A transmission network and an antenna

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of transmission networks, the transmission network includes: first transmission network;Second transmission network;And reflector, part of the reflector is parallelly arranged with the first transmission network, and another part of the reflector is parallelly arranged with the second transmission network, wherein the first transmission network and the second transmission network are arranged in three-dimensional with first angle.It is in this way, compared with the restriction of the plane layout between the traditional multiple transmission networks, according to the transmission network of the utility model, the transmission network is arranged in three-dimensional when being used specifically, and then the structure of the communication device comprising the transmission network can be miniaturized, the space utilization is improved, and the transmission network adopts common ground structure, so it solves the problem of ground discontinuity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communications, and more specifically to a transmission network and an antenna including the above-described transmission network. Background Technology

[0002] In existing 5G mobile communication systems, MIMO antennas are one of the key devices for coverage networks. However, the transmission network, as a crucial component of the antenna, largely determines its performance. The transmission network mainly consists of a phase-shifting network and a power-dividing network. In current technologies, traditional electrically tunable antennas often use stripline cavity phase shifters, but this approach often suffers from complex assembly and large space requirements, failing to meet the demands for antenna miniaturization and lightweight design. Furthermore, these cavity phase shifters require additional cables or adapters to connect to ground, potentially leading to ground discontinuity design issues. Moreover, while some planar common-ground transmission networks have solved the ground discontinuity problem, the overly compact layout of the phase-shifting and power-dividing networks results in severe coupling between the transmission networks, significantly impacting antenna performance.

[0003] In other words, existing transmission networks used for antennas often suffer from problems such as large phase shifter size, phase shifting networks and power divider networks not sharing a common ground or difficult layout, and severe coupling between lines. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, namely that traditional transmission networks used for antennas often have problems such as large phase shifter size, phase shifting network and power divider network not sharing a common ground or difficult layout, and serious coupling between lines, the inventor of this utility model thought of using a three-dimensional common ground structure to realize the transmission network, thereby improving the grounding reliability of the transmission network, and thus improving the performance of antennas including the transmission network according to this utility model.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, this utility model proposes a transmission network, which includes:

[0006] First transmission network;

[0007] A second transmission network; and

[0008] A reflector, a portion of which is arranged parallel to the first transmission network, and another portion of which is arranged parallel to the second transmission network.

[0009] The first transmission network and the second transmission network are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration at a first angle.

[0010] In this way, compared with the limitations of the traditional planar layout of multiple transmission networks, the transmission network according to this utility model adopts a three-dimensional arrangement in actual use, which facilitates the miniaturization of the communication device including the transmission network and improves space utilization.

[0011] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the first transmission network, the second transmission network, and the reflector adopt a common ground structure. Since the transmission network adopts a common ground structure, the problem of ground discontinuity is solved.

[0012] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the first transmission network is constructed as a phase-shifting network, and the second transmission network is constructed as a power-dividing network. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the combination of the first and second transmission networks is not necessarily a combination of a phase-shifting network and a power-dividing network; other desired network combinations are also possible. For example, the first transmission network may include a phase shifter and a portion of the power-dividing network.

[0013] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the first angle is approximately 90 degrees. Those skilled in the art should understand that angles slightly higher or lower than 90 degrees are also possible; for example, the first angle can be selected between 85 degrees and 95 degrees. Of course, preferably, a generally vertical (i.e., 90 degrees) vertical arrangement is chosen.

[0014] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the phase-shifting network includes:

[0015] A dielectric substrate, wherein phase-shifting lines are disposed on the dielectric substrate;

[0016] First power distribution network; and

[0017] A dielectric slider is disposed between the dielectric substrate and the reflector.

[0018] In this way, part of the power divider network, namely the first power divider network here, is integrated into the phase shifter network, and the phase shifter adjustment function can be achieved by adjusting the medium slider.

[0019] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the medium slider has a window or the thickness of the medium slider is gradually changing.

[0020] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the phase-shifting line is constructed as a single transmission line or a slow-wave line.

[0021] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the phase-shifting network includes a drive groove, which is configured to provide driving force to the medium slider via the drive groove. Optionally, the drive groove can be disposed, for example, on a reflector plate on its back side.

[0022] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the power distribution network includes a second power distribution network, and a transition matching section is provided between the first power distribution network and the second power distribution network. The transition matching section and the transmission groove are offset. That is, the transmission groove is not located directly below the transition matching section, but is set at a certain physical offset.

[0023] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the dielectric substrate further includes a limiting branch, which is disposed on the side of the dielectric substrate away from the first power divider network and extends toward the reflector. In this way, the dielectric slider and phase-shifting circuit of the phase shifter do not require additional housing for encapsulation or fixation, thereby reducing the weight of the transmission network according to this utility model and contributing to the lightweight design of antennas including the transmission network according to this utility model.

[0024] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the reflector is constructed as an L-shaped reflector.

[0025] Furthermore, a second aspect of this utility model discloses an antenna, the antenna comprising:

[0026] The transmission network according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

[0027] A radiating oscillator, which is electrically connected to the transmission network.

[0028] In this way, compared with the limitations of the traditional planar layout of multiple transmission networks, the transmission network and the antenna included in this utility model are arranged in three dimensions when in actual use. This facilitates the miniaturization of the structure of the antenna including the transmission network, improves space utilization, and the transmission network adopts a common ground structure, thus solving the problem of ground discontinuity of the transmission network and the corresponding antenna.

[0029] In summary, in the technical solution according to this utility model, compared with the limitation of the traditional planar layout of multiple transmission networks, the transmission network and the antenna including the transmission network are arranged in three dimensions when in actual use, which facilitates the miniaturization of the structure of the antenna including the transmission network and improves space utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The features, advantages, and other aspects of the various embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in which several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, in the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 2A A side view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 2B A front view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 3A A top view of a transmission network 300A according to a comparative embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0035] Figure 3B A top view of a transmission network 300B according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following describes various exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the exemplary methods and apparatuses described below include software and / or firmware executed on hardware among other components, it should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is conceivable that any or all hardware, software, and firmware components may be implemented exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, or in any combination of hardware and software. Therefore, although exemplary methods and apparatuses have been described below, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the examples provided are not intended to limit the ways in which these methods and apparatuses may be implemented.

[0037] Furthermore, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architecture, functions, and operations of the methods and systems according to various embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, or they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0038] As mentioned above, existing technologies suffer from several technical problems: traditional transmission networks for antennas often suffer from large phase shifter sizes, discontinuous grounding between the phase shifter and power divider networks, difficult layout, and severe coupling between lines. The inventors of this invention conceived of using a three-dimensional common-ground structure to realize the transmission network, thereby improving the grounding reliability of the transmission network and ultimately enhancing the performance of antennas, including those using the transmission network of this invention. To address these issues, this invention provides a 3D integrated transmission network, which is of significant importance. Therefore, the inventors of this invention propose a 3D transmission network that not only reduces size, improves space utilization, and reduces coupling, but also solves the problem of ground discontinuity between the phase shifter and power divider networks. Furthermore, the transmission network in this design can be an integrated design, resulting in a simple structure and low cost.

[0039] In other words, this invention proposes a 3D transmission network, which mainly consists of a phase-shifting network, a power-dividing network, and a reflector. The transmission network architecture is 3D, meaning the entire network is divided into two largely perpendicularly placed parts: the phase-shifting network and the power-dividing network. The largely perpendicularly placed network is not limited to a phase-shifting network; it can also be other transmission networks. The placement method is also not limited to vertical; it can be other 3D geometric structures, but the two are interconnected and continuous. In summary, this invention proposes a transmission network including a first transmission network, a second transmission network, and a reflector. A portion of the reflector is parallel to the first transmission network, and another portion is parallel to the second transmission network. The first and second transmission networks are arranged three-dimensionally at a first angle. In this way, compared to the limitations of traditional planar layouts of multiple transmission networks, the transmission network of this invention, with its three-dimensional arrangement, facilitates the miniaturization of the communication device including the transmission network and improves space utilization. Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the first transmission network, the second transmission network, and the reflector adopt a common ground structure. Since the transmission network adopts a common ground structure, the problem of ground discontinuity is solved.

[0040] The following will combine Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B as well as Figure 3A and Figure 3B This describes the transmission network disclosed according to the present utility model. Among them, Figure 1 A perspective view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2AA side view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2B A front view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A A top view of a transmission network 300A according to a comparative embodiment of the present invention is shown, while Figure 3B A top view of a transmission network 300B according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] from Figure 1 , Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B As can be seen, the transmission network according to this utility model includes a first transmission network 140 (vertically arranged portion), a second transmission network 142 (horizontally placed portion), and a reflector 110 (L-shaped base plate). A portion 111 of the reflector 110 (i.e., the vertically arranged portion) is arranged parallel to the first transmission network 141, and another portion 112 of the reflector 110 (i.e., the horizontally arranged portion) is arranged parallel to the second transmission network 142. The first transmission network 140 (vertically arranged portion) and the second transmission network 142 (horizontally placed portion) are arranged three-dimensionally at a first angle. In this way, compared to the limitations of traditional planar layouts among multiple transmission networks, the transmission network 100 according to this utility model, in practical use, adopts a three-dimensional arrangement, which facilitates the miniaturization of the communication device including the transmission network, improves space utilization, and the transmission network (first transmission network 141, second transmission network 142, and reflector 110) adopts a common ground structure, thus solving the problem of ground discontinuity.

[0042] The specific structure of the transmission network according to this utility model will be further described below. From Figure 1 It can also be seen that the vertically arranged phase-shifting network may specifically include a dielectric substrate 120, on which phase-shifting lines 140 are disposed. Furthermore, the vertically arranged phase-shifting network may also include a first power divider network 141. Figure 1 Not shown in the image, but will be obtained by means of Figure 2B (Described as follows) and a dielectric slider 130, which is disposed between the dielectric substrate 120 and the reflector 110. Preferably, the reflector 110 is constructed as an L-shaped reflector. According to the present invention, the ground of the phase-shifting network and the power-dividing network included in the transmission network are integrally formed, i.e., according to the reflector of the present invention, thus solving the problem of ground discontinuity. In this way, part of the power-dividing network, namely the first power-dividing network 141 here, is integrated into the phase-shifting network, and the phase-shifting adjustment function of the phase shifter can be realized by adjusting the dielectric slider 130. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission network 140 is configured as a phase-shifting network, and the second transmission network 142 is configured as a power-dividing network. Those skilled in the art should understand that the combination of the first transmission network 140 and the second transmission network 142 is not necessarily a combination of a phase-shifting network and a power-dividing network; other desired network combinations are also possible. For example, the first transmission network 140 may include a phase shifter and a portion of the power-dividing network 141. Preferably, in the technical solution according to this utility model, the first angle is approximately 90 degrees. Those skilled in the art should understand that angles slightly more or less than 90 degrees are also possible; for example, the first angle can be selected between 85 degrees and 95 degrees. Of course, preferably, a generally vertical (i.e., 90 degrees) vertical arrangement is chosen. Furthermore, the dielectric slider 130 has a window or the thickness of the dielectric slider is gradually changing to enable impedance matching. The aforementioned phase-shifting line is configured as a single transmission line or a slow-waveline line. The phase-shifting network includes a drive groove 150 configured to provide driving force to the medium slider. Optionally, the drive groove 150 can be disposed, for example, on a reflector on its back side. The specific location of the drive groove 150 will be determined by means of... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The following description is provided. A horizontally configured transmission network can be configured as a power divider network, including a second power divider network. A transition matching section is provided between the first and second power divider networks, and the transition matching section and the transmission slot are offset. That is, the transmission slot is not located directly below the transition matching section, but is positioned at a physical offset. Here, the transmission network of this invention improves the radio frequency performance of the antenna including the transmission network of this invention by reducing coupling between lines. Furthermore, the transmission network of this invention can be integrally molded, eliminating the need for additional assembly and reducing assembly complexity. The transmission network of this invention has a 3D three-dimensional structure, improving space utilization.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a side view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, while Figure 2B A front view of a transmission network 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs can be seen, the dielectric substrate 120 also includes a limiting stub 121, which is disposed on the side of the dielectric substrate 120 away from the first power divider network 141 and extends toward the reflector 110. The purpose of the additional limiting stub 121 extending above the generally vertically placed dielectric substrate 120 is to limit the dielectric slider 130, thereby precisely limiting the sliding space of the phase shifter. That is, the phase shifter included in the transmission network according to the present invention does not require an additional enclosed cavity, which can reduce the volume and correspondingly reduce the weight. In this way, the dielectric slider 130 and the phase shifting line 140 of the phase shifter do not need to be covered or fixed by an additional housing, thereby reducing the weight of the transmission network 100 according to the present invention and contributing to the lightweight design of the antenna including the transmission network 100 according to the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B As shown, the 3D stereoscopic transmission network proposed in this utility model mainly consists of a phase-shifting network, a power-dividing network, and a reflector. The phase-shifting network mainly consists of a phase shifter and a first power-dividing network. The power-dividing network includes a second power-dividing network, wherein the phase shifter is placed perpendicular to the second power-dividing network and uses the side reflector as ground, eliminating the need for an additional cavity as ground. Figure 1 As shown. The phase-shifting line is located on one side of the dielectric substrate. The dielectric slider slides between the dielectric substrate and the side metal ground (i.e., the part of the reflector on the side) to achieve phase shifting. The phase-shifting section can be a single transmission line or a slow-ripple line structure, where the slow-ripple line structure can achieve a larger phase shift amount with a limited layout. One end of the phase-shifting line is in air, and the other end is in the dielectric. Impedance matching between the air and the dielectric can be achieved in different ways, such as opening a window in the dielectric slider or gradually varying the thickness of the dielectric slider. The input terminal of the phase shifter is connected to one or both sides of the first power divider network to achieve single-sided or double-sided phase shifting. The phase shifter and the first power divider network together form the phase-shifting network. The phase-shifting network is not limited to a one-to-one form; it can also be a one-to-many form.

[0045] As mentioned earlier, to drive the medium slider 130, a slot, i.e., a transmission slot, needs to be cut into a part of the phase shifter, and the specific location of the transmission slot is also important. Furthermore, the phase shifting network and the power dividing network including the second power dividing network are integrated. The electrical connection between the phase shifting network and the power dividing network can be DC or coupled. The phase shifting network can be connected to the transmission device by cutting a slot in the reflector plate. Since the ground of the phase shifting network is the side of the reflector plate, while the ground of the power dividing network including the second power dividing network is the bottom surface of the reflector plate, the presence of the transmission slot in the phase shifting network may cause a discontinuity in the ground between the phase shifting network and the second power dividing network. To solve this problem, the inventors of this utility model conducted a series of verifications. Specifically, Figure 3A A top view of a transmission network according to a comparative embodiment of the present invention is shown, while Figure 3B A top view of a transmission network according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A As can be seen, for example, when the transition matching section 302A of the phase-shifting network and the power divider network including the second power divider network is located directly above the phase-shifting network drive slot 301A, energy leakage is more severe and insertion loss deteriorates. In contrast, when the transition matching section 302A is not located directly above the phase-shifting network drive slot 301A but is offset, i.e.... Figure 2B or Figure 3B As shown, when the transition matching section 102B or 302B is misaligned directly above the phase-shifting network drive slot 301B, energy leakage is reduced and the drive slot has almost no effect on insertion loss. Therefore, the transition matching section between the phase-shifting network and the power divider network including the second power divider network is not placed directly above the drive slot of the phase-shifting network, thus ensuring the continuity between the phase-shifting network and the power divider network including the second power divider network, reducing insertion loss and energy leakage. The transition matching section 302B is not limited to the phase-shifting network and the second power divider network, but can also be the transition matching section of other transmission networks. The transmission method of the phase-shifting network is not limited to translation, but can also be rotation. Due to the vertical placement of the phase-shifting network, space utilization is improved, thereby allowing the power divider network including the second power divider network to have more layout space and reducing coupling. The second transmission network of the vertically placed first transmission network is not limited to the phase-shifting network and the power divider network, but can also be other transmission networks, and its placement method is not limited to vertical, but can be other 3D geometric structures.

[0046] Furthermore, the transmission network and the oscillator unit can be integrally molded, thus eliminating the need for additional installation and welding. Moreover, the ground and reflector of the phase shifter included in the first transmission network are also integrally molded, requiring no additional assembly.

[0047] Furthermore, a second aspect of this invention discloses an antenna comprising: a transmission network according to the first aspect of this invention; and a radiating element electrically connected to the transmission network. In this manner, compared to the limitations of traditional planar layouts among multiple transmission networks, the transmission network and antenna included in this invention, when used, are arranged three-dimensionally, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the antenna structure and improving space utilization. Moreover, the transmission network employs a common ground structure, thus solving the problem of ground discontinuity between the transmission network and the corresponding antenna.

[0048] In summary, in the technical solution according to this utility model, compared with the limitation of the traditional planar layout of multiple transmission networks, the transmission network and the antenna including the transmission network are arranged in three dimensions when in actual use, which facilitates the miniaturization of the structure of the antenna including the transmission network and improves space utilization.

[0049] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present utility model can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0050] While embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to several specific examples, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. The embodiments of the present invention are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the claims is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, thereby encompassing all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A transport network, characterized by, The transmission network includes: First transmission network; A second transmission network; and A reflector, a portion of which is arranged parallel to the first transmission network, and another portion of which is arranged parallel to the second transmission network. The first transmission network and the second transmission network are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration at a first angle.

2. The transport network of claim 1, wherein, The first transmission network is configured as a phase-shifting network, and the second transmission network is configured as a power-dividing network.

3. The transport network of claim 1, wherein, The first angle is 90 degrees.

4. The transport network of claim 2, wherein, The phase-shifting network includes: A dielectric substrate, wherein phase-shifting lines are disposed on the dielectric substrate; First power distribution network; and A dielectric slider is disposed between the dielectric substrate and the reflector.

5. The transport network of claim 4, wherein, The medium slider has a window or the thickness of the medium slider is gradually changing.

6. The transport network of claim 4, wherein, The phase-shifting line is constructed as a single transmission line or a slow-wave line.

7. The transport network of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The phase-shifting network includes a drive groove configured to provide driving force to the medium slider via it.

8. The transport network of claim 7, wherein, The power distribution network includes a second power distribution network, and a transition matching section is provided between the first power distribution network and the second power distribution network. The transition matching section and the transmission groove are misaligned.

9. The transport network of claim 4, wherein, The dielectric substrate further includes a limiting branch, which is disposed on the side of the dielectric substrate away from the first power divider network and extends toward the reflector.

10. The transmission network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector is constructed as an L-shaped reflector.

11. The transmission network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission network, the second transmission network, and the reflector adopt a common ground structure.

12. An antenna, characterized by The antenna includes: The transmission network according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and A radiating oscillator, which is electrically connected to the transmission network.

Images