Antenna system, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The application provides an antenna system, a communication device and a communication system. The antenna system comprises a radome, a base station antenna module and a microwave antenna module. The base station antenna module is used for cell coverage, and the microwave antenna module is used for signal backhaul. The base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are located in the radome, and the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are integrated into the antenna system. The space occupied by the antenna system can be reduced, the surface aperture occupied by the antenna system can be reduced, and the wind load can be reduced, so that the performance of the antenna system is improved. The base station antenna module comprises a first reflecting plate and a radiator, and the radiator and the microwave antenna module are located on a first side of the first reflecting plate. The first reflecting plate comprises a first area and a second area, and a normal projection of the microwave antenna module on a plane where the first area of the first reflecting plate is located at least partially coincides with the first area. The integration of the antenna system is further improved, and the density of the base station installed with the antenna system can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to antenna systems, communication equipment and communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, base stations include an increasing variety of antennas. Besides conventional base station antenna modules, microwave antenna modules can also be installed on base station mounting racks. In practical applications, these base station antenna modules and microwave antenna modules need to be installed and debugged separately on mounting racks, resulting in high costs. Both base station antenna modules and microwave antenna modules occupy a portion of the equivalent wind load area (AEV), leading to a larger wind load on the antenna and higher tower rental fees, thus increasing the overall cost of the antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an antenna system, communication equipment, and a communication system. The antenna system integrates a base station antenna module and a microwave antenna module to improve the performance of the antenna system.

[0004] Firstly, this application provides an antenna system. The antenna system includes an radome, a base station antenna module, and a microwave antenna module. The base station antenna module is used for cellular coverage, enabling wide-area coverage and serving a large number of mobile users within the service area. The microwave antenna module is used for signal backhaul, enabling directional transmission. Both the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are located within the radome, i.e., the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are integrated into a single antenna system. This reduces the space occupied by the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module, reduces the roof aperture occupied by the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module, and reduces wind load, thereby improving the performance of the antenna system. The base station antenna module includes a first reflector and a radiator. The radiator is located on a first side of the first reflector, and the first reflector reflects the signal from the radiator. The microwave antenna module is located on the first side of the first reflector, i.e., the microwave antenna module and the radiator are located on the same side of the first reflector, or in other words, the microwave antenna module is located on the side of the first reflector with the radiator. The first reflector includes a first region and a second region. The microwave antenna module and the first region are arranged opposite each other, and the orthographic projection of the microwave antenna module onto the plane containing the first region of the first reflector at least partially coincides with the first region. This solution can further improve the integration of the antenna system. The base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module share part of the roof space. Therefore, further reducing the roof aperture of the antenna system can increase the density of the antenna system installed in the base station.

[0005] In one specific embodiment, on a first side of the first reflector, a first region is recessed into a second region. The first reflector is a bent reflector, and the first reflector provides partial mounting space for the microwave antenna module in the first region, thereby reducing the thickness of the antenna system and improving the integration of the antenna system.

[0006] In one technical solution, the radiator of the base station antenna module includes a first radiator and a second radiator, with the first radiator operating at a higher frequency than the second radiator. In this solution, the base station antenna module can achieve communication across different frequency bands, and the area occupied by the first radiator on the first reflector is smaller than the area occupied by the second radiator on the first reflector. The first radiator is located in a second region of the first reflector, while the second radiator is located in a first region of the first reflector. In this solution, the microwave antenna module only blocks the second radiator and not the first radiator, meaning the microwave antenna module only affects the operation of the second radiator, which simplifies the design of both the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module. Furthermore, in some technical solutions, the height of the second radiator along a third direction is typically lower than the height of the first radiator along a third direction, which also helps reduce the size of the antenna system along the third direction and improves the integration of the antenna system.

[0007] In one technical solution, the radiators of the base station antenna module include a third radiator and a fourth radiator, which operate in the same frequency band. The third radiator is disposed in a first region of a first reflector, and the fourth radiator is disposed in a second region of the first reflector. In this technical solution, the radiators operating in the same frequency band can be distributed in the first and second regions of the first reflector.

[0008] When specifically configuring the third and fourth radiators, the distance between the third radiator and the surface of the first reflector can be less than or equal to the distance between the fourth radiator and the surface of the first reflector. The fourth radiator can be referred to as a low-profile radiator. This design provides sufficient installation space for the microwave antenna module, which helps reduce the dimensions of the antenna system along three directions and improves the integration of the antenna system.

[0009] In one technical solution, the aforementioned microwave antenna module includes a second reflector and a microwave radiator, with the second reflector located between the microwave radiator and a first reflector. The second reflector reflects signals from the microwave radiator, and at least a portion of the second reflector also transmits signals from the radiator on its back side. Electromagnetic waves from the radiator of the base station antenna located between the second and first reflectors can penetrate the second reflector. This solution enables the base station antenna module to achieve better communication performance.

[0010] The aforementioned second reflector includes a total reflection region and a frequency selection region, with the frequency selection region located around the total reflection region. Specifically, the second reflector can be pot-shaped, with the total reflection region considered the bottom area and the frequency selection region the area outside the bottom. The total reflection region of the second reflector is used to completely reflect the signal from the microwave radiator. Specifically, the total reflection region of the second reflector can be a solid metal plate, meaning the second reflector has no perforated structure in this area. The frequency selection region of the second reflector can be used to reflect the signal from the microwave radiator and transmit the signal from the radiator on the back side of the second reflector. Specifically, the frequency selection region of the second reflector can be a frequency-selective surface. The second reflector reflects a more concentrated signal with stronger reflection capability in the total reflection region, which is beneficial for improving the signal reflection effect of the second reflector. This frequency selection region is also used to transmit the signal from the radiator on the back side of the second reflector, thereby reducing the negative impact of the microwave antenna module on the base station antenna module on the back side.

[0011] In one technical solution, the distance L1 from the center of the second reflector to the outer edge of the total reflection region satisfies the same condition as the distance L from the center of the second reflector to the outer edge of the frequency selection region: In this scheme, from a radial perspective, the central total reflection area occupies about half of the second reflector, which can both have a good reflection effect on the microwave radiator and reduce the negative impact on the microwave radiator.

[0012] In one technical solution, the aforementioned microwave antenna module includes a microwave flexible waveguide connected to the microwave radiator of the microwave antenna module for feeding the microwave radiator. Because the microwave flexible waveguide is flexible, it facilitates adjusting the orientation of the second reflector and the microwave radiator.

[0013] When specifically configuring microwave flexible waveguides, their surface can be made to have an electromagnetic cloak, which conceals the signals from radiators positioned in the first region. This ensures that the microwave flexible waveguide has little or no impact on the communication performance of the base station antenna module.

[0014] The aforementioned radome includes a planar flat section located on the side of the first reflector away from the radiator. The planar flat section facilitates the installation of components and modules such as the fiber optic cabling unit of the microwave antenna module and the radio frequency remote unit of the base station antenna module, thus simplifying the antenna system setup.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned radome may also include a curved section. This curved section is fixedly connected to the flat section to form a cylindrical shape, with the curved section protruding towards the side away from the flat section. The base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are located between the curved section and the flat section. This facilitates the reduction of wind load on the radome 011, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the antenna system.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides an antenna system comprising an radome, a base station antenna module, and a microwave antenna module. Both the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are located within the radome. The base station antenna module is used for cellular coverage, and the microwave antenna module is used for signal backhaul. The base station antenna module extends along a first direction, and the microwave antenna module and the base station antenna module are arranged side-by-side along the first direction. This integrated antenna system reduces the space occupied by the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module, reduces the roof aperture required by the base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module, and reduces wind load, thereby improving the performance of the antenna system.

[0017] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device. This communication device includes a baseband processing unit and the antenna provided in the first and second aspects above, wherein the baseband processing unit is connected to the antenna system. The antenna can be an active antenna or a passive antenna. For example, when the antenna is an active antenna, it may include a radio frequency processing unit, and the baseband processing unit can be connected to a feed network through the radio frequency processing unit. Alternatively, when the antenna is a passive antenna, the baseband processing unit can be directly connected to the feed network. The base station antenna module and microwave antenna module occupy less space, reducing the roof aperture occupied by the base station antenna module and microwave antenna module, reducing wind load, and thus improving the performance of the antenna system.

[0018] The radio frequency (RF) processing unit can be used to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the signals received by the antenna's vibrator. Alternatively, the RF processing unit can be used to transmit RF signals to the antenna, thereby enabling the antenna to perform signal transmission and reception functions.

[0019] The baseband processing unit is connected to the radio frequency (RF) processing unit. The RF processing unit can be used to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the signal received by the antenna, and convert it into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or a baseband signal to be sent to the baseband processing unit. Alternatively, the RF processing unit can be used to up-convert and amplify the IF signal emitted by the baseband processing unit, convert it into a wireless signal through the antenna, and send it out.

[0020] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication system, which includes a core network device and the communication device provided in the third aspect above. The communication device is communicatively connected to the core network device to realize wireless communication function. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the communication system in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one antenna structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a forward structure of the antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a forward structure of the antenna system in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna system in one embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a top view of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 01-Antenna system; 02-Feeder;

[0037] 03-Grounding device; 04-Pole support;

[0038] 05- Mounting bracket; 06- Radio frequency processing unit;

[0039] 20 - Baseband processing unit; 011 - Antenna radome;

[0040] 0111-Flat section; 0112-Curved section;

[0041] 0113 - Lower end cap; 0114 - Upper end cap;

[0042] 012 - Reflector; 0121 - First reflector;

[0043] 01211 - First area; 01212 - Second area;

[0044] 013-Feeding network; 014-Radiator;

[0045] 0141 - First radiator; 0142 - Second radiator;

[0046] 0143 - Third radiator; 0144 - Fourth radiator;

[0047] 015 - Radio Frequency Remote Unit; 100 - Base Station Antenna Module;

[0048] 200 - Microwave antenna module; 201 - Second reflector;

[0049] 2011 - Total internal reflection area; 2012 - Frequency selective area;

[0050] 202 - Microwave radiator; 203 - Microwave flexible waveguide;

[0051] 204 - Fiber Optic Distribution Unit; X - First Direction;

[0052] Y - Third direction; Z - Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] References to “an embodiment” or “a specific embodiment” as used in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0056] To facilitate understanding of the antenna system, communication equipment, and communication system provided in the embodiments of this application, their application scenarios will be introduced first below.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the communication system in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, this application scenario can include communication equipment and terminals. Wireless communication can be achieved between the communication equipment and the terminals. The communication equipment can be located in a base station subsystem (BBS), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), used for cell coverage of radio signals to enable communication between the terminal equipment and the wireless network. Specifically, the communication equipment can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the communication device may be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, or a g node (gNodeB or gNB) in a new radio (NR) system, or a base station in a future evolved network, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0058] In this application, the antenna can also be used in access network equipment, sometimes also called access nodes. Access network equipment has wireless transceiver capabilities for communicating with terminals. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs) in the aforementioned communication systems, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, future communication networks, access network equipment or modules of access network equipment in Open RAN (ORAN) systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. Access network equipment can also be modules or units capable of implementing some of the functions of a base station. For example, access network equipment can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), as described below. In the ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU, DU can be called open (O)-DU, CU-CP can be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can be called O-CUP-UP, and RU can be called O-RU. Access network equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations, or indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or wireless controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Optionally, access network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, or vehicle-mounted equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU). Multiple access network devices in a communication system can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminals directly or through relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a communication device can be understood as a base station, which includes a base station antenna feeder system. In practical applications, the base station antenna feeder system mainly includes an antenna system 01, a feeder line 02, and a grounding device 03, etc. The antenna system 01 is generally fixed to a mast 04 by a mounting bracket 05.

[0060] Additionally, the communication equipment may include a radio frequency (RF) processing unit 06 and a baseband processing unit 20. For example, the RF processing unit 06 can be used to perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the signal received by the antenna system 01, converting it into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or a baseband signal and sending it to the baseband processing unit 20. Alternatively, the RF processing unit 06 can be used to up-convert and amplify the IF signal emitted by the baseband processing unit 20, converting it into a wireless signal through the antenna system 01 and transmitting it. The baseband processing unit 20 can be connected to the feed network of the antenna system 01 via the RF processing unit 06. In some embodiments, the RF processing unit 06 may also be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU), and the baseband processing unit 20 may also be referred to as a baseband unit (BBU).

[0061] In this embodiment of the application, the specific location of the radio frequency processing unit 06 can be selected in several ways, such as... Figure 2 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the radio frequency (RF) processing unit 06 can be integrated with the antenna system 01, while the baseband processing unit 20 is located at the far end of the antenna system 01. The RF processing unit 06 and the baseband processing unit 20 can be connected via a feed line 02. In another possible embodiment, the RF processing unit 06 can also be located near the antenna system 01, for example, below the antenna system. In yet another possible embodiment, the RF processing unit 06 and the baseband processing unit 20 can both be located at the far end of the antenna system 01.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna structure in one embodiment of this application. Please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the antenna system 01 used in communication equipment may further include an antenna radome 011, a reflector 012 located within the antenna radome 011, and a feed network 013, wherein the reflector 012 may also be referred to as a base plate. The main function of the feed network 013 is to feed the signal to the radiator 014 with a certain amplitude and phase, or to transmit the wireless signal received by the radiator 014 to the baseband processing unit 20 of the base station. It is understood that, in specific implementations, the feed network 013 may include at least one of the following devices: a phase shifter, a combiner, a transmission or calibration network, or a filter. This application does not limit the components, type, or functions that the feed network 013 can achieve.

[0063] Of course, the antenna system 01 described above can also be applied to various other types of communication devices. This application does not limit the application scenarios of the antenna system 01.

[0064] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 05 may be provided together with the antenna system 01, which can be understood as the antenna system 01 including the mounting bracket 05. Alternatively, the mounting bracket 05 and the antenna system 01 may be provided by different manufacturers, in which case the antenna system 01 does not include the mounting bracket 05. In some application scenarios, when the mounting bracket 05 and the antenna system 01 are provided by different manufacturers, the equipment such as the mast 04 and the mounting bracket 05 may be provided by the site provider. The equipment such as the antenna system 01, the radio frequency processing unit 06, and the baseband processing unit 20 in the base station may be provided by the antenna manufacturer, the base station manufacturer, a non-base station manufacturer, or purchased separately by the operator. Furthermore, in some cases, the base station in the embodiments of this application may not include the mounting bracket 05.

[0065] Regarding the radome 011, in terms of electrical performance, the radome 011 has good electromagnetic wave penetration, thus not affecting the normal transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves between the radiator 014 and the outside world. In terms of mechanical performance, the radome 011 has good stress resistance and oxidation resistance, thus being able to withstand the corrosion of harsh external environments.

[0066] The radiator 014, also known as a radiating element, dipole, or radiating unit, is a basic structural element of an antenna, capable of effectively transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves. In practical applications, the radiator 014 can be categorized into single-pole and dual-pole types. The type of radiator 014 can be appropriately selected based on actual requirements during configuration.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a forward structure of the antenna system in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the antenna system further includes an radome 011, a base station antenna module 100, and a microwave antenna module 200. Both the base station antenna module 100 and the microwave antenna module 200 are located within the radome 011, meaning they are integrated into a single antenna system. The base station antenna module 100 is used for cellular coverage, enabling wide-area coverage and serving a large number of mobile users within the service area. Specifically, the base station antenna module 100 can be used for cellular mobile communication, connecting user equipment to the base station. The microwave antenna module 200 is used for signal backhaul, enabling directional transmission. Specifically, the microwave antenna module 200 can be used to connect fixed sites, such as for backhaul between signal base stations. In a specific application scenario, the base station antenna module 100 connects users, while the microwave antenna module 200 is used for backhaul transmission from the base station to the core network, thus allowing for cross-application of the base station antenna module 100 and the microwave antenna module 200.

[0068] Compared to separately configured base station antenna module 100 and microwave antenna module 200, this application reduces the space occupied by base station antenna module 100 and microwave antenna module 200, reduces the rooftop aperture occupied by base station antenna module 100 and microwave antenna module 200, and reduces wind load, thereby improving the performance of the antenna system. This solution also reduces the cost of installing the antenna system. Specifically, base station antenna module 100 and microwave antenna module 200 can be installed at once, resulting in lower installation and commissioning costs. Furthermore, the space occupied by base station antenna module 100 and microwave antenna module 200 is smaller, and the rental fee is also lower. Therefore, the cost of the antenna system can be reduced from multiple aspects.

[0069] In some embodiments, to ensure better performance of the antenna system, the radome 011 must have a region that is at least transmissive to the signals from the base station antenna module 100, and a region that is at least transmissive to the signals from the microwave antenna module 200. Specifically, in some embodiments, the radome 011 can be made of a material that transmits electromagnetic wave signals of any frequency band, such as an insulating dielectric material. Alternatively, if there are other requirements for the radome 011, it can be designed in various ways, such as by incorporating a metallic pattern if the radome 011 contains metal. The goal is to ensure that the electromagnetic wave signals from the base station antenna module 100 and the microwave antenna module 200 within the radome 011 can pass through the corresponding positions of the radome 011 and function normally.

[0070] The base station antenna module 100 may include a first reflector 0121 and a radiator 014, with the radiator 014 located on a first side of the first reflector 0121. For ease of description, the extending direction of the first reflector 0121 is defined as the first direction X, the direction perpendicular to the first reflector 0121 is defined as the third direction Y, and the second direction Z is perpendicular to both the first direction X and the third direction Y. Typically, if the length of the first reflector 0121 along the first direction X is greater than its length along the second direction Z, then the first reflector 0121 is considered to extend along the first direction X. For example, the first direction X can also be considered the length direction of the base station antenna module 100, the second direction Z the width direction of the base station antenna module 100, and the third direction Y the thickness direction of the base station antenna module 100. The normal direction of the radiating surface of the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100 is defined as the third direction Y. Since the radiator 014 is located on the first side of the first reflector 0121, the radiator 014 and the first reflector 0121 are arranged along the third direction Y.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figures 4-6As shown, in some embodiments, the base station antenna module 100 extends along the first direction X. The base station antenna module 100 is typically a long strip structure; specifically, the shape of the first reflector 0121 of the base station antenna module 100 can be considered to determine the extension direction of the base station antenna module 100. In some embodiments, the first reflector 0121 is a rectangular reflector, and the extension direction of the long side of the rectangle is the extension direction of the first reflector 0121, which is parallel to the first direction X. The microwave antenna module 200 and the base station antenna module 100 are arranged side-by-side along the first direction X. Specifically, the microwave antenna module 200 does not obstruct the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100. In this scheme, the size of the microwave antenna module 200 is typically smaller, smaller than the size of the base station antenna module 100 along the first direction X, but closer to the size of the base station antenna module 100 along the second direction Z. If the microwave antenna module 200 is located at one end of the base station antenna module 100 along the first direction X, then only the antenna cover 011 needs to be extended along the first direction X based on the original base station antenna module 100, which does not easily cause space waste and is conducive to improving the integration of the antenna system.

[0072] In a specific embodiment, the microwave antenna module 200 can be located at either end of the base station antenna module 100 along the first direction X. Specifically, for example... Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the microwave antenna module 200 can be located on top of the base station antenna module 100; as Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the microwave antenna module 200 can also be located at the bottom of the base station antenna module 100, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the microwave antenna module 200 is located on the first side of the first reflector 0121, that is, the microwave antenna module 200 and the radiator 014 are located on the same side of the first reflector 0121, and the microwave antenna module 200 is located on the side of the radiator 014 away from the first reflector 0121. In other words, the microwave antenna module 200 and the base station antenna module 100 are arranged along a third direction Y. The first reflector 0121 includes a first region 01211 and a second region 01212. The microwave antenna module 200 and the first region 01211 are arranged opposite each other, and the orthographic projection of the microwave antenna module 200 onto the plane containing the first region 01211 of the first reflector 0121 at least partially coincides with the first region 01211. The radiator 014 is located between the first region 01211 of the first reflector 0121 of the base station antenna module 100 and the microwave antenna module 200, and the microwave antenna module 200 partially blocks the radiator 014. This solution can further improve the integration of the antenna system. The base station antenna module 100 and the microwave antenna module 200 share part of the roof space. Therefore, reducing the roof aperture of the antenna system can increase the density of the antenna system installed in the base station.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, on the first side of the first reflector 0121, the first region 01211 is recessed into the second region 01212. In this embodiment, the first reflector 0121 is a bent reflector. Specifically, the first reflector 0121 is bent in the direction away from the radiator 014. Therefore, viewed from the first side of the first reflector 0121 with the radiator 014, the first region 01211 of the first reflector 0121 is recessed into the second region 01212. The first region 0121 of the first reflector 0121 provides partial installation space for the microwave antenna module 200, thereby reducing the thickness of the antenna system and improving the integration of the antenna system.

[0075] In one embodiment, a phase shifter or other adjustment device may be disposed on the back side of the first reflector 0121 of the base station antenna module 100. These devices may be disposed on the side of the second region 01212 of the first reflector 0121 facing away from the radiator 014. The back side of the first reflector 0121 needs to have sufficient installation space, while the back side of the first region 01211 of the first reflector 0121 may not have any devices disposed there. The first reflector 0121 is bent towards the back side, absorbing the thickness of the device along the third direction Y. This solution can fully utilize the space on the side of the first reflector 0121 facing away from the radiator 014, integrating the microwave antenna module 200 without occupying excessive space.

[0076] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100 includes a first radiator 0141 and a second radiator 0142, where the operating frequency band of the first radiator 0141 is higher than that of the second radiator 0142. For ease of description, the operating frequency band of the first radiator 0141 is considered the first operating frequency band, and the operating frequency band of the second radiator 0142 is considered the second operating frequency band, wherein the first operating frequency band is greater than the second operating frequency band. The statement that the first operating frequency band is greater than the second operating frequency band can be understood as follows: in some specific embodiments, the center frequency of the first operating frequency band is greater than the center frequency of the second operating frequency band; or, in some embodiments, the highest frequency of the first operating frequency band is greater than the highest frequency of the second operating frequency band, and the lowest frequency of the first operating frequency band may be lower than the highest frequency of the second operating frequency band.

[0077] In some embodiments, a first radiator 0141 is disposed in a second region 01212 of a first reflector 0121, and a second radiator 0142 is disposed in a first region 01211 of the first reflector 0121. Specifically, the first region 01211 may not have a first radiator 0141 disposed therein. Since the first operating frequency band is greater than the second operating frequency band, the area occupied by the first radiator 0141 on the first reflector 0121 is smaller than the area occupied by the second radiator 0142 on the first reflector 0121. In other words, the area required to dispose of the second radiator 0142 on the first reflector 0121 is greater than the area required to dispose of the first radiator 0141 on the first reflector 0121. In this design, the microwave antenna module 200 only blocks the second radiator 0142 without blocking the first radiator 0141. Therefore, the microwave antenna module 200 only affects the operation of the second radiator 0142. When designing the second reflector 201 and related accessories of the microwave antenna module 200, only the transmission of electromagnetic waves in the second frequency band needs to be considered, which simplifies the design of the microwave antenna module 200. From the perspective of the base station antenna module 100, the base station antenna module 100 also only needs to be adaptively adjusted according to the microwave antenna module 200, which also simplifies the design of the base station antenna module 100. Furthermore, since the first operating frequency band is greater than the second operating frequency band, the height of the second radiator 0142 along the third direction Y is usually lower than the height of the first radiator 0141 along the third direction Y. Arranging the area containing the microwave antenna module 200 and the second radiator 0142 along the third direction Y also helps to reduce the size of the antenna system along the third direction Y and improve the integration of the antenna system.

[0078] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 10As shown, in some embodiments, the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100 includes a third radiator 0143 and a fourth radiator 0144, which operate in the same frequency band. The third radiator 0143 is disposed in the first region 01211 of the first reflector 0121, and the fourth radiator 0144 is disposed in the second region 01212 of the first reflector 0121. In this embodiment, the operating frequency band of the fourth radiator 0144 located in the first region 01211 of the first reflector 0121 can be the same as the operating frequency band of the third radiator 0143 located in the second region 01212 of the first reflector 0121. Alternatively, radiators operating in the same frequency band can be distributed in the first region 01211 and the second region 01212 of the first reflector 0121.

[0079] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 10 The distance between the third radiator 0143 and the surface of the first reflector 0121 is greater than the distance between the fourth radiator 0144 and the surface of the first reflector 0121. The first region 01211 and the second region 01212 of the first reflector 0121 are equipped with radiators 014 operating in the same frequency band, but the heights of the radiators 014 in the two regions are different. The third radiator 0143 located in the first region 01211 is higher than the fourth radiator 0144 located in the second region 01212; or the fourth radiator 0144 can be referred to as a low-profile radiator. This design provides sufficient installation space for the microwave antenna module 200, which helps reduce the size of the antenna system along the third direction Y and improves the integration of the antenna system. The fourth radiator 0144 can be connected to an adjustment device so that the fourth radiator 0144 and the third radiator 0143 can work together in the same frequency band.

[0080] It is worth noting that the specific structures of the third radiator 0143 and the fourth radiator 0144 may be similar, but there may be some differences; or the third radiator 0143 and the fourth radiator 0144 may be completely different, as long as the third radiator 0143 and the fourth radiator 0144 operate in the same frequency band, but at different distances from the first reflector 0121.

[0081] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 10 In some embodiments, the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100 includes the first radiator 0141, the third radiator 0143, and the fourth radiator 0144 described above. For example, with Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments, in combination, can be considered as follows: Figure 9 The second radiator 0142 shown in the embodiment includes a third radiator 0143 and a fourth radiator 0144, which operate in the second frequency band. Figure 9The main difference in the illustrated embodiment is the fourth radiator, the 0144-bit low-profile radiator.

[0082] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of an antenna system in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a forward structure of the antenna system in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in one embodiment, the microwave antenna module 200 includes a second reflector 201 and a microwave radiator 202. The second reflector 201 is located between the microwave radiator 202 and the first reflector 0121, or in other words, the microwave radiator 202 is located on the side of the second reflector 201 facing away from the first reflector 0121. The second reflector 201 is used to reflect the signal of the microwave radiator 202, thereby improving the signal strength and directional accuracy of the microwave radiator 202. In some specific embodiments, the second reflector 201 can be pot-shaped, and the microwave radiator 202 is located inside the pot of the pot-shaped second reflector 201. The second reflector 201 at least partially blocks the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100, which may affect the operation of the radiator 014 on the back side of the base station antenna module 100. Therefore, at least a portion of the second reflector 201 is used to transmit the radiator on the back side of the second reflector. The aforementioned portion of the region is transmissive to the operating frequency band of the radiator 014 located on the back side of the second reflector 201. Electromagnetic waves from the radiator 014, located between the second reflector 201 and the first reflector 0121, can penetrate the second reflector 201. This design enables the base station antenna module 100 to achieve better communication performance.

[0083] There are several options for the specific configuration of the second reflector 201, for example... Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in some embodiments, the second reflector 201 includes a total reflection region 2011 and a frequency selection region 2012 (dashed line portion). The frequency selection region 2012 is located around the total reflection region 2011, or in other words, the total reflection region 2011 is located inside the frequency selection region 2012. For example, the frequency selection region 2012 of the second reflector 201 can be considered as an annular region, with the total reflection region 2011 located within the inner ring of the frequency selection region 2012. The total reflection region 2011 of the second reflector 201 is used to completely reflect the signal of the microwave radiator 202, resulting in a strong reflection effect on the signal of the microwave radiator 202. Since the total reflection region 2011 of the second reflector 201 corresponds to the area where the signal of the microwave radiator 202 is more concentrated, the second reflector 201 can reflect a more concentrated signal with a stronger emission capability within the total reflection region 2011, which is beneficial to improving the signal reflection effect of the second reflector 201. Specifically, the total reflection region 2011 of the second reflector 201 is a solid metal plate, meaning that the second reflector has no perforated structure in the solid metal plate region. In a specific embodiment, the frequency selective region 2012 of the second reflector 201 is used to reflect the signal of the microwave radiator, thus serving as a reflector for the microwave radiator 202. This frequency selective surface is also used to transmit the signal of the radiator 014 on the back side of the second reflector 201, thereby reducing the negative impact of the microwave antenna module 200 on the base station antenna module 100 on the back side. Specifically, the frequency selective region 2012 of the second reflector 201 is a frequency selective surface.

[0084] In one embodiment, the distance L1 from the center of the second reflector 201 to the outer edge of the total reflection region 2011 satisfies the following condition: In this scheme, taking the second reflector 201 as a pot-shaped example, the outer edge of the total reflection area 2011 can be considered as a circle. Therefore, the aforementioned distance L1 can be considered the radius of the total reflection area 2011, and the aforementioned distance L can be considered the radius of the entire second reflector 201. From a radial perspective, the central total reflection area occupies approximately half of the second reflector, which provides good reflection of the microwave radiator while reducing its negative impact. In one embodiment, the distance L1 from the center of the second reflector 201 to the outer edge of the total reflection area 2011, and the distance L from the center of the second reflector 201 to the outer edge of the frequency selection area 2012, can specifically be...

[0085] Furthermore, since the area of ​​the frequency selection region 2012 of the second reflector 201 is larger than the area of ​​the total reflection region 2011, the second reflector 201 can transmit the signal of the radiator 014 over a larger area. This helps to reduce the negative impact of the microwave antenna module 200 on the back side of the base station antenna module 100 to a greater extent, thus making the base station antenna module 100 perform better.

[0086] In some embodiments, the entire second reflector 201 of the microwave antenna module 200 can also be made transmissive to the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100 on the back side, that is, the entire second reflector 201 is used to transmit the signal of the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100. This scheme helps to simplify the design of the second reflector 201.

[0087] In some specific embodiments, the second reflector 201 can be fabricated using a frequency-selective surface, so that the second reflector 201 can reflect the operating frequency band of the microwave radiator 202 and transmit the operating frequency band of the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100 on the back side of the second reflector 201.

[0088] In some embodiments, the microwave antenna module 200 includes a flexible microwave waveguide 203 (FMW) connected to the microwave radiator 202 of the microwave antenna module 200 for feeding the microwave radiator 202. Specifically, the end of the flexible microwave waveguide 203 facing away from the microwave radiator 202 is connected to an oracle database unloader (ODU). Alternatively, the flexible microwave waveguide 203 connects the microwave radiator 202 and the oracle database unloader. In this design, the flexible microwave waveguide 203 is a flexible waveguide component in a microwave transmission system, used for flexible transmission of microwave signals within a limited space. This allows the oracle database unloader of the microwave antenna module 200 to be located outside the radome 011, without occupying space within the radome 011, and reduces the impact on the radiator 014 of the base station antenna module 100. Since the orientation of the second reflector 201 and the microwave radiator 202 may need to be adjusted during the operation of the microwave antenna module 200, the microwave radiator 202 and the fiber optic distribution unit are connected by a microwave flexible waveguide 203. Since the microwave flexible waveguide 203 is flexible, it is easy to adjust the orientation of the second reflector 201 and the microwave radiator 202.

[0089] In one specific embodiment, the surface of the aforementioned microwave flexible waveguide 203 has an electromagnetic invisibility cloak. An electromagnetic invisibility cloak is a technology that uses special materials or structural design to make an object "invisible" within a specific electromagnetic wave band. Its core principle is to control the propagation path of electromagnetic waves, causing them to bypass the object equipped with the electromagnetic invisibility cloak. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic invisibility cloak provides invisibility to the electromagnetic waves of the base station antenna module 100 on the back side of the microwave antenna module 200. Specifically, the electromagnetic waves of the microwave antenna module 200 can bypass the microwave flexible waveguide for transmission, and the transmission rate is high. They can arrive at the same distance simultaneously with electromagnetic waves not blocked by the microwave flexible waveguide, thus effectively meaning the microwave flexible waveguide has little or no impact on the communication performance of the base station antenna module 100.

[0090] It is worth noting that the electromagnetic cloak on the surface of the aforementioned microwave flexible waveguide 203 refers to the outer surface of the core structure of the microwave flexible waveguide having an electromagnetic cloak. The outer surface of this electromagnetic cloak may also have a protective layer such as an insulating layer, which is used to enclose the aforementioned electromagnetic cloak. However, the portion of the microwave flexible waveguide 203 that affects the base station antenna module 100 is located inside the electromagnetic cloak.

[0091] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna system in one embodiment of this application. Figure 14 This is a top view schematic diagram of the antenna system in the implementation of this application, as shown below. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the radome 011 includes a planar flat plate portion 0111, which is located on the side of the first reflector 0121 facing away from the radiator 014. The planar plate portion 0111 is located on the back side of the antenna system, and in the working state, the planar plate portion 0111 is oriented towards the mast 04. In this design, the planar plate portion 0111 has a planar structure, specifically a flat plate structure, which facilitates the installation of devices and modules such as the fiber optic distribution unit 204 of the microwave antenna module 200 and the remote radio unit 015 (RRU) of the base station antenna module 100, thereby simplifying the setup of the antenna system.

[0092] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 13 and Figure 14In some embodiments, the radome 011 further includes a curved surface 0112. The curved surface 0112 is fixedly connected to the flat plate portion 0111 to form a cylindrical structure. Furthermore, the radome 011 may also include a lower end cover 0113 and an upper end cover 0114. The lower end cover 0113 is connected to the lower part of the cylindrical structure formed by the curved surface 0112 and the flat plate portion 0111, and the upper end cover 0114 is connected to the upper part of the cylindrical structure formed by the curved surface 0112 and the flat plate portion 0111. Thus, the flat plate portion 0111, the curved surface 0112, the lower end cover 0113, and the upper end cover 0114 together form the radome. The base station antenna module 100 and the microwave antenna module 200 are located between the curved surface 0112 and the flat plate portion 0111; specifically, the base station antenna module 100 and the microwave antenna module 200 are located inside the radome.

[0093] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the curved portion 0112 of the radome has a C-shaped cross-section, and the curved portion 0112 protrudes towards the side away from the flat plate portion 0111, forming a convex curved surface on the outer surface of the radome 011, while forming a concave curved surface on the inner surface of the radome 011. In this design, the outer surface of the radome 011 includes a curved surface, which helps to reduce the wind load on the radome 011, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the antenna system.

[0094] The above are merely specific embodiments 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 system, characterized in that, It includes an antenna radome, a base station antenna module, and a microwave antenna module. The base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are both located inside the antenna radome. The base station antenna module is used for cellular coverage, and the microwave antenna module is used for signal backhaul. The base station antenna module includes a first reflector and a radiator. The radiator is located on a first side of the first reflector. The microwave antenna module is located on the first side of the first reflector. The first reflector includes a first region and a second region. The orthographic projection of the microwave antenna module onto the plane containing the first region of the first reflector at least partially coincides with the first region.

2. The antenna system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, On the first side of the first reflector, the first region is recessed into the second region.

3. The antenna system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The radiator includes a first radiator and a second radiator. The operating frequency band of the first radiator is higher than that of the second radiator. The first radiator is disposed in the second region of the first reflector, and the second radiator is disposed in the first region of the first reflector.

4. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The radiator includes a third radiator and a fourth radiator, which operate in the same frequency band. The third radiator is disposed in the first region of the first reflector, and the fourth radiator is disposed in the second region of the first reflector.

5. The antenna system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between the third radiator and the surface of the first reflector is less than or equal to the distance between the fourth radiator and the surface of the first reflector.

6. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The microwave antenna module includes a second reflector and a microwave radiator. The second reflector is located between the microwave radiator and the first reflector and is used to reflect the signal of the microwave radiator. At least a portion of the second reflector is also used to transmit the signal of the radiator on the back side of the second reflector.

7. The antenna system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second reflector includes a total reflection region and a frequency selection region. The frequency selection region is located around the total reflection region. The total reflection region is used to completely reflect the signal of the microwave radiator, and the frequency selection region is used to reflect the signal of the microwave radiator and transmit the signal of the radiator on the back side of the second reflector.

8. The antenna system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The distance L1 from the center of the second reflector to the outer edge of the total reflection region satisfies the following condition:

9. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The microwave antenna module includes a microwave soft waveguide, which is connected to the microwave radiator of the microwave antenna module.

10. The antenna system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The surface of the microwave soft waveguide has an electromagnetic cloak, which is invisible to the signals of the radiator located in the first region.

11. The antenna system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The radome includes a flat plate portion with a planar surface, the flat plate portion being located on the side of the first reflector away from the radiator.

12. The antenna system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The radome includes a curved surface, which is fixedly connected to the flat plate to form a cylindrical shape. The curved surface protrudes toward the side away from the flat plate. The base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are located between the curved surface and the flat plate.

13. An antenna system, characterized in that, It includes an antenna radome, a base station antenna module, and a microwave antenna module. The base station antenna module and the microwave antenna module are both located inside the antenna radome. The base station antenna module is used for cellular coverage, and the microwave antenna module is used for signal backhaul. The base station antenna module extends along a first direction, and the microwave antenna module and the base station antenna module are arranged side by side along the first direction.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a baseband processing unit and an antenna system as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the baseband processing unit is connected to the antenna system.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The baseband processing unit is connected to the feed network of the antenna system; or, the antenna includes a radio frequency processing unit, and the baseband processing unit is connected to the feed network through the radio frequency processing unit.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes core network equipment and communication equipment as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein the communication equipment is communicatively connected to the core network equipment.

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