Radiator device for radio communications

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiator device (100) for radio communications on a first frequency band, the radiator device (100) including a feeding structure (150), a first radiator element (110) and a second radiator element (120), wherein the first radiator element has a first resonance frequency and wherein the second radiator element has a second resonance frequency, wherein the first radiator element (110) is sandwiched between the feeding structure (150) and the second radiator element (120), wherein a length of an outer circumference cl of the first radiator element (110) is larger than a length of an outer circumference c2 of the second radiator element (120).

Description

[0001]

[0002] RADIATOR. DEVICE FOR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to radio communication and, more particularly to a radiator device for radio communications. Even further, the present invention relates to an antenna array including said radiator device and to a base station including the antenna array. The base station may be a base station for mobile communications.

[0005] Background

[0006] In multiband antennas typically multiple radiator devices are provided. The radiator devices working at higher frequencies as dipole (then typically excited in differential mode) can work at lower frequencies as monopole then typically excited in common mode.

[0007] However, the common mode excitation of higher frequency radiator devices can contribute negatively to the lower frequency radiator devices radiation characteristics. For example, a horizontal beam width may be undesirably increased and / or a front to back ratio may be undesirably reduced.

[0008] To avoid such negative effects, it is generally known to reduce the dimensions of the higher frequency radiator devices of an antenna (e.g. a midband radiator device), which is assigned to a reflector, which reflector a lower frequency radiator device (e.g. a low -band radiator device) is assigned to, as well (common reflector). Particularly, the dipole height and arm length may be reduced. Thereby, the monopole's dimensions are reduced and the monopole is resonant at frequencies above the low band frequencies only, e.g. at about 1.1 GHz or at frequencies, which are not used in that antenna. WO 2022 012 546 Al suggests a dual-frequency antenna and an antenna array. The dual-frequency antenna comprises a first radiation unit and a second radiation unit that are provided on a reflecting plate.

[0009] WO 2016 / 062356 Al relates to an antenna device that comprises at least two antenna elements each of comprising a first radiating element and a corresponding second radiating element, each supporting a different wavelength.

[0010] However, known multi-band antennas and particularly the higher frequency radiator devices thereof oftentimes have a complex design and are difficult to manufacture. Thus, they are not cost effective.

[0011] Further known multi-band antennas oftentimes offer a low bandwidth and still have relatively large dimensions.

[0012] Summary

[0013] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a more compact radiator device with high bandwidth potential and low impact on radiator devices in other frequency ranges.

[0014] The object is achieved by a radiator device according to claim 1, by an antenna array according to claim 21 and by a base station according to claim 22. Further aspects of the invention are given in the dependent claims, as well as in the following description.

[0015] In particular, the object is achieved by a radiator device for radio communications on a first frequency band.

[0016] The first frequency band may be a mid-band or a high-band of a radio communication standard such as 4G, 5G or 6G.

[0017] In particular, the mid band may comprise frequencies ranging from about 1 GHz to 2.6 GHz. For example, the mid band may comprise frequencies in a range from about 1 GHz to about 2.6 GHz, and / or from about 1.3 GHz to about 2.5 GHz and / or from about 1.4 GHz to about 2.2 GHz. The high band may comprise frequencies above 2.6 GHz, such as frequencies from about 3.4 GHz to about 4.2 GHz and / or from about 3.4 to about 3.6 GHz, and / or from about 3.7 GHz to about 3.8 GHz, or from about 2.5 GHz to about 3.5 GHz, or from about 3.7 GHz to about 4.2 GHz. Further, the high band may include frequencies being about 6 GHz and / or about 7 GHz.

[0018] The radiator device including a feeding structure, at least one first radiator element and at least one second radiator element. Further elements, such as further radiator elements, reflector elements and / or director elements may also be provided. The first and second radiator elements may be substantially plate shaped and may be arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0019] Further, the first radiator element has a first resonance frequency fresi the second radiator element has a second resonance frequency fres2. The first resonance frequency fresi is different from the second resonance frequency fres2. Particularly, the first resonance frequency fresi may be below the second resonance frequency freS2 (fresi < fres2) .

[0020] The first radiator element is electrically insulated from the feeding structure as well as from the second radiator element and the first radiator element is sandwiched between the feeding structure and the second radiator element. A length cl of an outer circumference of the first radiator element is larger than a length c2 of an outer circumference of the second radiator element (cl > c2).

[0021] The use of at least the first and the second radiator elements, each having a different outer circumferential length and different resonance frequencies, respectively allows to provide a compact radiator design while maintaining a high bandwidth potential and directivity.

[0022] In an aspect, the radiator device may be a dual polarized dipole. The radiator elements, as described above allow to dimension the dual polarized dipole (L x W x H) smaller than 0.3A x 0.3A x 0.2A, or smaller than 0.25A x 0.25A x 0.3A or even smaller than 0.2A x 0.2A x 0.15A, wherein L denotes a length dimension in a plane being substantially parallel to the first and / or second radiator element

[0023] W denotes a width dimension (perpendicular to the length dimension) in a plane being substantially parallel to the first and / or second radiator element,

[0024] H denotes a height dimension being substantially perpendicular to the width dimension and the height dimension, and

[0025] A denotes an average wavelength of the first frequency band or the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band.

[0026] Thus, the radiator device is especially suited for antenna arrays with very low radiator distances due to its compact size. Further, the radiator device is especially suited for the use together with additional electrically conductive structures (e.g. metal structures) placed nearby, such as meta lenses, decoupling elements and / or the like, that tend to deteriorate the return loss.

[0027] In a particular aspect, the first radiator element and second radiator element have a central opening. In an aspect, the first radiator element and / or the second radiator element may be substantially ring shaped. It is to be understood, that the ring shape is not limited any specific from. For example, the first radiator element may be substantially cross shaped (outer shape), wherein the second radiator element may be substantially square shaped (outer shape).

[0028] Further, the first radiator element may have a shape that has longer dimensions in a polarization plane than in a plane that is 45° rotated with respect to the polarization plane.

[0029] Further, the central opening of the second radiator element may have a larger cross-sectional area than the central opening of the first radiator element.

[0030] In an aspect, the feeding structure may have at least two feed arms. In case two feed arms are provided, the radiator device may support one polarization, only. In case four feed arms are provided, the radiator device may be a dual polarized radiator device (e.g. ± 90°).

[0031] Each of the at least two feed arms may have a free end, wherein at least one of the free ends overlaps with the second radiator element at least partially, seen in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the second radiator element. The overlap forms a first coupling area. Thus, feeding structure and the second radiator element are electro magnetically coupled via the overlap.

[0032] For providing a defined overlap, the second radiator element may have at least one coupling section. Said coupling section may be an inwardly protruding coupling section, that protrudes into the central opening. Further, the inwardly protruding coupling section may be aligned with a feed arm of the feeding structure. In a particular aspect, there may be multiple inwardly protruding coupling sections, wherein each inwardly protruding coupling section is assigned to a respective one of the feed arms.

[0033] Further, the first radiator element may be oriented relative to the feeding structure so that there is no overlap between the first radiator element and the feeding structure. For coupling the first radiator element, there may be an overlap (defining a second coupling area) between the first radiator element and the second radiator element. Hence, the first radiator element and the second radiator element may be oriented relative to each other, so that at least one second coupling area is formed. The at least one second coupling area may be aligned with the feed arms (i.e. arranged in a direction being defined by an imaginary extension of the feed arms).

[0034] Even further, the first radiator element and the second radiator element may be oriented relative to the feeding structure and the central opening of the first radiator element and the central opening of the second radiator element may be dimensioned so that an overlap between the second radiator element and the feeding structure covers a larger area than an overlap between the first radiator element and the feeding structure (seen in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the second radiator element). This allows to provide a radiator device, having a broad bandwidth. For example, the radiator device may support a bandwidth of at least 1 GHz, or of at least 1.3 GHz or of at least 1.5 GHz.

[0035] In a particular aspect, the dual polarized radiator device may support a return loss, which is better than 15dB and an insulation which is better than 25dB for a relative bandwidth of about 62% (e.g. for a 1.4-2.7 GHz frequency band), or for a relative bandwidth of about 58 % (e.g. for a 2.3- 4.2 GHz frequency band), or for a relative bandwidth of about 45% (e.g. for a 1.7-2.7 GHz frequency band).

[0036] Further, the feed arms of the feeding structure may have a length, that prevents the feeding structure from acting as a dipole in the first frequency band. Particularly, the length may be smaller than A / 4, wherein A denotes the average wavelength of the first frequency band or the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band. The wavelength of the lowest operating frequency may be chosen in case the lowest operating frequency band exceeds 50...200MHZ bandwidth.

[0037] Further, the length may be smaller than 0.45 x A / 4, or smaller than 0.4 x A / 4, or even smaller than 0.35 x A / 4. The length is measured from the center of the feeding structure to the free end of the feed arm.

[0038] Further, the radiator device may comprise a reflector element. The reflector element may be assigned to the feeding structure.

[0039] Still further, the radiator device may comprise a director element. The director element may be substantially plate shaped and may be located relative to the feeding structure, so that the first radiator element and second radiator element are sandwiched between the director element and the feeding structure. The director element may have a resonance frequency, that is different from the first and second resonance frequencies.

[0040] In a particular aspect, the director element includes multiple director members, which director members are optionally electrically insulated from each other. Particularly, two adjacent director members may form a gap in between, wherein the gap may be aligned with a plane that is 45° rotated with respect to a polarization plane of the radiator device (in case of a dual polarized radiator device).

[0041] Still further, the first radiator element and the second radiator element and / or the director element may be substantially plate shaped. In an aspect, the first radiator element, the second radiator element and / or the director element may be formed from a cut and optionally bend sheet metal. This allows a cost effective and very precise manufacturing, as the elements may be stamped.

[0042] Further, the first radiator element, the second radiator element and / or the director element may be formed by a metallization layer of a PCB. Each of the elements may be provided on a separate PCB, or at least two of the first radiator element, the second radiator element and the director element may be provided on the same PCB, e.g. as metallization layers on opposing sides of a single PCB. Using PCBs also allows a cost effective and very precise manufacturing.

[0043] In a further aspect, the first radiator element may include at least one bent coupling section, and the second radiator element may include at least one corresponding bent coupling section. When assembled, the bent coupling section and the corresponding bent coupling section form a coupling area. This coupling area increases the second coupling area and electromagneti- cally couples the first and second radiator elements. The bent coupling section and the corresponding bent coupling section can be dimensioned and shaped to provide a desired bandwidth of the radiator device. In particular, broad bandwidths can be achieved.

[0044] The bent coupling section and the corresponding bent coupling section may be aligned with the feed arms of the feeding structure (i.e. arranged in a direction being defined by an imaginary extension of the feed arms).

[0045] Further, the first radiator element may have smaller outer dimensions than the second radiator element. Thus, the first radiator element may be at least partially received between the corresponding bent coupling section of the second radiator element. This allows a compact design and high bandwidths.

[0046] Further, the first radiator element and / or the second radiator element may include at least one circumferential length extension section. The circumferential length extension section may be arranged between adjacent feed arms of the feeding structure (when seen in a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the first / second radiator element). In a particular aspect the first radiator element and / or the second radiator element includes multiple circumferential length extension sections, wherein the respective circumferential length extension sections are arranged between adjacent ones of the feed arms.

[0047] The circumferential length extension section may be arranged in a main plane defined by the first or second radiator element, respectively or may be a bent section. Hence, the circumferential length extension section may be angled (e.g. 90°) to the main plane defined by the first / second radiator element.

[0048] The circumferential length extension section serves for adjusting the resonance frequency of the first radiator element and the second radiator element, respectively. By choosing first and second resonance frequencies, that are different, a desired bandwidth can be achieved.

[0049] Further, the radiator device may include at least one electrically insulating spacing element. The spacing element may be a thermoplastic spacing element, which may be injection molded. The spacing element is configured to attach the first radiator element and / or the second radiator element at the feeding structure. Thus, a defined distance between the feeding structure, the first radiator element and / or the second radiator element can easily be achieved. Further assembly of the radiator device is facilitated. Further, more the director element may also be supported by the at least one spacing element.

[0050] In a still further aspect, the first radiator element and / or second radiator element may include multiple radiator members, wherein adjacent radiator members may be capacitively coupled, particularly via an interdigital capacitor member, such as interdigital fingers. Further, adjacent radiator members may be inductively coupled, e.g. via an inductive line. Thus, undesired electromagnetic excitations can be avoided.

[0051] The object is further achieved by an antenna array, comprising at least one first radiator device and at least one second radiator device. The first radiator device is assigned to the first frequency band (e.g. a high-band or mid-band), and the second radiator device is assigned to a second frequency band (e.g. a mid band or a low band). The second frequency band includes lower frequencies than the first frequency band, and at least the first radiator device as described above. As the first radiator device has compact dimensions, the radiator device density of the antenna array can be achieved. Further, due to the compact dimensions of the first radiator device disturbance of and / or from the second radiator device can be prevented.

[0052] The object is further achieved by a base station for mobile communications, the base station includes at least one antenna array as described above.

[0053] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] Different embodiments of the invention will be described in the following, by way of example and with reference to the figures. The same elements are provided with the same reference signs. The figures show in detail :

[0055] Fig. 1 a schematic view of a base station;

[0056] Fig. 2 a schematic exploded view of a radiator device;

[0057] Fig. 3 a schematic detailed bottom view of a radiator device;

[0058] Fig. 4 a further schematic detailed top view of a radiator device;

[0059] Fig. 5A a schematic view of a first radiator element;

[0060] Fig. 5B a modal significance graph of the first radiator element; Fig. 6A a schematic view of a second radiator element;

[0061] Fig. 6B a modal significance graph of the second radiator element;

[0062] Fig. 7A a schematic view of a director element;

[0063] Fig. 7B a modal significance graph of the director element

[0064] Fig. 8 a schematic view of a further first radiator element;

[0065] Fig. 9 a schematic exploded view of a further radiator device;

[0066] Fig. 10 a schematic bottom view of the further radiator device shown in Fig. 9;

[0067] Fig. 11 a schematic view of a further second radiator element;

[0068] Fig. 12 a schematic view of a further second radiator element;

[0069] Fig. 13 a schematic view of a further second radiator element, and

[0070] Fig. 14 a schematic top view of an antenna array.

[0071] Detailed Description

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a base station 1 according to an embodiment. The base station 1 incudes a control unit 40, such as a based band unit (BBU), which is in communication with radio units 31, 32. Those radio units 31, 32 may be remote radio units, which may be remotely controlled by the control unit. The radio unit 31 is assigned to a first multi band antenna, which includes an antenna array 10 (as e.g. shown in Fig. 13). The radio unit 32 is assigned to a second multi band antenna, which includes an antenna array 10.

[0073] The control unit 40 is connected via respective data lines to the radio units 31, 32. Each one of the radio units 31, 32 powers a respective base station antenna (i.e. multi-band antennas 10, 20), or at least parts thereof. The base station antennas may be multi-band antennas 12. Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded view of a dual polarized radiator device 100. The radiator device includes a reflector element 160, which may be a common reflector element of an antenna array 10. Further, the radiator device includes a plate shaped first radiator element 110 a plate shaped second radiator element 120 and optionally a director element 140.

[0074] The radiator device 100 is configured for radio communications on a first frequency band, e.g. a mid band or a high band. The radiator device has a compact design. Its dimensions L x W x H are smaller than 0.3A x 0.3A x 0.2A or even smaller than 0.25A x 0.25A x 0.3A, or even smaller than 0.2A x 0.2A x 0.15A, wherein A denotes an average wavelength of the first frequency band or the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band. In a particular aspect, the L and W dimensions may be in a range from 40 mm to 65 mm, or from 42 mm to 60 mm.

[0075] The feeding structure 150 may be a cast feeding structure or may be assembled from sheet metal members or PCBs. the feeding structure 150 shown in Fig. 2 has four feed arms 152a, 152b, 152c 152d, wherein each of the feed arms 152a, 152b, 152c 152d has a free end.

[0076] The feed arms 152a, 152b, 152c 152d of the feeding structure 150 have a length "a" that prevents the feeding structure 150 from acting as dipole, at least in the first frequency band. The length "a" may be smaller than A / 4, or smaller than 0.45 x A / 4, or smaller than 0.4 x A / 4, or smaller than 0.35 x A / 4. In an example, the length "a" may be in a range from 13 mm to 21 mm.

[0077] The first radiator element shown in Fig. 2 is substantially cross-shaped and has a central opening 112, which is also cross shaped. The first radiator element is oriented so that its dimensions in a polarization plane of the radiator device 10 are longer than in a plane that is 45° rotated with respect to the polarization plane. Hence, the cross-arms are aligned with the polarization planes. Further, the first radiator element 110 has a length of an outer circumference cl that is larger than a length of an outer circumference c2 of the second radiator element 120. Thus, the first radiator element 110 has a first resonance frequency fresi that is lower than the resonance frequency fres2 of the second radiator element 120.

[0078] The first radiator element 110 is electrically insulated from the feeding structure 150 and the second radiator element 120 (e.g. by a spacing element, not shown). Further, the first radiator element 110 is sandwiched between the feeding structure 150 and the second radiator element 120.

[0079] The second radiator element 120 has an outer shape, that is substantially square shaped and a central opening 122. The central opening 122 of the second radiator element 120 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the central opening 112 of the first radiator element 110.

[0080] Further, the second radiator element 120 includes four coupling sections 124. Said coupling sections 124 are inwardly protruding coupling sections 124, that protrude into the central opening 122. As shown, the inwardly protruding coupling sections 124 are aligned with respective feed arms 152a, 152b, 152c 152d of the feeding structure 150.

[0081] Further, the free ends of the feed arms 152a, 152b, 152c 152d overlap with the second radiator element 120, particularly with the coupling sections 124, forming a first coupling area.

[0082] The first radiator element 110 is oriented relative to the feeding structure 150 so that there is no overlap between the first radiator element 110 and the feeding structure 150 or an overlap that is smaller than the overlap between the feeding structure 150 and the second radiator element 120.

[0083] The optional director element 140 is located relative to the feeding structure 150, so that the first radiator element 110 and second radiator element 120 are sandwiched between the director element 140 and the feeding structure 150. The director element 140 may include multiple director members 147a-d, which director members are optionally electrically insulated from each other. The director members 147a-d are arranged to form a central opening 142 of the director element 140. Fig. 3 is a schematic detailed bottom view of a radiator device 100, wherein the first radiator element 110 is shown in detail. As shown, the central opening 112 of the first radiator element 110 is designed so that there is no overlap between the feeding structure 150, respectively the feed arms 152a-d and the first radiator element 110. Rather, the first radiator element 110 is formed so as to encircle the feeding structure 150.

[0084] Fig. 4 is a schematic detailed top view of a radiator device 100, wherein the second radiator element 120 is shown in detail. As shown, the central opening 122 of the second radiator element 120 and in particular the inwardly protruding coupling sections 124 are formed so that the feeding structure 150 and the second radiator element 120 overlap in an area of the free ends of the feed arms 152a-d. Thus, the overlap 02 defines the coupling area between the feeding structure 150 and the second radiator element 120. The overlap 02 may have a length dimension in the range from 1.5 mm to 3 mm, or in a range from 1.8 mm to 2.6 mm, or in a range from 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0085] For coupling the first radiator element 110, there is an overlap 012 (defining a second coupling area) between the first radiator element 110 and the second radiator element 120. The respective second coupling areas are aligned with the feed arms 152a-d (i.e. arranged in a direction being defined by an imaginary extension of the feed arms 152a-d).

[0086] Fig. 5A is a schematic view of a first radiator element 110 and Fig. 5B is modal significance graph of the first radiator element. The solid line shows a first resonance of the radiator element of Fig. 5A, the dotted and dash dotted lines shown higher order modes of that particular radiator element. Fig. 6A is a schematic view of a second radiator element 120 and Fig. 6B is modal significance graph of the second radiator element. The solid line shows a first resonance of the radiator element of Fig. 6A, the dotted and dash dotted lines shown higher order modes of that particular radiator element

[0087] Fig. 7A is a schematic view of an optional director element 140 and Fig. 7B is a modal significance graph of the director element 140. This element shows no significant resonance peak, but acts as a director and matching layer with a weak resonant behavior. The bore holes shown in Figs. 5A to 7A may serve for fastening the first radiator element 110, the second radiator element 120 and / or the director element to a spacing element. As shown, the resonance frequency of the first radiator element 110 is below the resonance frequency of the second radiator element 120. The director element has no resonance in the depicted frequency band form 1.3 GHz to 2.2 GHz.

[0088] Fig. 8 shows a modification of a first radiator element 110. To adjust the length of the outer circumference, four circumferential length extension sections 118 are provided. Here, the circumferential length extension sections 118 have a horn-like shape. This is to be understood as a non-limiting example. The circumferential length extension sections 118 allow to adjust the resonance frequency of the first radiator element 110.

[0089] Fig. 9 is a schematic exploded view of a further radiator device. The radiator device includes a feeding structure 150, a first radiator element 110, a second radiator element 120 and an optional director element 140. Here, the first radiator element 110 includes four downwardly bent coupling sections 116 and the second radiator element 120 includes four corresponding bent coupling sections 126. As shown, the bent coupling sections 116 and the corresponding bent coupling sections 126 are aligned with the feed arms of the feeding structure 150.

[0090] The bent coupling sections 116 and the corresponding bent coupling sections 126 form a coupling area for coupling the first and the second radiator elements 110, 120. This improved coupling and the associated extension of the outer circumferential length allow to reduce the dimensions of the radiator device even further.

[0091] Particularly, the first radiator element 110 may have smaller outer dimensions than the second radiator element 120 so that the first radiator element 110 is at least partially received between the corresponding bent coupling section 126 of the second radiator element 120 when the radiator device is assembled. In the assembled state, the distance D between the plate shaped first radiator element 110 and the plate shaped second radiator element 120 may follow the following equation

[0092] D = (D2 - DI) ± (Dl / 2), wherein DI defines the length of the downwardly bent coupling section 116 and wherein D2 defines the length of the downwardly bent coupling section 126.

[0093] Fig. 10 is a schematic detailed bottom view of the further radiator device 100 shown in Fig. 9. According to this embodiment, the first radiator element 110 is oriented relative to the feeding structure 150 so that there is an overlap 015 (cf. dotted circles) between the first radiator element 110 and the feeding structure 150, respectively the feed arms 152a-d of the feeding structure 150 and the first radiator element 110. The orientation and dimension of the overlap 015 may be chosen so as to adjust parasitic resonances and / or reduce parasitic modes within the radiator device or between adjacent radiator devices.

[0094] Fig. 11 shows a modification of a second radiator element 120. The second radiator element 120 includes four radiator members 127a-d, wherein adjacent radiator members 127a-d are inductively coupled via an inductive line 129. The modification shown in Fig. 12 uses a capacitive coupling instead. Here, the four radiator members 127a-d are capacitively coupled, via an interdigital capacitor member 128. The capacitor member 128 including interdigital fingers.

[0095] Fig. 13 shows a modification of a second radiator element 120. To adjust the length of the outer circumference, eight circumferential length extension sections 125a, 125b are provided. The circumferential length extension sections are provided as bent parts, wherein the circumferential length extension sections 125a are bent upwardly and the circumferential length extension sections 125b are bent downwardly. Here, the circumferential length extension sections 125a, 125b have a bow-like shape. This is to be understood as a non-limiting example. The interdigital capacitor member 128, the inductive line 129 and / or the circumferential length extension sections 125a, 125b allow for example to adjust parasitic resonances, to reduce parasitic modes within the radiator and / or to reduce coupling between radiators without impacting significantly the basic resonance and radiation characteristics of the first radiator element 110 and second radiator element 120.

[0096] Fig. 14 is a schematic top view of an antenna array 10. The antenna array 10 comprising multiple first radiator devices, being arranged in a row and multiple second radiator devices being arranged in further rows. The first radiator devices 100 are assigned to the first frequency band and the second radiator device 200 are assigned to at least one second frequency band. The second frequency band includes lower frequencies than the first frequency band. Here, particularly the first radiator devices may be radiator devices as shown in Figs. 2 or 9. Further, the antenna array 10 comprises a common reflector element 160.

[0097] List of Reference Signs

[0098] 1 base station

[0099] 10 antenna array

[0100] 12 base station antenna

[0101] 31 radio unit

[0102] 32 radio unit

[0103] 40 control unit

[0104] 100 radiator device

[0105] 110 first radiator element

[0106] 112 central opening

[0107] 116 bent coupling section

[0108] 117a-d radiator member

[0109] 118 circumferential length extension section

[0110] 120 second radiator element

[0111] 122 central opening

[0112] 124 coupling section

[0113] 125a, b circumferential length extension section 126 corresponding bent coupling section

[0114] 127a-d radiator member

[0115] 128 interdigital capacitor member

[0116] 129 inductive line

[0117] 140 director element

[0118] 142 central opening

[0119] 147a-d director member

[0120] 150 feeding structure

[0121] 152a-d feed arms

[0122] 160 reflector element a length of feed arm cl outer circumference of first radiator element c2 outer circumference of second radiator element

[0123] D distance

[0124] DI length of bent coupling section 116

[0125] D2 length of bent coupling section 126

[0126] 02 overlap (first coupling area)

[0127] 012 overlap (second coupling area) fresi first resonance frequency fres2 second resonance frequency

[0128] L Length

[0129] W Width

[0130] H Height

Claims

Claims 1 to 221. A radiator device (100) for radio communications on a first frequency band, the radiator device (100) including a feeding structure (150), a first radiator element (110) and a second radiator element (120), wherein the first radiator element (110) has a first resonance frequency (fresi) and wherein the second radiator element (120) has a second resonance frequency (fres2), wherein the first radiator element (110) is electrically insulated from the feeding structure (150) and the second radiator element (120), and wherein the first radiator element (110) is sandwiched between the feeding structure (150) and the second radiator element (120), and wherein a length of an outer circumference (cl) of the first radiator element (110) is larger than a length of an outer circumference (c2) of the second radiator element (120).

2. The radiator device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first radiator element (110) and second radiator element (120) have a central opening (112, 122), wherein the central opening (122) of the second radiator element (120) has a larger cross-sectional area than the central opening (112) of the first radiator element (110).

3. The radiator device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeding structure (150) has at least two feed arms (152a, 152b, 152c 152d), wherein each of the at least two feed arms (152a, 152b, 152c 152d) having a free end, wherein at least one of the free ends overlaps with the second radiator element (120) at least partially, forming a first coupling area.

4. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, whereinthe first radiator element (110) is oriented relative to the feeding structure (150) so that there is no overlap between the first radiator element (110) and the feeding structure (150).

5. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first radiator element (110) and the second radiator element (120) are oriented relative to the feeding structure (150) and the central opening (112) of the first radiator element (110) and the central opening (122) of the second radiator element (120) are dimensioned so that an overlap (02) between the second radiator element (120) and the feeding structure (150) covers a larger area than an overlap (01) between the first radiator element (110) and the feeding structure (150).

6. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first radiator element (110) and the second radiator element (120) are oriented relative to each other, so that at least one second coupling area (012) is formed, the second coupling area (012) being optionally aligned with the feed arms (152a, 152b, 152c 152d).

7. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feed arms (152a, 152b, 152c 152d) of the feeding structure (150) have a length (a), which is length is smaller than A / 4, wherein A denotes the average wavelength of the first frequency band or the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band, or wherein the length (a) is smaller than 0.45 x A / 4, or wherein the length (a) is smaller than 0.4 x A / 4, or wherein the length (a) is smaller than 0.35 x A / 4.

8. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a reflector element (160), the reflector element (160) being assigned to the feeding structure.

9. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a director element (140), the director element (140) being located relative to the feeding structure (150), so that the first radiator element (110) and second radiator element (120) are sandwiched between the director element (140) and the feeding structure (150).

10. The radiator device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the director element (140) includes multiple director members (147a-d), which director members are optionally electrically insulated from each other.

11. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first frequency band lies within a range from 1 GHz to 7 GHz.

12. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first radiator element (110), the second radiator element (120), and / or the director element (140) are substantially plate shaped, and wherein the first radiator element (110), the second radiator element (120), and / or the director element (140) may be formed from a cut and optionally bend sheet metal, or wherein the first radiator element (110), the second radiator element (120), and / or the director element (140) may be formed by a metallization layer of a PCB.

13. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein21 the first radiator element (110) includes at least one bent coupling section (116), and wherein the second radiator element (120) includes at least one corresponding bent coupling section (126), wherein the bent coupling section (116) and the corresponding bent coupling section (126) form a coupling area.

14. The radiator device (100) according to claim 13 wherein the bent coupling section (116) and the corresponding bent coupling section (126) are aligned with the feed arms (152a, 152b, 152c 152d) of the feeding structure (150).

15. The radiator device (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first radiator element (110) has smaller outer dimensions than the second radiator element (120), and wherein the first radiator element (110) is at least partially received between the corresponding bent coupling section (126) of the second radiator element (120).

16. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first radiator element (110) and / or the second radiator element (120) includes at least one circumferential length extension section (118; 125a, 125b), the circumferential length extension section (118; 125a, 125b) being optionally arranged between adjacent feed arms (152a, 152b, 152c 152d) of the feeding structure (150).

17. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the radiator device (100) is a dual polarized radiator device.

18. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the radiator device (100) includes at least one electrically insulating spacing element, wherein22 the spacing element is configured to attach the first radiator element (110) and / or the second radiator element (120) at the feeding structure (150).

19. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first radiator element (110) and / or second radiator element (120) includes multiple radiator members (117a-d; 127a-d), wherein adjacent radiator members (117a-d; 127a-d) are capacitively coupled, particularly via an interdigital capacitor member (128).

20. The radiator device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first radiator element (110) and / or second radiator element (120) includes multiple radiator members (117a-d; 127a-d), wherein adjacent radiator members (117a-d; 127a-d) are inductively coupled, particularly via an inductive line (129).

21. An antenna array (10), comprising at least one first radiator device (100) and at least one second radiator device (200), wherein the first radiator device (100) is assigned to the first frequency band, and wherein the second radiator device (200) is assigned to a second frequency band, wherein the second frequency band includes lower frequencies than the first frequency band, and wherein the first radiator device (100) is a radiator device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. Base station (1) for mobile communications, the base station (1) including at least one antenna array (10) according to claim 21.

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