Radiating element of an integrated feed network and base station antenna

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of communication antennas, in particular to a radiation unit integrated with a feed network and a base station antenna. The radiation unit comprises a radiator, a feed structure and a balun structure. The balun structure is located below the radiator and has a balun cavity with two open ends. The balun cavity comprises a first balun cavity. The feed structure comprises a combiner, a phase shifter, a power divider or a filter, and is arranged in the first balun cavity. According to the application, the balun structure of the antenna array part is fully utilized, the appropriate feed network is integrated into the balun structure, the layout space of the feed network is increased without increasing the size of the array, the complexity of the layout space of the feed network is reduced, the antenna gain is improved, and the reliability and consistency of the antenna are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication antenna technology, and in particular to a radiating element and base station antenna with an integrated feed network. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication systems are in a period of long-term coexistence with existing system standards, while 5G communication base stations are being rapidly constructed and developed. The sheer number of existing 2G, 3G, and 4G system base stations has led to extreme scarcity of rooftop resources for wireless communication. Furthermore, by the end of 2023, my country had a total of 3.377 million 5G base stations. Communication base stations are the second largest energy consumer in information infrastructure, estimated to account for approximately 1.1% of total electricity consumption by 2025, exacerbating the contradiction between the rapid construction of 5G base stations and the ever-increasing energy consumption. To address the two core issues of extreme scarcity of rooftop resources and reducing base station energy consumption, low-carbon, green, high-efficiency multi-frequency fusion antennas have become an industry trend. The different frequency ranges and system standards across countries have resulted in an increasing number of frequencies and system standards.

[0003] However, the space resources of base station antennas are extremely limited at present. Many different frequency radiating elements need to be in the same array, and different feeding networks also need to be integrated into the same base station antenna. These factors have accelerated the shrinking of the space inside the antenna. In addition, with the industry trend of antenna miniaturization, there is an urgent need for a technical solution to solve the problem of limited space inside the antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a radiating element and a base station antenna with an integrated feed network to solve the defects of space constraints in existing base station antennas.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a radiating unit with an integrated feed network, comprising: a radiator and a feed structure, the radiator including at least one polarization, the feed structure including at least one feed element, at least one input terminal of each feed element being connected to an external feed network and feeding power to the radiator, the radiating unit further comprising:

[0006] A balun structure is located below the radiator. The balun structure has a balun cavity with openings at both ends. The balun cavity includes a first balun cavity. The polarization is provided with at least one first balun cavity.

[0007] The feed plate includes a combiner, a phase shifter, a power divider, or a filter, which is integrated within the first balun cavity.

[0008] Optionally, the cross-section of the first balun cavity is rectangular or square.

[0009] Optionally, each of the polarizations includes at least two radiating arms, with the first balun cavity formed below one of the radiating arms in a polarization.

[0010] Optionally, the balun cavity further includes a second balun cavity, which is formed below another radiating arm in a polarization.

[0011] Optionally, each of the feed sections includes a first feed section disposed within the first balun cavity, a second feed section exposed outside the balun cavity, and a third feed section disposed within the second balun cavity, wherein the second feed section is connected between the first feed section and the third feed section.

[0012] Optionally, at least two first balun cavities are provided below at least one of the radiating arms, and at least two first feed sections are provided in at least one of the first balun cavities. In this case, at least two of the first feed sections are formed as the combiner, or at least one of the first feed sections is formed as the phase shifter, power divider, or filter.

[0013] Optionally, the first power supply segment includes a power supply circuit and a power supply branch, wherein the power supply branch is disposed on the power supply circuit, and the structures of the plurality of first power supply segments are the same or different.

[0014] Optionally, when at least two of the first feed sections form the combiner, the at least two first feed sections form feed circuits of different frequency bands, and the feed circuits of different frequency bands operate at different frequencies.

[0015] Optionally, when the first feed section is formed as the filter, the number of feed branches is less than the number of feed circuits.

[0016] Optionally, a feeding medium is further provided on the first feeding section, the feeding medium being configured to insulate and support the first feeding section and the second balun cavity.

[0017] Optionally, when the first feed section is formed as the power divider, the feed circuit and the feed stub each serve as an output port of the power divider, and the feed plate further includes a fourth feed section, which serves as an input port of the power divider.

[0018] Optionally, when the first feed segment is formed as the phase shifter, the phase of the first feed segment can be changed by adjusting the area of ​​the feed medium covering the feed stub.

[0019] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the two balun cavities may include a circle, a semi-circle, or a fan shape.

[0020] Optionally, the radiator and the balun structure are separate structures, wherein the radiator and the balun structure are each integrally formed parts.

[0021] Optionally, the input terminal is coupled to or coaxially welded to the external power supply network.

[0022] Secondly, this application also provides a base station antenna, including a radiating element of any of the integrated feed networks described in the first aspect above.

[0023] The technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0024] The radiating element of the integrated feed network provided in this application embodiment, by setting the balun structure below the radiator, and providing at least one first balun cavity below each polarization of the radiator, at least partially forms a combiner, phase shifter, power divider or filter. The portion of the feed piece formed as a combiner, phase shifter, power divider or filter is integrated into the first balun cavity, thereby making full use of the balun structure of the antenna array, integrating a suitable feed network into the balun structure, increasing the layout space of the feed structure without increasing the array size, reducing the complexity of the layout space of the feed network, and improving the antenna gain, reliability and consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the radiating unit described in the embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radiating unit described in an embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radiating unit described in an embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling feed of the radiating element described in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radiating unit without the feeding structure described in the embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the radiation unit described in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the radiation unit described in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 This is an assembly view of the power supply structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the power supply structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the power supply structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the power supply structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the radiating element of the high-balun in the dual-stub feed network described in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the radiating element of the high-balun in the four-branch feed network described in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radiating unit of the dwarf balun described in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the integrated power divider into the balun as described in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated phase shifter within the balun as described in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the coaxial feeding of the radiating unit described in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 18 This is another schematic diagram of the coaxial feeding of the radiating unit described in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 19 The insertion loss and out-of-band rejection index curves of the integrated combiner;

[0046] Figure 20 The VSWR (Standing Wave Ratio) curve for the integrated combiner.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0048] 10. Radiator; 11. Radiating arm; 11a. First radiating arm; 11b. Second radiating arm; 11c. Third radiating arm; 11d. Fourth radiating arm; 20. Feeding structure; 21. Feeding plate; 21a. First feeding plate; 21b. Second feeding plate; 211. First feed section; 211a. First part; 211a1. Feeding circuit; 211a2. Feeding branch; 211b. Second part; 212. Second feed section; 213. Third feed section; 214. Fourth feed section; 214a. Third part; 214b. Part 4; 215. Feeding medium; 22. Input terminal; 22a. First input terminal; 22b. Second input terminal; 30. Balun structure; 30a. First balun; 30b. Second balun; 30c. Third balun; 30d. Fourth balun; 31. Balun cavity; 311. First balun cavity; 312. Second balun cavity; 32. Cavity wall; 40. External feeding network; 41. External feeding network body; 42. Feeding strip; 43. Feeding cavity; 421. Coaxial core; 422. Coaxial outer conductor; 423. Coaxial medium. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the solution of this application will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0050] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application, but this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this application embodiment provides a radiating unit with an integrated feed network, including a radiator 10, a feed structure 20, and a balun structure 30. The radiator 10 includes at least one polarization, and each polarization includes at least two radiating arms 11. The feed structure 20 includes at least one feed piece 21, with at least one input terminal 22 of the feed piece 21 connected to an external feed network 40 and coupling the feed to the radiator 10. The balun structure 30 is located below the radiator 10 and includes a balun cavity 31 with openings at both ends. The balun cavity 31 includes a first balun cavity 311 and a second balun cavity 312. At least one first balun cavity 311 and at least one second balun cavity 312 are provided below the polarization. Each feed piece 21 includes a combiner, a phase shifter, a power divider, or a filter, which is integrated within the first balun cavity 311.

[0052] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the balun structure 30 is located below the radiating arm 11, providing impedance matching and support. The feed structure 20 is used to couple and feed the radiating arm 11, enabling the radiating arm 11 to radiate electromagnetic waves at the corresponding operating frequency. The feed piece 21 is at least partially integrated within the balun cavity 31, eliminating the need for external space on the balun structure 30. This high degree of spatial integration fully utilizes the antenna's spatial dimensions, facilitating antenna miniaturization. Furthermore, the balun cavity 31 has shielding properties, making the feed piece 21 within it less susceptible to interference and improving the antenna's anti-interference capability.

[0053] Further reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the radiator 10 includes two polarizations, each polarization including two radiating arms 11. One polarization includes a first radiating arm 11a and a second radiating arm 11b, and the other polarization includes a third radiating arm 11c and a fourth radiating arm 11d. The first radiating arm 11a and the second radiating arm 11b perform the function of radiating electromagnetic waves in the first polarization, and the third radiating arm 11c and the fourth radiating arm 11d perform the function of radiating electromagnetic waves in the second polarization. In some specific embodiments, the two polarizations are mutually orthogonal. In other implementations, a polarization may include three, four, or more radiating arms 11. The radiating unit may also include one, three, or more polarizations.

[0054] Further reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the balun structure 30 includes a first balun 30a, a second balun 30b, a third balun 30c, and a fourth balun 30d. The first balun 30a, the second balun 30b, the third balun 30c, and the fourth balun 30d are located in the first radiating arm 11a, the second radiating arm 11b, the third radiating arm 11c, and the fourth radiating arm 11d, respectively, and the four baluns respectively provide impedance matching and structural support to the four radiating arms.

[0055] The number of feed plates 21 includes two or more, and the two or more feed plates 21 are arranged intersectingly. Further reference... Figure 1As shown, in some specific embodiments, the number of feed plates 21 includes two, namely a first feed plate 21a and a second feed plate 21b. The first feed plate 21a and the second feed plate 21b are arranged orthogonally to each other and respectively excite and feed the radiator 10. Partial structures of the first feed plate 21a and the second feed plate 21b are arranged in four polarization baluns and respectively feed the four corresponding radiating arms. Each feed plate 21 includes a first feed segment 211 integrated in the first balun cavity 311, a second feed segment 212 exposed outside the balun cavity 31, and a third feed segment 213 disposed in the second balun cavity 312. The second feed segment 212 is connected between the first feed segment 211 and the third feed segment 213. At least a portion of the first feed segment 211 is formed as a combiner, phase shifter, power divider, or filter.

[0056] In some specific embodiments, the feeding plate 21 feeds the radiating arm in a coupled feeding manner.

[0057] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the radiating element mainly consists of two polarized half-wave radiating elements. Further reference... Figure 2 As shown, one polarized half-wave radiation unit consists of five parts: a first balun 30a, a second balun 30b, a first feed plate 21a, a first radiating arm 11a, and a second radiating arm 11b; the other polarized half-wave radiation unit consists of five parts: a third balun 30c and a fourth balun 30d, a second feed plate 21b, a third radiating arm 11c, and a fourth radiating arm 11d.

[0058] The balun cavity 31 is formed by a cavity wall 32, which is part of the balun structure 30. The balun cavity 31 has two openings: a top opening at the top of the balun structure 30 and a bottom opening at the bottom, meaning the balun cavity 31 extends through the entire balun structure 30. Taking one polarized half-wave radiation unit as an example, the balun cavity 31 includes at least one second balun cavity 312 formed below the first radiation arm 11a and at least one first balun cavity 311 formed below the second radiation arm 11b. In some specific embodiments, the number of first balun cavities 311 in a polarized half-wave radiation unit is two, and the number of second balun cavities 312 is one; that is, the cavity wall 32 of the first balun 30a forms one second balun cavity 312, and the cavity wall 32 of the second balun 30b forms two first balun cavities 311. The structure of the balun cavity 31 of another polarized half-wave radiation unit is similar to the above structure and will not be described in detail here. In other words, the radiation unit provided in this application embodiment has four first balun cavities 311 and two second balun cavities 312.

[0059] The number and topology of the first balun cavity 311 and the second balun cavity 312 can vary depending on the function of the feed structure 20, the form of the output terminal of the feed structure 20 or the form of the feed piece 21, thereby improving the adaptability and degree of freedom of the radiation unit in the embodiments of this application.

[0060] In some specific embodiments, each of the first feed section 211, the second feed section 212, and the third feed section 213 includes one unit. The second feed section 212 is connected between the first feed section 211 and the third feed section 213. The first feed section 211 is disposed in the first balun cavity 311, and the third feed section 213 is disposed in the second balun cavity 312. The second feed section 212 is exposed outside the balun cavity 31. At least a portion of the first feed section 211 is formed as a phase shifter, a power divider, or a filter.

[0061] In some other specific embodiments, the first feed section 211 includes at least two, the second feed section 212 and the third feed section 213 each include one, the second feed section 212 is connected between at least two first feed sections 211 and the third feed section 213, at least one first balun cavity 311 is provided with at least one first feed section 211, the third feed section 213 is provided in the second balun cavity 312, the second feed section 212 is exposed outside the balun cavity 31, wherein at least one first feed section 211 is formed as a phase shifter, power divider or filter, or at least two first feed sections 211 are formed as a combiner.

[0062] In this embodiment, the scheme is further described using two first feed sections 211. Further reference is provided. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, two first feed sections 211 are respectively disposed in one of the first balun cavities 311. Further, taking the two first feed sections 211 forming a combiner as an example, the solution of this application will be further explained. The first feed piece 21a includes two first feed sections 211, one second feed section 212, and one third feed section 213. The two first feed sections 211 include a first portion 211a and a second portion 211b. The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are respectively disposed in one of the first balun cavities 311, and the third feed section 213 is disposed in the second balun cavity 312. The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b form a combiner. The second feed section 212 connects the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b with the third feed section 213, that is, the second feed section 212 spans between the first radiating arm 11a and the second radiating arm 11b. The structure and deployment of the second feed piece 21b are the same as those of the first feed piece 21a, and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] On the one hand, integrating the first feed section 211 and the third feed section 213 into the balun cavity can further reduce the space occupied and improve the antenna space utilization. On the other hand, installing the first part 211a, the second part 211b and the third feed section 213 in different balun cavities respectively allows different parts of the feed piece 21 to form air strips or air coaxial transmission lines with the corresponding balun cavities. Since the loss value of air is small, the loss of the radiating element is effectively reduced, and the gain of the radiating element and the antenna efficiency are improved.

[0064] Further reference Figure 3 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the feed section 21 further includes a fourth feed segment 214. The fourth feed segment 214 is partially disposed in the first balun cavity 311 and partially extends out of the first balun cavity 311. One end of the fourth feed segment 214 is connected to the first feed segment 211 disposed in the first balun cavity 311, and the other end extends out of the first balun cavity 311 to form a polarized input terminal 22 of the radiation unit. It can be understood that, in some specific embodiments, the fourth feed segment 214 includes a third part 214a and a fourth part 214b. One end of the third part 214a and the fourth part 214b are respectively connected to the first part 211a and the second part 211b, and the other ends of the third part 214a and the fourth part 214b extend out of the first balun cavity 311 to form a polarized first input terminal 22a and a second input terminal 22b of the radiation unit.

[0065] In some specific embodiments, the first input terminal 22a and the second input terminal 22b can be connected to the external power supply network 40, respectively. For example, the first input terminal 22a is connected to the external power supply network 40 of the first frequency band, and the second input terminal 22b is connected to the external power supply network 40 of the second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band can be the same frequency band or different frequency bands; no specific limitation is made here.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, the fourth power supply section 214 can be constructed by bending a sheet metal part. If spatial connection is taken into account, it can be extended or bent for connection.

[0067] In some specific embodiments, the input terminal 22 and the external power supply network 40 can be coupled or coaxially welded, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0068] like Figure 4As shown, in some specific embodiments, the radiating unit is fed to the external feed network 40 via coupling. A schematic diagram of the feed at one port is provided for illustration. The first input terminal 22a is connected to the external feed network 40 of the first frequency band, which can be achieved through coupling or other methods. The external feed network 40 includes an external feed network body 41, a feed strip 42, and a feed cavity 43. The external feed network body 41 can be a stripline. The feed strip 42 is the output terminal of the external feed network 40 and is coupled to the input terminal of the radiating unit, i.e., the first input terminal 22a. It is understood that the feed strip 42 is typically a sheet metal wire or a metal feed wire made of a printed circuit board. The feed strip 42 is disposed in the feed cavity 43, and the two together form an external feed network body 41.

[0069] The feed piece 21 is at least partially disposed within the balun cavity 31, and at least one input terminal 22 of the feed piece 21 is connected to the external feed network 40 through the bottom opening of the balun cavity 31. That is, the feed piece 21 can be fully or almost entirely installed within the balun cavity 31, and the two openings of the balun cavity 31 are used to realize the signal input and output of the feed piece 21. This further improves the spatial integration of the balun structure 30.

[0070] In this application embodiment, no specific type of feeder is limited. Without departing from the inventive concept of this application, any type of feeder can be selected as the feeder in this application. For example, the feeder can be a combining feeder, a power dividing feeder, a phase shifting feeder, etc.

[0071] The feed structure 20 can process signals from the external feed network 40 and feed them to the radiating arm 11 through the feed plate 21 to achieve signal transmission. The first feed section 211 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following functional modules: combiner, phase shifter, power divider, and filter.

[0072] Integrating one, two, or more of the combiners, phase shifters, power dividers, and filters onto the network feeder further improves spatial integration. For example, the principle of open-circuit stubs can be used to integrate functional modules onto the network feeder.

[0073] Figures 1 to 4 An exemplary embodiment shows a square-shaped radiating arm 11 with a hollowed-out area, forming a generally annular structure. In other embodiments, the radiating arm 11 may also be other shapes, such as annular, rectangular, columnar, cylindrical, etc.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 4As shown in the embodiment of this application, the top surfaces of the multiple radiating arms 11 are basically flush, and the multiple radiating arms 11 are distributed around the balun cavity 31. Each balun cavity 31 is recessed into the hollow area of ​​the corresponding radiating arm 11. In this distribution method, the hollow areas of the balun cavity 31 and the radiating arms 11 share a portion of the space, which further improves the space utilization rate.

[0075] In some specific embodiments, the feeding structure 20 can feed the radiating arm 11 through either coupled feeding or direct feeding. For example, the feeding portion of the radiating arm 11 can be recessed downwards, and the feeding structure 20 can couple the feeding to the radiating arm 11. Combined with... Figure 1 The feed plate 21 is located above the balun structure 30. Part of the feed plate 21 is disposed inside the balun cavity 31 and part is located above the recessed position of the feed section of the radiating arm 11 to achieve coupled feeding of the radiating arm 11.

[0076] Alternatively, the feeding section of the radiating arm 11 can be connected to the feeding plate 21, and the feeding plate 21 can directly feed the radiating arm 11. Exemplarily, the other end of the radiating arm 11 can be directly connected to the feeding section of the radiating arm 11 by welding to achieve direct feeding of the radiating arm 11.

[0077] Furthermore, in some specific embodiments, the radiator 10 and the balun structure 30 are separate structures, wherein the radiator 10 is a single-piece molded part, the balun structure 30 is a single-piece molded part, and the radiator 10, the power supply structure 20, and the balun structure 30 are connected. Exemplarily, the balun structure 30 can be integrally molded by profile pultrusion.

[0078] Further reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first balun cavity 311 is any one of a rectangle, a square, or other regular or irregular shapes. Preferably, the cross-section of the first balun cavity 311 is rectangular. The cross-sectional shape of the second balun cavity 312 is any one of a circle, a semi-circle, a fan shape, or other regular or irregular shapes. Exemplarily, the cross-sectional shape of the second balun cavity 312 is circular. Ignoring the influence of the draft angle of the die-casting mold, the inner surfaces formed by the walls of each balun cavity with a square or rectangular cross-section are approximately parallel.

[0079] Two circular cross-section second balun cavities 312 and the third feed segment 213 of the feed plate 21 form an air coaxial transmission line, which is beneficial for reducing losses. The rectangular cross-section first balun cavity 311 and the first feed segment 211 of the feed plate 21 form an air stripline transmission line. Due to the low loss value of air and the shortened feed path, the loss of the feed network is reduced, thereby achieving the goal of improving the gain of the radiating element and the antenna efficiency.

[0080] In some specific embodiments, at least two first balun cavities 311 have the same cross-sectional shape, or at least two first balun cavities 311 have different cross-sectional shapes.

[0081] In some specific embodiments, the relative positions and contour shapes of each balun cavity can be adjusted according to the design requirements of the radiating unit feeding and the feeding network connection.

[0082] For example, different portions of the feed plate 21 can be placed in the multiple first balun cavities 311 corresponding to a polarization, further improving the space utilization of the balun structure 30.

[0083] In some specific embodiments, the feed plate 21 further includes a feed dielectric 215. (See also...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The feed medium 215 shown is disposed in the balun cavity 31 to insulate and support the portion of the feed sheet 21 integrated within the balun cavity 31. Exemplarily, the third feed segment 213 is insulated and supported inside the first balun 30a by the feed medium 215 disposed in the second balun cavity 312, and feeds the first radiating arm 11a and the second radiating arm 11b; the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are insulated and supported inside the second balun 30b by the feed medium 215 disposed in the first balun cavity 311, and feed the first radiating arm 11a and the second radiating arm 11b.

[0084] In some specific embodiments, the feed plate 21 typically consists of a first feed section 211 (including a first part 211a and a second part 211b), a second feed section 212, a third feed section 213, a fourth feed section 214, and a feed dielectric 215. The first feed section 211 (including the first part 211a and the second part 211b), the second feed section 212, the third feed section 213, and the fourth feed section 214 are typically made of bent sheet metal. The feed dielectric 215 is generally insulated from the feed sections by injection molding. The third feed section 213 is generally located within the second balun cavity 312, i.e., the coaxial cavity. The feed dielectric 215 provides insulation and support for the third feed section 213 and the second balun cavity 312, and couples the first radiating arm 11a with power. The second feed section 212 is generally located outside the balun cavity, connecting the third feed section 213 with the first part 211a and the second part 211b. Generally, the two polarized second feed sections 212 are of the same size, and spatial avoidance is achieved through concave-convex bending. The first part 211a and the second part 211b consist of a feed combining circuit for two frequency bands (e.g., the first and second frequency bands). The first and second frequency bands are the two sub-frequency bands in which the radiating unit operates. Taking the first part 211a as an example, it consists of a feed circuit 211a1 and a feed stub 211a2. In some specific embodiments, the feed circuit 211a1, the feed stub 211a2, and the cavity wall 32 of the first balun cavity 311 are parallel. The fourth feed section 214 is the input section of the first feed section 211. The external feed network 40 is connected to the fourth feed section 214 through coupling or welding to feed the two radiating arms of the radiating unit. The feeding dielectric 215 is placed in appropriate positions in the third feeding section 213, the first part 211a, the second part 211b and the fourth feeding section 214 respectively, and plays an insulating and supporting role.

[0085] For example, in some specific embodiments, the feed circuit 211a1 of the first part 211a is a first frequency band feed circuit, the feed branch 211a2 of the first part 211a is a first frequency band feed branch, the feed circuit 211b1 of the first part 211b is a second frequency band feed circuit, and the feed branch 211b2 of the second part 211b is a second frequency band feed branch. It can be understood that the structures of the first frequency band feed circuit and the second frequency band feed circuit, and the first frequency band feed branch and the second frequency band feed branch are similar but not completely the same.

[0086] It is understood that when the first feed section 211 is formed as a combiner, the first feed section 211 includes at least two, and the at least two first feed sections 211 are formed as feed circuits of different frequency bands, and the operating frequencies of the feed circuits of different frequency bands are different; when the first feed section 211 is formed as a filter, the operating frequencies of the feed circuits formed by different first feed sections 211 can be the same or different, and the number of feed branches 211a2 is less than the number of feed circuits 211a1. For example, the number of feed branches 211a2 is one less than the number of feed circuits 211a1, which is not specifically limited here.

[0087] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the feed sheet 21 consists of two orthogonal feed sheets, namely the first feed sheet 21a and the second feed sheet 21b, which respectively feed the two polarized radiating arms. Most of the structure of the feed sheet 21 is integrated into the balun cavity 31. The feed sheet 21 is typically formed by bending metal sheet metal. In the embodiments of this application, each feed branch 211a2 and the feed branches of other frequency bands face the same direction or different directions; for example, they all face upwards.

[0088] Taking the first feed piece 21a as an example, it mainly consists of a first feed section 211 (including a first part 211a and a second part 211b), a second feed section 212, a third feed section 213, a fourth feed section 214, and a feed dielectric 215. The second feed piece 21b and the first feed piece 21a have opposite spatial bending directions in the second feed section 212. Generally, the other components and features of the second feed piece 21b and the first feed piece 21a are symmetrical and the same.

[0089] like Figure 12 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the radiating element adopts a high-balun radiating element with a dual-stub feed network. When the balun height of the radiating element is relatively high, generally exceeding one-quarter of the corresponding wavelength of the operating frequency band, or in the case of low-frequency radiating elements, it is uniformly referred to as a high-balun radiating element application scenario. The high-frequency radiating element of the high-balun is generally a nested high-frequency radiating element. Taking the first part 211a as an example, the feed circuit 211a1 and the feed stub 211a2 can adopt a non-bending feed network as much as possible. There are two feed stubs 211a2 in the figure, which are simply referred to as a dual-stub feed network. The balun cavity has a narrower cavity width, which can realize the integration of the feed network and the radiating element, achieving miniaturization and low loss, thereby improving the gain of the radiating element and the antenna efficiency.

[0090] like Figure 13As shown, in some specific embodiments, the radiating element adopts a high-balun radiating element with a four-stub feed network. When the balun height of the radiating element is relatively high, generally exceeding one-quarter of the corresponding wavelength of the operating frequency band, or in the case of low-frequency radiating elements, it is uniformly referred to as a high-balun radiating element application scenario. Taking the first part 211a as an example, the feed circuit 211a1 and the feed stubs 211a2 can preferably adopt a non-bending feed network. In the figure, there are four feed stubs 211a2, which are simply referred to as a four-stub feed network. The more filter stubs the combiner has, the better the out-of-band rejection performance of the combiner.

[0091] like Figure 14 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the radiating element uses a low-profile balun. When the balun height of the radiating element is relatively short, generally less than one-quarter of the corresponding wavelength of the operating frequency band, it is uniformly referred to as a low-balun radiating element application scenario. When the balun of a non-nested high-frequency radiating element is less than one-quarter of the wavelength of the operating center frequency, a feed dielectric 215 can be loaded on the feed network. By changing the dielectric constant of the feed network, since the dielectric constant of the feed dielectric 215 is greater than that of air (1), the length and width of the feed network can be miniaturized. According to the principle, the balun and feed lines of the radiating element are significantly smaller than those of conventional radiating elements, thereby achieving miniaturization of the radiating element.

[0092] like Figure 15 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the radiating element is integrated into the splitter within the balun structure 30. The radiating element provided in this application, in addition to the combiner, can also integrate the splitter within the balun structure 30. Further reference... Figure 15 As shown, the fourth feed segment 214 serves as the input port of the integrated two-way power divider, the straight feed stub 211a2 serves as one output port of the two-way power divider, and the multiple curved feed circuits 211a1 serve as the other output port of the two-way power divider. The other end of the straight feed circuit 211a1 enters another first balun cavity 311 from the radiating arm, passes through the bottom opening of the other first balun cavity 311, and connects to the feed network of other external radiating units. The multiple curved feed circuits 211a1 couple the radiating arm through coupling.

[0093] like Figure 16 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the radiating element integrates a phase shifter into the balun structure 30. Multiple bent-line feed circuits 211a1 are the striplines of the phase shifter, and the feed dielectric 215 is the dielectric of the phase shifter, typically a double-sided dielectric, sandwiching the feed stub 211a2 in the middle. Moving the solid arrow as shown in the figure adjusts the area of ​​the feed dielectric 215 covering the stripline of the feed stub 211a2, thereby changing the phase of the radiating element feed network and achieving antenna phase shaping adjustment.

[0094] Figure 17 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a radiating element and an external feed network using coaxial welding for power supply. The external feed network 40 uses a coaxial cable, which consists of a coaxial cable core 421, a coaxial outer conductor 422, and a coaxial dielectric 423. As shown, the third feed segment 213 is connected to the coaxial cable core 421 by welding, and the coaxial outer conductor 422 is welded to the balun cavity wall 32. The feed portion of the coaxial cable is substantially parallel to the fourth feed segment 214.

[0095] Figure 18 The diagram shows another structural design where the radiating element and external feed network are coaxially welded together. Figure 17 The difference in implementation lies in the fact that the coaxial cable's feeding section and the fourth feeding segment 214 are basically perpendicular. Alternatively, the height or horizontal position of the fourth feeding segment 214 can be offset, and the coaxial cable's feeding section and the fourth feeding segment 214 can also have other feeding methods with included angles.

[0096] like Figure 19 As shown, in a specific embodiment where the radiating element is an integrated combiner, the combiner operates at frequencies ranging from 2.515 GHz to 2.675 GHz in the first band and from 1.885 GHz to 2.025 GHz in the second band. The worst-case insertion losses in the passbands of the first and second bands are 0.143 dB and 0.1 dB, respectively, significantly lower than the losses in other similar feeder networks, thereby improving the gain and radiation efficiency of the radiating element. The worst-case out-of-band rejection of the first band to the second band is 37.61 dB, and the worst-case out-of-band rejection of the second band to the first band is 42.47 dB, fully achieving the inter-frequency isolation requirements of the radiating element across different frequency bands.

[0097] like Figure 20 As shown, in a specific embodiment where the radiating element is an integrated combiner, the worst values ​​of the VSWR in the passbands of the first and second frequency bands are 1.2259 and 1.205, respectively, achieving good matching of the radiating element and thus indirectly realizing high gain and high radiation efficiency of the radiating element.

[0098] Based on the foregoing description, the radiating unit of this application embodiment has the following technical effects: the feed network is integrated inside the balun of the radiating unit, shortening the feed path loss; the air stripline reduces the feed network loss, thereby improving the gain and radiation efficiency of the radiating unit; other implementations include integrating the combiner's combining part inside the cavity, resulting in even lower losses; the feed cavity and the radiating cavity are integrally formed. The integration of the feed network and the balun of the radiating unit improves space reuse; the input end of the feed plate can be arbitrarily adjusted; the feed position size of the network can be adjusted according to the size of the balun; the balun cavity can integrate various feed network forms, etc.

[0099] On the other hand, this application also provides a base station antenna, including a radiating element of the integrated feed network provided by the above embodiments.

[0100] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0101] The terms “vertical,” “horizontal,” “upper,” “middle,” “lower,” and similar expressions are for illustrative purposes only and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0102] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. They can also refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0103] The term "and / or" in this application is inclusive. For example, "A; and / or B" means that there is only A, or only B, or both A and B. "Multiple" means two or more.

[0104] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A radiating unit with an integrated feed network, comprising a radiator (10) and a feed structure (20), the radiator (10) comprising at least one polarization, the feed structure (20) comprising at least one feed element (21), at least one input terminal (22) of each feed element being connected to an external feed network (40) and feeding the radiator (10), characterized in that, The radiation unit further includes: A balun structure (30) is located below the radiator (10). The balun structure (30) has a balun cavity (31) with openings at both ends. The balun cavity (31) includes a first balun cavity (311). The polarization is provided with at least one first balun cavity (311). The feed plate (21) includes a combiner, a phase shifter, a power divider or a filter, which are integrated in the first balun cavity (311). The balun cavity (31) also includes a second balun cavity (312), which is formed below another radiating arm (11) in a polarization; Each of the feed sections (21) includes a first feed section (211) disposed within the first balun cavity (311), a second feed section (212) exposed outside the balun cavity (31), and a third feed section (213) disposed within the second balun cavity (312), wherein the second feed section (212) is connected between the first feed section (211) and the third feed section (213); Each of the polarizations includes at least two radiating arms (11), with the first balun cavity (311) formed below one of the radiating arms (11) in a polarization; At least two first balun cavities (311) are provided below at least one of the radiating arms (11), and at least two first feed sections (211) are provided in at least one of the first balun cavities (311). At least two of the first feed sections (211) are formed as the combiner, or at least one of the first feed sections (211) is formed as the phase shifter, power divider or filter.

2. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the first balun cavity (311) is rectangular or square.

3. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first power supply segment (211) includes a power supply circuit (211a1) and a power supply branch (211a2). The power supply branch (211a2) is disposed on the power supply circuit (211a1). The structures of multiple first power supply segments (211) are the same or different.

4. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 3, characterized in that, When at least two of the first feed sections (211) are formed as the combiner, the at least two first feed sections (211) are formed as feed circuits of different frequency bands, and the operating frequencies of the feed circuits of different frequency bands are different.

5. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first feed segment (211) is formed as the filter, the number of feed stubs (211a2) is less than the number of feed circuits (211a1).

6. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first power supply section (211) is also provided with a power supply medium (215), which is configured to insulate and support the first power supply section (211) and the second balun cavity (312).

7. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the first feed section (211) is formed as the power divider, the feed circuit (211a1) and the feed stub (211a2) respectively serve as an output port of the power divider. The feed piece (21) also includes a fourth feed section (214), which serves as an input port of the power divider.

8. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the first feed segment (211) is formed as the phase shifter, the phase of the first feed segment (211) is changed by adjusting the area of ​​the feed medium (215) covering the feed stub (211a2).

9. The radiating unit of the integrated feeder network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the second balun cavity (312) includes a circle, a semi-circle, or a fan shape.

10. The radiating element of the integrated feeder network according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The radiator (10) and the balun structure (30) are separate structures, wherein the radiator (10) and the balun structure (30) are each integrally formed parts.

11. The radiating element of the integrated feeder network according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The input terminal (22) is coupled to the external power supply network (40) for power supply or coaxial welding.

12. A base station antenna, characterized in that, It includes the radiating unit of the integrated power supply network as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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