Cable-free frequency division combining phase shifter and antenna

Abstract

The invention is applicable to the technical field of communication, and provides a cable-free frequency division combining phase shifter, which comprises a metal cavity, a phase shifting network, a filter network, a phase compensation network, a power division connection network and a medium, and is characterized in that the metal cavity is provided with four independent metal inner cavities, and the four metal inner cavities are connected into a whole through metal bodies in pairs; the medium is arranged on two sides of the phase shift network and is clamped with the phase shift network, two ends of the phase compensation network are respectively connected with the phase shift network and the filter network, the phase shift network comprises a first phase shift network and a second phase shift network, and the first phase shift network and the second phase shift network are respectively arranged in a group of metal inner cavities. The power division connection network is respectively connected with the first phase shift network and the second phase shift network, the filter network comprises a first filter network arranged on the first phase shift network and a second filter network arranged on the second phase shift network, and the first filter network and the second filter network are connected through a plugboard. In this way, cable-free integration is adopted, and low loss and low cost are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a cableless frequency divider, combiner, and phase shifter and antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, base station antennas are trending towards multi-band, multi-port, low-cost, low-loss, high-gain, and integrated designs. As the most crucial component of a base station antenna, the phase shifter becomes increasingly complex within a limited size range as the number of antenna bands and ports increases, necessitating the use of phase shifters with frequency division and combining capabilities. Furthermore, traditional frequency division base station antenna systems require multiple external frequency dividers and combiners, each typically requiring an independent feeder (cable) to connect to the antenna radiating element. This leads to complex installation and high costs. Moreover, the longer the connecting cable, the greater the signal attenuation, resulting in significant insertion loss, which reduces the antenna system's radiation efficiency and coverage. The use of cables of varying lengths and characteristics also leads to uncontrollable phase errors, affecting the antenna's beamforming accuracy.

[0003] In conclusion, the existing technology obviously has inconveniences and defects in practical use, so it is necessary to improve it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention aims to provide a cable-free frequency divider, combiner, and phase shifter and antenna, which adopts cable-free integration to achieve low loss and low cost.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter, comprising a metal cavity, a phase shifting network, a filter network, a phase compensation network, a power divider connection network, and a dielectric. The metal cavity has four independent metal cavities, which are connected in pairs to form a single unit via a metal body. The dielectric is disposed on both sides of the phase shifting network and snapped into the phase shifting network. The two ends of the phase compensation network are respectively connected to the phase shifting network and the filter network. The phase shifting network includes a first phase shifting network and a second phase shifting network, which are respectively disposed within a set of the metal cavities. The power divider connection network is respectively connected to the first phase shifting network and the second phase shifting network. The filter network includes a first filter network and a second filter network, with the first filter network disposed on the first phase shifting network and the second filter network disposed on the second phase shifting network. The first filter network and the second filter network are connected via a plug-in plate.

[0006] According to the cableless frequency divider, combiner, and phase shifter of the present invention, the filtering network includes multiple independent filtering networks, and the multiple independent filtering networks respectively include the first filtering network and the second filtering network.

[0007] According to the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter of the present invention, the medium includes a first sliding medium and a second sliding medium. The first sliding medium is disposed on both sides of the first phase shifting network and is engaged with the first phase shifting network. The second sliding medium is disposed on both sides of the second phase shifting network and is engaged with the second phase shifting network.

[0008] According to the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter of the present invention, the first sliding medium is snapped into the first phase shifting network by a snap fastener, and the second sliding medium is snapped into the second phase shifting network by a snap fastener.

[0009] According to the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter of the present invention, the metal cavity is provided with a power divider network connection slot corresponding to the power divider connection network, and the metal cavity is provided with a filter network connection slot corresponding to the filter network.

[0010] According to the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter of the present invention, the first phase shifting network is provided with a first isolation slot, and the second phase shifting network is provided with a second isolation slot.

[0011] According to the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter of the present invention, the outer wall of the metal cavity is provided with a plurality of welding seats, and the welding seats are laser welded to the metal cavity.

[0012] According to the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter of the present invention, the power divider connection network includes a first power divider connection network and a second power divider connection network.

[0013] To achieve another objective of the present invention, the present invention also provides an antenna, comprising a reflector, at least one radiating element, and a cable-free frequency divider-combiner-phase shifter as described in any one of the above embodiments, wherein the radiating element is disposed on the power divider connection network of the cable-free frequency divider-combiner-phase shifter, and the cable-free frequency divider-combiner-phase shifter is disposed on the reflector.

[0014] According to the antenna of the present invention, the power divider connection network is provided with a radiating element socket corresponding to the radiating element.

[0015] This invention discloses a cable-free frequency divider / combiner phase shifter and antenna, comprising a metal cavity, a phase shifting network, a filter network, a phase compensation network, a power divider connection network, and a dielectric. The metal cavity has four independent metal inner chambers, which are connected in pairs by a metal body. The dielectric is disposed on both sides of the phase shifting network and snapped into the network. The phase shifting network, phase compensation network, and power divider connection network are disposed within the metal inner chambers and connected as a whole. The radiating element is inserted into the power divider connection network, reducing antenna insertion loss and simplifying assembly. Thus, this invention achieves low loss and low cost through cable-free integration. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cableless frequency divider, combiner, phase shifter, and radiating unit provided by the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the combination of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter and the radiating unit provided by the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter provided by the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter provided by the present invention, including the first phase shifting network;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter provided by the present invention, including the second phase shifting network. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0023] like Figures 1-6As shown, this invention provides a cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter 100, including a metal cavity 1, a phase shifting network 2, a filter network 3, a phase compensation network 4, a power divider connection network 5, and a dielectric 6. The metal cavity 1 has four independent metal inner cavities 11, which are connected in pairs by a metal body. Each metal inner cavity 11 has slots corresponding to the phase shifting network 2, phase compensation network 4, filter network 3, and power divider connection network 5 for easy connection. The dielectric 6 is disposed on both sides of the phase shifting network 2 and snaps into it. The dielectric constant of the dielectric 6 is set according to the parameters of the phase shifter 100. The two ends of the phase compensation network 4 are connected to the phase shifting network 2 and the filter network 3, respectively. The phase compensation network 4 is configured as a microstrip line of a certain length and width, such as a bent line, a straight line, or a slow-wave line. The length of the microstrip line is set according to the zero-phase of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter 100, and the width of the microstrip line is set according to the port matching degree of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter 100. The phase compensation network 4 is used to compensate for the phase at the connection between the phase shifting network 2 and the filter network 3, realizing the cableless connection of the phase shifter 100. The number and position of the phase compensation network 4 correspond one-to-one with the number of the filter network 3. The phase shifting network 2 includes a first phase shifting network 21 and a second phase shifting network 22. The first phase shifting network 21 and the second phase shifting network 22 are respectively located in a set of the metal cavities 11. The first phase shifting network 21... The first phase-shifting network 21 and the second phase-shifting network 22 operate in two different frequency bands and are independently phase-shifted. The power divider connection network 5 connects the first phase-shifting network 21 and the second phase-shifting network 22. Specifically, the first phase-shifting network 21 and the second phase-shifting network 22 are respectively snapped into the power divider connection network 5. The power divider connection network 5 is directly inserted and welded into the power divider connection slot 12 of the metal cavity 1. The metal cavity 1 is provided with metal cavity rivet holes 13 for fixed connection with the power divider connection network 5. The power divider connection network 5 is provided with power divider connection network rivet holes 53 corresponding to the metal cavity rivet holes 13. The power divider connection network 5 is fixed to the metal cavity 1 through the power divider connection network rivet holes 53 and the metal cavity rivet holes 13, connecting the first phase-shifting network 21 and the second phase-shifting network 22. The phase-shifting network 22 is connected, and the filter network 3 consists of multiple independent filter networks 3, including a first filter network 31 and a second filter network 32. The first filter network 31 and the second filter network 32 are for different frequency bands. The first filter network 31 is disposed on the first phase-shifting network 21, and the second filter network 32 is disposed on the second phase-shifting network 22. Specifically, the first filter network 31, the second filter network 32, the first phase-shifting network 21, and the second phase-shifting network 22 are respectively located on the same substrate. The operating frequency band of the first filter network 31 corresponds to that of the first phase-shifting network 21, and the operating frequency band of the second filter network 32 corresponds to that of the second phase-shifting network 22.The first filter network 31 and the second filter network 32 are connected by a connector 7, which can be a metal sheet, a double-layer PCB board, or a single-layer PCB board. The connector 7 is used to connect the first phase-shifting network 21 and the second phase-shifting network 22. Of course, the connection method between the first phase-shifting network 21, the second filter network 31, the first filter network 32, and the phase compensation network 4 is not limited to suspended lines on a metal body, a double-layer PCB board, or a single-layer PCB board. The first filter network 31 and the second filter network 32 each have a filtering function, isolating a wideband signal into two narrowband signals, thus achieving frequency division.

[0024] Preferably, the filter network 3 includes multiple independent filter networks 3, each of which includes the first filter network 31 and the second filter network 32. The first filter network 31, the second filter network 32, the first phase-shifting network 21, and the second phase-shifting network 22 are located on the same substrate. The operating frequency band of the first filter network 31 corresponds to that of the first phase-shifting network 21, and the operating frequency band of the second filter network 32 corresponds to that of the second phase-shifting network 22.

[0025] Preferably, such as Figures 5-6 As shown, the medium 6 includes a first sliding medium 61 and a second sliding medium 62. The first sliding medium 61 is disposed on both sides of the first phase shifting network 21 and is engaged with the first phase shifting network 21. The second sliding medium 62 is disposed on both sides of the second phase shifting network 22 and is engaged with the second phase shifting network 22. The first sliding medium 61 drives the first phase shifting network 21 to slide, thereby realizing the phase shifting of the first phase shifting network 21. The second sliding medium 62 drives the second phase shifting network 22 to slide, thereby realizing the phase shifting of the second phase shifting network 22. The first sliding medium 61 and the second sliding medium 62 slide relative to each other to realize the phase shifting of the cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter 100.

[0026] Preferably, the first sliding medium 61 is snapped into the first phase-shifting network 21 by a snap fastener, and the second sliding medium 62 is snapped into the second phase-shifting network 22 by a snap fastener. The first sliding medium 61 is disposed on both sides of the first phase-shifting network 21, and the second sliding medium 62 is disposed on both sides of the second phase-shifting network 22. The first phase-shifting network 21 has first sliding grooves 212 of different lengths, and the second phase-shifting network 22 has second sliding grooves 222 of different lengths. The first sliding medium 61 is snapped into the first sliding groove 212, and the second sliding medium 62 is snapped into the second sliding groove 222, facilitating the first sliding... Medium 61 and the second sliding medium 62 slide in the first slide groove 212 and the second slide groove 222 respectively to realize phase shifting of phase shifter 100. The first sliding medium 61 and the second sliding medium 62 are composed of phase shifting plates with different structures. Several windows are respectively opened on the first sliding medium 61 and the second sliding medium 62 at the corresponding phase shifting part. The size and relative position of the windows are set according to the matching of the phase shifting part of the phase shifting network 2 and the phase shifting amount. The first sliding medium 61 and the second sliding medium 62 realize phase shifting of the cable-free frequency divider and combiner phase shifter 100 by relative sliding.

[0027] Preferably, the metal cavity 1 is provided with a power divider network connection slot 12 corresponding to the power divider connection network 5, and the metal cavity 1 is provided with a filter network connection slot 14 corresponding to the filter network 3. The power divider network connection slot 12 and the filter network connection slot 14 can be circular, square or other geometric shapes. The number of power divider network connection slots 12 and filter network connection slots 14 is set according to the number of ports of the phase shift network 2 and the number of filter networks 3, and can be one or more. The insert plate 7 is placed in the filter network connection slot 14 and connected to the first filter network 31 and the second filter network 32 respectively to form a complete filter network 3.

[0028] Preferably, the first phase-shifting network 21 is provided with a first isolation slot 211, and the second phase-shifting network 22 is provided with a second isolation slot 221. The position of the first isolation slot 211 matches the structure of the first filter network 31, and the position of the second isolation slot 221 matches the structure of the second filter network 32. The first isolation slot 211 and the second isolation slot 221 are respectively used to reduce the coupling interference of signals inside the first filter network 31 and the second filter network 32.

[0029] Preferably, the outer wall of the metal cavity 1 is provided with a plurality of welding seats 8, which are fixed on the outer wall of the metal cavity 1. The welding seats 8 support the coaxial cable of the main feed port of the phase shifter 100. The welding seats 8 and the metal cavity 1 are laser welded together, eliminating the need for electroplating of the metal cavity 1 and reducing costs.

[0030] Preferably, the power divider connection network 5 includes a first power divider connection network 51 and a second power divider connection network 52. The first power divider connection network 51 and the second power divider connection network 52 are not limited to a one-to-two power divider network or a one-to-one power divider network. They are set as a one-to-two power divider network or a one-to-one power divider network according to the functional requirements of the antenna. The first power divider connection network 51 and the second power divider connection network 52 are respectively provided with protrusions on both sides at corresponding distances. Corresponding connecting grooves are provided on the protrusions. The power divider connection network 5 is connected to the first phase shifting network 21 and the second phase shifting network 22 through the connecting grooves. The power divider connection network 5 is set on the metal cavity 1 and connects the metal bodies of the four metal cavities 1. It is fixed to the metal cavity rivet holes 13 of the metal cavity 1 by rivets or screws. The radiating unit 200 is inserted into the power divider connection network 5. The power divider connection network 5 connects the phase shifter 100 and the radiating unit 200.

[0031] In this implementation, the working principle is as follows: a wideband phase-shifting network 2 is divided into two narrowband phase-shifting networks of different frequency bands through a frequency-division and combining network; and a phase compensation network 4 ensures that the zero-phase connection between each radiating element 200 and the main feed port of the phase shifter 100 is consistent. No cable connection is required between the radiating element 200 and the ports of the phase shifter 100, which reduces the antenna's insertion loss, improves its radiation efficiency and coverage area, and enhances its beamforming accuracy. Structurally, it avoids complex cable routing, simplifies antenna assembly, improves manufacturability, and significantly reduces production costs and increases production efficiency.

[0032] This invention provides an antenna, including a reflector, at least one radiating element 200, and a cable-free frequency divider / combiner / phase shifter 100 as described above. The radiating element 200 is disposed on the power divider connection network 5 of the cable-free frequency divider / combiner / phase shifter 100. The cable-free frequency divider / combiner / phase shifter 100 is disposed on the reflector. The metal cavity 1 of the cable-free frequency divider / combiner / phase shifter 100 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 15. The cable-free frequency divider / combiner / phase shifter 100 is fixed to the top of the reflector through the screw holes 15. It can operate in two different frequency bands to achieve independent phase shifting and electrical adjustment, meeting the needs of multi-system network coverage.

[0033] Preferably, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the power divider connection network 5 is provided with a radiation unit socket corresponding to the radiation unit 200. The radiation unit 200 is plugged into and fixed on the power divider connection network 5 through the radiation unit socket, thereby realizing the connection between the radiation unit 200 and the phase shifter 100.

[0034] In summary, this invention provides a cable-free frequency divider / combiner and antenna, comprising a metal cavity, a phase-shifting network, a filter network, a phase compensation network, a power divider connection network, and a dielectric. The metal cavity has four independent metal inner cavities, which are connected in pairs by a metal body. The dielectric is located on both sides of the phase-shifting network and snaps into it. The phase-shifting network, phase compensation network, and power divider connection network are located within the metal inner cavities and connected as a whole. The radiating element is inserted into the power divider connection network, reducing antenna insertion loss and simplifying assembly. Therefore, this invention employs cable-free integration to achieve low loss and low cost.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "welding," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter, characterized in that, The system includes a metal cavity, a phase-shifting network, a filter network, a phase compensation network, a power divider connection network, and a dielectric. The metal cavity has four independent metal cavities, which are connected in pairs to form a single unit via a metal body. The dielectric is disposed on both sides of the phase-shifting network and snapped into it. The phase compensation network is connected at both ends to the phase-shifting network and the filter network, respectively. The phase-shifting network includes a first phase-shifting network and a second phase-shifting network, which are respectively disposed within a group of the metal cavities. The power divider connection network is connected to both the first and second phase-shifting networks. The filter network includes a first filter network and a second filter network, with the first filter network disposed on the first phase-shifting network and the second filter network disposed on the second phase-shifting network. The first and second filter networks are connected via a connector.

2. The cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filtering network includes multiple independent filtering networks, each of which includes the first filtering network and the second filtering network.

3. The cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medium includes a first sliding medium and a second sliding medium. The first sliding medium is disposed on both sides of the first phase shifting network and is engaged with the first phase shifting network. The second sliding medium is disposed on both sides of the second phase shifting network and is engaged with the second phase shifting network.

4. The cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first sliding medium is engaged with the first phase-shifting network via a snap fastener, and the second sliding medium is engaged with the second phase-shifting network via a snap fastener.

5. The cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal cavity is provided with a power divider connection slot corresponding to the power divider connection network, and the metal cavity is provided with a filter network connection slot corresponding to the filter network.

6. The cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first phase-shifting network is provided with a first isolation slot, and the second phase-shifting network is provided with a second isolation slot.

7. The cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the metal cavity is provided with multiple welding seats, and the welding seats are laser welded to the metal cavity.

8. The cableless frequency divider and combiner phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power splitting network includes a first power splitting network and a second power splitting network.

9. An antenna, characterized in that, It includes a reflector, at least one radiating element, and a cable-free frequency divider and combiner phase shifter as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the radiating element is disposed on the power divider connection network of the cable-free frequency divider and combiner phase shifter, and the cable-free frequency divider and combiner phase shifter is disposed on the reflector.

10. The antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that, The power distribution network is provided with radiation unit sockets corresponding to the radiation units.

Images