Base station antenna and base station

By setting a metasurface lens between the first antenna array and the second antenna array of the base station antenna, the occlusion and interference problems of traditional common-diameter array antennas are solved, the focus and gain of signals are achieved, and flexible deployment of different frequency bands is supported.

WO2025044700A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-03-06HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2024/110106
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-30
Filing Date
2024-08-06
Publication Date
2025-03-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional common-diameter array antennas have problems of deterioration in antenna indexes, crosstalk, occlusion and structural interference.

Method used

By providing a metasurface lens between the first antenna array and the second antenna array, the reflection, transmission and wavefront phase regulation of the signal is achieved, so that the radiation signal of the second antenna array is approximately focused as a plane wave.

Benefits of technology

It solves the problems of antenna mutual occlusion and performance interference, improves the gain of the second antenna array, and realizes the decoupling design and flexible deployment of antennas in different frequency bands.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a base station antenna and a base station. The base station antenna comprises a first antenna array, a metasurface lens, and a second antenna array; the metasurface lens is located between the second antenna array and a first radiator of a radiation unit of the first antenna array; and the metasurface lens is used for reflecting radiation signals of the first antenna array, and performing wavefront phase regulation and transmission on radiation signals of the second antenna array, so that the radiation signals of the second antenna array penetrating through the metasurface lens are approximately focused into plane waves. The base station comprises the base station antenna. According to the solution, shared-aperture array antennas can be achieved, the defects of mutual shielding of antennas and mutual interference of antenna performance are avoided, the problem of structural interference can be avoided, and the antenna gain can be improved.
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Description

Base station antennas and base stations

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on August 30, 2023, with application number 202311128136.6 and application name “Base Station Antenna and Base Station”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a base station antenna and a base station. Background Art

[0003] With the continuous evolution of mobile communication technology, co-aperture array antennas have become an inevitable trend. Co-aperture array antenna design can reduce the size of antenna surfaces without increasing the number or area of ​​antenna surfaces, and can fully leverage the combined advantages of high-frequency wide bandwidth and low-frequency long-range coverage. However, traditional co-aperture array antennas still have the following problems: degraded antenna performance, such as gain loss and crosstalk between antennas of different frequencies; and occlusion and structural interference between antennas of different bands.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a base station antenna and a base station, which can improve the above-mentioned defects of the traditional solution.

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides a base station antenna, comprising a first antenna array, a metasurface lens, and a second antenna array; the metasurface lens is located between the first radiator of the radiating unit of the first antenna array and the second antenna array, and the metasurface lens is used to reflect the radiation signal of the first antenna array and perform wavefront phase control and transmission on the radiation signal of the second antenna array, so that the radiation signal of the second antenna array passing through the metasurface lens is approximately focused into a plane wave.

[0007] This solution, by placing a metasurface lens between the first and second antenna arrays, enables both the first and second antenna arrays to operate through the reflection, transmission, and wavefront phase control of the metasurface lens, thereby realizing a co-aperture array antenna. Because the metasurface lens does not block the second antenna array located behind the first antenna array, the defects of mutual antenna blocking and mutual interference in antenna performance in traditional solutions are avoided. By properly assembling the first antenna array, the metasurface lens, and the second antenna array, the problem of structural interference can be avoided. Because the metasurface lens can focus the radiation signal of the second antenna array approximately into a plane wave through wavefront phase control, the gain of the second antenna array can be improved.

[0008] In one implementation of the first aspect, the base station antenna includes a feed structure and a feed network. Both the feed structure and the feed network are located on a side of a metasurface lens facing a first radiator, and the feed structure connects the first radiator to the feed network. This solution rationally positions the metasurface lens based on the existing structure of the base station antenna, is compatible with existing base station antenna structures, and ensures that the metasurface lens can function effectively.

[0009] In one implementation of the first aspect, the base station antenna includes a feed structure and a feed network. The feed structure passes through a metasurface lens. The feed network is located on the side of the metasurface lens facing the second antenna array. The feed structure connects the first radiator and the feed network. This solution can rationally position the metasurface lens based on the existing structure of the base station antenna, is compatible with existing base station antenna structures, and ensures that the metasurface lens can function effectively.

[0010] In one implementation of the first aspect, a metasurface lens includes a dielectric layer provided with a metal grid. The metal grids are crisscrossed and enclose multiple regions, each region having a metasurface unit. The metasurface units in each region have a certain gap from the region's boundary. The metal grid is used to reflect the radiation signal of the first antenna array, and the metasurface unit is used to perform wavefront phase control and transmission on the radiation signal of the second antenna array. This solution, by rationally arranging the structure of the metasurface lens, gives the metasurface lens frequency-selective characteristics, making it transmissive to incident waves in certain frequency bands and reflective to incident waves in other frequency bands. This effectively controls the transmission and reflection of incident electromagnetic waves, enabling the metasurface lens to function in base station antennas.

[0011] In one implementation of the first aspect, the dielectric layer includes multiple sub-dielectric layers stacked in sequence, at least one sub-dielectric layer is provided with a metal grid, wherein, when at least two sub-dielectric layers are provided with metal grids, the metal grids on all sub-dielectric layers overlap; each sub-dielectric layer is provided with a metasurface pattern on two opposite sides along its thickness direction, and multiple metasurface patterns arranged along the thickness direction constitute a metasurface unit. This solution enables the metasurface lens to function by rationally arranging its structure. The metasurface lens with a multi-layer structure can be used as a multi-order spatial filter, which can expand the bandwidth and increase the frequency selectivity.

[0012] In one implementation of the first aspect, a metal grid is provided on a surface of a sub-dielectric layer adjacent to the first radiator among the multiple sub-dielectric layers. Providing the metal grid adjacent to the first radiator ensures reflection of the radiation signal of the first antenna array, thereby reducing radiation signal loss of the first antenna array.

[0013] In one implementation of the first aspect, the structures of all metasurface patterns on the same sub-dielectric layer are not all the same. In this solution, each metasurface pattern on the same sub-dielectric layer can be equivalent to a resonator, and the metasurface patterns (or multiple resonators) connected in series can make the metasurface unit have a set phase shift. The design of the metasurface pattern in the metasurface unit can be determined according to the phase shift of the metasurface unit to the electromagnetic wave passing through. By making the structures of the metasurface patterns in the metasurface unit not all the same, the metasurface unit can have a corresponding phase shift to the electromagnetic wave passing through, thereby meeting product requirements.

[0014] In one implementation of the first aspect, the structures of multiple metasurface patterns in the same metasurface unit are not all the same. In this solution, each metasurface pattern in the same metasurface unit can be equivalent to a resonator, and the metasurface patterns (or multiple resonators) connected in series can enable the metasurface unit to have a set phase shift. The design of the metasurface pattern in the metasurface unit can be determined based on the phase shift of the metasurface unit to the electromagnetic wave passing through. By making the structures of the metasurface patterns in the metasurface unit not all the same, the metasurface unit can have a corresponding phase shift to the electromagnetic wave passing through, thereby meeting product requirements.

[0015] In one implementation of the first aspect, the first antenna array includes multiple groups of first radiators, each group including multiple first radiators; the base station antenna includes multiple digital channels, each digital channel electrically connected to all first radiators in a group; the multiple digital channels are used to implement horizontal beam scanning of the first antenna array using preconfigured phase shifts. In this solution, the first antenna array employs a digital beamforming architecture, which is compatible with existing base station antenna designs.

[0016] In one implementation of the first aspect, the second antenna array includes multiple groups of second radiators arranged along a first direction, each group of second radiators includes multiple second radiators arranged along a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the base station antenna includes multiple analog channels, each analog channel includes an analog phase shifter and a switch, the analog phase shifter in each analog channel is electrically connected to all second radiators in a group of second radiators through the switch, and the multiple analog channels are used to achieve horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array through the analog phase shifter, and achieve vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array by switching the switch; the metasurface lens includes a dielectric layer and a metasurface unit; the metasurface lens has a first symmetry axis along the first direction, the metasurface units in the metasurface lens are distributed along the first direction and the second direction to form an array, each column in the array along the second direction is symmetrical about the first symmetry axis, and the structure of the metasurface units in each column in the array along the first direction is the same. In this solution, the second antenna array adopts an analog beamforming architecture, which is compatible with existing base station antenna designs. The design of the metasurface lens can meet the demand for wavefront phase control of the radiation signal of the second antenna array, focusing the radiation signal of the second antenna array approximately into a plane wave, thereby improving the gain of the second antenna array.

[0017] In an implementation of the first aspect, the second antenna array includes multiple sub-arrays, which are arrayed along a first direction and a second direction, and each sub-array includes multiple second radiators arranged along the first direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the base station antenna includes multiple analog channels, each analog channel includes an analog phase shifter and a switch, and the analog phase shifter in each analog channel is electrically connected to all the second radiators in a sub-array through the switch; the multiple analog channels are used to realize vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array through the analog phase shifter; the multiple analog channels are also used to realize primary horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array through switching of the switch, and realize secondary horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array through the analog phase shifter; the metasurface lens includes a dielectric layer and a metasurface unit; the metasurface lens has a first symmetry axis along the first direction and a second symmetry axis along the second direction, the metasurface units in the metasurface lens are distributed along the first direction and the second direction to form an array, each column along the second direction in the array is symmetrical about the first symmetry axis, and each column along the first direction in the array is symmetrical about the second symmetry axis. In this solution, the second antenna array uses an analog beamforming architecture, compatible with existing base station antenna designs. The metasurface lens design can meet the requirements for wavefront phase control of the second antenna array's radiated signal, focusing the radiated signal into a near-plane wave, thereby increasing the second antenna array's gain.

[0018] In an implementation of the first aspect, the first radiator has a passive electromagnetic cancellation structure, which can reduce signal shielding of the second antenna array by the first antenna array.

[0019] In one implementation of the first aspect, the base station antenna includes a first antenna cover and a second antenna cover, wherein the first antenna array and the metasurface lens are located within the first antenna cover, and the second antenna array is located within the second antenna cover. This solution allows for decoupling and arranging different array antennas, enabling flexible deployment.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of the present application provide a base station including a base station antenna. This solution enables the implementation of co-aperture array antennas, avoiding the drawbacks of antenna mutual occlusion and interference between antenna performance, avoiding structural interference issues, and improving antenna gain. This solution also enables separate deployment of antenna arrays for different frequency bands, enabling decoupled design and flexible deployment of antennas for different frequency bands, reducing the number of channels for Band 2 antennas, and lowering costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG1 shows an application scenario of wireless communication between a base station and a terminal;

[0022] FIG2 shows an assembly structure of a base station according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG3 shows a portion of the internal framework structure of the base station in FIG2 ;

[0024] FIG4 shows an internal frame structure of a base station antenna according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded structure of a metasurface lens within the base station antenna in FIG4 ;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of point A in FIG4 in the direction B;

[0027] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing the reflection, transmission and focusing effects of the metasurface lens in this embodiment;

[0028] FIG8 is another schematic diagram showing the reflection, transmission, and focusing effects of the metasurface lens in this embodiment;

[0029] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the top view positional relationship between the first antenna array, the metasurface lens, and the second antenna array in the base station antenna in Example 1;

[0030] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the side positional relationship between the first antenna array, the metasurface lens, and the second antenna array in the base station antenna in Example 1;

[0031] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the circuit architecture adopted by the first antenna array in Example 1;

[0032] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the circuit architecture used by the second antenna array in Example 1;

[0033] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array in Example 1;

[0034] FIG14 shows the distribution pattern of the metasurface units of the metasurface lens in Example 1;

[0035] FIG15 shows a phase distribution generated in the frequency band of the second antenna array by each column of metasurface units arranged along the second direction in the metasurface lens based on the design shown in FIG14 ;

[0036] FIG16 shows that the metasurface lens in Example 1 can be equivalent to a lens;

[0037] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the top view positional relationship between the first antenna array, the metasurface lens, and the second antenna array in the base station antenna in Example 2;

[0038] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the side positional relationship between the first antenna array, the metasurface lens, and the second antenna array in the base station antenna in Example 2;

[0039] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of the circuit architecture used by the second antenna array in the second embodiment;

[0040] FIG20 shows a two-stage scanning method of the second antenna array in the second embodiment;

[0041] FIG21 shows that the metasurface lens in the second embodiment is composed of a plurality of lens sub-arrays 22 c arranged in an array along the first direction and the second direction respectively;

[0042] FIG22 shows that the metasurface lens in Example 2 can be equivalent to a lens;

[0043] FIG23 shows a phase distribution generated in the frequency band of the second antenna array by a lens sub-array in the metasurface lens based on the design shown in FIG21 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0045] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish components and should not be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the components or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple (layers)" means two (layers) or more.

[0046] In the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "front side", "back", and "rear" are defined relative to the orientation of the structure schematically placed in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts. They are a relative description and clarification, which can change accordingly according to the change of the orientation of the structure.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0048] The embodiments of the present application relate to a base station and a base station antenna. Below, the base station is first introduced, followed by a description of the general structure of the base station antenna.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates an application scenario in which a base station and a terminal perform wireless communication. As shown in Figure 1, the base station is used to provide cell coverage for wireless signals to enable communication between the terminal device and the wireless network. Specifically, the base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, or a node B (NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, or an evolutionary node B (eNB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the base station can also be a relay station, an access point, an on-board device, a wearable device, a g-node (gNodeB or gNB) in a new radio (NR) system, or a base station in a future evolved network, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0050] Base stations are equipped with base station antennas to enable signal transmission in space. Figure 2 illustrates the structural components of a base station antenna used in the base station shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, base station 1 may include a mast 11, a mast support 12, a radome 13, an antenna array 14, a radio frequency processing unit 15, cables 16, and a baseband processing unit 17. The base station antenna includes the mast support 12, radome 13, antenna array 14, as well as the feed network and reflector described below.

[0051] The mast 11 can be fixed to the ground. A mast bracket 12 connects the mast 11 to the radome 13, which is then secured to the mast 11 via the bracket 12. The antenna array 14 can be installed within the radome 13. The radome 13 can also house a feed network. The radome 13 has excellent electromagnetic wave penetration and weather resistance, providing protection for the components installed within.

[0052] The antenna array 14 is used to radiate and receive antenna signals. The antenna array 14 may include a number of radiating units arranged in an array according to a certain pattern, and each radiating unit can radiate and receive electromagnetic waves. The radiating unit may include an antenna vibrator. In the antenna array 14, the operating frequency bands of different radiating units may be the same or different. The radiating unit may include a connected radiator (for example, a radiating arm) and a feeding structure (for example, a balun). The radiator is used to radiate and receive signals; the feeding structure connects the radiator and the feeding network to transmit the electrical signal transmitted by the feeding network to the radiator, and transmits the signal received by the radiator to the feeding network.

[0053] The base station antenna may also include a reflector, which may also be called a base plate, antenna panel, or reflective surface. The reflector may be made of, for example, a metal material. The radiating unit may be mounted on the surface of one side of the reflector. When the radiating unit receives the antenna signal, the reflector may reflect the antenna signal and focus it on the receiving point, thereby achieving directional reception; when the radiating unit transmits the antenna signal, the reflector may achieve directional transmission of the antenna signal. The reflector may enhance the radiating unit's ability to receive or transmit antenna signals, and may also block and shield interference from other signals on the antenna signal from the back side of the reflector (the back side refers to the side of the reflector facing away from the radiating unit), thereby improving the antenna gain.

[0054] The RF processing unit 15 (also known as a remote radio unit (RRU)) can be connected to the feed network via a jumper and electrically connected to the antenna array 14 via the feed network. The feed network (described below) can serve as a signal transmission path between the RF processing unit 15 and the antenna array 14. The RF processing unit 15 can be electrically connected to the baseband processing unit 17 (also known as a baseband unit (BBU)) via a cable 16 (e.g., an optical cable). As shown in Figure 2, the RF processing unit 15 and the baseband processing unit 17 can both be located outside the radome 13, with the RF processing unit 15 located near the base station antenna.

[0055] The RF processing unit 15 can perform frequency selection, amplification, and down-conversion processing on the antenna signals received by the antenna array 14, and convert them into intermediate frequency signals or baseband signals and send them to the baseband processing unit 17. The RF processing unit 15 can also convert the baseband processing unit 17 or intermediate frequency signals into electromagnetic waves through the antenna array 14 after up-conversion and amplification, and then send them.

[0056] The structure of base station 1 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example. In practice, the structure of the base station in the embodiments of the present application can be flexibly designed based on product requirements and is not limited to the above. For example, the base station may not have a mast 11, and the antenna cover 13 may be secured to the tower via a mast bracket 12. For example, for a high-frequency antenna array, the RRU and antenna array may be integrated to form an active antenna unit (AAU), which can be connected to the BBU via optical fiber.

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates a portion of the internal framework of base station 1 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, antenna array 14 of base station 1 is connected to feed network 18. Feed network 18 can achieve different radiation beam directions through a transmission mechanism or connect to a calibration network to obtain calibration signals required by base station 1. Feed network 18 can feed signals to antenna array 14 at a specific amplitude and phase, or transmit received signals to baseband processing unit 17 at a specific amplitude and phase.

[0058] Schematically, the feed network 18 may include a phase shifter 181, which is used to change the maximum direction of antenna signal radiation. The feed network 18 may also include a module for expanding performance, such as a power divider 182. The power divider 182 is used to combine multiple signals into one signal and transmit it through the antenna array 14; or, the power divider 182 divides one signal into multiple signals, for example, dividing the signal received by the antenna array 14 into multiple channels according to different frequencies and transmitting them to the baseband processing unit 17 for processing. The feed network 18 may also include a filter 183 for filtering out interference signals. The feed network 18 may also include a combiner. The feed network 18 may also include any form of transmission line, such as a coaxial line, a stripline, a microstrip line, etc.

[0059] The internal structure of the base station antenna according to the embodiment of the present application will be briefly described below.

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates the general internal structure of the base station antenna 2 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the base station antenna 2 may include a first antenna array 2A, a metasurface lens (Metalens) 22, and a second antenna array 2B. The first antenna array 2A and the second antenna array 2B may be stacked and arranged in a common aperture design. The operating frequency bands of the first antenna array 2A and the second antenna array 2B may be different. The operating frequency band of the first antenna array 2A may range from several hundred MHz to the X-band, and the operating frequency band of the second antenna array 2B may be no lower than the operating frequency band of the first antenna array 2A. Illustratively, the first antenna array 2A operates in a low-frequency band, such as 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.6 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 3.5 GHz, etc.; the second antenna array 2B operates in a high-frequency band, such as 26 GHz, 28 GHz, or the FR2 band defined by 3GPP. The first antenna array 2A may be referred to as the Band 1 antenna, and the second antenna array 2B may be referred to as the Band 2 antenna.

[0061] In one implementation of this embodiment, the first antenna array 2A and the metasurface lens 22 can be located in one radome, while the second antenna array 2B is located in another radome. This decouples the second antenna array 2B from the first antenna array 2A, enabling flexible deployment as needed. When the second antenna array 2B is not present, the first antenna array 2A can function normally; when the second antenna array 2B is needed, it can be mounted on the back of the first antenna array 2A.

[0062] In another implementation of this embodiment, the first antenna array 2A, the metasurface lens 22, and the second antenna array 2B can be located within the same radome, and the second antenna array 2B is not connected to either the first antenna array 2A or the metasurface lens 22. Alternatively, the second antenna array 2B and the metasurface lens 22 can be detachably connected. The structure (e.g., a bracket) connecting the second antenna array 2B to the metasurface lens 22 can avoid the signal radiation path of the second antenna array 2B as much as possible to avoid signal loss. For example, the structure can be connected to the edge of the metasurface lens 22. This embodiment also decouples the second antenna array 2B from the first antenna array 2A, enabling flexible deployment as needed.

[0063] As shown in FIG4 , the first antenna array 2A may include a plurality of first radiating elements 21 arranged in a certain pattern. The frequency bands of the first radiating elements 21 may be consistent, or the frequency band of at least one first radiating element 21 may be different from the frequency bands of the other first radiating elements 21. The first radiating elements 21 may include a first radiator 21a and a feed structure 21b, which are connected. It should be understood that the horizontal lines in FIG4 representing the first radiator 21a and the vertical lines representing the feed structure 21b are merely illustrative and do not limit the specific structure and location of the first radiator 21a and the feed structure 21b.

[0064] Illustratively, at least one first radiator 21a may include a passive electromagnetic cancellation structure, including but not limited to structural features such as branches or gaps. This passive electromagnetic cancellation structure is used to reduce or eliminate obstruction of the radiation signal from the second antenna array 2B by the first antenna array 2A. The passive electromagnetic cancellation structure may be omitted as needed.

[0065] As shown in FIG4 , in one embodiment, the feeding structure 21 b may pass through the metasurface lens 22 and be connected to the feeding network 23 located on the side of the metasurface lens 22 facing the second antenna array 2B.

[0066] 4 , in another embodiment, the feeding structure 21b does not need to pass through the metasurface lens 22, but is located on the side of the metasurface lens 22 facing the first radiator 21a, and the feeding structure 21b can be connected to the metasurface lens 22. In this embodiment, the feeding network 23 and the feeding structure 21b are located on the same side of the metasurface lens 22 and are connected to the feeding structure 21b.

[0067] In this embodiment, the metasurface lens 22 can serve as a reflector for the first antenna array 2A (to be described below).

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the second antenna array 2B may include a plurality of second radiating units 24 arranged in a certain pattern. The frequency bands of the second radiating units 24 may be consistent, or the frequency band of at least one second radiating unit 24 may be different from the frequency bands of the other second radiating units 24. The second radiating unit 24 may include a second radiator 24a and a feeding structure 24b, which are connected to each other. It will be understood that in Figure 4, the horizontal lines represent the second radiator 24a, and the vertical lines represent the feeding structure 24b. This is merely a schematic representation and does not limit the specific structure and specific position of the second radiator 24a and the feeding structure 24b. The second antenna array 2B may have a corresponding reflector and feeding network, and each second radiating unit 24 may be mounted on the reflector.

[0069] FIG5 shows the decomposed structure of the metasurface lens 22 in FIG4 , and FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure at point A in FIG4 , along the direction B.

[0070] As shown in FIG5 , in one embodiment, the metasurface lens 22 may be a multilayer structure, which may include a plurality of sub-dielectric layers 221a stacked in sequence, and these sub-dielectric layers 221a may constitute an integral dielectric layer 221. The sub-dielectric layer 221a is an insulating medium, for example, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) substrate. The plurality of sub-dielectric layers 221a may be pressed together, for example, by a PCB process, or may be assembled by threaded connectors. A metal grid 222 may be formed on each sub-dielectric layer 221a, and the metal grids 222 may be distributed in a crisscross pattern. The metal grids 222 on all sub-dielectric layers 221a may substantially overlap, that is, when projected along the thickness direction (for example, the vertical direction in FIG5 ), the metal grids 222 on all sub-dielectric layers 221a may substantially overlap. As shown in FIG6 , the metal grids 222 may be enclosed into a plurality of regions 222a, and the shapes of the regions 222a may be determined as needed, including but not limited to rectangles, diamonds, honeycombs, etc.

[0071] As shown in FIG5 , for the dielectric layer 221 as a whole, each sub-dielectric layer 221a has multiple metasurface patterns 223 on opposite sides of the thickness direction, wherein two adjacent sub-dielectric layers 221a can share a metasurface pattern 223. It will be understood that the first two sub-dielectric layers 221a in FIG5 only have metasurface patterns 223 on their upper sides, which is merely an illustration. As shown in FIG5 and FIG6 , when projected along the thickness direction, the projection of a metasurface pattern 223 can fall within the projection of an area 222a, that is, a metasurface pattern 223 can be located within an area 222a, and each metasurface pattern 223 has a certain gap with the surrounding boundaries of the corresponding area 222a.

[0072] In this embodiment, the metasurface pattern 223 is a structural feature having a predetermined shape, including but not limited to a square ring, a circular ring, a cross (e.g., a Jerusalem cross), a grid square ring, a rectangle (also referred to as a patch), a crossed dipole, a trident, etc. The metasurface pattern 223 has conductive properties. Schematically, the metasurface pattern 223 can be a metal pattern etched on a PCB.

[0073] In this embodiment, the structures (including the outer shape and internal structure) of all the metasurface patterns 223 on the same sub-dielectric layer 221a can be substantially the same, or not completely the same. The "not completely the same" means that the structure of at least one metasurface pattern 223 is different from the structures of the other metasurface patterns 223, or the structures of all the metasurface patterns 223 are different.

[0074] In this embodiment, in combination with Figures 5 and 6, all the metasurface patterns 223 along the thickness direction and respectively located in multiple overlapping areas 222a can constitute a metasurface unit 22b. There can be multiple metasurface units 22b. The structures of all the metasurface patterns 223 in the same metasurface unit 22b can be basically the same, or not completely the same. The "not completely the same" means that there is at least one metasurface pattern 223 with a structure different from the structures of other metasurface patterns 223, or the structures of all metasurface patterns 223 are different. In this embodiment, each metasurface pattern 223 in the metasurface unit 22b can be equivalent to a resonator, and multiple metasurface patterns 223 (or multiple resonators) connected in series can enable the metasurface unit 22b to have a set phase shift. The design of the metasurface pattern 223 in the metasurface unit 22b can be determined according to the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave transmitted by the metasurface unit 22b. By making the structures of the metasurface patterns 223 in the metasurface units 22b substantially consistent or not completely the same, the metasurface units 22b can have corresponding phase shifts for the electromagnetic waves passing through, thereby meeting product requirements.

[0075] As can be easily understood from the above, when projected along the thickness direction, the projection of a metasurface unit 22b can fall within the projection of an area 222a, that is, a metasurface unit 22b can be located within an area 222a, and each metasurface unit 22b has a certain gap with the surrounding boundaries of the corresponding area 222a. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a metasurface unit 22b and the metal grid portion surrounding the outer periphery of the metasurface unit 22b can constitute a metasurface lens unit 22a. The entire metasurface lens 22 is composed of multiple metasurface lens units 22a.

[0076] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG5 , the dielectric layer 221 still includes multiple sub-dielectric layers 221 a, but the metal grid 222 is formed only on a portion of the sub-dielectric layers 221 a, while the metal grid 222 is absent from the remaining sub-dielectric layers 221 a. For example, the metal grid 222 is formed only on the topmost sub-dielectric layer 221 a (the sub-dielectric layer 221 a closest to the first radiator 21 a). Furthermore, each sub-dielectric layer 221 a has multiple metasurface patterns 223 on opposite sides of its thickness.

[0077] In another embodiment, the dielectric layer 221 may include only one sub-dielectric layer 221a, or the sub-dielectric layer 221a is the dielectric layer 221. In this case, a metal gate 222 is provided on the dielectric layer 221, and multiple metasurface patterns 223 are provided on opposite sides of the dielectric layer 221 in the thickness direction.

[0078] In this embodiment, the metasurface lens 22 has a frequency selection characteristic (or bandpass characteristic), which can be transmissive to incident waves in certain frequency bands and reflective to incident waves in other frequency bands, thereby effectively controlling the transmission and reflection of incident electromagnetic waves. The metasurface lens 22 with a multi-layer structure can be used as a multi-order spatial filter, which can expand the bandwidth and increase the frequency selectivity. Among them, the metal grid 222 in the metasurface lens 22 can reflect the radiation signal of the first antenna array 2A, which makes the metasurface lens 22 equivalent to the reflector of the first antenna array 2A. The metasurface lens 22 also allows the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B to pass through. Each metasurface unit 22b in the metasurface lens 22 can be equivalent to a capacitor and / or inductor circuit, so that the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B produces a corresponding phase response (phase shift) when passing through the metasurface unit 22b. Therefore, the metasurface unit 22b can control the wavefront phase of the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B and make the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B approximately focused into a plane wave, that is, the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B approaches an ideal plane wave.

[0079] Figures 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating the reflection and focusing effects of the metasurface lens 22. The dots represent the first radiator 21a in the first antenna array 2A and the second radiator 24a in the second antenna array 2B. The incident and reflected waves of the first antenna array 2A are represented by dotted lines, while the incident and transmitted waves of the second antenna array 2B are represented by solid lines.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the metasurface lens 22 reflects the radiation signal from the first antenna array 2A. It also focuses the incident wave from the second radiator 24a located at the focus of the metasurface lens 22. After passing through the metasurface lens 22, the radiation signal from the second radiator 24a becomes approximately a plane wave along the normal direction of the metasurface lens 22, thereby increasing the gain of the second antenna array 2B.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, the metasurface lens 22 focuses the incident wave from the second radiator 24a, which is located away from the focal point of the metasurface lens 22. After passing through the metasurface lens 22, the radiation signal emitted by the second radiator 24a becomes a plane wave that propagates diagonally, thereby increasing the gain of the second antenna array 2B. This focusing can also be considered as deflecting the radiation signal from the second antenna array 2B, which can expand the beam scanning range of the second antenna array 2B.

[0082] The solution of this embodiment is to set a metasurface lens 22 between the first antenna array 2A and the second antenna array 2B. Through the reflection, transmission and wavefront phase control of the metasurface lens 22, the first antenna array 2A and the second antenna array 2B can both work, thereby realizing a common aperture array antenna. Since the metasurface lens 22 does not block the second antenna array 2B located behind the first antenna array 2A, the defects of mutual blocking of antennas and mutual interference of antenna performance in traditional solutions are avoided. By rationally assembling the first antenna array 2A, the metasurface lens 22 and the second antenna array 2B, the problem of structural interference can be avoided. In particular, antenna arrays of different frequency bands can be deployed separately, realizing the decoupling design and flexible deployment of antennas of different frequency bands.

[0083] The solution of this embodiment can approximately focus the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B into a plane wave through wavefront phase control of the metasurface lens 22, thereby improving the gain of the second antenna array 2B and expanding the beam scanning range of the second antenna array 2B.

[0084] The solution of this embodiment can solve the problem of antenna integration. Specific application systems and / or application scenarios may include:

[0085] 1) Base station antenna sky fusion scenario

[0086] In the 5G and 5.5G era, base station antenna constraints are becoming increasingly severe, and even in unrestricted environments, antennas often have to be mounted at different heights. Antenna fusion technology, which reduces two or more antennas to a single antenna, can address this issue. Multi-band antenna co-aperture is a key component and research direction of antenna fusion.

[0087] 2) Radar antenna

[0088] Single-frequency antennas struggle to strike a balance between range and search accuracy / imaging clarity. However, the combined use of multi-frequency antennas ensures both range and high search accuracy / imaging precision. Similar to base station antennas, separate apertures occupy a large area and hinder the full potential of antenna combinations. Therefore, common-aperture antennas have become a key choice for radar antennas and the preferred solution for synthetic aperture radar antennas.

[0089] Two specific solutions of the embodiments of the present application are described below with examples.

[0090] 9 and 10 illustrate the positional relationship among the first radiator 21 a, the metasurface lens 22, and the second radiator 24 a in the base station antenna of the first embodiment, wherein FIG9 shows the positional relationship when viewed from above, and FIG10 shows the positional relationship when viewed from the side.

[0091] As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the first radiators 21a in the first antenna array 2A can be arranged in a first direction and a second direction to form an array. Each column extending in the second direction can be referred to as a group 21c. Each group 21c can include multiple first radiators 21a arranged sequentially along the second direction. Multiple groups 21c can be arranged sequentially along the first direction. Illustratively, the first radiators 21a can form dual polarization, for example, +45° polarization and -45° polarization.

[0092] As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the second radiators 24a in the second antenna array 2B can be arranged in the first direction and the second direction to form an array. Each column extending in the second direction can be referred to as a group 24c. Each group 24c can include multiple second radiators 24a arranged sequentially along the second direction. Multiple groups 24c can be arranged sequentially along the first direction.

[0093] Figure 11 illustrates the circuit architecture used by the first antenna array 2A in Example 1, which can be referred to as digital beamforming (DBF). As shown in Figure 11 , each group 21c can be connected to a digital channel. This digital channel can include several components, including but not limited to an A / D converter, a mixer, a power amplifier, etc. The components in this digital channel are electrically connected to all first radiators 21a in each group 21c. It should be understood that the stacked arrangement of the groups 21c in Figure 11 is merely for ease of illustration. In practice, the arrangement of the groups 21c is the same as shown in Figures 9 and 10 . Each digital channel can control the phase of the radiated signal of the corresponding group 21c based on a preconfigured phase shift as required. All digital channels work together to achieve horizontal beam scanning of the first antenna array 2A. For base station antennas, the horizontal direction is parallel to the ground, and the vertical direction is perpendicular to the ground. The DBF architecture used by the first antenna array 2A can be consistent with the architecture used in the base station's active antenna unit (AAU). Illustratively, in order to reduce the influence of the first antenna array 2A on the second antenna array 2B, the first radiator 21a in the first antenna array 2A may be in the form of a dipole or a low-scattering oscillator.

[0094] Figure 12 illustrates the circuit architecture used by the second antenna array 2B in Example 1. This architecture can be referred to as analog beamforming (ABF). Its horizontal spacing is, for example, approximately 0.5 wavelengths, and the vertical spacing can be determined as needed. As shown in Figure 12 , each group 24c can be connected to an analog channel. This analog channel can include several components, including but not limited to an A / D converter, a mixer, an analog phase shifter, a power amplifier, a switch, and the like. The switch can be a multi-throw switch. The analog phase shifter in the analog channel can be electrically connected to all second radiators 24a in a group 24c via the switch. The analog phase shifter in each analog channel can adjust the phase of the radiation signal of the corresponding group 24c as needed (e.g., based on a preconfiguration), thereby achieving horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B. In other words, the horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B adopts a phase-controlled approach. The switch in each analog channel can be switched to a second radiator 24a in each group 24c as needed (e.g., based on a preconfiguration), thereby "activating" that second radiator 24a and causing it to radiate a signal. As shown in Figures 12, 7, and 8, vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B can be achieved by switching the switch, combined with the focusing effect of the metasurface lens 22. In other words, the vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B adopts a switching method. Figure 13 illustrates the vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B. As shown in Figure 13, when the switch is switched to the top second radiator 24a, the second antenna array 2B can emit beam 1; when the switch is switched to the middle second radiator 24a, the second antenna array 2B can emit beam 2; and when the switch is switched to the bottom second radiator 24a, the second antenna array 2B can emit beam 3.

[0095] As shown in FIG12 , one group 24 c in the second antenna array 2B corresponds to one analog channel, that is, multiple second radiators 24 a can share one analog channel (or decouple the radiating unit from the analog channel), which can reduce the number of channels and thus reduce cost and power consumption.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the first antenna array 2A adopts a DBF architecture, and the second antenna array 2B adopts an ABF architecture, which are compatible with existing base station antenna designs. Both the first antenna array 2A and the second antenna array 2B can have dual polarization and beam scanning functions.

[0097] FIG14 shows the distribution pattern of the metasurface units 22b of the metasurface lens 22 in Example 1. As shown in FIG14 , the metasurface lens 22 has a first symmetry axis L1 extending along a first direction. The metasurface units 22b are distributed along the first direction and the second direction to form an array. Each column along the second direction in the array is symmetrical about the first symmetry axis L1. Symmetry means that the structures of the metasurface units 22b at corresponding positions on both sides of the first symmetry axis L1 are basically the same, and are basically axially symmetrically distributed on both sides of the first symmetry axis L1. For each column along the first direction in the array, the structures of all the metasurface units 22b are basically the same, or in other words, they are periodically replicated along the first direction along all the metasurface units 22b. It should be understood that the focus of Figure 14 is the above-mentioned symmetrical design and periodic replication design of the metasurface unit 22b, and is not on limiting the structure of the metasurface unit 22b at various positions of the metasurface lens 22. The area of ​​the metasurface unit 22b close to the first symmetry axis L1 shown in Figure 14 is larger, and the area of ​​the metasurface unit 22b deviating from the first symmetry axis L1 is smaller. This is just an example, and this embodiment is not actually limited to this.

[0098] The distribution pattern of metasurface units 22b shown in Figure 14 satisfies the requirements for wavefront phase control of the signal radiated by the second antenna array 2B, focusing the radiated signal from the second antenna array 2B approximately into a plane wave, thereby increasing the gain of the second antenna array 2B. This increased gain of the second antenna array 2B also helps reduce the number of RF channels, thereby reducing device power consumption and cost.

[0099] FIG15 shows a phase distribution generated in the frequency band of the second antenna array 2B by each column of metasurface units 22b arranged along the second direction in the metasurface lens 22, corresponding to the design shown in FIG14 . The left-hand figure shows a column of metasurface units 22b arranged along the second direction in the metasurface lens 22, and the right-hand figure uses different color blocks to represent the amount of phase shift that can be superimposed. As shown in FIG15 , the amount of phase shift that can be superimposed in the middle of the column of metasurface units 22b is larger, and the amount of phase shift that can be superimposed decreases as it moves to the sides.

[0100] The phase distribution of the metasurface lens 22 shown in Figure 15 is similar to the phase distribution of the lens, and the metasurface lens 22 can be equivalent to a lens 100 as shown in Figure 16. The amount of phase shift that can be superimposed in the middle of the lens 100 is large, and the closer to the edge, the smaller the amount of phase shift that can be superimposed. The metasurface lens 22 can make the electromagnetic waves emitted by the second antenna array 2B (compared to the metasurface lens 22, the second antenna array 2B is the feed source) approximately focus into a plane wave, thereby improving the gain of the second antenna array 2B. It can be understood that Figures 15 and 16 are both examples based on the metasurface lens 22 shown in Figure 14. In other embodiments, the distribution pattern of the metasurface unit 22b in the metasurface lens 22 can be adjusted as needed to obtain the corresponding phase distribution of the metasurface lens 22.

[0101] In summary, the solution of embodiment 1 has the following advantages:

[0102] (a) Decoupling arrangement of array antennas at different frequencies, enabling flexible deployment

[0103] Because the metasurface lens 22 itself is inexpensive to manufacture, it can be deployed as a single unit with the first antenna array 2A. When a Band 1 antenna is needed, the feed array of the second antenna array 2B can be mounted on the back of the first antenna array 2A, providing high deployment flexibility.

[0104] (b) Easy to deploy and low deployment cost

[0105] To address the high design complexity and insufficient performance issues caused by the deep coupling of multi-band co-aperture antenna designs, based on (a), the antenna design problem is converted into two or more single-band antenna design problems, thereby simplifying the design and fully releasing the performance.

[0106] (c) The second antenna array 2B has high gain and a small number of active channels.

[0107] Because the metasurface lens 22 provides beam focusing, the Band 2 antenna achieves high gain. Combining the metasurface lens 22 design with feed switching and phased scanning technologies, the Band 2 antenna significantly reduces the number of channels required while achieving the same performance as a traditional phased array.

[0108] (d) Support multi-function

[0109] To address the problem that most multi-band co-aperture array antennas do not support dual-polarization, beam scanning and other functions, the Band 1 antenna and Band 2 antenna of the co-aperture array based on the above solution both have multiple functions such as dual-polarization and beam scanning.

[0110] The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the second antenna array 2B is divided into multiple sub-arrays, adopts a two-stage scanning method, and the metasurface lens 22 is also divided into multiple lens areas accordingly, which will be described in detail below.

[0111] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the positional relationship between the first radiator 21a, the metasurface lens 22, and the second radiator 24a in the base station antenna of the second embodiment, wherein Figure 17 shows the positional relationship when viewed from above, and Figure 18 shows the positional relationship when viewed from the side.

[0112] As shown in Figures 17 and 18 , the first radiators 21a in the first antenna array 2A can be arranged in a first direction and a second direction to form an array. Each column extending in the second direction can be referred to as a group 21c. Each group 21c can include multiple first radiators 21a arranged sequentially along the second direction. Multiple groups 21c can be arranged sequentially along the first direction. Illustratively, the first radiators 21a can form dual polarization, for example, +45° polarization and -45° polarization.

[0113] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the second antenna array 2B may include multiple antenna subarrays 24d, which are arranged in an array along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Each antenna subarray 24d includes multiple second radiators 24a arranged along the first direction. Since the second antenna array 2B is divided into multiple antenna subarrays 24d, the horizontal spacing between each antenna subarray 24d can be 1.5 times the wavelength. However, due to the large horizontal spacing, horizontal beam scanning will produce severe grating lobes, which is not conducive to achieving large-angle horizontal beam scanning (for example, scanning in the range of ±60°). To reduce the grating lobes, a two-stage scanning method can be adopted (to be described below).

[0114] Figure 19 illustrates the ABF circuit architecture used by the second antenna array 2B in Example 2. As shown in Figure 19 , each antenna subarray 24d can be connected to an analog channel. This analog channel can include several components, including but not limited to an A / D converter, a mixer, an analog phase shifter, a power amplifier, and a switch, which can be a multi-throw switch. The analog phase shifters in each analog channel are electrically connected to all second radiators 24a in an antenna subarray 24d via the switch. The second antenna array 2B employs subarray-level phase control in both its vertical and horizontal directions.

[0115] As shown in FIG19 , in the vertical direction, each antenna subarray 24 d corresponds to an analog phase shifter. Each analog phase shifter can adjust the phase of the radiation signal of the corresponding antenna subarray 24 d as needed (e.g., according to a pre-configuration), thereby realizing vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B. That is, the vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B adopts a phase-controlled method.

[0116] In the horizontal direction, a two-stage scanning method can be used to reduce grating lobes and achieve wide-angle horizontal beam scanning. Specifically, as shown in Figure 20, by synchronously switching the switches of each analog channel to the same second radiator 24a in each antenna subarray 24d, the first-stage horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array 2B is achieved, generating a first-stage wider beam. For example, all switches are synchronously switched to the rightmost second radiator 24a in each antenna subarray 24d. Due to the focusing and deflection effect of the metasurface lens 22, the first-stage beam generated by each antenna subarray 24d is the leftmost beam, which is relatively wide. It is also possible to phase-control the same second radiator 24a in each antenna subarray 24d through the analog phase shifters of each analog channel, so that each antenna subarray 24d generates a narrower second-stage beam. For example, the analog phase shifters in each analog channel phase-control the rightmost second radiator 24a in each antenna subarray 24d. Due to the wave focusing and deflection effect of the metasurface lens 22, the second-stage beam generated by each antenna subarray 24d is the leftmost beam, and the first-stage beam is narrower. Thus, the two-stage scanning method first generates a first-stage, wider beam for each antenna subarray 24d through switching, and then all antenna subarrays 24d combine to form a second-stage, high-gain, narrow beam.

[0117] As shown in FIG19 , one antenna subarray 24 d in the second antenna array 2B corresponds to one analog channel, that is, multiple second radiators 24 a can share one analog channel (or decouple the radiating unit from the analog channel). This can reduce the number of channels, thereby reducing cost and power consumption.

[0118] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the metasurface lens 22 can also be divided into multiple lens sub-arrays 22c, each of which corresponds to an antenna sub-array 24d in the second antenna array 2B. The orthographic projection of the antenna sub-array 24d on the lens sub-array 22c can fall within the boundary of the lens sub-array 22c. As shown in Figure 20, each lens sub-array 22c can perform wavefront phase control on the radiation signal of the corresponding antenna sub-array 24d. As described above, the second radiator 24a in the antenna sub-array 24d is activated by switching. Therefore, when performing wavefront phase control, the lens sub-array 22c controls a specific second radiator 24a in the antenna sub-array 24d.

[0119] FIG21 shows that the metasurface lens 22 is composed of a plurality of lens sub-arrays 22c arranged in an array along the first direction and the second direction. The structures of each lens sub-array 22c can be substantially identical, or in other words, these lens sub-arrays 22c are periodically replicated along the first direction and the second direction. As shown in FIG21 , each lens sub-array 22c includes a plurality of metasurface lens units 22a. Each lens sub-array 22c has a first symmetry axis L1 extending along the first direction and a second symmetry axis L2 extending along the second direction. The metasurface units 22b in each lens sub-array 22c are distributed along the first direction and the second direction to form an array. Each column in the array along the second direction is symmetrical about the first symmetry axis L1, and each column in the array along the first direction is symmetrical about the second symmetry axis L2. That is, each lens sub-array 22c is symmetrical about the first symmetry axis L1 and the second symmetry axis L2.

[0120] It should be understood that the focus of Figure 21 is the above-mentioned symmetrical design and periodic replication design of the metasurface lens 22, and is not on limiting the structure of the metasurface units 22b at various positions of the metasurface lens 22. The area of ​​the metasurface units 22b close to the first symmetry axis L1 or the second symmetry axis L2 shown in Figure 21 is larger, and the area of ​​the metasurface units 22b deviating from the first symmetry axis L1 or the second symmetry axis L2 is smaller. This is just an example, and this embodiment is not actually limited to this.

[0121] The distribution pattern of the metasurface units 22b in the metasurface lens 22 shown in Figure 21 can accommodate the two-stage beam scanning method of the second antenna array 2B, meet the requirements for wavefront phase control of the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B, and focus the radiation signal of the second antenna array 2B approximately into a plane wave, thereby improving the gain of the second antenna array 2B. The increased gain of the second antenna array 2B also helps reduce the number of RF channels, thereby reducing the power consumption and cost of the device.

[0122] The metasurface lens 22 shown in FIG21 can be equivalent to the lens 200 shown in FIG22 , and each lens sub-array 22 c can be equivalent to a sub-lens 200 a in the lens 200 , and one sub-lens 200 a corresponds to one antenna sub-array 24 d .

[0123] Figure 23 shows a phase distribution generated by a lens sub-array 22c in the metasurface lens 22, corresponding to the design shown in Figure 21, in the frequency band of the second antenna array 2B. This phase distribution is similar to the phase distribution of a sub-lens 200a. The left-hand figure represents the lens sub-array 22c; the right-hand figure represents the phase distribution, with different color blocks representing the amount of superimposed phase shift. As shown in Figure 22, the superimposed phase shift of the metasurface units 22b in the lens sub-array 22c that are closer to the first symmetry axis L1 and the second symmetry axis L2 is greater, while the superimposed phase shift of the metasurface units 22b farther from the first symmetry axis L1 or the second symmetry axis L2 is smaller.

[0124] The second embodiment also has the above advantages of the first embodiment, such as decoupling arrangement of array antennas of different frequencies, flexible deployment; easy deployment and low deployment cost; high gain of the second antenna array 2B and a small number of active channels; support for multiple functions, etc.

[0125] The above is a detailed introduction to the embodiments of the present application. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and embodiments of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the ideas of the present application, there will be changes in the specific embodiments and application scope. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present application.

Claims

1. A base station antenna, characterized in that: comprising a first antenna array, a metasurface lens, and a second antenna array; The metasurface lens is located between the first radiator of the radiating unit of the first antenna array and the second antenna array. The metasurface lens is used to reflect the radiation signal of the first antenna array and perform wavefront phase control and transmission on the radiation signal of the second antenna array.

2. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base station antenna includes a feeding structure and a feeding network. The feeding structure and the feeding network are both located on a side of the metasurface lens facing the first radiator. The feeding structure connects the first radiator and the feeding network.

3. The base station antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base station antenna includes a feeding structure and a feeding network, the feeding structure passes through the metasurface lens, the feeding network is located on a side of the metasurface lens facing the second antenna array, and the feeding structure connects the first radiator and the feeding network.

4. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The metasurface lens includes a dielectric layer, the dielectric layer is provided with a metal grid, the metal grids are criss-crossed and enclose a plurality of regions, each region is provided with a metasurface unit, and the metasurface unit in each region has a certain gap with the boundary of the region; the metal grid is used to reflect the radiation signal of the first antenna array, and the metasurface unit is used to perform wavefront phase control and transmission on the radiation signal of the second antenna array.

5. The base station antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dielectric layer includes a plurality of sub-dielectric layers stacked in sequence, at least one of the sub-dielectric layers is provided with the metal gate, wherein when at least two of the sub-dielectric layers are provided with the metal gates, the metal gates on all the sub-dielectric layers overlap; each of the sub-dielectric layers is provided with a supersurface pattern on two opposite sides along its own thickness direction, and a plurality of supersurface patterns arranged along the thickness direction constitute a supersurface unit.

6. The base station antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that: Among the plurality of sub-dielectric layers, the surface of the sub-dielectric layer adjacent to the first radiator is provided with the metal grid.

7. The base station antenna according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The structures of all the super-surface patterns on the same sub-medium layer are not all the same.

8. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The structures of the multiple supersurface patterns in the same supersurface unit are not all the same.

9. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first antenna array includes multiple groups of first radiators, each group of first radiators includes multiple first radiators; The base station antenna includes a plurality of digital channels, each of which is electrically connected to all first radiators in a group of first radiators; the plurality of digital channels are used to implement horizontal beam scanning of the first antenna array by pre-configuring phase shift.

10. The base station antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second antenna array includes a plurality of groups of second radiators arranged along a first direction, each group of second radiators includes a plurality of second radiators arranged along a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The base station antenna comprises a plurality of analog channels, each of the analog channels comprises an analog phase shifter and a switch, the analog phase shifter in each of the analog channels is electrically connected to all second radiators in a group of second radiators through the switch, and the plurality of analog channels are used to implement horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array through the analog phase shifter, and implement vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array through switching of the switch; The metasurface lens includes the dielectric layer and the metasurface unit; the metasurface lens has a first symmetry axis along the first direction, the metasurface units in the metasurface lens are distributed along the first direction and the second direction to form an array, each column along the second direction in the array is symmetrical about the first symmetry axis, and the structure of the metasurface units in each column along the first direction in the array is the same.

11. The base station antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second antenna array includes a plurality of sub-arrays, the plurality of sub-arrays are arranged in an array along a first direction and a second direction, each of the sub-arrays includes a plurality of second radiators arranged along the first direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The base station antenna comprises a plurality of analog channels, each of which comprises an analog phase shifter and a switch, and the analog phase shifter in each of the analog channels is electrically connected to all the second radiators in one of the subarrays through the switch; the plurality of analog channels are used to communicate The analog phase shifter is used to realize vertical beam scanning of the second antenna array; the multiple analog channels are also used to realize primary horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array through switching of the switch, and realize secondary horizontal beam scanning of the second antenna array through the analog phase shifter; The metasurface lens includes the dielectric layer and the metasurface unit; the metasurface lens has a first symmetry axis along the first direction and a second symmetry axis along the second direction; the metasurface units in the metasurface lens are distributed along the first direction and the second direction to form an array; each column in the array along the second direction is symmetric about the first symmetry axis, and each column in the array along the first direction is symmetric about the second symmetry axis.

12. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The first radiator has a passive electromagnetic cancellation structure.

13. The base station antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The base station antenna includes a first antenna cover and a second antenna cover. The first antenna array and the metasurface lens are located in the first antenna cover, and the second antenna array is located in the second antenna cover.

14. A base station, characterized in that: The base station antenna comprises any one of claims 1 to 13.

Citation Information

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