Multi-antenna mounting device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a multi-antenna mounting device (200) for configuring a spacing between two spatially separated antenna devices (300). The multi-antenna mounting device (200) comprises two antenna devices (300) and a controllable adjustment device (400) to which the antenna devices (300) are arranged. Each antenna arrangement (300) comprises an antenna (600) and a radio unit (700), the radio unit (700) being co-located and connected with the antenna (600), and the adjustment arrangement (400) making it possible to control the spatial distance (d) between the two antenna arrangements (300). The present disclosure also relates to a multi-antenna mast device (100) comprising an antenna mast (1000) and a multi-antenna mounting device (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a multi-antenna mounting device that facilitates antenna operation and antenna device maintenance. Background Technology

[0002] MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) antenna technology is a mature antenna technology used to improve the spectral efficiency and reliability of wireless communications using microwave transmission. In a MIMO antenna system, multiple antenna elements (usually referred to as antennas) are deployed at both the transmitter and receiver. Compared to the more traditional single-antenna system (also known as SISO, Single-Input Single-Output), this allows multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously on the same transmission frequency, whereas SISO can only transmit one microwave transmission data stream at a time on one transmission frequency. Multiple antennas supporting multiple microwave transmission data streams achieve increased capacity, for example, by improving spectral efficiency.

[0003] Antennas used for wireless communication are typically located on rooftops or other high and exposed locations. Currently, and likely in the future, wireless communication technology relies on the use of directional antennas. Directional antennas must be installed vertically and horizontally with high precision. If the transmitting and receiving antennas used to provide wireless communication are not correctly placed, oriented, and configured, the connectivity provided by the antennas may be adversely affected. For multi-antenna devices (such as MIMO antenna systems), accurate and precise installation is even more critical, as not only the exact orientation of the transmitting and receiving antennas needs to be considered, but also interference between adjacent antennas needs to be accounted for and compensated for during reception. For example, antennas should be arranged with the correct vertical and horizontal spatial spacing. Antennas used for wireless communication are typically installed at high locations, which also means they may be exposed to high wind loads. This is even more pronounced for multi-antenna devices (such as MIMO antenna systems) because the number of individual antennas is greater, resulting in a larger exposed antenna surface area, and the antennas are typically arranged with greater spacing. The wide spacing between antennas can sometimes also make maintenance difficult.

[0004] The high precision required for MIMO antenna systems is not only relevant to antenna deployment. It also applies during or after maintenance work, or when replacing faulty components of the antenna system. When deploying a MIMO antenna system, or after performing maintenance, the antenna installation typically requires multiple realignments and retunings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As mentioned above, antenna installations for wireless communication are typically placed in exposed locations. For multi-antenna installations, the distance between individual antennas can be several meters. This means that installation and maintenance are often challenging, and maintenance technicians must cope with sometimes difficult working conditions. Furthermore, with each generation of wireless communication technology, the complexity of multi-antenna system components increases. This is even more pronounced if the multi-antenna installation includes not only antenna components but also components associated with the radio unit.

[0006] One object of this disclosure is to provide an improved multi-antenna mounting device that facilitates the maintenance of antennas (or possibly more related co-located radio units). The multi-antenna mounting device according to this disclosure also contributes to improved multi-antenna operation. Another object of this disclosure is to provide an antenna mast assembly including such a multi-antenna device, which also benefits from the advantages provided by the multi-antenna mounting device according to this disclosure.

[0007] This objective is achieved, at least in part, by a multi-antenna mounting device for configuring the spacing between two spatially separated antenna devices. The multi-antenna mounting device includes two antenna devices and a controllable adjustment mechanism on which the antenna devices are arranged. Each antenna device includes an antenna and a radio unit, the radio unit being co-located with and connected to the corresponding antenna, and the adjustment mechanism is capable of controlling the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices. d .

[0008] This disclosure has many advantages. One exemplary advantage is that, because this disclosure enables antenna devices, including antennas and radio units, to be positioned close to each other during antenna installation, realigning of the antenna devices, or maintenance work, this work is greatly simplified and can be performed more quickly and safely, as it can be performed near the center of the antenna mast. Additional exemplary advantages will be presented in conjunction with embodiments of this disclosure described below.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the antenna device is spatially separated horizontally or vertically.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the adjustment device is configured such that when the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices is changed using the adjustment device... d At that time, each antenna device moves an equal distance relative to a reference point on an axis extending between the antenna devices. Δd / 2 Therefore, an additional exemplary advantage is that two antenna devices can be aligned simultaneously. To further clarify, the adjustment device is configured such that when the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices is changed using the adjustment device... d At that time, the two antenna devices will move an equal distance in opposite directions. Δd / 2 They either move closer to each other or move further apart.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the adjustment device is provided with a position marking device that indicates the position of at least one antenna device. According to other embodiments, the position marking device indicates a maintenance position (generally referred to herein as position B) and an operating position (generally referred to herein as position A) for at least one antenna device. An advantage of using the marking device according to embodiments of this disclosure is that a maintenance technician who has climbed the antenna mast to perform maintenance work on the multi-antenna installation can know the exact position of the antenna device before moving it to a position where maintenance work can be performed. This allows the maintenance technician to reposition the antenna devices of the multi-antenna installation back to the operating position after performing maintenance work. According to other embodiments, the position marking device indicates a second operating position (generally referred to herein as position C) for one antenna device, wherein the second operating position (position C) is determined by an applied precoding. The advantage of being able to change the precoding and thus be able to position the antenna devices closer to each other during operation is that it reduces the forces experienced by the multi-antenna installation in strong winds.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the adjusting device includes two interconnected and movable elements relative to each other, wherein each antenna device is arranged on one element. According to an embodiment, the adjusting device includes: a slide carrier and a slide rod, the slide carrier being arranged to receive the slide rod such that the slide rod can move within the slide carrier, and one antenna device is arranged on the slide rod, and another antenna device is arranged on the slide carrier. According to another embodiment, the adjusting device includes: two racks and a pinion, the two racks being arranged in parallel, the pinion being arranged to separate and engage the racks such that as the pinion rotates, the racks move in opposite directions, and wherein each of the racks is arranged with an antenna device. According to an embodiment, the rotation of the pinion is controlled by rotating a crank handle. According to another embodiment, the adjusting device includes a motor, which is arranged to control the operation of the adjusting device, in other words, the movement of the elements of the adjusting device. Non-limiting examples of how to control the elements of the adjusting device by means of a motor are provided below. The motor can be an electric motor. According to an embodiment, the motor can be arranged to control the rotation of the pinion or to control the displacement of the slide rod within the slide carrier.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the motor is configured to control the adjustment device upon a first triggering condition, causing at least one antenna device to be moved or displaced to a maintenance position (generally referred to herein as position B), and upon a second triggering condition, to control the adjustment device to return at least one antenna device to its position prior to the occurrence of the first triggering condition (generally referred to herein as position A). It should be noted that this generally refers to embodiments of the present disclosure when both antenna devices are moved. According to an embodiment, both antenna devices return to their positions prior to the occurrence of the first triggering condition. According to another embodiment, the motor is configured to control the adjustment device upon a third triggering condition, causing at least one antenna device to be moved or displaced to a second operating position (generally referred to herein as position C), wherein the second operating condition (position C) is determined by applied precoding. According to an embodiment, both antenna devices are moved or displaced to the second operating position.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a multi-antenna mast assembly, comprising an antenna mast and a multi-antenna mounting device, the multi-antenna mounting device including two antenna devices and a controllable adjustment device on which the antenna devices are arranged. Each antenna device includes an antenna and a radio unit, the radio unit being co-located with and connected to the corresponding antenna, and the adjustment device being capable of controlling the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices. d The multi-antenna mounting device can be any embodiment of the multi-antenna mounting device disclosed herein, wherein the multi-antenna mast device will benefit from any advantages provided by such a multi-antenna mounting device.

[0015] Other advantages of embodiments of this disclosure are discussed below.

[0016] Brief description of the attached figures

[0017] Figures 1A to 1B The first embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated schematically. Figures 2A to 2C A second embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated schematically. Figure 3 A first exemplary embodiment of the regulating device according to the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 4 A second exemplary embodiment of the regulating device according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated, and Figure 5 The physical principles of an exemplary multi-antenna system are illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Various aspects of this disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the different apparatuses, devices, systems, etc., disclosed herein can be implemented in various ways and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed and discussed herein. Generally, various reference numerals used in the drawings refer to different elements, while the same reference numerals indexed by different letters indicate different individuals of the same element.

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A first embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated, and more precisely, a multi-antenna mast assembly 100 including an antenna mast 1000 and a multi-antenna mounting device 200a is shown. The multi-antenna mounting device 200a is provided for configuring the spacing between two spatially separated antenna devices 300a, 300b (also referred to herein as 300). The multi-antenna mounting device 200a includes two antenna devices 300a, 300b and a controllable adjustment device 400. The antenna devices 300a, 300b are arranged to the controllable adjustment device 400. Each antenna device 300a, 300b includes at least one antenna 600 and at least one radio unit 700, wherein the radio unit 700 is co-located with and connected to the respective antenna 600. The adjustment device 400 is configured to control the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices 300a, 300b. d ( d A , d B The various embodiments of how the adjustment device is configured are discussed in more detail below. According to the embodiments, each antenna 600 is co-located and connected with a radio unit 700, that is, one antenna 600 corresponds to one radio unit 700.

[0020] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the exemplary embodiments described above, and according to other embodiments, the antenna devices 300a and 300b of the multi-antenna mounting apparatus 200a are horizontally separated in space. However, according to other embodiments, the two antenna devices can also be arranged vertically, meaning that one antenna device is above the other, thereby providing an adjustment mechanism to control the vertical spatial spacing between the two antenna devices. Clearly, the orientation of the transmitting and receiving antennas should correspond; that is, if the transmitting antennas are arranged with a vertical spacing, the receiving antennas should also be arranged with a vertical spacing. Preferably, the spatial spacing between the transmitting and receiving antennas should be substantially the same. Generally, the greater the difference in spatial spacing between the transmitting and receiving antennas, the more robust the modulation required.

[0021] According to embodiments, each antenna device may be provided with one or more radio units, such as a radio unit for vertical polarization and a radio unit for horizontal polarization; and one or more antennas (elements), such as an antenna element for vertical polarization and an antenna element for horizontal polarization.

[0022] Figure 1A and Figure 1B It shows the state called Figure 1A Position A and shown Figure 1B An exemplary multi-antenna mounting device 200 is shown at two positions, indicated by position B. Position A can represent an operational position, and position B can represent a maintenance position. The operational position (position A) can be the position of antenna devices 300a and 300b during operation. The configuration of the operational position (position A), or the spatial spacing between antenna devices 300a and 300b when in the operational position (position A), is also considered. d A For example, the distance to the receiving multi-antenna device (assuming the multi-antenna device under discussion is a transmitting antenna device) and the transmission frequency f (or wavelength) λ The distance between the transmitting and receiving antennas (or antenna devices) is typically referred to in this paper as the straight-path length or hop length. The hop length between the transmitting and receiving antenna devices, and the spatial spacing between antenna elements in a multi-antenna system, are determined by [the specific parameters]. Figure 5 This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0023] Figure 1B The diagram shows the spatial spacing between antenna devices 300a and 300b when in the maintenance position (position B). d B Much smaller than the spatial spacing when in the operating position (position A) d A The difference in spatial spacing, therefore d A and d B The difference in distance between them is expressed in this article. For Δd ,therefore Δd = d A – d B Reducing the spatial spacing between antenna devices facilitates maintenance. Although in Figure 1A and Figure 1BWhile not visible in the center, operating position A and maintenance position B can be marked using a position marking device, thereby marking the position of at least one antenna device. As will be discussed in more detail below, when implementing embodiments of the multi-antenna mounting apparatus of this disclosure, if the position of one antenna device is known, the position of the second antenna device is necessarily also known. This will combine... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0024] When in position B (maintenance position), antenna devices 300a and 300b are positioned closer to each other, allowing maintenance technicians performing maintenance work easy access without having to climb to each antenna device 300a and 300b. This contrasts with the accessibility of the radio unit 700, for example, when antenna devices 300a and 300b are in position A (operation position). The ability to move antenna devices 300a and 300b to the maintenance position facilitates maintenance work, saves time, and makes the work safer.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the adjustment device 400 is configured such that when the adjustment device 400 is used to change the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices 300a and 300b, d At the same time, each antenna device 300a and 300b moves an equal distance relative to a reference point on axis A extending between antenna devices 300a and 300b. Δd / 2 (The reference point can be located anywhere on axis A, as long as it is between antenna devices 300a and 300b and axis A passes through antenna devices 300a and 300b.) To further clarify, according to an embodiment, the adjustment device is configured such that when the spatial distance between the two antenna devices is changed using the adjustment device... d At that time, the two antenna devices move equal distances in opposite directions. Δd / 2 As will be discussed in more detail below, spatial spacing is crucial when designing and deploying multi-antenna systems. d Therefore, there are also changes in spatial spacing. Δd It is one of the variables that needs to be known or can be calculated. For example, this information is needed when determining the precoding to be applied.

[0026] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the exemplary embodiment shown, antenna devices 300a and 300b are placed side by side in the horizontal direction. Figure 1A and Figure 1BAn advantage of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure shown is that when the antenna devices 300a and 300b are moved by means of the adjusting device 400, they will move an equal distance relative to the center of gravity of the multi-antenna mounting device 200a. This, in turn, has the effect that when the antenna devices 300a and 300b are moved, the multi-antenna mounting device 200a, the multi-antenna mast device 100, and the antenna mast 1000 will not be subjected to any additional force due to changes in weight distribution or imbalance (which would occur if only one of the antenna devices 300a and 300b is moved when the spatial spacing is changed).

[0027] As mentioned earlier, although Figure 1A and Figure 1B Although not shown, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the antennas may also be arranged vertically, meaning that one antenna device is above another antenna device.

[0028] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C A second embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown, wherein the multi-antenna mounting device 200b includes two antenna devices 300c, 300d (also referred to herein as 300), but wherein each antenna device 300c, 300d includes two antennas 600, each antenna 600 having a radio unit 700. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The illustrated embodiments show that each antenna device 300c, 300d includes a radio unit 700 for each antenna 600, but according to the embodiments, one radio unit can be provided for each pair (vertical or horizontal) of antennas. The advantage of doing so is obviously that fewer radio units are required. For antenna devices where the antenna and radio unit are co-located, the radio unit is the most common source of failure.

[0029] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The embodiment of the multi-antenna mounting device 200 shown further schematically illustrates that the adjustment device 400 includes a motor 800, which is arranged to control the operation of the adjustment device 400. According to an embodiment, the motor 800 may be an electric motor.

[0030] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C An exemplary multi-antenna mounting device 200b is shown in three locations, which are referred to as... Figure 2A Position A shown Figure 2B Position B shown Figure 2C Position C is shown. (As for...) Figure 1A and Figure 1B The subject of discussion Figure 2APosition A can represent the operation position, while Figure 2B Position B can indicate the maintenance location. Figure 2C Position C can represent the second operating position, where the horizontal spatial spacing d C It is configured between position A and position B. As discussed, typical antenna devices, especially multi-antenna devices, can be subjected to significant wind loads. The greater the spatial spacing between the antennas in a multi-antenna device, the greater the force exerted on the multi-antenna due to the leverage effect. Embodiments of this disclosure enable the multi-antenna device of this disclosure to have not only a (first) operating position (position A), but also at least a second operating position (position C), which can be used, for example, during periods of strong winds. Those skilled in the art will recognize, upon studying this disclosure, that additional operating positions can also be defined. Changing the operating position from position A to position C (which will reduce the...) d A arrive d C The horizontal spacing will at least partially reduce the wind load on the multi-antenna mount 200b. However, reducing the horizontal spatial spacing of the antenna mounts 300c and 300d requires compensation through the application of (different) precoding. According to the embodiment, the spatial spacing d C It can be d A Approximately 60%.

[0031] According to other embodiments of this disclosure, the motor 800 of the adjustment device 400 can be configured to control the adjustment device 400 at a first trigger condition, such that the antenna devices 300c and 300d are moved or displaced to a maintenance position (position B), and at a second trigger condition, to control the adjustment device 400 so that the antenna devices 300c and 300d return to their positions prior to the occurrence of the first trigger condition (operating position, position A). According to another embodiment, the motor 800 of the adjustment device 400 can be configured to control the adjustment device 400 at a third trigger condition, such that the antenna devices 300c and 300d are moved or displaced to a second operating position (position C), wherein the second operating position (position C) is determined by applied precoding.

[0032] The triggering conditions, which are therefore often referred to in this document as the first triggering condition, the second triggering condition, and the third triggering condition, can be, for example, instructions given by a maintenance technician using a remote control or control panel to move the motor of the adjusting device to any one of position A, position B, or position C.

[0033] Now we discuss several non-limiting example triggering conditions that can automatically move the antenna device of the multi-antenna mounting apparatus according to this disclosure to a defined location: The trigger condition for moving the antenna device to position B (maintenance position) could be, for example, that the radio unit of the antenna device is turned off. The trigger condition for moving the antenna device back to position A (operation position) could be, for example, that the radio unit has been turned back on for a period of time.

[0034] The triggering condition for moving the antenna device to position C (the second operating position) could be, for example, an anemometer (preferably connected to the multi-antenna mounting device) indicating that a preset wind speed (wind load) threshold has been reached. As mentioned above, operating the multi-antenna mounting device when in position C typically requires the application of (different) precoding.

[0035] The triggering condition for moving the antenna assembly to position B (i.e., the maintenance position) could be, for example, a failure of one of the components of the antenna assembly, such as a failure of a radio unit. Even when one of the antenna components is not functioning properly (this can also be referred to as a failure mode), the multi-antenna mount can still operate as a SISO antenna.

[0036] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an alternative to controlling the spatial spacing between antenna devices by means of a motor-controlled adjustment device is to control the adjustment device by means of a crank handle. This will combine Figure 3 Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0037] Still referencing Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C ; Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C The embodiment of the multi-antenna mounting device 200b shown is configured to adjust and control the horizontal spatial spacing of the antenna devices 300c and 300d. However, it should be noted that other embodiments of the multi-antenna mounting device according to this disclosure can be configured to adjust and control the vertical spatial spacing of the antenna devices.

[0038] According to another embodiment ( Figure 2A Figure 2b or Figure 2C (Not shown in the image) For a multi-antenna mounting device comprising four antenna devices, wherein each antenna device includes at least one antenna having a radio unit co-located with and connected thereto, the multi-antenna mounting device includes two adjustment devices, one of which is configured (or arranged) to control the vertical spacing of the antenna devices, and the other of which is configured (or arranged) to control the horizontal spacing of the antenna devices.

[0039] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to multi-antenna mounting devices comprising two or four antenna units. Aspects of this disclosure also apply to multi-antenna systems comprising, for example, six or eight antenna units.

[0040] As those skilled in the art will recognize, when reference is made herein to a radio unit, it can be a radio unit in what is sometimes referred to as an “all-outdoor” system, meaning that the radio unit is configured to manage (and therefore include means capable of managing) such as frequency conversion, power conditioning, flow processing, and signal processing; or it can be a radio unit in what is sometimes referred to as a “split-mount” system, meaning that, for example, flow processing, signal processing, and power conditioning are managed by an indoor (radio) unit connected to an outdoor (radio) unit via coaxial cable or fiber optic cable. The outdoor (radio) unit may, for example, be responsible for frequency conversion. In some embodiments, the indoor unit may be included in, or may be co-located with, a device that is also commonly referred to as a modem unit or baseband unit. Typically, the modem unit is located indoors and is defined to be responsible for baseband signal processing, and therefore responsible for managing the signal to be transmitted (or received) before modulation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the functionality provided in the radio unit and modem unit can vary and is to some extent a matter of definition. This setup is sometimes also described as an antenna arrangement (in addition to a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna) including a remote radio head and a modem unit co-located with the antenna.

[0041] One of the most delicate aspects of antenna installation is the transmission of microwaves generated by a radio unit to a transmitting antenna, or the transmission of microwaves received by a receiving antenna. For some facilities, flexible waveguides (instead of rigid waveguides) can be used, but the increased flexibility of using flexible waveguides comes at the cost of higher, undesirable attenuation. This disclosure addresses this problem by providing a sustainable solution for arranging the antenna and radio unit together, commonly referred to herein as co-located antenna and radio unit, which facilitates installation. This co-location of the radio unit and antenna has been partially achieved through the recent development of smaller and lighter radio units and their components.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will recognize that each arrangement has its own advantages and disadvantages. They will also understand that the foregoing general disclosure of the radio unit is not exhaustive and should not limit this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the radio unit (or remote radio head) referred to herein, in addition to the exemplary devices, operations, and functions explicitly mentioned above, may include additional devices and manage additional operations and functions. Furthermore, the functions or management content of the indoor (radio) unit and the outdoor (radio) unit may vary depending on different implementation methods and requirements.

[0043] Figure 3 and Figure 4Two exemplary embodiments of how to configure the adjustment devices 400a, 400b of the multi-antenna mounting apparatus according to the present disclosure are illustrated. The respective adjustment devices 400a, 400b include (at least) two interconnected and movable elements 500a, 500b relative to each other, wherein antenna devices 300c, 300d are each arranged on a movable element 500a, 500b. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The antenna devices 300c and 300d include two antennas 600, each antenna 600 having a radio unit 700, therefore, Figure 3 and Figure 4 A multi-antenna mounting device for a 4x4 MIMO antenna system (transmit or receive) is disclosed. (4x4 indicates that both the transmit and receive multi-antenna mounting devices include four antennas.)

[0044] Those skilled in the art will recognize how to achieve Figure 3 and Figure 4 The exemplary embodiments of the adjustment devices 400a and 400b shown are merely exemplary embodiments, and other embodiments are also possible.

[0045] Now for reference Figure 3 This disclosure discloses a first exemplary embodiment of an adjustment device 400a according to the present disclosure. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the adjustment device 400a includes a movable element in the form of two racks 500a and 500b and a pinion 350. The two racks 500a and 500b are arranged in parallel, and the pinion 350 is arranged to separate and engage (or connect to) the racks 500a and 500b, such that when the pinion 350 rotates, the racks 500a and 500b move in opposite directions. When moving in opposite directions, the racks 500a and 500b are parallel to axis B (which extends between (and through) antenna devices 300c and 300d) and move parallel to each other. Figure 3 In the racks 500a and 500b, each is equipped with an antenna device 300c or 300d. Therefore, the adjusting device 400a is configured such that when the adjusting device 400a is used to change the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices 300c and 300d... d At the same time, each antenna device 300c and 300d moves an equal distance relative to a reference point on axis B extending between antenna devices 300c and 300d. Δd / 2 .

[0046] Antenna device 300c is mounted on rack 500a, and antenna device 300d is mounted on rack 500b. For clarity, racks 500a and 500b are also referred to herein as... Figure 3 An example of a (movable) element of an adjusting device according to an exemplary embodiment shown.

[0047] Further explanation: such as Figure 3 As shown, the pinion 350 and racks 500a and 500b are all provided with teeth or gear teeth. The teeth of the pinion 350 are configured to engage with the teeth of the corresponding racks 500a and 500b. When the pinion 350 rotates, the teeth of the pinion 350 interact with the teeth of the corresponding racks 500a and 500b, causing the racks 500a and 500b to move in opposite directions along the same axis (axis B).

[0048] According to embodiments of this disclosure, rotation of the pinion 350 is controlled by turning a crank handle 360. The crank handle 360 ​​is preferably arranged so that it can be easily accessed by maintenance technicians who have climbed the antenna mast to reach the multi-antenna mounting device. According to other embodiments, the adjustment device 400a includes a motor 800, which is arranged to control the operation of the adjustment device 400a by controlling the rotation of the pinion 350. According to embodiments, the motor 800 can be controlled by a remote control or via a control panel or the like, which is arranged so that it can be easily accessed by maintenance technicians.

[0049] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, the adjustment device 400a is provided with a position marking device 1200a, which indicates the position of at least one antenna device 300c, 300d. According to the embodiment, the position marking device 1200a may be in the form of a position mark, simply marking the antenna devices 300c, 300d during alignment operations (i.e.,...). Figure 1A and Figure 2A Position A in the middle or Figure 2C Position C) or in maintenance position ( Figure 1B or Figure 2BPosition B) should be in its correct position, or in the form of a scale. Since antenna devices 300c and 300d, each arranged to one of the racks 500a and 500b, move uniformly but in different directions relative to the pinion 350, if the position or position change of one antenna device 300c or 300d is known, the position of the other antenna device 300c or 300d is also known. The advantage of the position marking device 1200a is that it provides information about the spatial spacing between antenna devices 300c and 300d, which helps maintenance technicians set the correct spatial spacing between them. Knowing the spatial spacing or changes in spatial spacing between antenna devices 300c and 300d is crucial because it needs to be configured relative to, for example, hop distance. Spacing is also important information when precoding is applied.

[0050] Combining Figure 5 The physical and mathematical principles behind MIMO antenna systems will be discussed in more detail.

[0051] The advantage of the location marking device 1200a is that, during maintenance work, or when replacing a faulty component of one or more of the antenna devices 300c and 300d, maintenance technicians can track the location of the antenna devices 300c and 300d.

[0052] Further explanation: 1) Before maintenance, the antenna device is typically configured to provide high-performance wireless communication using microwave transmission via a multi-antenna mounting system including the antenna device (the antenna device may be positioned, for example, in the operating position, i.e., position A). The current position of the antenna device is indicated by a location marking device, such as by markings or a ruler. 2) With the aid of an adjustment device, the antenna device can be moved to a position where maintenance technicians can easily and safely perform maintenance or replacement work (e.g., when positioned in the maintenance position, i.e., position B). The appropriate maintenance position (position B) can also be indicated by the location marking device. Finally, 3) After the maintenance / replacement work is completed, the antenna device can be returned to the position it was in before the maintenance / replacement work began (e.g., back to the operating position, i.e., position A), which is again indicated by the location marking device.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the location marking device can indicate the location of at least one antenna device in various ways, such as by using metric or imperial units. According to embodiments, the location marking device can alternatively or additionally indicate a hop distance suitable for a particular spatial spacing.

[0054] According to other embodiments, as described above, the location marking device 400a can indicate at least one second operating position of an antenna device 300c, 300d, wherein the second operating position is determined by precoding to be applied or about precoding to be used. According to embodiments, the precoding allows the antenna devices to be positioned with a smaller spatial spacing. Smaller spatial spacing can at least partially reduce the wind load on the multi-antenna device. Therefore, if strong winds are anticipated, maintenance technicians can climb the antenna mast to reach the multi-antenna mounting according to this disclosure and, using the adjustment device and location marking device, and by changing the applied precoding accordingly, configure the multi-antenna mounting to be less sensitive to wind.

[0055] Figure 4 A second exemplary embodiment of the adjustment device 400b according to the present disclosure is disclosed. According to the second exemplary embodiment, the adjustment device 400b includes a slide block carrier 500d and a slide block 500c, the slide block carrier 500d being arranged to receive the slide block 500c such that the slide block 500c can move within the slide block carrier 500d, and one antenna device 300c being arranged to the slide block 500c, and one antenna device 300d being arranged to the slide block carrier 300d.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, antenna device 300c is arranged on slide bar 500c, and antenna device 300d is arranged on slide bar carrier 500d. By moving slide bar 500c within slide bar carrier 500d, the spatial distance between antenna devices 300c and 300d can be changed.

[0057] For clarity, regarding Figure 4 The exemplary embodiment shown illustrates that the slide bar 500c and slide bar carrier 500d are examples of (movable) elements of the adjustment device described herein.

[0058] According to an embodiment, movement of the slide bar 500c and the slide bar carrier 500d can be achieved, for example, by means of a gear engagement device 450, which includes one or more rotating gears 460 and / or (one or more) pinions, respectively engaging with holes 470 in, for example, the slide bar 500c and the slide bar carrier 500d. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in addition to the holes, (one or more) rotating gears / (one or more) pinions can also engage with, for example, a toothed rack arranged to the slide bar and / or the slide bar carrier. For completeness, in Figure 4The diagram illustrates a very simplified, exemplary, and non-limiting embodiment of how such a gear-locking device 450 is provided. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other gear-locking devices can provide the same functionality. However, as discussed herein, it is preferred that the adjusting device 400b is configured such that when the adjusting device 400b is used to change the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices 300c, 300d... d At the same time, each antenna device 300c and 300d moves an equal distance relative to a reference point on axis B that extends between and through antenna devices 300c and 300d. Δd / 2 .

[0059] The gear assembly 450 can be arranged in the housing ( Figure 4 (not shown) inside, so that the adjustment device 400b of the multi-antenna mounting device can be arranged, for example, in the antenna mast ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the image).

[0060] According to an embodiment, the movement of the slide bar 500c and the slide bar carrier 500d can also be achieved by means of a crank handle ( Figure 4 (not shown in the image) and / or motor ( Figure 4 (Not shown) is used for control, wherein a crank handle or motor is arranged to control the displacement of slide 500c within slide carrier 500d. This can be achieved by means of a crank handle or motor controlling a gear mechanism.

[0061] although Figure 4 Not shown in the image, but Figure 4 The adjustment device 400b can also be equipped with a position marking device.

[0062] Figure 5 The physical principle of an exemplary multi-antenna system 1100 is schematically disclosed. The multi-antenna system 1100 has two transmitting antennas 600a and 600b of a transmitting antenna device 300c and two receiving antennas 600c and 600d of a receiving antenna device 300d. Therefore, Figure 5 A 2x2 MIMO antenna system is schematically illustrated.

[0063] about Figure 5 The following variables were used: d 1 = Spacing between transmitting antennas Tx d 2 = Spacing between receiving antennas Rx D = Direct path length / hop distance Δ D = Difference in cross path length Δ Φ = Phase difference between antenna cross channel and antenna direct channel λ = wavelength f = frequency The relationship between the wavelength λ and frequency f of microwaves is given by formula (1): λ = c / f （1） If the propagation medium of microwaves is air, then c is approximately 299,792,458 m / s (the speed of light in air).

[0064] Figure 5 The multi-antenna system 1100 schematically shown in the diagram has a spacing distance d 1 The two spatially separated transmitting antennas Tx 600a and 600b, and the spacing between them. d 2 Two spatially separated receiving antennas, Rx 600c and 600d. The transmitting antennas 600a and 600b and the receiving antennas 600c and 600d are spaced apart by a distance... D Here, this distance is referred to as the direct path length or hop distance. Each transmitting antenna 600a, 600b is transmitting microwave transmissions received by two receiving antennas 600c, 600d, commonly referred to herein as data streams 900a, 900b. Since the corresponding receiving antennas 600c, 600d receive two data streams 900a, 900b, these data streams 900a, 900b may interfere with each other. However, the fundamental physical characteristics of multi-antenna systems (such as MIMO antenna systems) allow for spatial spacing... d 1 and d 2 Antennas 600a, 600b, 600c, and 600d are deployed in such a manner that an optimal phase difference exists between the antennas and the cross-channel relative to the direct antenna channel. Δ Φ =90°. Thus, the interfering data stream (900a or 900b) can be separated from the data stream of interest (900b or 900a) at the corresponding receiving antennas 600c and 600d, so that the two data streams 900a and 900b can be almost perfectly recovered at the corresponding receiving antennas 600c and 600d without any significant performance loss.

[0065] For direct path length D and wavelength / frequency λ / fGiven a specific deployment, there are various spatial spacings between transmitting antennas. d 1 Spacing between receiving antenna and receiving antenna d 2 Make Δ Φ = 90°, but the optimal configuration is defined as the minimum spacing.

[0066] if Δ Φ = 90°, then for a 2x2 or 4x4 MIMO antenna system, when d 1 = d 2 At that time, the optimal spatial spacing between transmitting antennas d 1 Spacing between receiving antenna and receiving antenna d 2 Given by formula (2): d 1 d 2 = Dλ / 2 （2） This indicates that if d 1 = d 2 = d 最佳 ,in d 最佳 = Optimal spatial spacing. d 最佳 Given by formula (3): D 最佳 = （3） A preferred embodiment of this disclosure relates to an antenna mast device, which includes a multi-antenna mounting device and an antenna mast. The multi-antenna mounting device includes two spatially separated antenna devices, which are arranged on the antenna mast such that the spatial spacing between the two antenna devices is such that... d When the change is made, each antenna device moves an equal distance relative to a reference point on an axis extending between the antenna devices. Δd / 2 .

[0067] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various aspects of this disclosure only. The embodiments described herein are not limited to those described above. Various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims. A feature of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. It should be emphasized that, when used in this specification, the term "comprises" or "comprising" is used to specify the presence of the stated feature, step, device, apparatus, and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, devices, apparatus, components, or groups thereof. It should also be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of multiple such elements. The term "configured as" as used herein may also be referred to as "arranged as," "suitable for," "capable of," or "operable to." In the embodiments described herein, connection terms such as "connected to" or "communicating with" may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be implemented by, for example, physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signals, infrared signals, or optical signals. Those skilled in the art will understand that multiple components may interoperate and may be modified and varied to achieve electrical and data communication. In some embodiments described herein, the terms “coupled,” “connected,” etc., may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily a direct one, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

Claims

1. A multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) for configuring the spacing between two spatially separated antenna arrangements (300), - the multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) comprises two antenna arrangements (300) and a controllable adjustment arrangement (400) to which the antenna arrangements (300) are arranged, - each antenna arrangement (300) comprises an antenna (600) and a radio unit (700) co-located with and connected to the antenna (600), and - the adjustment arrangement (400) enables control of the spatial spacing (d) between the two antenna arrangements (300).

2. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein - the antenna arrangements (300) are spatially separated horizontally or vertically.

3. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The adjustment device (400) is configured such that when the spatial distance (D) between the two antenna devices (300) is changed using the adjustment device (400) d ), each antenna device (300) is moved by an equal distance (d) relative to a reference point on an axis (axis A, axis B) extending between the antenna devices (300) - Δd / 2 ).

4. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, - the adjustment arrangement (400) is provided with a position marker arrangement (1200) indicating the position of at least one antenna arrangement (300).

5. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to claim 4, wherein - the position marker arrangement (1200) indicates a service position (position B) and an operational position (position A) of one antenna arrangement (300).

6. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein - the position marker arrangement (1200) indicates a second operational position (position C) of one antenna arrangement, wherein the second operational position (position C) is determined by the applied precoding.

7. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein - the adjustment arrangement (400) comprises two elements (500) connected to each other and movable relative to each other, wherein the antenna arrangements (300) are each arranged to one element (500).

8. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, - the adjustment arrangement (400b) comprises: - a slide bar carrier (500d) and a slide bar (500c), the slide bar carrier (500d) being arranged to receive the slide bar (500c) such that the slide bar (500c) can move within the slide bar carrier (500d), and wherein one antenna arrangement (300c) is arranged to the slide bar (500c) and one antenna arrangement (300d) is arranged to the slide bar carrier (300d).

9. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, - the adjustment arrangement (400a) comprises: - two racks (500a, 500b) arranged in parallel and a pinion (350) arranged to separate and engage the racks (500a, 500b) such that the racks (500a, 500b) move in opposite directions when the pinion (350) is rotated, and wherein each rack (500a, 500b) is arranged one antenna arrangement (300a, 300b).

10. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to claim 9, wherein - the rotation of the pinion (350) is controlled by a turning crank handle (360).

11. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, - the adjustment arrangement (400) comprises a motor (800) arranged to control the operation of the adjustment arrangement (400).

12. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to claim 11, wherein The motor (800) is configured to control the adjustment device (400) at a first trigger condition such that one antenna device (300) is moved to a service position (position B) and to control the adjustment device (400) at a second trigger condition such that one antenna device (300) is returned to its position before the first trigger condition occurred (position A).

13. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein, The motor (800) is configured to control the adjustment device (400) at a third trigger condition such that one antenna device (300) is displaced to a second operating position (position C), wherein the second operating condition (position C) is determined by the applied precoding.

14. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, when claim 11 depends on claim 9, wherein the motor (800) is arranged to control the rotation of the pinion (350).

15. The multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, when claim 11 depends on claim 8, wherein the motor (800) is arranged to control the displacement of the slide rod (500c) within the slide rod carrier (500d).

16. A multi-antenna pole arrangement (100) comprising an antenna pole (1000) and a multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200), the multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) comprising two antenna devices (300) and one controllable adjustment device (400) to which the antenna devices (300) are arranged, each antenna device (300) comprising an antenna (600) and a radio unit (700) co-located and connected with the respective antenna (600), and The adjustment device (400) makes it possible to control the spatial separation (d) between the two antenna devices (300) d .

17. The multi-pole mast arrangement (100) according to claim 16, wherein the multi-antenna mounting arrangement (200) being as defined in any one of claims 2 to 15.

Images