Antenna coupling structure, multi-port network model, antenna, and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses an antenna coupling structure, a multi-port network model, an antenna, and an electronic device. The antenna coupling structure is arranged in one or more antenna feed networks and is used for adjusting a coupling network value, and comprises a plurality of input ports, which are respectively connected with a plurality of networks through a plurality of network transmission lines; a coupling transmission line is arranged between the plurality of input ports and forms an isolation gap with the network transmission lines, and is configured to couple and transmit energy between the plurality of input ports, wherein the width of the isolation gap is configured to be determined based on a preset coupling network value. The application has the technical effect of improving the flexibility of coupling and isolation between adjacent or multiple ports in the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, and more particularly to an antenna coupling structure, a multi-port network model, an antenna, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication systems, the number and coverage of 5G base stations continue to increase. During antenna calibration for 5G base stations, the coupling and isolation voltages between ports are typically within a relatively fixed range due to structural limitations between the elements. Existing technologies usually improve coupling or isolation by adjusting the element aperture, changing the size of the isolation wall, or adding a single coupling line between the feed networks. However, these methods often only affect the relationship between two ports and cannot improve both simultaneously. Therefore, the coupling and isolation issues between adjacent or multiple ports in an antenna deserve attention. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna coupling structure, a multi-port network model, an antenna, and an electronic device, aiming to improve the flexibility of coupling and isolation between adjacent or multiple ports in an antenna. In a first aspect, an antenna coupling structure is provided, disposed in one or more antenna feed networks, for adjusting coupling network values, comprising: multiple input ports, each connected to a corresponding network via multiple network transmission lines; coupling transmission lines, disposed between the multiple input ports and forming an isolation gap with the network transmission lines, configured to couple energy between the multiple input ports, wherein the width of the isolation gap is configured to be determined based on a preset coupling network value.

[0004] The antenna coupling structure described above, by setting a coupling transmission line between the input port of the antenna feed network and the network transmission line to form an isolation gap, can achieve bidirectional adjustment of the coupling level and isolation level between the two ports while maintaining the overall compact structure of the antenna, thereby effectively improving the calibration consistency of the antenna array and the controllability of system coupling.

[0005] Optionally, the plurality of input ports include: a first input port connected to a first network via a first transmission line; a second input port connected to a second network via a second transmission line; and a coupling transmission line disposed between the first input port and the second input port, the coupling transmission line including: a first part and a second part, the first part forming a first gap with the first transmission line on the side near the first input port, and the second part forming a second gap with the second transmission line on the side near the second input port.

[0006] Optionally, multiple input ports are configured to belong to different antenna feed networks.

[0007] Optionally, the multiple antenna feed networks include: a first antenna feed network, a second antenna feed network, a third antenna feed network, and a fourth antenna feed network; wherein the first antenna feed network and the third antenna feed network are located on the first side, and the second antenna feed network and the fourth antenna feed network are located on the second side, wherein the first side and the second side are positioned opposite each other.

[0008] Optionally, the coupled transmission line includes a first transmission structure, a second transmission structure, and a third transmission structure; the first transmission structure is arranged parallel to the third transmission structure along a first direction, the second transmission structure is arranged along a second direction and connected between the first transmission structure and the third transmission structure, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; wherein, the first end of the first transmission structure is arranged between multiple input ports of the first antenna feed network, the second end of the first transmission structure is arranged between multiple input ports of the second antenna feed network, the first end of the third transmission structure is arranged between multiple input ports of the third antenna feed network, and the second end of the third transmission structure is arranged between multiple input ports of the fourth antenna feed network.

[0009] Optionally, the coupled transmission line includes a fourth transmission structure disposed between multiple input ports of the multiple antenna feed networks.

[0010] Optionally, the coupling transmission line includes a fifth transmission structure, a sixth transmission structure, and a seventh transmission structure; the fifth transmission structure is located near multiple input ports of the first antenna feed network and the third antenna feed network, the sixth transmission structure is located near multiple input ports of the second antenna feed network and the fourth antenna feed network, and the seventh transmission structure is connected between the fifth transmission structure and the sixth transmission structure.

[0011] Secondly, a multi-port network model is provided, including: multiple antenna feed networks with antenna coupling structures provided in the first aspect.

[0012] Thirdly, an antenna is provided, including the antenna coupling structure provided in the first aspect.

[0013] Fourthly, an electronic device is provided, including the antenna coupling structure provided in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure are briefly introduced below:

[0015] Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic representation of an antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This illustration shows a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 3 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the first antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in a multiple antenna feed network;

[0018] Figure 4 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the second antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in a multi-antenna feed network;

[0019] Figure 5 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the third antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in a multi-antenna feed network;

[0020] Figure 6 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the fourth antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in a multi-antenna feed network;

[0021] Figure 7 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the fifth antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in a multi-antenna feed network;

[0022] Figure 8 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the coupling and isolation improvement results between adjacent ports in the same column of a multiple antenna feed network provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, examples of implementation methods of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Adjustments and improvements made without departing from the concept of this disclosure are all within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0024] To keep the drawings simple, each figure only schematically shows the parts relevant to the embodiment, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product. In addition, for the sake of clarity and ease of understanding, some figures only schematically show parts of components with the same structure or function, and there may actually be more or fewer components with the same structure or function.

[0025] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, ordinal numbers, such as “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish and describe related objects, and should not be construed as indicating or implying the relative importance or order between related objects; furthermore, they do not represent the quantity of related objects. “Multiple” includes two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. “ / ” is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating an “or” relationship between them. “And / or” is used to describe the relationship between related objects, including any combination relationship between them, such as “a and / or b” including: “a alone”, “b alone”, or “a and b”. “One or more” or “at least one” of multiple objects refers to any object or any combination of multiple objects, such as “one or more of a1, a2, a3” or “at least one of a1, a2, a3” including: “a1 alone”, “a2 alone”, “a3 alone”, “a1 and a2”, “a1 and a3”, “a2 and a3”, or “a1, a2 and a3”.

[0026] For arrayed base station antennas deployed on a large scale in the context of 5G network construction, engineering practice generally requires that the coupling and isolation between antenna input ports be kept within a controllable range during the system calibration phase. Coupling refers to the energy interaction between different ports or radiating elements in an antenna due to near-field or transmission path factors; isolation refers to the degree of undesirable interaction between ports. In antennas, due to structural constraints such as element geometry and relative layout, the coupling and isolation between ports often fall within a relatively fixed range, making it difficult to adjust as needed under a given structure. Here, a port refers to an independent feed interface in the array, and an element is the antenna element that bears electromagnetic radiation. To improve this problem, existing technologies often adjust the element aperture to affect coupling, change the size of the isolation wall to improve isolation, or add a single coupling line between feed networks to correct the coupling and isolation relationship between two ports. However, the above technical approaches generally perform local optimization on a two-port basis, making it difficult to achieve unified and coordinated target control for adjacent or multiple ports simultaneously in the same array. At the same time, existing publicly available technologies also have problems such as large antenna element size and high profile height, which are not conducive to the lightweight and highly integrated application of 5G antennas. In summary, the question of how to achieve greater freedom in coupling and isolation between multiple ports without significantly altering the antenna's structure deserves attention.

[0027] The following description is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of an antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of the present application. The antenna coupling structure, disposed in one or more antenna feed networks, is used to adjust coupling network values ​​and includes: multiple input ports 110 (such as...). Figure 1The input ports 111 and 112 shown are respectively connected to multiple networks 130 via multiple network transmission lines 120; the coupling transmission line 140 is disposed between the multiple input ports 110 and forms an isolation gap 150 with the network transmission line 120, and is configured to couple energy between the multiple input ports 110, wherein the width of the isolation gap 150 is configured to be determined based on a preset coupling network value.

[0029] The antenna coupling structure described above can be configured in one or more antenna feed networks to adjust the coupling relationship between multiple input ports in the antenna system, thereby achieving controllable optimization of the coupling and isolation levels between ports. For example... Figure 1The diagram illustrates the coupling structure between different input ports of an antenna feed network, such as input ports 111 and 112. Each input port 110 is connected to a corresponding network 130 via a network transmission line 120. The network transmission line 120 can be a microstrip line, stripline, waveguide, or other conductor structure capable of transmitting electromagnetic signals, and its geometry and dielectric parameters can be designed according to the target frequency band and impedance matching requirements. A coupling transmission line 140 is provided between the multiple input ports 110. An isolation gap 150 separates the coupling transmission line 140 from the multiple network transmission lines 120. By arranging the coupling transmission line 140 between different input ports, controlled electromagnetic field coupling can be introduced between the ports, allowing some energy to be transferred between them, thereby changing the inter-port coupling characteristics and isolation level of the original feed network. This structure can achieve energy balance and signal consistency adjustment between ports, thereby improving the overall radiation performance and calibration consistency of the multi-port antenna system. The width of the isolation gap 150 can be determined according to a preset coupling network value. When a higher coupling level is required, the width of the isolation gap 150 can be reduced to enhance field coupling between ports; when a higher isolation level is required, the width of the isolation gap 150 can be increased to reduce mutual energy transfer. By controlling the geometry of the isolation gap, the coupling and isolation levels between ports can be continuously adjusted in engineering implementation. For antenna systems with different operating frequency bands or array layouts, the required range of coupling network values ​​can be determined through simulation or testing to achieve the desired coupling and isolation parameter distribution. The coupling transmission line 140 can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically; for multi-port systems, multiple coupling transmission lines 140 can be cascaded or gridded to achieve coordinated coupling adjustment between three-port, four-port, or more ports. This layout can flexibly adapt to application scenarios with different array spacing, feed topology, and number of ports, and has good scalability and versatility. In addition, the network transmission line 120 and the coupling transmission line 140 can be located on the same dielectric substrate or arranged in layers between different conductor planes. The isolation gap 150 can be a physical gap or an equivalent coupling region formed by dielectric layer thickness or materials with different dielectric constants. For example, in radio frequency band applications, it can be implemented using common printed circuit board technology to facilitate integration into existing antenna feed networks. Through the above structural arrangement, controllable optimization of coupling and isolation between multiple input ports can be achieved without changing the antenna radiating element structure, making it suitable for large-scale MIMO antenna arrays in 5G and subsequent communication systems.

[0030] Figure 2This diagram shows a partially enlarged schematic of an antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application. Multiple input ports 110 include: a first input port 111 connected to a first network 131 via a first transmission line 121; a second input port 112 connected to a second network 132 via a second transmission line 122; and a coupling transmission line 140 disposed between the first input port 111 and the second input port 112. The coupling transmission line 140 includes: a first portion 141 and a second portion 142, wherein the first portion 141 forms a first gap 151 with the first transmission line 121 on the side near the first input port 111, and the second portion 142 forms a second gap 152 with the second transmission line 122 on the side near the second input port 112.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the first input port 111 is connected to the first network 131 via the first transmission line 121, and the second input port 112 is connected to the second network 132 via the second transmission line 122. The first network 131 and the second network 132 can be different channels in the antenna feed network, used to realize signal distribution, phase adjustment, and impedance matching, or they can be adjacent feed modules in a multi-port antenna system. A coupling transmission line 140 is provided between the first input port 111 and the second input port 112 to establish controlled electromagnetic coupling between the first input port and the second input port, so as to realize energy transmission regulation between the two ports. The coupling transmission line 140 includes a first part 141 and a second part 142, wherein the first part 141 is located on the side closer to the first input port 111 and forms a first gap 151 with the first transmission line 121; the second part 142 is located on the side closer to the second input port 112 and forms a second gap 152 with the second transmission line 122. The above structure forms two independent coupling regions, thereby achieving more precise control over the coupling energy distribution. The widths of the first gap 151 and the second gap 152 can be the same or different depending on the system design objectives. When enhanced coupling is required on the first input port 111 side, the width of the first gap 151 can be appropriately reduced; when increased isolation is required on the second input port 112 side, the width of the second gap 152 can be appropriately increased. By adjusting the dimensions of the two gaps respectively, an asymmetrical coupling distribution can be obtained between the two input ports, thereby optimizing the amplitude and phase consistency of the antenna array or compensating for imbalances caused by wiring differences. Similarly, the length and position of the coupling transmission line 140 can be designed according to the operating frequency band and the desired coupling amount. The first part 141 and the second part 142 can be integrally formed by continuous or folded conductor structures, or segmented wiring can be used and welded or electrically connected to achieve overall electrical continuity. Furthermore, the first network 131 and the second network 132 can be located on the same feed plane or arranged in layers on different dielectric layers. The first transmission line 121 and the second transmission line 122 can use the same characteristic impedance design to ensure consistent electrical performance of the two input ports. With the above structure, the energy transfer between the first input port 111 and the second input port 112 depends not only on the overall length and position of the coupling transmission line 140, but also on the widths of the first gap 151 and the second gap 152. This design allows for bidirectional adjustment of the coupling and isolation levels between the two ports while maintaining a compact overall antenna structure, thereby effectively improving the calibration consistency of the antenna array and the controllability of system coupling.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, multiple input ports are configured to belong to different antenna feed networks. Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of the first antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in multiple antenna feed networks is shown. When applied to different antenna feed networks, the multiple antenna feed networks include: a first antenna feed network S1, a second antenna feed network S2, a third antenna feed network S3, and a fourth antenna feed network S4; wherein, the first antenna feed network S1 and the third antenna feed network S3 are disposed on a first side, and the second antenna feed network and the fourth antenna feed network are disposed on a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are positioned opposite each other.

[0033] The coupled transmission line includes a first transmission structure 310, a second transmission structure 320, and a third transmission structure 330. The first transmission structure 310 is arranged parallel to the third transmission structure 330 along a first direction F1, and the second transmission structure 320 is arranged along a second direction F2 and connected between the first transmission structure 310 and the third transmission structure 330. The first direction F1 is perpendicular to the second direction F2. Specifically, the first end of the first transmission structure 310 is located between multiple input ports of the first antenna feed network S1, the second end of the first transmission structure 310 is located between multiple input ports of the second antenna feed network S2, the first end of the third transmission structure 330 is located between multiple input ports of the third antenna feed network S3, and the second end of the third transmission structure 330 is located between multiple input ports of the fourth antenna feed network S4.

[0034] Multiple antenna feed networks are arranged opposite each other on the first and second sides, forming a multi-channel feed structure with a symmetrical layout. In this embodiment, through the arrangement of the coupling transmission lines described above, energy coupling paths can be established in both the vertical and horizontal directions, realizing cross-coupling control between multiple feed networks. The first end of the first transmission structure 310 is located between multiple input ports of the first antenna feed network S1, and the second end is located between multiple input ports of the second antenna feed network S2; the first end of the third transmission structure 330 is located between multiple input ports of the third antenna feed network S3, and the second end is located between multiple input ports of the fourth antenna feed network S4. Through the above connection relationship, a closed coupling path can be formed between the four feed networks, enabling adjustable energy transmission relationships between the first and second sides, and between upper and lower layer networks. The first transmission structure 310, the second transmission structure 320, and the third transmission structure 330 can be implemented using parallel microstrip lines or striplines; the coupling gap formed by the first transmission structure 310 and the third transmission structure 330 can be determined through simulation based on the target coupling amount. Furthermore, the three transmission structures can be connected continuously by conductors to form an integrated coupling frame structure, or they can be composed of independent conductors and electrically connected through termination points or vias. In PCB implementation, a two-layer or multi-layer routing structure can be used: for example, the first and third transmission structures can be placed on the upper layer, and the second transmission structure can be placed on the lower layer, connected by vertical vias to achieve three-dimensional field coupling control. This coupling structure can not only achieve electromagnetic energy distribution and balance between adjacent antenna feed networks, but also form multi-path, multi-level coupling control in larger-scale arrays, improving the radiation uniformity and overall calibration performance of the array antenna.

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in multiple antenna feed networks is shown. The coupling transmission line includes a fourth transmission structure 410, which is disposed between multiple input ports of the multiple antenna feed networks (S1 to S4).

[0036] In the above embodiments, coupling between the input ports of the four antenna feed networks can be achieved through a fourth transmission structure 410. Figure 3Unlike the previous implementation, this embodiment employs a simpler coupling structure. The fourth transmission structure 410 can be a continuous conductor or transmission line that runs along the second direction F2 through the input regions of multiple antenna feed networks, generating electric field coupling between the relatively arranged feed network ports. By controlling the distance or dielectric gap between the fourth transmission structure 410 and each input port, different coupling strengths can be achieved. When the spacing is small, energy coupling is enhanced, improving signal consistency between ports; when the spacing is large, coupling is weakened, improving isolation between ports. This method can maintain a compact overall structure while also considering electromagnetic matching across multiple paths, establishing a shared electromagnetic coupling path between multiple feed networks, and achieving energy distribution and balance between different channels.

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the third antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in multiple antenna feed networks is shown. The coupling transmission line includes a fifth transmission structure 510, a sixth transmission structure 520, and a seventh transmission structure 530; the fifth transmission structure 510 is located near multiple input ports of the first antenna feed network S1 and the third antenna feed network S3, the sixth transmission structure 520 is located near multiple input ports of the second antenna feed network S2 and the fourth antenna feed network S4, and the seventh transmission structure 530 is connected between the fifth transmission structure 510 and the sixth transmission structure 520.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the fifth transmission structure 510, the sixth transmission structure 520, and the seventh transmission structure 530 form an energy coupling path that runs through the feeder networks on both sides. The fifth transmission structure 510 and the sixth transmission structure 520 can be parallel stripline or microstrip line structures, used to establish lateral coupling channels between multiple input ports on the corresponding sides; the seventh transmission structure 530 forms a longitudinal connection between the two sides. Therefore, cross-side energy coupling and distribution can be achieved through the fifth transmission structure 510, the sixth transmission structure 520, and the seventh transmission structure 530. Together, they constitute an integrated multi-channel coupling network, enabling coupling control between the feeder networks in multiple directions. Figure 3 , Figure 4 Compared to the structure shown, this embodiment achieves cross-side energy distribution and phase balancing for multiple feed networks by adding a seventh transmission structure 530 with a central connection. This not only controls the coupling strength between ports within the same-side network but also forms a uniformly regulated energy channel between opposing networks. This design maintains a compact structure while improving the overall system synergy and engineering scalability, making it suitable for multi-layer, multi-polarized array antenna feed systems. Figure 6A schematic diagram of the fourth antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in a multi-antenna feed network is shown. In this schematic diagram, the fifth transmission structure 510 and the sixth transmission structure 520 are brought closer together to form another energy coupling path in the multi-antenna feed network. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the fifth antenna coupling structure provided in some embodiments of this application in multiple antenna feed networks is shown. In this schematic diagram, the seventh transmission structure 530 is moved towards the center, and the fifth transmission structure 510 and the sixth transmission structure 520 are each composed of two transmission paths, thereby enabling free coupling between multiple input ports of different antenna feed networks and improving the flexibility of electromagnetic coupling between multiple antenna feed networks.

[0039] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the improved coupling and isolation results between adjacent ports in the same column of a multi-antenna feed network according to some embodiments of this application. The solid line L1 represents the coupling and isolation results between adjacent ports in the same column without the antenna coupling structure of this application, while the dashed line L2 represents the results with the structure of this application. As can be seen from the diagram, after integrating this antenna coupling structure, the worst voltage level was improved from -35dB to -27dB, achieving the desired coupling improvement effect.

[0040] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a multi-port network model, including: multiple antenna feed networks with antenna coupling structures provided in the above embodiments.

[0041] Based on the same technical concept, this application provides an antenna, including the antenna coupling structure provided in the above embodiments.

[0042] Based on the same technical concept, an electronic device is provided, including the antenna coupling structure provided in the above embodiments.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis. Parts not described in detail or in a particular embodiment can be referred to in the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed.

Claims

1. An antenna coupling structure, characterized in that, Configured in one or more antenna feed networks, used to adjust coupling network values, including: Multiple input ports are connected to multiple networks via multiple network transmission lines; A coupling transmission line, disposed between the plurality of input ports and forming an isolation gap with the network transmission line, is configured to couple energy between the plurality of input ports, wherein the width of the isolation gap is configured to be determined based on a preset coupling network value.

2. The antenna coupling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple input ports include: a first input port connected to a first network via a first transmission line; and a second input port connected to a second network via a second transmission line. The coupling transmission line is disposed between the first input port and the second input port. The coupling transmission line includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part forms a first gap with the first transmission line on the side near the first input port, and the second part forms a second gap with the second transmission line on the side near the second input port.

3. The antenna coupling structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multiple input ports are configured to belong to different antenna feed networks.

4. The antenna coupling structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple antenna feed networks include: a first antenna feed network, a second antenna feed network, a third antenna feed network, and a fourth antenna feed network; The first antenna feed network and the third antenna feed network are disposed on the first side, and the second antenna feed network and the fourth antenna feed network are disposed on the second side, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite to each other.

5. The antenna coupling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The coupled transmission line includes: a first transmission structure, a second transmission structure, and a third transmission structure; The first transmission structure is arranged parallel to the third transmission structure along a first direction, and the second transmission structure is arranged along a second direction and connected between the first transmission structure and the third transmission structure. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. Wherein, the first end of the first transmission structure is disposed between multiple input ports of the first antenna feed network, the second end of the first transmission structure is disposed between multiple input ports of the second antenna feed network, the first end of the third transmission structure is disposed between multiple input ports of the third antenna feed network, and the second end of the third transmission structure is disposed between multiple input ports of the fourth antenna feed network.

6. The antenna coupling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The coupled transmission line includes a fourth transmission structure, which is disposed between multiple input ports of the multiple antenna feed networks.

7. The antenna coupling structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The coupled transmission line includes a fifth transmission structure, a sixth transmission structure, and a seventh transmission structure; The fifth transmission structure is located near multiple input ports of the first antenna feed network and the third antenna feed network, the sixth transmission structure is located near multiple input ports of the second antenna feed network and the fourth antenna feed network, and the seventh transmission structure is connected between the fifth transmission structure and the sixth transmission structure.

8. A multi-port network model, characterized in that, include: Multiple antenna feed networks having the antenna coupling structure described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes the antenna coupling structure described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the antenna coupling structure described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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