Multiplexer and array antenna module

Abstract

To provide a multiplexer and an array antenna module.SOLUTION: There are provided a multiplexer for array antenna module applications, and an antenna array module. The array antenna module includes an array antenna and a beamforming module. The multiplexer 30 includes one first end 31 and at least two second ends 32. The at least two second ends 32 extend towards the first end 31. One of the first end 31 and the at least two second ends 32 is connected to the array antenna, and the other of the first end 31 and the at least two second ends 32 is connected to the beamforming module. The first end 31 and the at least two second ends 32 are used to conduct signals between the array antenna and the beamforming module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and more particularly to a multiplexer and an array antenna module.

Background Art

[0002] A low-orbit satellite system (LEO) is a large satellite system composed of multiple satellites capable of real-time information processing. Low-orbit satellites are also used for communication with mobile terminals such as mobile phones. In addition, due to the low orbital altitude, mobile terminals adopting low-orbit satellite communication have the advantages of short transmission delay and small path loss. A mobile communication system composed of multiple low-orbit satellites can achieve true global coverage and more effective frequency multiplexing. Technologies such as cellular communication, multi-connection, spot beam, and frequency multiplexing also provide technical guarantees for the application of low-orbit satellites to mobile communication. In short, low-orbit satellites are currently highly evaluated mobile communication systems.

[0003] However, in the array antenna module applied to conventional low-orbit satellites, in order to reduce the overall area of antenna design, the arrangement distance between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna is close, so it is difficult to arrange the signal transmission wiring between the antennas, and more considerations are required in the design of the array antenna.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, the present invention provides a multiplexer and an array antenna module.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The first aspect of the present application provides a multiplexer applicable to an array antenna module. The array antenna module includes an array antenna and a beamforming module. The multiplexer includes one first end and at least two second ends, and the at least two second ends extend in the direction of the first end. One of the first end or the at least two second ends is connected to the array antenna, and the other of the first end or the at least two second ends is connected to the beamforming module. The first end and the at least two second ends are used to conduct signals between the array antenna and the beamforming module.

[0006] The second aspect of the present application further provides an array antenna module including an array antenna, a beamforming module, and the multiplexer described above.

[0007] The multiplexer provided in the present application is connected to the array antenna through one of the first end or the at least two second ends, and is connected to the beamforming module through the other of the first end or the at least two second ends. Thereby, the multiplexer can conduct signals between the array antenna and the beamforming module. The signal conduction directions of the at least two second ends are opposite to the signal conduction direction of the first end. The multiplexer can be prevented from being laid flat in the same plane, saving the design space of the multiplexer in the plane and contributing to the arrangement of the signal transmission wiring of the array antenna module.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, in connection with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, the technical aspects in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0010] In addition, when one element is described as being "electrically connected" to another element, it may be directly present in the other element, or there may be an element located in the center. When one element is considered to be "electrically connected" to another element, it may be a contact connection (for example, in the form of a wire connection), or a non-contact connection (for example, in the form of a non-contact coupling).

[0011] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field of the present invention. The terms used in this specification are only for the purpose of explaining specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, based on the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. If there is no contradiction, the following examples and the features in the examples may be combined.

[0013] A low-orbit satellite system (LEO) is a large satellite system composed of multiple satellites capable of real-time information processing. Low-orbit satellites are also used for communication with mobile terminals such as mobile phones. Also, due to the low orbital altitude, mobile terminals adopting low-orbit satellite communication have the advantages of short transmission delay and small path loss. A mobile communication system composed of multiple low-orbit satellites can achieve true global coverage, and frequency multiplexing is more effective. Technologies such as cellular communication, multi-connection, spot beam, and frequency multiplexing also provide technical guarantees for the application of low-orbit satellites to mobile communication. In short, low-orbit satellites are currently highly evaluated mobile communication systems.

[0014] However, for the array antenna module applied to conventional low-orbit satellites, in order to reduce the overall area of the antenna design, the arrangement distance between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna is relatively close, so the signal transmission wiring between the antennas is difficult, and more considerations are required in the design of the array antenna.

[0015] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present application, in order for a wireless communication device to realize wireless communication based on a low-orbit satellite, an array antenna module 1 applicable to the wireless communication device (not shown) is provided. Here, the array antenna module 1 is used to transmit or receive wireless signals in order to realize wireless communication.

[0016] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1. In some embodiments of the present application, the array antenna module 1 includes an array antenna 10, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 20, a multiplexer 30, and a beam forming module 40.

[0017] The array antenna 10, the LNA 20, the multiplexer 30, and the beamforming module 40 are electrically connected in sequence. The array antenna 10 can be used to receive or transmit wireless communication signals. One end of the multiplexer 30 is connected to the array antenna 10 via the LNA, and the other end of the multiplexer 30 is connected to the beamforming module 40. The LNA 20 is used to obtain a wireless communication signal from the array antenna 10, amplify it, and then output it to the multiplexer 30, or to obtain a wireless communication signal from the multiplexer 30, amplify it, and then output it to the array antenna 10. The multiplexer 30 is used to conduct the wireless communication signal of the array antenna 10 to the beamforming module 40, or to conduct the wireless communication signal of the beamforming module 40 to the beamforming module 40. The beamforming module 40 is used to obtain a wireless communication signal from the array antenna 10 via the multiplexer 30, analyze it, or compile the wireless communication signal, and then conduct it to the array antenna 10 via the multiplexer 30.

[0018] Referring also to FIG. 2, the multiplexer 30 includes one first end 31, at least two second ends 32, a first connection portion 33, and a second connection portion 34.

[0019] One of the first end 31 or the at least two second ends 32 is connected to the array antenna 10 via the LNA 20, and the other of the first end 31 or the at least two second ends 32 is connected to the beamforming module 40. In some embodiments, the first end 31 and the at least two second ends 32 both exhibit a structure of substantially linear metal segments and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The at least two second ends 32 are arranged in the same plane. The first end 31 and the at least two second ends 32 are not arranged in the same plane.

[0020] The first connection part 33 is connected to the first end part 31 and is flush with the first end part 31. In some embodiments, the first connection part 33 is a substantially rectangular ring-shaped metal segment, and the first end part 31 is connected to a position approximately in the middle of one long side of the rectangular ring-shaped first connection part 33. In some embodiments, the plane or layer where the first end part 31 and the first connection part 33 are located is substantially parallel to the plane or layer where at least two second end parts are located. In some embodiments, the first connection part 33 exhibits other symmetric regular shapes such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, linear, or a combination of any of the above shapes, and exhibits a symmetric structure with respect to the first end part 31. Or, the first connection part 33 may have an asymmetric or irregular shape. In comparison, when the first connection part 33 has a symmetric regular shape, since it has substantially the same signal conduction path, the signal conduction effect is better.

[0021] One end of the second connection part 34 is connected to an end of the first connection part 33 that is away from the first end part 31, and the other end of the second connection part 34 is connected to at least two second end parts 32. The second connection part 34 connects the plane or layer where the first end part 31 is located and the plane or layer where at least two second end parts are located. In some embodiments, the second connection part 34 is two metal columns, but is not limited thereto. One end of each of the two metal columns is connected to at least two second end parts 32 respectively. The other ends of the two metal columns are connected to a position approximately in the middle of one long side of the rectangular ring-shaped first connection part 33 that is away from the first end part 31.

[0022] In some embodiments, each of at least two second end parts 32 includes a connection point 322 connected to the second connection part 34. The second end part 32 is formed by the connection point 322 extending from the second connection part 34 towards the first end part 31. In some embodiments, the projection of at least two second end parts 32 in the first direction is within the range of the projection of the first connection part 33 in the first direction. Here, the first direction is the direction in which at least two second end parts 32 are perpendicular to the first connection part 33.

[0023] Refer to FIGS. 2 and 3 together. The second end portion 32 has an angle θ between the direction from the connection point 322 toward the first end portion 31 and the direction perpendicular to one side of the second connection portion 34. In some embodiments, the range of the angle θ may be from 0 degree to 90 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

[0024] In some embodiments, the signal conduction directions of at least two second end portions 32 are substantially opposite to the signal conduction direction of the first end portion 31. In some embodiments, the vector difference between the signal conduction direction of the first end portion 31 and the signal conduction directions of at least two second end portions 32 may be from 90 degrees to 180 degrees. Exemplarily, the signal conduction direction of the first end portion 31 faces the first connection portion 33. The signal conduction direction of the first end portion 31 can be defined as a first vector. The first connection portion 33 acquires a signal from the first end portion 31 and transmits the signal to the two second connection portions 34. At least two second end portions 32 are respectively connected to the two second connection portions 34 via connection segments 322 and function as the signal conduction endpoints of at least two second end portions 32. The structure along at least two second end portions 320 is regarded as the signal conduction path of at least two second end portions 32. The signal conduction direction of at least two second end portions 32 can be defined as a second vector. The vector difference between the first vector and the second vector may be from 90 degrees to 180 degrees. In addition, when at least two second end portions 32 are signal input ends, the first end portion 31 becomes a signal output end. In this case, the signal conduction path may be the same as the above description, but the signal conduction direction is reversed. Here, it will not be described further.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first end portion 31 and at least two second end portions 32 have a first resistance value, and the first connection portion 33 has a second resistance value. Here, the first resistance value may be less than or equal to the second resistance value. The first resistance value may be 50 ohms (Ω), but is not limited thereto. The second resistance value may be 70.7 ohms, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, in order to equalize the energy, a single signal transmission path from the first end portion 31 is divided into two signal transmission paths of at least two second end portions 32. The first connection portion 33 connecting the first end portion 31 and at least two second end portions 32 conforms to the following formula (1). Here, Z 0 is the first resistance value between the first end portion 31 and at least two second end portions 32. That is, Z 0 = 50 ohms. Z is the second resistance value of the first connection portion 33. By calculation, Z = 70.7 ohms is obtained. Since the same preset resistance value is provided for the first end portion 31 and at least two second end portions 32, and different preset resistance values are provided for the first connection portion 33, the energy conducted by the first end portion 31 and the first connection portion 33 is substantially equal to the energy conducted by at least two second end portions 32, and the loss of energy conduction is reduced. In some embodiments, in accordance with the installation of the array antenna module 1, the first connection portion 33, the first end portion 31, and at least two second end portions 32 can have different line widths so that the first connection portion 33, the first end portion 31, and at least two second end portions 32 can have substantially equal signal transmission power.

[0026]

Number

[0027] The first end portion 31 can be used to receive a wireless communication signal from the array antenna 10 via the LNA 20. The first end portion 31, the first connection portion 33, the second connection portion 34, and at least two second end portions 32 conduct this wireless communication signal sequentially, and further conduct this wireless communication signal to the beamforming module 40 by the at least two second end portions 32. Alternatively, the first end portion 31 can receive a wireless communication signal from the beamforming module 40. The first end portion 31, the first connection portion 33, the second connection portion 34, and at least two second end portions 32 conduct this wireless communication signal sequentially. Subsequently, the at least two second end portions 32 conduct this wireless communication signal to the array antenna 10 via the LNA 20.

[0028] Referring also to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the array antenna module 1 may have a multilayer structure. The first end portion 31 is connected to the first connection portion 33 and flush with the first connection portion 33. Also, the first end portion 31 and the first connection portion 33 can be located in the same layer of the array antenna module 1, for example, the third layer. The at least two second end portions 32 can be located in another layer of the array antenna module 1, for example, the first layer. The second connection portion 34 penetrates the layer in which the first end portion 31 and the first connection portion 33 are located and the layer in which the at least two second end portions 32 are located, that is, the second connection portion 34 penetrates from the first layer to the third layer. In some embodiments, at least two first through holes are provided in the first layer and the third layer of the array antenna module 1. To form the second connection portion 34, these at least two first through holes are filled with a metal conductor. The extending direction of the at least two second end portions 32 is substantially the same as the direction in which the first end portion 31 extends. And the at least two second end portions 32 extend so as to face the first connection portion 33 with a gap therebetween.

[0029] The multiplexer 30 may include a resistor 35. The resistor 35 is in contact with the at least two second end portions 32. In some embodiments, the resistor 35 is in contact with one end connected to the second connection portion 34 of the at least two second end portions 32 and is disposed in the first layer of the array antenna module 1.

[0030] In some embodiments, the array antenna 10 may be disposed on other layers of the array antenna module 1, and the layer where the first end portion 31 and the first connection portion 33 are disposed is not flush with the layer where at least two second end portions 32 are disposed. For example, the array antenna 10 may be disposed on the fifth layer of the array antenna module 1. In some embodiments, the fifth layer where the array antenna 10 is located may be the surface layer of the array antenna module 1, and the first layer where at least two second end portions 32 are located may be the inner layer of the array antenna module 1. In some other embodiments, the first layer where at least two second end portions 32 are located may be the surface layer of the array antenna module 1, and the fifth layer where the array antenna 10 is located may be the inner layer of the array antenna module 1. The LNA 20 may be disposed on the first layer of the array antenna module 1.

[0031] In some embodiments, the array antenna module 1 may further include a first ground layer 50 and a second ground layer 60.

[0032] The first ground layer 50 can be located between the layer where the first end portion 31 is located, such as the second layer of the array antenna module 1, and the layer where at least two second end portions 32 are located. The second ground layer 60 can be located between the layer where the first end portion 31 is located and the layer where the array antenna 10 is located, for example, on the fourth layer of the array antenna module 1. The first ground layer 50 and the second ground layer 60 are used to ground the array antenna 10 and the multiplexer 30.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first layer and the fifth layer of the array antenna module 1 are provided with second through holes filled with metal conductors to form the third connection portion 70. The third connection portion 70 penetrates the first layer and the fifth layer of the array antenna module 1 and is respectively connected to the LNA 20 located in the first layer and the array antenna 10 located in the fifth layer, realizing the electrical connection and signal conduction between the LNA 20 and the array antenna 10. It is understood that the multilayer structure of the array antenna module 1, for example, the first layer to the fifth layer, may be arranged in parallel at intervals with respect to each other.

[0034] Refer to FIGS. 5 and 6 together. The array antenna 10 may include several transmitting antennas 12 and several receiving antennas 14. The plurality of transmitting antennas 12 are arranged across rows. In each row, every two adjacent transmitting antennas 12 are arranged at intervals with a first preset distance. The plurality of receiving antennas 14 are arranged across rows. In each row, every two adjacent receiving antennas 14 are arranged at intervals with a second preset distance. Moreover, each receiving antenna 14 is arranged with a position shift from each transmitting antenna 12. Thereby, the transmitting antennas 12 in each row and the receiving antennas 14 in each row are installed with a position shift, forming the array antenna 10. In some embodiments, the first preset distance is greater than, equal to, or smaller than the second preset distance. The present application does not limit this.

[0035] The multiplexer 30 is arranged with a position shift between the transmitting antenna 12 and the receiving antenna 14. In some embodiments, the array antenna module 1 can include a plurality of multiplexers 30. Each multiplexer 30 can be connected in association with a set of transmitting antenna 12 and receiving antenna 14. Here, several means "one" or "a plurality".

[0036] When at least two second ends 32 of the multiplexer 30 are connected to the receiving antenna 14 of the array antenna 10 via the LNA 20, the first end 31 is connected to the beamforming module. The multiplexer 30 can be used as a power combiner for receiving the signals of the array antenna 10 via at least two second ends 32 and conducting the wireless communication signals to the beamforming module 40 via the first end 31. Alternatively, when at least two second ends 32 of the multiplexer 30 are connected to the transmitting antenna 12 of the array antenna 10 via the LNA 20, the first end 31 is connected to the beamforming module 40. The multiplexer 30 can function as a power distributor for receiving the signals of the beamforming module 40 via the first end 31 and conducting the wireless communication signals to the array antenna 10 via at least two second ends 32.

[0037] In some embodiments, the beamforming module 40 can be connected to the first end 31 of one or more multiplexers 30. For example, the beamforming module 40 can be connected to the first ends 31 of eight multiplexers 30. At least two second ends 32 of each multiplexer 30 can be connected to one of a set of transmitting antennas 12 and a set of receiving antennas 14 of the array antenna 10. In this way, one beamforming module 40 can be connected in association with eight sets of transmitting antennas 12 and receiving antennas 14 via eight multiplexers 30. Here, among the multiple multiplexers 30 connected to the beamforming module 40, the connection lengths from the first end 31 of each multiplexer 30 to the beamforming module 40 are substantially equal so that the signal conduction paths between the beamforming module 40 and the multiple multiplexers 30 are substantially equal. This not only ensures that there are substantially equal energy transmission losses and the signal conduction quality of each signal conduction path is substantially the same, but also is advantageous for the signal transmission wiring of the multiple multiplexers 30 in the entire array antenna module 1. In some other embodiments, two sets, four sets, or sixteen sets of transmitting antennas 12 and receiving antennas 14 may be connected to one beamforming module 40. The present invention is not limited thereto.

[0038] The multiplexer 30 provided in the present application is connected to the array antenna 10 via one of the first end 31 or at least two second ends 32, and is connected to the beamforming module 40 via the other of the first end 31 or at least two second ends 32. Thereby, the multiplexer 30 can conduct signals between the array antenna 10 and the beamforming module 40, and the signal conduction directions of at least two second ends 32 are opposite to the signal conduction direction of the first end 31. Therefore, it is not necessary to juxtapose the multiplexers 30 on the same plane, which saves the design space of the multiplexers 30 in the plane and is more advantageous for the signal transmission wiring of the array antenna module 1.

[0039] The above embodiments are used only for explaining the technical aspects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that even if the technical aspects of the present invention are modified or equivalently replaced, they should not deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical aspects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can also perform designs used in the present invention, such as other changes within the spirit of the present invention as long as they do not deviate from the technical effects of the present invention. All changes based on the spirit of the present invention should be included within the protection scope required by the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0040] 1 Array Antenna Module 10 Array Antenna 12 Transmitting Antenna 14 Receiving Antenna 20 LNA 40 Beamforming Module 30 Multiplexer 31 First End 32 Second End 322 Connection Point 33 First Connection Port 34 Second Connection Port 35 Resistor 50 First Ground Layer 60 Second Ground Layer 70 Third Connection Port

Claims

1. A multiplexer for use in an array antenna module, comprising: The array antenna module includes an array antenna and a beamforming module; the multiplexer includes a first end and at least two second ends; the at least two second ends extend toward the first end; one of the first end or the at least two second ends is connected to the array antenna; the other of the first end or the at least two second ends is connected to the beamforming module; A multiplexer, wherein the first end and the at least two second ends are used to conduct signals between the array antenna and the beamforming module.

2. The multiplexer of claim 1 , wherein the first end and the at least two second ends are located on different layers.

3. The multiplexer of claim 1 , further comprising a resistor, the resistor contacting the at least two second ends.

4. When the at least two second ends are connected to receiving antennas of the array antenna, the first end is connected to the beamforming module, and the multiplexer is a power combiner for receiving signals of the array antenna via the at least two second ends and conducting the signals to the beamforming module via the first end; or 2. The multiplexer of claim 1, wherein when the at least two second ends are connected to a transmitting antenna of the array antenna, the first end is connected to the beamforming module, and the multiplexer is a power divider for receiving a signal of the beamforming module via the first end and conducting the signal to the array antenna via the at least two second ends.

5. The multiplexer further includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion, the first connection portion being connected to the first end portion and being flush with the first end portion; one end of the second connection portion is connected to an end of the first connection portion away from the first end, and the other end of the second connection portion is connected to the at least two second end portions; The multiplexer according to claim 2 , wherein the second connection portion connects a layer in which the first end is located and a layer in which the at least two second ends are located.

6. 1. An array antenna module, comprising: The array antenna module comprises an array antenna, a beamforming module, and a multiplexer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The array antenna module of claim 6, further comprising a low noise amplifier, one end of the low noise amplifier being connected to the array antenna and the other end of the low noise amplifier being connected to the at least two second ends.

8. The array antenna further includes the transmitting antennas arranged across a plurality of rows, and the receiving antennas arranged across a plurality of rows, In each row, every two adjacent transmit antennas are spaced apart by a first preset distance; In each row, every two adjacent receive antennas are spaced apart by a second preset distance; each of the receive antennas is offset from each of the transmit antennas, and each row of the transmit antennas and each row of the receive antennas are arranged to form an offset array; 7. The array antenna module of claim 6, wherein the multiplexer is offset between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna.

9. The array antenna module of claim 6 , further comprising a first ground layer located between a layer on which the first end is located and a layer on which the at least two second ends are located.

10. The array antenna module of claim 9 , further comprising a second ground layer located between the layer on which the first end is located and the layer on which the array antenna is located.

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