Communication apparatus, base station and communication system

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication apparatus, a base station and a communication system. The communication apparatus comprises a circuit board and an antenna module located on one side of the circuit board. The antenna module comprises a feeding part and at least one radiating element, the feeding part being electrically connected to the circuit board and being used for feeding power to the at least one radiating element. The surface of the side of the circuit board facing away from the antenna module is provided with a baseband processing unit and a radio frequency processing unit; and the surface of the side of the circuit board facing the antenna module is provided with a first reflector. In the communication apparatus of the present application, the circuit board integrates the first reflector, the baseband processing unit and the radio frequency processing unit, so as to be capable of not only achieving conversion between baseband digital signals and radio frequency analog signals, as well as transmission and reception processing of radio frequency signals, but also adjusting the radiation direction of the radiating element, thus simplifying the structure of the communication apparatus, and facilitating layout optimization of base stations.

Description

Communication device, base station and communication system Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a communication device, a base station, and a communication system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology has become the primary physical layer technology for fifth-generation mobile networks (5G), accommodating the explosive growth of mobile data traffic. As an evolution of multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, massive MIMO not only enables simultaneous service for multiple users using the same time-frequency resources, but also achieves higher spectral and energy efficiency.

[0003] In 5G systems, base stations are equipped with active antenna units (AAUs) to increase communication transceiver capacity. The AAU integrates the radio remote unit (RRU) and antenna into one unit, enabling simultaneous conversion between baseband digital signals and RF analog signals, as well as transceiver and RF signal processing. However, the integration of the RRU and antenna makes the AAU larger and heavier. Furthermore, as the number of communication frequency bands increases, the number of antennas required by base stations also increases, making base station space increasingly crowded and difficult to deploy and install.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication device, a base station, and a communication system to simplify the structure of the communication device and thus optimize the layout of the base station.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes a circuit board and an antenna module located on one side of the circuit board. The antenna module specifically includes a feed portion and at least one radiating element, wherein the feed portion is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to feed the at least one radiating element. The circuit board is provided with a first reflector, a baseband processing unit, and a radio frequency processing unit. The first reflector is located on a side surface of the circuit board facing the antenna module, and the baseband processing unit and the radio frequency processing unit are located on a side surface of the circuit board facing away from the antenna module.

[0007] In the above-mentioned communication device, the circuit board integrates the first reflector, the baseband processing unit and the radio frequency processing unit, which can not only realize the conversion between the baseband digital signal and the radio frequency analog signal and the transmission and reception processing of the radio frequency signal, but also adjust the radiation direction of the radiating oscillator, thereby simplifying the structure of the communication device and facilitating the optimization of the base station layout.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the first reflector may be a metal layer.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first reflector is grounded, so that the first reflector can reflect all the energy radiated by the radiating oscillator, thereby reducing the back radiation of the radiating oscillator and improving the overall gain of the communication device; and the first reflector can allow the interference of the circuit board to flow into the first reflector, thereby reducing the electromagnetic interference on the circuit board.

[0010] The feed portion and the at least one radiating element are fixedly connected. In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a support frame. The support frame is located on a side of the circuit board facing the antenna module. The feed portion and the at least one radiating element are respectively fixed to the support frame.

[0011] The support frame may have at least one mounting hole, the number of the at least one mounting hole is equal to the number of the at least one radiating vibrator and is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and each radiating vibrator is fixed to the corresponding mounting hole to facilitate installation and removal of the radiating vibrator.

[0012] The support frame of the present application may be provided with a second reflector on a surface of a side facing away from the at least one radiating oscillator, and the first reflector and the second reflector may serve together as reflectors of the at least one radiating oscillator.

[0013] When the first reflector and the second reflector are specifically arranged, along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board, a projection of the second reflector on the circuit board may at least partially overlap with the first reflector, or may not overlap.

[0014] In another possible implementation, the communication device may further include a housing and a radome, the radome being connected to the housing to form a receiving cavity. The circuit board and antenna module may be located within the receiving cavity, and the at least one radiating element may be positioned proximate to the radome, thereby protecting the communication device from external environmental influences during operation.

[0015] In addition, the communication device further includes a radiator, which is located on a side of the circuit board away from the antenna module and is used to dissipate heat from the circuit board.

[0016] In addition, the above-mentioned communication device may specifically be an active antenna unit AAU. The communication device further comprises a power supply, which is arranged close to the circuit board and is used to supply power to the circuit board.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application provides a base station. The base station includes the communication device of the first aspect described above. The circuit board of the communication device integrates a first reflector, a baseband processing unit, and a radio frequency processing unit. This circuit board can not only convert baseband digital signals into radio frequency analog signals and transmit and receive radio frequency signals, but also adjust the radiation direction of the radiating element, thereby simplifying the structure of the communication device and facilitating optimization of the base station layout.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes the base station according to the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a base station in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG4 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG5 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG6 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG7 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG8 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG9 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure numerals: 10-communication system; 11-base station; 12-terminal device; 111-communication device; 112-housing; 113-radome; 114-accommodating cavity; 115-heat sink; 116-power supply; 1111-circuit board; 1112-feeding part; 1113-radiating element; 1114-first reflector; 1115-support frame; 1116-second reflector; 11151-mounting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the", and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "a specific embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0032] The present application provides a communication device, a base station, and a communication system to simplify the structure of the communication device, thereby optimizing the layout of the base station. To facilitate understanding of the communication device, base station, and communication system provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following first introduces their application scenarios.

[0033] The technical solution of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, 5G system or new radio (NR), and future sixth-generation mobile communication technology system.

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1 , communication system 10 includes at least one network device. The network device provided in the embodiment of the present application may refer to a radio access network (RAN) node / device that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. The network device may also be referred to as an access network device or a wireless access device. For example, the network device may be a base station. Base stations include, but are not limited to, evolutionary node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE systems, node B (NB) in WCDMA systems, base transceiver stations (BTS) in GSM or CDMA systems, base stations in future 5G networks, base stations in future evolved PLMN networks, home base stations, new wireless base stations, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, wireless controllers in cloud radio access networks (CRAN) scenarios, relay stations, access points, transmission points (TRP), transmitting points (TP), building base band units (BBU), remote radio units (RRU), AAU, radio heads (RRH), central units (CU), distributed units (DU), positioning nodes, etc. The above-mentioned base stations can be fixed or mobile, and the base stations can support networks with the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the network equipment. For ease of understanding, the following description is made by taking the network device being the base station 11 as an example.

[0035] The communication system 10 can be used to communicate with at least one terminal device 12, and the at least one terminal device 12 can communicate with the at least one network device. When a network device communicates with a terminal device 12, one network device can manage one or more terminal devices 12. The terminal device 12 is a device used to communicate with a network device, including but not limited to: user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. For example, the terminal device 12 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, and can be used to connect people, objects and machines, such as a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. Alternatively, the terminal device 12 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in remote surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. For ease of understanding, the following description takes the terminal device 12 as a UE as an example.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a base station in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, in a specific implementation, the base station 11 includes at least one communication device 111. The communication device 111 can be used to convert baseband digital signals and radio frequency analog signals, and to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. In some embodiments of the present application, the base station 11 also includes a baseband unit BBU. The baseband unit BBU is communicatively connected to the at least one communication device 111, and is used to process and convert digital signals so as to communicate with the terminal device 12. In other embodiments, the base station 11 also includes a central unit CU and a distribution unit DU. The central unit CU is communicatively connected to the distribution unit DU, and the distribution unit DU is communicatively connected to the at least one communication device 111. The central unit CU includes a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and a radio resource control (RPC) layer to achieve information convergence and low real-time requirements. The distributed unit DU includes a physical (PHY) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, and a radio link control (RLC) layer to implement independent functions with high real-time requirements.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication device in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 111 specifically includes a circuit board 1111 and an antenna module. The antenna module is located on one side of the circuit board 1111, and specifically includes a feeding portion 1112 and at least one radiating vibrator 1113. The feeding portion 1112 is electrically connected to the circuit board 1111, and the feeding portion 1112 is used to feed power to the radiating vibrator 1113. The circuit board 1111 is provided with a baseband processing unit (not shown in the figure), a radio frequency processing unit (not shown in the figure) and a first reflector 1114. The baseband processing unit and the radio frequency processing unit are located on a side surface of the circuit board 1111 away from the radiating vibrator 1113. The radio frequency processing unit is in communication connection with the at least one radiating vibrator 1113, and is used to send and receive radio frequency signals of the radiating vibrator 1113. The baseband processing unit is communicatively connected to the RF processing unit to convert baseband digital signals into RF analog signals. Furthermore, the baseband processing unit can be communicatively connected to the baseband unit (BBU) or distributed unit (DU) of base station 11 to transmit and receive baseband digital signals to and from the baseband unit (BBU) or distributed unit (DU). A first reflector 1114 is located on a side of circuit board 1111 facing radiating element 1113 and is used to adjust the radiation direction of radiating element 1113, thereby improving the gain of radiating element 1113.

[0038] In the above-mentioned communication device 111, the circuit board 1111 integrates the first reflector 1114, the baseband processing unit and the radio frequency processing unit, so that the circuit board 1111 can not only realize the conversion between the baseband digital signal and the radio frequency analog signal and the transmission and reception processing of the radio frequency signal, but also adjust the gain of the radiation oscillator 1113, thereby simplifying the structure of the communication device 111 and facilitating the optimization of the layout of the base station 11.

[0039] When configuring the antenna module, it includes one or more radiating elements 1113 arranged in an array. The radiating elements 1113 are used to receive and / or radiate radio waves. One end of a feeder 1112 is connected to the radiating elements 1113 for communication, and the other end is connected to a circuit board 1111 for feeding the radiating elements 1113, enabling the radiating elements 1113 to radiate multiple beams, each of which can cover different ranges.

[0040] When assembling the above-mentioned communication device 111, at least one radiating element 1113 can be fixed to the circuit board 1111 via a carrier. Figure 4 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the communication device 111 may further include a support frame 1115. The support frame 1115 is disposed on the side of the circuit board 1111 facing the antenna module. The feed portion 1112 and the radiating element 1113 are respectively fixed to the support frame 1115. The support frame 1115 is connected to the circuit board 1111 and allows the radiating element 1113 to be spaced a certain distance from the first reflector 1114.

[0041] Continuing with FIG4 , in one specific embodiment, the support frame 1115 may have at least one mounting hole 11151. The number of the at least one mounting hole 11151 is equal to the number of the at least one radiating element 1113 and is provided in a one-to-one correspondence. Each radiating element 1113 may be secured to a corresponding mounting hole 11151, facilitating installation and removal of the radiating element 1113.

[0042] When setting the circuit board 1111, the above-mentioned first reflector 1114 can be a metal coating or a metal reflective plate. The metal material of the first reflector 1114 can specifically include a copper layer, an aluminum layer or an iron layer, etc., which is not limited here. In addition, the specific shape of the first reflector 1114 is not limited. For example, it can be a rectangle as shown in Figures 3 and 4, or it can also be a circle, a polygon or other irregular shapes. When the first reflector 1114 is specifically set at a position on the circuit board 1111, the first reflector 1114 is arranged opposite to the above-mentioned at least one radiating vibrator 1113. In other words, along the direction perpendicular to the circuit board 1111, the projection of the above-mentioned at least one radiating vibrator 1113 on the circuit board 1111 at least partially overlaps with the first reflector 1114. It should be noted that at least partial overlap in the present application includes partial overlap and complete overlap. For example, in one embodiment, the projection of the at least one radiating element 1113 on the circuit board 1111 may be completely located within the area of ​​the first reflector 1114 , that is, the first reflector 1114 may cover the projection of the at least one radiating element 1113 on the circuit board 1111 .

[0043] In addition, the above-mentioned first reflector 1114 can be grounded. On the one hand, the radiation direction of the above-mentioned at least one radiating oscillator 1113 can be toward the first reflector 1114, and the first reflector 1114 can reflect all the radiated energy, thereby reducing the back radiation of the radiating oscillator 1113, improving the overall gain of the communication device 111, and having high reliability in use; on the other hand, the interference of the circuit board 1111 can flow into the first reflector 1114, thereby reducing the electromagnetic interference on the circuit board 1111.

[0044] In order to achieve the miniaturization of the communication device 111, the size of the circuit board 1111 can be designed according to actual needs. When the size of the circuit board 1111 is small, some components of the circuit board 1111 can be arranged on the side surface of the circuit board 1111 facing the radiation vibrator 1113. Figure 5 is another schematic diagram of the communication device in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, a second reflector 1116 can be provided on the side surface of the support frame 1115 facing away from the at least one radiation vibrator 1113. The second reflector 1116 and the first reflector 1114 can jointly serve as a reflection plate for the at least one radiation vibrator 1113.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5 , when setting the positions of the first reflector 1114 and the second reflector 1116, the projection of the second reflector 1116 on the circuit board 1111 can at least partially overlap with the first reflector 1114 in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board 1111. In another embodiment, the projection of the second reflector 1116 on the circuit board 1111 can also not overlap with the first reflector 1114. Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6 , in one embodiment, the projection of the second reflector 1116 on the circuit board 1111 includes a first projection and a second projection, and the first projection and the second projection are respectively located on opposite sides of the first reflector 1114. Figure 7 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7 , in another embodiment, the projection of the second reflector 1116 on the circuit board 1111 is located on one side of the first reflector 1114.

[0046] FIG8 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG8 , in a specific embodiment, the communication device 111 may further include a housing 112 and an antenna cover 113. The housing 112 is connected to the antenna cover 113 and forms a receiving cavity 114. The circuit board 1111, the feed portion 1112, and the at least one radiating element 1113 may be placed within the receiving cavity 114, and the at least one radiating element 1113 may be positioned adjacent to the antenna cover 113. The housing 112 and the antenna cover 113 serve as a protective housing 112 for the communication device 111, protecting the components of the communication device 111 from normal operation.

[0047] FIG9 is another schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG9 , the communication device 111 may further include a heat sink 115 , which is located on a side of the circuit board 1111 away from the at least one radiating element 1113 and is used to dissipate heat from the circuit board 1111 .

[0048] In addition, the communication device 111 of the present application may be an active antenna unit AAU. In this embodiment, the active antenna unit AAU further includes a power supply 116 , which is disposed near the circuit board 1111 and is used to supply power to the circuit board 1111 .

[0049] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a circuit board and an antenna module located on one side of the circuit board, wherein: The antenna module comprises a feeding portion and at least one radiating element, wherein the feeding portion is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to feed power to the at least one radiating element; A baseband processing unit and a radio frequency processing unit are arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing away from the antenna module, and a first reflector is arranged on a surface of the circuit board facing the antenna module.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The first reflector is a metal layer.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first reflector is grounded.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises a support frame, wherein the support frame is located on a side of the circuit board facing the antenna module, and the antenna module is fixed to the support frame.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that The support frame has at least one mounting hole, the number of the at least one mounting hole is equal to the number of the at least one radiating vibrator and they are arranged in one-to-one correspondence, and each of the radiating vibrators is fixed to the corresponding mounting hole.

6. The communication device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A second reflector is disposed on a surface of the support frame on one side away from the at least one radiating vibrator.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that Along a direction perpendicular to the circuit board, a projection of the second reflector on the circuit board does not overlap with the first reflector.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises a shell and an antenna cover, wherein the antenna cover is connected to the shell and forms a receiving cavity, the circuit board and the antenna module are located in the receiving cavity, and the at least one radiating element is arranged close to the antenna cover.

9. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The communication device further includes a heat sink, which is located on a side of the circuit board away from the antenna module and is used to dissipate heat from the circuit board.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises a power supply, which is arranged close to the circuit board and is used to supply power to the circuit board.

11. A base station, characterized in that: Comprising at least one communication device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication system, characterized in that: Comprising the base station as claimed in claim 11.

Images