna. In practical applications, the AAUs of this embodiment, like traditional AAUs, have a compact, flat-panel structure. For scenarios where external antennas are unavailable, two AAUs of this embodiment can be connected via the reserved interface to achieve inter-sensing functionality without taking up excessive space.

[0039] In practical applications, reference Figure 6 As shown, the AAU is also provided with: a digital processing module controlled by a baseband processing unit (Building Baseband Unit, BBU).

[0040] The output end of the digital processing module is connected to the first circuit after digital-to-analog conversion, that is, the output digital signal is converted from digital to analog as the final transmitted communication signal or perception signal; the input end of the digital processing module is connected to the second circuit after digital-to-analog conversion, that is, the communication signal or perception signal collected by the second circuit is converted from digital to analog and received by the AAU as a digital signal.

[0041] The AAU also includes a first amplifier within the first circuit and a second amplifier within the second circuit. The first amplifier is used to amplify the communication signals to be transmitted by the base station antenna during the communication transmission time slot and the sensing signals to be transmitted by the base station antenna during the sensing time slot. The second amplifier is used to amplify the communication signals collected by the base station antenna during the communication reception time slot.

[0042] Figure 6 This is the basic structure of the AAU in this embodiment. Figure 6 On this basis, the specific implementation of the logic switch of this embodiment is introduced in detail.

[0043] Implementation method 1

[0044] refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the logic switch of this implementation method is composed of a first single-pole double-throw switch K1 and a second single-pole double-throw switch K2. K1 and K2 include a movable contact 0 serving as the "handle" and a first static contact 1 and a second static contact 2, which can be connected to either of the "handle". K1's movable contact 0 is connected to the first circuit via a circulator (the circulator serves as the access port for the circuit and will not be described in detail later). K1's first static contact 1 is connected to K2's first static contact 1, K2's movable contact 0 is connected to the second circuit, and K2's second static contact 2 is connected to a reserved interface. The input of the first amplifier is connected to the first circuit, and the output of the first amplifier is connected to the movable contact 0 of the first single-pole double-throw switch K1. The input of the second amplifier is connected to the movable contact 0 of the second single-pole double-throw switch K2, and the output of the second amplifier is connected to the second circuit.

[0045] When there is only a communication need, the AAU's original base station antenna completes the time-sharing transmission and reception of communication signals. Figure 7 As shown: During the communication transmission time slot, K1's movable contact 0 is thrown to the second static contact 2 to connect the load to the first circuit, preventing the load from directly burning the circuit due to the transmitted high-power communication signal. K2's movable contact 0 can be thrown to either the first static contact 1 or the second static contact 2. During the communication reception time slot, K1's movable contact 0 is thrown to the second static contact 2, and K2's movable contact 0 is thrown to the first static contact 1, connecting the first and second circuits. This allows the communication signals collected by the base station antenna to reach the digital processing module through K1 and K2.

[0046] When there is a need for communication and perception fusion, an interface is reserved for connecting to an external antenna. Figure 7 As shown, no further details will be given here. In the sensing time slot, refer to Figure 8 As shown, the moving contact 0 of K1 is thrown to the second static contact 2 to connect the load to the first circuit, and the moving contact 0 of K2 is thrown to the second static contact 2 to connect to the reserved interface. The whole machine transmits the sensing signal through the original base station antenna of AAU and receives the sensing signal through the matching antenna. Since the original base station antenna of AAU and the matching antenna are two independent antennas, the isolation between the two antennas is relatively high, so the impact of transmission on reception is relatively small, and the sensing capability is relatively high.

[0047] It should be noted that the position of the second amplifier in the second circuit is not unique and is not specifically limited in this implementation. As another feasible embodiment, as shown in Reference 9 , the input end of the second amplifier can be connected to the first static contact 1 of the first single-pole double-throw switch K1, and the output end of the second amplifier can be connected to the first static contact 1 of the second single-pole double-throw switch K2.

[0048] Implementation method 2

[0049] refer to Figure 10 、 Figure 11 As shown, in this implementation, the logic switch is a double-pole double-throw switch, comprising a first movable contact a, a second movable contact b, a first stationary contact 1, a second stationary contact 2, a third stationary contact 3, and a fourth stationary contact 4. The first movable contact a corresponds to the third stationary contact 3 and the fourth stationary contact 4, respectively; the first movable contact a is connected to the first circuit, the third stationary contact 3 is connected to the second stationary contact 2, and the fourth stationary contact 4 is connected to the load. The second movable contact b corresponds to the first stationary contact 1 and the second stationary contact 2, respectively; the second movable contact b is connected to the second circuit, and the first stationary contact 1 is connected to the reserved interface. The input of the first amplifier is connected to the first circuit, and the output of the first amplifier is connected to the first movable contact a of the double-pole double-throw switch. The input of the second amplifier is connected to the second movable contact b of the double-pole double-throw switch, and the output of the second amplifier is connected to the second circuit.

[0050] When only communication is required, refer to Figure 10 As shown: During the communication transmission time slot, the first moving contact a is thrown to the fourth static contact 4 to connect the load to the first circuit. The load prevents the amplified communication signal from directly burning the circuit. The second moving contact b is thrown to the second static contact 2 or the first static contact 1. During the communication reception time slot, the first moving contact a is thrown to the third static contact 3, and the second moving contact b is thrown to the second static contact 2. In this way, the first and second circuits are connected, and the communication signals collected by the base station antenna can ultimately reach the digital processing module.

[0051] When there is a need for communication and perception fusion, an interface is reserved for connecting to an external antenna. Figure 10 As shown, no further details will be given here. In the sensing time slot, refer to Figure 11 As shown, the first moving contact a is thrown to the fourth static contact 4 to connect the load to the first circuit, and the second moving contact b is thrown to the fourth static contact 4 to connect the external signal to the second circuit. The whole machine transmits the sensing signal through the original base station antenna of the AAU and receives the sensing signal through the matching antenna.

[0052] The above is an introduction to logic switches.

[0053] On the basis of the above, a third amplifier may be further provided on the reserved interface side of this embodiment to amplify the signal power of the received perception signal to improve the collection sensitivity of the perception signal.

[0054] Here, the implementation of the logic switch including the first single-pole double-throw switch K1 and the second single-pole double-throw switch K2 is taken as an example. Figure 12As shown, the input of the third amplifier is connected to the reserved interface, and the output of the third amplifier is connected to the second static contact of the second single-pole double-throw switch. Based on the above, depending on the position of the second amplifier, the third amplifier can be connected to the second circuit in series with the second amplifier, or in parallel with the second amplifier.

[0055] Alternatively, taking the implementation of a logic switch including a single double-pole double-throw switch as an example, refer to Figure 13 As shown, the input end of the third amplifier is connected to the reserved interface, and the output end of the third amplifier is connected to the first static contact 1 of the double-pole double-throw switch.

[0056] It should be noted that the traditional core function of the base station antenna of the AAU in this embodiment is to transmit communication signals. Therefore, in the sensing time slot, it is used as a signal transmitting antenna, while the external supporting antenna is used as a signal collecting antenna. Of course, if the external supporting antenna is no different from the base station antenna in hardware, that is, the supporting antenna can also be used to transmit communication signals that meet the requirements, then the AAU can also use the external supporting antenna as a signal transmitting antenna and the local original antenna as a signal collecting antenna. Taking the implementation method of the logic switch including the first single-pole double-throw switch K1 and the second single-pole double-throw switch K2 as an example, refer to Figure 14 As shown, K1 controls the on / off of the first circuit and the second circuit, and K2 of the logic switch controls the on / off of the first circuit and the reserved interface.

[0057] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application further provides a base station device, comprising the base station antenna unit described above.

[0058] Based on this base station antenna unit, the base station device of this embodiment can connect an external antenna to the reserved interface in scenarios where there are communication and perception requirements. The logic switch controls the connection and disconnection between the first circuit and the second circuit, as well as the connection and disconnection between the second circuit and the reserved interface, so as to utilize the local original base station antenna and the additional external antenna for communication and perception, thereby realizing the integration of base station inter-sensory perception. For scenarios where there are no perception requirements, there is no need to connect an external antenna to the reserved interface, and the base station antenna unit retains the traditional communication function normally. It can be seen that the entire structure of the base station device of this embodiment has been reasonably simplified, and the external antenna can be plugged in and used according to field requirements, avoiding hardware waste.

[0059] In practical applications, the reserved interface of the base station device in this embodiment can be connected to an external antenna via a radio frequency cable. This has the advantage that, if the radio frequency cable is long enough, the position between the base station antenna and the external antenna can be flexibly adjusted, thereby minimizing self-interference between the sensing signals transmitted by the base station antenna and received by the external antenna.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of this specification may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this specification may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, this specification may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0061] The foregoing description of this specification describes specific embodiments. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in an order different from that described in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order shown or the sequential order to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0062] The above are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit this specification. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations of this specification are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this specification shall be included within the scope of the claims of this specification. In addition, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of this document.

Claims

1. A base station antenna unit, characterized in that: include: A first circuit, a second circuit, a reserved interface, a logic switch, and a base station antenna connected to the first circuit; wherein the logic switch is used to control the connection and disconnection between the first circuit and the second circuit, and to control the connection and disconnection between the second circuit and the reserved interface; the reserved interface is used to connect to an external antenna; The functions of the logic switch include at least one of the following: In a communication transmission time slot, controlling the first circuit to be disconnected from the second circuit, and controlling the second circuit to be disconnected from the reserved interface, so as to drive the base station antenna to transmit a communication signal through the first circuit; In a communication receiving time slot, controlling the first circuit to be connected to the second circuit, and controlling the second circuit to be disconnected from the reserved interface, so as to receive the communication signal collected by the base station antenna through the second circuit; In the perception time slot after the reserved interface is connected to the external antenna, the first circuit is controlled to be disconnected from the second circuit so as to drive the base station antenna to send a perception signal through the first circuit; and the second circuit is controlled to be connected to the reserved interface so as to receive the perception signal collected by the external antenna through the second circuit.

2. The base station antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: Also included: a load disposed outside the first circuit and the second circuit; The functions of the logic switch also include at least one of the following: During the communication transmission time slot and the sensing time slot after the reserved interface is connected to the external antenna, controlling the first circuit to be connected to the load so that the load performs overcurrent protection on the first circuit; During the communication receiving time slot, the first circuit is controlled to be disconnected from the load, so that the load stops performing overcurrent protection on the first circuit.

3. The base station antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: The logic switch includes a first single-pole double-throw switch and a second single-pole double-throw switch; the first single-pole double-throw switch and the second single-pole double-throw switch each include a moving contact, a first stationary contact and a second stationary contact; Among them, the moving contact of the first single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first circuit, the first static contact of the first single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the first static contact of the second single-pole double-throw switch, the moving contact of the second single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the second circuit, and the second static contact of the second single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the reserved interface.

4. The base station antenna unit according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: A first amplifier, wherein an input end of the first amplifier is connected to the first circuit, and an output end of the first amplifier is connected to a moving contact of the first single-pole double-throw switch.

5. The base station antenna unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a second amplifier, wherein an input end of the second amplifier is connected to the movable contact of the second single-pole double-throw switch, and an output end of the second amplifier is connected to the second circuit; Alternatively, the input end of the second amplifier is connected to the first static contact of the first single-pole double-throw switch, and the output end of the second amplifier is connected to the first static contact of the second single-pole double-throw switch.

6. The base station antenna unit according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: A third amplifier, wherein an input end of the third amplifier is connected to the reserved interface, and an output end of the third amplifier is connected to the second static contact of the second single-pole double-throw switch.

7. The base station antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: The logic switch is composed of a double-pole double-throw switch; the double-pole double-throw switch includes a first moving contact, a second moving contact, a first stationary contact, a second stationary contact, a third stationary contact and a fourth stationary contact; Among them, the first moving contact corresponds to the third static contact and the fourth static contact respectively, the first moving contact is connected to the first circuit, the third static contact is connected to the second static contact, and the fourth static contact is connected to the load; the second moving contact corresponds to the first static contact and the second static contact respectively, the second moving contact is connected to the second circuit, and the first static contact is connected to the reserved interface.

8. The base station antenna unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: A first amplifier, wherein an input end of the first amplifier is connected to the first circuit, and an output end of the first amplifier is connected to the first moving contact of the double-pole double-throw switch.

9. The base station antenna unit according to claim 7, wherein: Also includes: A second amplifier, wherein an input end of the second amplifier is connected to the second moving contact of the double-pole double-throw switch, and an output end of the second amplifier is connected to the second circuit.

10. The base station antenna unit according to claim 7, wherein: Also includes: A third amplifier, wherein an input end of the third amplifier is connected to the reserved interface, and an output end of the third amplifier is connected to the first static contact of the double-pole double-throw switch.

11. The base station antenna unit according to claim 1, wherein: The reserved interface includes at least one of the following: A radio frequency interface of the external antenna; Control interface for beamforming and / or beam scanning; A power supply interface for the beam forming and / or the beam scanning.

12. A base station device, characterized in that: The base station antenna unit comprises the base station antenna unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images