Antenna and base station

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna and a base station, the antenna comprises an antenna housing, a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, and the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit are arranged in the antenna housing; the first antenna unit comprises a radiation unit array, and the radiation unit array is used for receiving or radiating a first signal; the second antenna unit comprises a radiator, and the radiator is used for receiving or radiating a second signal; the overlapping area of the vertical projection of the radiator and the radiation unit array in the radiation direction of the first signal is smaller than a first threshold value, and the communication distance of the second signal is smaller than or equal to the communication distance of the first signal. According to the antenna and the base station provided by the invention, short-distance interconnection and management between the antenna and other equipment can be realized, and interference on long-distance communication of the antenna is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to an antenna and a base station. Background Technology

[0002] With the evolution of communication standards, the number of base station antennas deployed at a physical site is constantly increasing. However, these antennas are currently unable to interconnect and are difficult to identify, making precise management challenging. Therefore, this application aims to solve the problem of how antennas can be identified and interconnected with other devices while avoiding interference with the original communication signals of the antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an antenna and a base station that enable short-range interconnection and management between the antenna and other devices, while avoiding interference with long-range communication of the antenna.

[0004] In a first aspect, an antenna is provided, comprising: an radome, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element, wherein the first antenna element and the second antenna element are disposed within the radome; the first antenna element includes a radiating element array for receiving or radiating a first signal; the second antenna element includes a radiator for receiving or radiating a second signal; the overlap area of ​​the vertical projection of the radiator and the radiating element array in the radiation direction of the first signal is less than a first threshold, and the communication distance of the second signal is less than or equal to the communication distance of the first signal.

[0005] The antenna provided in this application embodiment has both the first antenna element and the second antenna element disposed within the radome, meaning that the first antenna element and the second antenna element can be deployed together on the antenna aperture, enabling a compact antenna design and rational use of space resources. In addition, the overlapping area of ​​the vertical projection of the radiator and the radiating element in the radiation direction of the first signal is less than a first threshold. The value of the first threshold can be as small as possible to avoid the radiator blocking the radiating element array in the radiation direction of the first signal, affecting the reception or radiation of the first signal, thereby avoiding signal interference from the second antenna element to the first antenna element.

[0006] This application embodiment sets up a second antenna unit for short-range communication on the basis of an existing first antenna unit, thereby realizing the interconnection of the antenna with other devices. The design of the second antenna unit position can make reasonable use of the space of the original antenna and avoid signal interference to the first antenna unit used for long-range communication. This achieves precise management of the antenna and the interconnected devices, and ensures the communication quality of long-range communication signals.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the radiation element array includes a plurality of radiation elements, and the radiator surrounds one or more of the plurality of radiation elements along a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the plane in which the radiation element array is located.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the radiator surrounds the radiating element array along a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the plane in which the radiating element array is located.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first antenna unit further includes a reflector, the radiating element array is disposed on the reflector, the radiator is located on the sidewall of the reflector and surrounds it along a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the plane in which the radiating element array is located.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the radiators are multiple.

[0011] The antenna provided in this application embodiment can maximize the use of space resources within the radome and also make the position design of the second antenna unit more flexible.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second antenna element further includes a feed point connected to the radiator, the feed point being located on the central axis of the radiator, the central axis being perpendicular or parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0013] The feed point provided in this embodiment is located on the central axis of the radiator, which ensures that the radiation intensity on both sides of the central axis of the radiator is the same, making short-range communication identification more convenient. At the same time, the second signal received or radiated by the second antenna unit is relatively weak in the radiation direction of the first signal, but relatively strong in other directions, which can further reduce the interference of the second signal on the first signal.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first antenna element is a passive antenna or an active antenna.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the type of the second antenna element includes one of the following: a Bluetooth antenna, a wireless local area network antenna, or a near-field communication antenna.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the radiator is a unidirectional coil, a ring coil, or a sheet-like structure.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the vertical projection of the radiator along the radiation direction of the first signal is a square ring or a circular ring.

[0018] In a second aspect, a base station antenna feeder system is provided, including a mounting frame, an antenna adjustment bracket, and an antenna as described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof, wherein the antenna is mounted on the mounting frame via the antenna adjustment bracket.

[0019] Thirdly, a base station is provided, including an antenna as described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and a radio frequency system connected to the antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a radiator applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a radiator applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a radiator applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a first antenna element applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the reflector and radiator applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna direction applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna direction applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an identification scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure Labels

[0036] 100-Communication system; 101-Base station; 102-Terminal; 10-Antenna; 110-Radar radome; 120-First antenna element; 130-Second antenna element; 121-Radiating element array; 1211-Radiating element; 122-Reflector; 123-Feed network; 1231-Power divider; 1232-Combiner; 1233-Filter; 1234-Transmission component; 1235-Phase shifter; 1236-Calibration network; 124-Second transmission line; 131-Radiator; 132-Feed point; 70-Active antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0037] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained and described below.

[0038] 1. Active antenna

[0039] An active antenna is an antenna with a built-in amplifier or tuner. It can amplify, tune, and increase the gain of the received signal, thereby improving signal quality and transmission distance. Active antennas typically require an external power supply to provide the necessary gain and amplification. Typical active antennas include amplifier antennas, tuner antennas, and feedback antennas.

[0040] 2. Passive antenna

[0041] A passive antenna is a radiating element composed of passive components. It is a device for transmitting or receiving signals, but it cannot provide signal amplification or frequency adjustment. It does not require an external power supply and relies on the energy of the transmitted signal to achieve communication. Common passive antennas include dipole antennas, helical antennas, and spark antennas.

[0042] 3. Antenna pattern

[0043] Antenna pattern, also known as radiation pattern, is a graph showing how the relative field strength (normalized modulus) of the antenna's radiated field changes with direction at a certain distance from the antenna. It is usually represented by two mutually perpendicular planar patterns passing through the antenna's maximum radiation direction.

[0044] 4. Mechanical connection

[0045] A mechanical connection refers to a structural connection between two components. Mechanical connections can be divided into direct mechanical connections and indirect mechanical connections. A direct mechanical connection means that two components are in direct contact and connected. For example, component A and component B are directly connected by one or more of the following methods: welding, snap-fitting, riveting, bonding, abutment, and locking (such as threaded locking). An indirect mechanical connection means that two components are connected through one or more other components. For example, component A and component B are connected through component C, where component A and component C can be directly mechanically connected, and / or, component B and component C can be directly mechanically connected.

[0046] 5. Electrical connection

[0047] An electrical connection, also known as a mechanical connection or electrical link, refers to two components that can conduct energy between each other. For example, two components can conduct electrical signals; or, through an induced magnetic field, energy can be transmitted between two components. Electrical connections can be divided into direct electrical connections and indirect electrical connections. A direct electrical connection refers to two components that are mechanically connected and can conduct energy between each other. An indirect electrical connection is also known as a coupled connection. Through a coupled connection, energy transmission or exchange can be achieved. In some embodiments, a coupled connection between component A and component B means that component A and component B are relatively close and there is no interfering medium between them. For example, there is no conductor medium interfering with component A and component B, and the energy radiated by component A can be transmitted to component B through the space between component A and component B.

[0048] 6. Radiation unit

[0049] A radiating element is a component in an antenna used to receive / transmit electromagnetic wave radiation. Specifically, the radiating element converts guided wave energy from the transmitter into radio waves, or converts radio waves into guided wave energy, thereby radiating and receiving radio waves. The modulated high-frequency current energy (or guided wave energy) generated by the transmitter is transmitted to the transmitting radiating element via a feed line, where it is converted into electromagnetic wave energy of a specific polarization and radiated in a specific direction. The receiving radiating element converts the electromagnetic wave energy of a specific polarization from a specific direction in space back into modulated high-frequency current energy, which is then transmitted to the receiver input via a feed line.

[0050] A radiating element can also be called an antenna element, an element, etc. A radiating element is the basic unit that makes up a radiating element array.

[0051] 7. Reflector

[0052] A reflector can also be called a floor, base plate, antenna panel, or metal reflector. Reflectors are generally made of metal and have an electrical effect on the antenna. For example, reflectors can improve the antenna's signal reception sensitivity by reflecting and focusing the signal onto the receiving point, thereby enhancing the antenna's receiving and transmitting capabilities. They also block and shield interference from electromagnetic waves originating from the back of the reflector (in the opposite direction to the antenna's radiation direction), thus enhancing the antenna's directivity.

[0053] The reflector can also serve as the main structure of the antenna, supporting the radiating element array and the feed network.

[0054] 8. Power supply network

[0055] The feed network is a crucial component of an antenna, connecting the antenna port and the radiating element to form a signal transmission path. It enables functions such as impedance matching and amplitude / phase allocation. The main function of the feed network is to feed signals from the transmitter to the radiating element with specific amplitude and phase, or to transmit radio signals received from the radiating element to the receiver with specific amplitude and phase. The feed network typically includes controlled impedance transmission lines. In some embodiments, the feed network may also include phase shifters. In other embodiments, the feed network may also include combiners, filters, and other similar devices.

[0056] 9. Phase shifter

[0057] A phase shifter is a device used to change the feed phase and amplitude of each radiating element in a radiating element array. Phase shifters can change the phase difference between adjacent radiating elements, causing the antenna's vertical beam to form a specific downtilt angle, thus flexibly changing the beam coverage. Phase shifters are part of the feed network, which typically includes a power divider and phase shifters connected to each branch of the power divider.

[0058] Phase shifters can be divided into dielectric phase shifters and physical phase shifters. Dielectric phase shifters achieve phase shifting by changing the wavelength of the guided wave. Physical phase shifters achieve phase shifting by changing the transmission path length of the electromagnetic wave.

[0059] 10. Radiation element array

[0060] A radiating element array is an array structure composed of at least one radiating element arranged according to a certain geometric pattern, with at least one radiating element sharing the same power supply network for operation.

[0061] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 to which this application is applicable is shown. For example... Figure 1As shown, the communication system 100 may include a base station 101 and a terminal 102, and wireless communication can be realized between the base station 101 and the terminal 102.

[0063] In this embodiment, terminal 102 can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. As an example and not a limitation, terminal 102 can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. It can also be an in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal equipment in a 5G network, or a terminal equipment in a future public land mobile network (PLMN), etc. This embodiment does not limit the scope of the application.

[0064] In this embodiment, base station 101 can also be referred to as an access network device. Base station 101 can be located in base station 101 subsystem (BBS), UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), and is used to provide cell coverage for signals to enable communication between terminals and wireless networks. By way of example and not limitation, base station 101 can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Next Generation Node Base Station (gNB) in a New Radio (NR) system, a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario, or a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, or network equipment in future networks, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0065] In this embodiment of the application, the base station 101 is configured with a base station antenna feeder system to realize the transmission of signals in space. The base station antenna feeder system includes an antenna 10 and a radio frequency unit connected to the antenna 10.

[0066] Figure 2 , Figures 6 to 9 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The antenna 10 includes an radome 110, a first antenna element 120, and a second antenna element 130, with the first antenna element 120 and the second antenna element 130 disposed inside the radome 110.

[0067] It should be understood that the radome 110 can be Figure 2The radome 110, the outer shell of the antenna body, protects the antenna from external environmental influences and also possesses good electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics. The radome 110 is typically cylindrical or cuboid in shape. An antenna with a cylindrical radome 110 can be called a columnar antenna, and an antenna with a cuboid radome 110 can be called a plate antenna. The radome 110 can also be integrated with other structures in the base station 101 to form a unified structure. This application does not limit the structural components that can be integrated with the radome 110.

[0068] It should be noted that the first antenna unit 120 and the second antenna unit 130 are both located inside the radome 110, meaning that the first antenna unit 120 and the second antenna unit 130 can be deployed on the same antenna aperture, which can achieve a compact antenna design and make rational use of space resources.

[0069] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first antenna element 120 includes a radiating element array 121 for receiving or radiating a first signal, and each radiating element array 121 includes one or more radiating elements 1211. The second antenna element 130 includes a radiator 131 for receiving or radiating a second signal. Along the radiation direction of the first signal, the overlapping area of ​​the vertical projections of the radiator 131 and the radiating elements 1211 is less than a first threshold. The communication distance of the second signal is less than or equal to the communication distance of the first signal.

[0070] It should be noted that the overlapping area of ​​the vertical projection of the radiator 131 and the radiating element 1211 in the radiation direction of the first signal is less than the first threshold. The value of the first threshold can be as small as possible to avoid the radiator 131 blocking the radiating element array 121 in the radiation direction of the first signal, affecting the reception or radiation of the first signal, thereby avoiding the second antenna element 130 from causing signal interference to the first antenna element 120.

[0071] It should be noted that the radiation direction of the first signal is either perpendicular to the plane where the radiation unit array 121 is located, or intersects the plane where the radiation unit array 121 is located at an angle, both of which are applicable to this application.

[0072] It should also be noted that the communication distance, that is, the maximum distance between the transmitter of the signal transmitting end and the receiver of the signal receiving end that enables wireless communication to work properly, means that the first antenna unit can transmit the first signal over a long distance to cover a wider communication range, while the second antenna unit can transmit data over a relatively short distance to achieve short-range communication.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the first signal is used for long-distance communication. For example, the first signal is a signal used for communication with base station 101, which can transmit and exchange information over a large range. The communication distance of the first signal can be hundreds of meters or kilometers, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the second signal is used for short-range communication, and the communication distance of the second signal is within a first range. The range of the first threshold can be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 30m, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0075] The antenna provided in this application embodiment achieves interconnection with other devices by setting a second antenna unit for short-range communication on the basis of an existing first antenna unit. At the same time, the design of the second antenna unit position can make reasonable use of the space of the original antenna and avoid signal interference to the first antenna unit for long-range communication. This achieves precise management of the antenna and the interconnected devices, and ensures the communication quality of long-range communication signals.

[0076] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a radiator 131 applicable to an embodiment of this application. The total number of turns of the radiator 131 can be 1, 2, 3, or more. (In conjunction with...) Figure 4 As shown, the radiator 131 is a unidirectional spiral coil; or combined with Figure 5 As shown, the radiator 131 is a ring coil; or the radiator 131 is a sheet-like structure.

[0077] In one possible implementation, there are one or more radiators 131. When there are multiple radiators 131, the vertical projections of each radiator in the radiation direction of the first signal do not overlap, but the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0078] In one possible implementation, when the radiator 131 is a single entity, its vertical projection in the radiation direction of the first signal is square, circular, polygonal, or any shape; this embodiment is not limited to this. When there are multiple radiators 131, their vertical projections in the radiation direction of the first signal are multiple circles arranged at intervals or intersecting, or multiple polygons arranged at intervals or intersecting, etc.; this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the radiator 131 surrounds one or more of a plurality of radiating elements 1211.

[0080] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the radiator 131 surrounds one or more of the plurality of radiating units 1211. This can be understood as a single radiator 131 itself being a ring structure, encircling one or more of the plurality of radiating units 1211 within the ring of the radiator 131. Alternatively, it can be understood as the plurality of radiators 131 being arranged along the periphery of one or more of the plurality of radiating units 1211 to form a ring array. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0081] For example, combining Figure 3 As shown, a single radiator 131 surrounds the radiating element array 121.

[0082] For example, combining Figure 6 As shown, multiple radiators 131 are arranged around the periphery of multiple radiating units 1211.

[0083] For example, combining Figure 7 As shown, the first radiating unit 1211 is one of the radiating units 1211 in the radiating unit array 121, and the radiator 131 is a coil. Taking the radiation direction of the first signal as perpendicular to the plane where the radiating unit array is located as an example, the projection of the radiator 131 along the radiation direction of the first signal is circular. The radiator 131 surrounds the first radiating unit 1211, so that the projection of the first radiating unit 1211 along the radiation direction of the first signal is located inside the ring of the radiator 131.

[0084] For example, combining Figure 8 As shown, the first radiation unit 1211 and the second radiation unit 1211 are two radiation units in the radiation unit array 121, and the radiator 131 is a coil. Taking the radiation direction of the first signal as perpendicular to the plane where the radiation unit array is located as an example, the projection of the radiator 131 along the radiation direction of the first signal is square. The radiator 131 surrounds the first radiation unit 1211 and the second radiation unit 1211, so that the projections of the first radiation unit 1211 and the second radiation unit 1211 along the radiation direction of the first signal are both located within the projection of the radiator 131.

[0085] In one possible implementation, combining Figure 9 As shown, the radiator 131 is sheet-shaped and located on one side close to the radiating unit array 121.

[0086] In one possible implementation, combining Figure 10As shown, the first antenna element has a physical aperture, and the second antenna element is located within the physical aperture of the first antenna element. Taking the figure as an example, the radiating element array 121 includes four radiating elements 1211 located at the corners of the radiating element array 121. The vertical projection of each corner radiating element 1211 along the first direction is formed by the intersection of two hypotenuses. Each hypotenuse includes two endpoints, that is, each corner radiating element 1211 includes four endpoints. The first endpoint of these four endpoints is the endpoint close to the two sides adjacent to the radome 110 and far away from the other two sides of the radome 110. The area formed by connecting the first endpoints of each corner radiating element 1211 is the physical aperture of the first antenna element.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second antenna unit 130 is disposed within the physical aperture of the first antenna unit 120, which can effectively utilize space resources and reduce physical volume.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the second antenna unit 130 further includes a chip or circuit, and the radiator 131 includes a first end and a second end, which are respectively connected to the chip or circuit via coaxial lines.

[0089] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the first antenna element 120 applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0090] It should be understood that in the first antenna element 120, the frequencies of the radiating elements 1211 in the same radiating element array 121 may be the same or different.

[0091] The first antenna element 10 may further include a reflector 122 and a feed network 123. A radiating element 1211 is disposed on one side of the reflector 122. The feed network 123 is located between the radiating element 1211 and the power amplifier of the radio frequency unit. The feed network 123 can supply power to the radiating element 1211 via a second transmission line 124, for example, by providing the radiating element 1211 with specific power and phase.

[0092] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 11As shown, the feed network 123 may include a power divider 1231 (or combiner 1232) that can be used in either forward or reverse directions, for splitting one signal into multiple signals or combining multiple signals into one. The feed network 123 may also include a filter 1233 for filtering out interference signals. For electrically tunable antennas, the feed network 123 may further include a transmission component 1234 and a phase shifter 1235. The transmission component 1234 is used to achieve different radiation beam directions, and the phase shifter 1235 is used to change the maximum direction of signal radiation. In some cases, the phase shifter 1235 may also function as a power divider 1231 (or combiner 1232), thus eliminating the need for the power divider 1231 (or combiner 1232) in the feed network 123.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the power supply network 123 may also include a calibration network 1236 to obtain the required calibration signal.

[0094] In this embodiment of the application, the different devices included in the power supply network 123 can be electrically connected through transmission lines and connectors.

[0095] It should be noted that the power divider 1231 (or combiner 1232) can be located in Figure 2 The radome 110 shown can be inside or outside. Furthermore, the electrical connections between the various components mentioned above are not unique. Figure 11 The diagram only schematically illustrates the positional relationship and electrical connection of one possible component.

[0096] In one possible implementation, combining Figure 11 As shown, the first antenna element 120 also includes a reflector 122, combined with... Figure 12 As shown, the radiation unit array 121 is disposed on the reflector 122, and the radiator 131 is located on the side wall of the reflector 122 and surrounds it along the first direction. The side wall of the reflector 122 is perpendicular to the plane where the radiation unit array 121 is located. The side wall of the reflector 122 can be an inner wall or an outer wall. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the radiator 131 surrounds the inner wall of the radome 110 to increase the distance between the second antenna element 130 and the radiating element array 121, thereby maximizing the utilization of the antenna aperture.

[0098] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram applicable to the feed point 132 in the embodiments of this application. The second antenna unit 130 also includes a feed point 132, which is connected to the radiator 131 and is used to send or receive signals to the radiator 131.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the feed point 132 is located on the central axis of the radiator 131, which is perpendicular or parallel to the horizontal plane and can divide the radiator 131 into two symmetrical parts.

[0100] by Figure 13 For example, the feed point 132 is located at the midpoint of any side of the radiator 131 along the positive x-axis. Figure 13 As shown, when the feed point 132 is located at the midpoint of any side of the radiator 131 along the positive x-axis, the radiation direction of the second signal is along the x-axis in both positive and negative x-axis directions. The energy of the second signal is stronger in the x-axis direction and relatively weaker in the radiation direction of the first signal, which can further reduce the interference of the second signal received or radiated by the second antenna unit 130 on the first signal.

[0101] by Figure 14 For example, when the feed point 132 is located at the midpoint of any side of the radiator 131 along the positive z-axis, the radiation direction of the second signal is along the z-axis towards the positive and negative directions of the z-axis. The energy of the second signal is stronger in the z-axis direction and relatively weaker in the radiation direction of the first signal, which can further reduce the interference of the second signal received or radiated by the second antenna unit 130 on the first signal.

[0102] It should be noted that the feed point 132 is located on the central axis of the radiator 131, which makes the radiation intensity on both sides of the central axis of the radiator 131 the same, making short-range communication more convenient.

[0103] It should be noted that the central axis in this embodiment is allowed to have a predetermined threshold deviation, rather than an absolutely strict definition in a mathematical sense.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the feed point 132 may also be located at a location other than the radiation direction of the first signal, for example, the feed point 132 may be located on the diagonal of the radiating element array. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the first antenna element 120 can be a passive antenna or an active antenna.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the second antenna unit 130 can be a near field communication (NFC) antenna, and the communication frequency band of the second signal is 13.56MHz.

[0107] Taking a passive antenna element 120, an NFC antenna element 130, and other devices as active antennas as an example, the identification process may include: the active antenna sending an activation signal to the NFC antenna; the NFC antenna being activated and responding to the active antenna; and data exchange between the NFC antenna and the active antenna. This data may include representation information, authentication data, or other information required for mutual identification. The active antenna receives the response data from the NFC antenna and performs related processing, storage, or execution operations, such as reading information or executing specific instructions.

[0108] It should be noted that the 13.56MHz NFC antenna transmits electromagnetic signals through near-field coupling, resulting in a much shorter communication distance than traditional antennas. Common communication protocols for NFC antennas include ISO14443-A / B and ISO15693. In ISO14443-A / B, the antenna communication distance is approximately 10cm, while in ISO15693, the maximum communication distance is 1m.

[0109] It should also be noted that the commonly used operating frequency of NFC antennas is 13.56MHz, but 13.56MHz is not a limitation on the operating frequency of the NFC antenna in this application. The operating frequency of the NFC antenna can also be 13.56MHz±7kHz, or 13.56MHz±678Hz, etc. Any operating frequency that can be used for NFC antennas is within the protection scope of this application.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the second antenna unit 130 is a Bluetooth antenna, and the communication frequency band of the second signal is 2.4 to 2.5 GHz.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the second antenna unit 130 is a Wi-Fi antenna, and the communication frequency band of the second signal is 2.4–2.5 GHz or 5.1–5.8 GHz.

[0112] It should be noted that the types and communication frequency bands of the second antenna units in this application are not limited to those in the above embodiments.

[0113] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a recognition scenario applicable to an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 15 As shown, in the stacking scheme of the base station antenna feeder system, multiple antennas can be stacked one after the other (which can be understood as multiple antennas stacked). More specifically, the antenna 10 and other devices such as the active antenna 70 provided in this application embodiment are stacked along the radiation direction of the first signal. The antenna 10 receives or radiates the second signal through the second antenna unit, recognizes each other with the active antenna 70 and establishes a connection. The radiation direction of the second signal is perpendicular to the radiation direction of the first signal, thus avoiding electromagnetic shielding and mutual interference between antennas.

[0114] In another identification scenario, the antenna 10 provided in this application embodiment can be used for the initial tower installation location identification of the antenna. The second antenna element 130 of the antenna 10 receives or radiates a second signal to establish communication with the ground communication equipment. The second signal may include the location information of the antenna 10, such as the installation height. By receiving the second signal, the ground communication equipment can determine the installation location of the antenna, making the tower installation of the antenna more convenient and the installation location more accurate.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0118] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0119] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0120] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0121] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that, include: The antenna radome, the first antenna element, and the second antenna element are disposed inside the antenna radome. The first antenna element includes a radiating element array, which is used to receive or radiate a first signal; The second antenna element includes a radiator for receiving or radiating a second signal; The overlap area of ​​the radiator and the radiating unit array in the vertical projection of the first signal is less than a first threshold, and the communication distance of the second signal is less than or equal to the communication distance of the first signal.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation element array includes multiple radiation elements, and the radiator surrounds one or more of the multiple radiation elements.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiator surrounds the array of radiating elements.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first antenna unit further includes a reflector, the radiating element array is disposed on the reflector, and the radiator is located around the sidewall of the reflector.

5. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, There are multiple radiators, and the vertical projections of at least one of the radiators in the radiation direction of the first signal do not overlap.

6. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second antenna element further includes a feed point connected to the radiator, the feed point being located on the central axis of the radiator, the central axis being perpendicular or parallel to the horizontal plane.

7. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first antenna element is a passive antenna or an active antenna.

8. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second antenna unit can be one of the following types: Bluetooth antenna, wireless LAN antenna, or near-field communication antenna.

9. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The radiator is a unidirectional coil, a ring coil, or a sheet-like structure.

10. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The vertical projection of the radiator along the radiation direction of the first signal is a square ring or a circular ring.

11. A base station, characterized in that, include: The antenna as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the radio frequency unit connected to the antenna.

12. A system, characterized in that, It includes at least one base station as described in claim 11.

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