Antenna unit and communication device

Abstract

Provided in the present application are an antenna unit and a communication device. The antenna unit comprises N radio frequency links and an interference cancellation module, N being an integer greater than 1. Each radio frequency link comprises: a transmitting channel, a receiving channel, a feed network connected to the transmitting channel and the receiving channel, and a transmitting antenna subarray and a receiving antenna subarray, wherein the feed network is used for feeding the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray. The interference cancellation module comprises a first interference cancellation module and / or a second interference cancellation module, the first interference cancellation module being used for cancelling an interference signal received by the receiving channel in each radio frequency link, and the second interference cancellation module being used for cancelling, in the receiving channel of the corresponding radio frequency link, a signal from the transmitting channel in the same radio frequency link. On the basis of the present application, when interference cancellation can be realized, the transmitting and receiving antenna subarrays in the antenna unit can share a common antenna plane, thereby improving the spectral efficiency.

Description

Antenna units and communication equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411550605.8, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on October 31, 2024, entitled "Antenna Unit and Communication Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to an antenna element and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] As a core component of 5G technology, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems can significantly improve the spectral efficiency and data transmission rate of a system by using a large number of antenna elements between the base station and the terminal equipment.

[0004] Currently, in existing massive MIMO system architectures, base stations can use a full-duplex architecture for communication. To ensure isolation between the transmit and receive antennas, the transmit and receive antennas in the full-duplex architecture need to be separated, for example, by adding an isolation band between the transmit and receive antennas. However, this separate transmit and receive antenna architecture in the full-duplex system reduces uplink and downlink spectral efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an antenna element and a communication device that are beneficial for improving spectrum efficiency.

[0006] Firstly, an antenna element is provided that can be applied in communication equipment, such as network equipment or terminal equipment. To facilitate the distinction between the signals in the transmitting and receiving channels, the direction of the signals is described using a network device as an example. For instance, the signal transmitted by the transmitting channel is a downlink signal, and the signal received by the receiving channel is an uplink signal. It is understood that the direction of the signals will change in different communication devices. For example, for a terminal device, the signal transmitted by the transmitting channel is an uplink signal, and the signal received by the receiving channel is a downlink signal. The following description should not limit the direction of the signals or the communication equipment in which the antenna element is applied.

[0007] For example, the antenna unit includes: N radio frequency links and an interference cancellation module, where N is an integer greater than 1; each radio frequency link includes: a transmit channel, a receive channel, a feed network connected to the transmit channel and the receive channel, and a transmit antenna subarray and a receive antenna subarray; the feed network is used to feed the transmit antenna subarray and the receive antenna subarray; the interference cancellation module includes a first interference cancellation module and / or a second interference cancellation module; the first interference cancellation module includes a first digital intermediate frequency module and N signal cancellation links connected to the first digital intermediate frequency module, each signal cancellation link being connected to the receive channel in each radio frequency link, and the first interference cancellation module being used to cancel interference signals received by the receive channel in each radio frequency link; each second interference cancellation module is connected between the transmit channel and the receive channel in the corresponding radio frequency link, and the second interference cancellation module is used to cancel signals from the transmit channel in the same radio frequency link in the receive channel of the corresponding radio frequency link; wherein, the feed network routing in at least two of the N radio frequency links is different.

[0008] For ease of distinction and explanation, taking network equipment as an example, the antenna subarray that transmits downlink signals is denoted as the transmitting antenna subarray, and the antenna subarray that receives the downlink signals is denoted as the receiving antenna subarray. It can be understood that transmitting and receiving are relative terms; each antenna subarray can be either a transmitting or receiving antenna subarray. Each receiving antenna subarray may simultaneously receive downlink signals from multiple transmitting antenna subarrays, and may also transmit downlink signals while receiving them.

[0009] The different routing of the power supply networks in different RF links specifically refers to the different layouts of the RF lines on the printed circuit board (PCB) in different RF links. These different layouts can include variations in the length and / or width of the RF lines. As an example, and not a limitation, the RF lines include microstrip lines or striplines.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, a feed network and one or more interference cancellation modules can be deployed in the antenna element. For example, a feed network, a first interference cancellation module, and a second interference cancellation module; or a feed network and a first interference cancellation module; or a feed network and a second interference cancellation module. This not only reduces mutual interference between the transmit and receive channels in each RF link but also eliminates interference signals received by the receive channel in each RF link. Thus, given that interference cancellation can be achieved based on this application, the transmit and receive antenna subarrays in the antenna element can share the same roof surface, improving uplink and downlink communication coverage and spectral efficiency.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the feed network includes a first feed network and / or a second feed network; each RF link is connected to a transmit antenna subarray and a receive antenna subarray via the first feed network; each RF link is connected to a second digital intermediate frequency (IF) module via the second feed network. In other words, the transmit antenna subarray and receive antenna subarray in each RF link are connected to the transmit channel and receive channel of each RF link via the first feed network, and / or, the second digital IF module in each RF link is connected to the transmit channel and receive channel of each RF link via the second feed network. Both the first and second feed networks can reduce signal interference between the transmit and receive channels of each RF link. When both the first and second feed networks are present simultaneously, the signal interference between the transmit and receive channels of each RF link can be reduced to a significant extent.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first feed network includes a first feed line and a second feed line, the transmit channel of the RF link is connected to the first feed line, the receive channel of the RF link is connected to the second feed line, and the routing of the first feed line and the second feed line is different.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the second feed network includes a third feed line and a fourth feed line, with the transmitting channel connected to the third feed line and the receiving channel connected to the fourth feed line, and the feed lines of the third and fourth feed lines being different.

[0014] By designing different routing schemes for the feed networks in different RF links, for example, in the first feed network, a first feed line is connected to the transmit channel in each RF link, and a second feed line is connected to the receive channel in each RF link; in the second feed network, a third feed line is connected to the transmit channel in each RF link, and a fourth feed line is connected to the receive channel in each RF link, the interference between the transmit antenna subarray and the receive antenna subarray can be reduced. Specifically, on the one hand, when the transmit antenna subarray transmits a downlink signal, the downlink signals received by different antenna elements of the receive antenna subarray in the near field of the transmit antenna subarray are out of phase, resulting in vector cancellation and reduced energy. Therefore, the energy of the downlink signal received by the receive antenna subarray is reduced, and the interference is reduced. Furthermore, the downlink signals received by the antennas in the far field are in phase and their energy is superimposed. On the other hand, through the design of the feed network of the receive antenna subarray, after each antenna element in the receive antenna subarray receives the downlink signal, vector cancellation can be further performed in the circuit domain, thereby further reducing the energy of the downlink signal and further reducing the interference.

[0015] In one possible implementation, in each RF link, a low noise amplifier (LNA) is connected between a second feed network and a second digital intermediate frequency module; or, the LNA is connected between the receiving channel in the RF link and the second feed network; or, the LNA is connected between the first feed network and the receiving channel of the RF link.

[0016] When an LNA is connected between the first feed network and the receiving channel of the RF link, the LNA can amplify the signal. After amplification by the LNA, the signal strength can be improved, while the influence of noise is relatively suppressed, thereby effectively reducing the noise figure of the entire receiving channel. When an LNA is connected between the receiving channel and the second feed network in the RF link, it can keep the signal at an appropriate power level. When an LNA is connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module in the RF link, the LNA can amplify and adjust the signal again.

[0017] In one possible implementation, in each RF link, a power amplifier (PA) is connected between a second feed network and a second digital intermediate frequency module; or, the PA is connected between the transmit channel in the RF link and the second feed network; or, the PA is connected between the first feed network and the transmit channel of the RF link.

[0018] When the PA is connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module, it can amplify the signal at the initial stage, so that the subsequent signal has sufficient power and improve the signal transmission power. When the PA is connected between the transmit channel and the second feed network in the RF link, it can keep the signal at an appropriate power level. When the PA is connected between the first feed network and the transmit channel of the RF link, it can more accurately control the transmission power according to the antenna's radiation characteristics and actual needs, ensuring that the antenna can radiate at the optimal power level.

[0019] In one possible implementation, in each radio frequency link, the transmit antenna subarray and the receive antenna subarray are either the same antenna subarray or different antenna subarrays.

[0020] The transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray are different antenna subarrays; that is, the transmitting antenna subarray is connected to the transmitting channel through a first feed network and a filter, and the receiving antenna subarray is connected to the receiving channel through the first feed network and a filter. Alternatively, the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray can be the same antenna subarray; that is, the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray form one antenna subarray and are connected to the transmitting channel and the receiving channel through a first feed network and a filter.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first digital intermediate frequency module in the first interference cancellation module generates an interference cancellation signal for the receiving channel in each radio frequency link based on the baseband digital signal corresponding to the transmitting channel of at least one radio frequency link. The interference cancellation signal is used to cancel the interference signal received by the corresponding receiving channel.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first digital intermediate frequency (IF) module in the first interference cancellation module is also connected to a transmit channel in at least one of the radio frequency links. The first IF module amplifies the signal transmitted by the transmit channel based on the signal coupled from the transmit channel. The first IF module can then send the amplified signal to a second IF module, thereby enabling the first transmit antenna subarray to transmit the amplified signal.

[0023] In one possible implementation, among the M antenna subarrays in the N RF links, M is less than N, or M is greater than or equal to N, and M is an integer greater than 0; a first isolation component is provided between every two antenna subarrays, and / or a second isolation component is provided between at least two antenna elements in each antenna subarray; wherein the first isolation component is used to isolate the signal between two antenna subarrays, and the second isolation component is used to isolate the signal between two antenna elements.

[0024] The relationship between the aforementioned antenna subarrays, transmitting antenna subarrays, and receiving antenna subarrays can be understood as follows: an antenna subarray may include some antenna elements from one transmitting antenna subarray and one receiving antenna subarray; or, an antenna subarray may include some antenna elements from multiple transmitting antenna subarrays and multiple receiving antenna subarrays; or, an antenna subarray may include all antenna elements from multiple transmitting antenna subarrays and multiple receiving antenna subarrays. No limitation is imposed in this regard.

[0025] The first isolation component can be disposed in two antenna subarrays, for example, between adjacent antenna subarrays, to reduce interference between antenna subarrays and improve the isolation between them by absorbing energy, changing the phase or amplitude of the downlink signals transmitted by the antenna subarrays. The second isolation component can be disposed between at least two antenna elements in each antenna subarray, for example, between adjacent antenna elements, to reduce interference between antenna elements and improve the isolation between antenna elements.

[0026] The aforementioned first or second isolation component can be fabricated from one or more of absorbing materials, scattering materials, and metamaterials. Among these, absorbing materials can absorb or reduce the electromagnetic wave energy received on their surface, and therefore can be used to fabricate isolation components. Scattering materials and metamaterials can both modulate the amplitude and phase of electromagnetic waves, changing their scattering or reflection paths, thereby achieving the effect of canceling downlink signals, and therefore can be used to fabricate isolation components.

[0027] The first and second isolation components can be made of the same material, such as one of the following: absorbing material, scattering material, or metamaterial; or they can be made of different materials, such as any two or three of the following: absorbing material, scattering material, or metamaterial. No limitation is imposed in this regard.

[0028] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, including a baseband unit, an antenna unit in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0029] Optionally, the communication device is a network device.

[0030] Optionally, the communication device is a terminal device.

[0031] It should be understood that the second aspect of this application corresponds to the first aspect of this application, and the corresponding feasible implementation methods achieve similar beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the full-duplex mode and sub-band duplex mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the large-scale MIMO duplex architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the self-interference canceller provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the wiring of the power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 7 is another schematic diagram of the antenna unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of the antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 9 is another schematic diagram of the antenna element provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an isolation component between antenna subarrays provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the isolation components provided between antenna subarrays and antenna elements according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an isolation component between antenna elements provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solution provided in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first:

[0046] First, in this application, the indication includes explicit indication (also known as direct indication) and implicit indication (also known as indirect indication). Explicit indication information A means including information A; implicit indication information A means indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B, and direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured; or it can refer to indicating information A through information B and preset rules.

[0047] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship; the specific meaning can be understood in context. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0048] Third, the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" in this application is solely for the purpose of distinguishing different things belonging to the same category, and does not constrain the order, size, or quantity of the things. For example, "first power supply network" and "second power supply network" are simply different power supply networks, and there is no temporal, size, or priority relationship between them. Similarly, "first digital intermediate frequency module" and "second digital intermediate frequency module" are simply different digital intermediate frequency modules, and there is no temporal, size, or priority relationship between them. Likewise, "first interference cancellation module" and "second interference cancellation module" are simply different interference cancellation modules, and there is no temporal, size, or priority relationship between them. And so on.

[0049] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink (SL) communication systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or new radio access technology (NR). Among these, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as future communication networks. This application does not limit these applications.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include at least one network device (e.g., network device 110) and a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 120).

[0051] It should be understood that the aforementioned network device or terminal device can be configured with multiple antennas, which may include at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals. Additionally, the network device or terminal device also includes a transmitting channel and a receiving channel, which, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may include multiple components related to signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, or antennas). Therefore, the network device and the terminal device can communicate via multi-antenna technology.

[0052] It should also be understood that the communication system shown in Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram, and the above communication system may also include other terminal devices and network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of network devices and terminal devices included in the communication system.

[0053] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user apparatus.

[0054] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0055] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0056] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. This embodiment only uses the terminal device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, and does not constitute a limitation on the solution of this embodiment.

[0057] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device for communicating with a terminal device. This network device can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, satellite base station, cellular base station, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, equipment performing base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, network-side equipment in future communication networks, or equipment performing base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. Optionally, a RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment.

[0058] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, DU, or CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes. For example, the network devices may include gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU.

[0059] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or RUs. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0060] RAN nodes can support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, each corresponding to a DU and RU with different functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is a common public radio interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is another type of interface, relative to CPRI, some downlink and / or uplink baseband functions, such as, for downlink, precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix addition (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU; and for uplink, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of fast Fourier transform (FFT) / cyclic prefix removal (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU. In one possible implementation, the interface can be an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI). Under the eCPRI architecture, the segmentation between DU and RU differs, corresponding to different categories (Cat) of eCPRI, such as eCPRI Cat A, B, C, D, E, F.

[0061] Taking eCPRI Cat A as an example, for downlink transmission, the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after layer mapping (i.e., coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping), while other functions after layer mapping (e.g., RE mapping, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more functions of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / adding cyclic prefix (CP)) are moved to the RU. For uplink transmission, the DU is configured to implement one or more functions before and after de-RE mapping (i.e., decoding, de-rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization, and de-RE mapping), while other functions after de-RE mapping (e.g., digital BF or one or more functions of fast Fourier transform (FFT) / removing CP) are moved to the RU. It is understandable that the functional descriptions of the DU and RU corresponding to various types of eCPRI can be found in the eCPRI protocol, and will not be elaborated here.

[0062] In one possible design, the processing unit in the BBU used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0063] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0064] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is provided only and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions described in this embodiment.

[0065] Network devices and / or terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located. Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal devices and network devices.

[0066] The communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 above is, for example, a massive MIMO duplex system. The duplex mode of the communication system includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: TDD mode, FDD mode, full-duplex mode, and sub-band duplex mode. This application does not limit this, but when this application is applied to full-duplex mode or sub-band duplex mode, the interference cancellation effect will be more significant.

[0067] For example, Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram of full-duplex mode. The network device simultaneously transmits downlink signals and receives uplink signals in all time slots across all frequency bandwidths of f3 (as shown by the boxes with filled patterns in Figure 2(a)). Correspondingly, the terminal device simultaneously receives downlink signals and transmits uplink signals in all time slots across all frequency bandwidths of f3.

[0068] Figure 2(b) illustrates a subband duplex mode. In this mode, all time slots on the f1 frequency bandwidth, a portion of the f3 frequency bandwidth, are uplink (U) time slots. For example, in Figure 2(b), on the f1 frequency bandwidth, network devices and terminal devices can receive uplink signals in all time slots of the f1 frequency bandwidth. The portion of the f3 frequency bandwidth excluding the f1 frequency bandwidth is still divided into uplink and downlink time slots according to the TDD mode. For example, in Figure 2(b), on the f0 frequency bandwidth, the terminal device transmits uplink signals in uplink time slot U and receives downlink signals in downlink time slot D. Correspondingly, network devices receive uplink signals in uplink time slot U and transmit downlink signals in downlink time slot D.

[0069] It should be understood that the time-frequency domain resource allocation in the subband duplex mode shown in Figure 2 is only an example. For example, f1 in the frequency bandwidth of f3 can be the middle subband of f3, and the frequency bandwidth f0 can include frequency subbands greater than f1 and frequency subbands less than f1. This application does not limit the subband duplex mode.

[0070] Therefore, this massive MIMO duplex system can support network devices and terminal devices to communicate uplink and downlink at the same time. The uplink and downlink can communicate using one or more different subbands within a communication bandwidth, such as 100 megabits (M) or 400 megabits (M).

[0071] For example, Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a massive MIMO duplex architecture, which, from left to right, includes a transmit (Tx) antenna, a receive (Rx) antenna, a receive channel, a transmit channel, and a digital intermediate frequency (IF). The Tx antenna is connected to the receive channel, the Rx antenna is connected to the transmit channel, and the receive and transmit channels are respectively connected to the digital IF. To ensure sufficient isolation between the Tx and Rx antennas, the duplex communication system can separate the Tx and Rx antennas. For example, as shown in Figure 3, an isolation band can be added between the Tx and Rx antenna subarrays; alternatively, the Tx and Rx antennas can be physically isolated.

[0072] However, this separate transmit and receive antenna architecture in a duplex architecture will reduce the uplink and downlink spectral efficiency.

[0073] In view of this, this application provides an antenna element that incorporates a feeding network and one or more interference cancellation modules to cancel interference in the received signal passing through the antenna element, i.e., interference suppression. Furthermore, based on the interference cancellation achieved by this application, the transmit and receive antenna subarrays in the antenna element can share the same roof surface, thereby improving uplink and downlink communication coverage and spectral efficiency.

[0074] To facilitate understanding and explanation, the terms used herein will be briefly explained before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0075] 1. Transmitting antenna subarray and receiving antenna subarray: In this application, in order to distinguish the antenna elements connected to the transmitting channel and the receiving channel, the antenna elements connected to the same transmitting channel are defined as a transmitting antenna subarray, and the antenna elements connected to the same receiving channel are defined as a receiving antenna subarray.

[0076] 2. Antenna element: Also known as a vibrator or radiating element, it is the most basic unit that makes up an antenna. Antenna elements are made of conductive metal and can radiate electromagnetic waves when an alternating current flows through the conductor. Therefore, antenna elements can also be called radiators or radiating elements.

[0077] 3. Feeding Network: Also known as a power distribution unit. In this application, the feeding network is used to power the connected antenna elements (specifically, the antenna elements in the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray). The feeding network can feed radio frequency signals to the transmitting antenna subarray with a certain amplitude and phase, or transmit the wireless signals received by the receiving antenna subarray to the signal processing unit inside the communication equipment with a certain amplitude and phase.

[0078] It should be understood that the power supply network in the embodiments of this application can be summarized as an isolation device, and is not limited thereto.

[0079] 4. Antenna: Includes a reflector (also called a base plate), a feed network, and an antenna element. Optionally, the antenna also includes a radome. For ease of understanding and explanation, this document mainly illustrates the antenna element and feed network, as well as the RF link connected to the feed network, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other components such as the reflector and radome are not shown. However, this should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not limit the structure of the antenna or the shape of the antenna element.

[0080] 5. Closely packed antennas: These antennas arrange multiple antenna elements closely together, with the distance between elements typically less than one wavelength. Due to the small spacing, there is strong mutual coupling between the antenna elements. This close-packed design requires precise electromagnetic simulation and optimization techniques to ensure good antenna performance within the desired frequency band.

[0081] 6. Multi-port antenna: This type of antenna has multiple ports, allowing simultaneous connection to multiple devices or systems to achieve multiple signal inputs or outputs. Its structure is typically complex, containing multiple antenna elements and corresponding signal processing and distribution circuitry to ensure the correct transmission of different signals to or reception from each port.

[0082] 7. Conventional antenna array: Generally composed of a single antenna element, or simply a combination of several antenna elements, but the spacing between the elements is relatively large and the coupling between them is weak. Its structure is relatively simple, usually including basic components such as an element, a reflector, a feed network, and a radome.

[0083] 8. Rooftop: A planar structure on which antennas are installed. There are various types of antennas on the rooftop. The rooftop can be broadly understood as an antenna system.

[0084] The antenna unit provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the technical solution of this application can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG1. ​​For example, it can be used to implement the functions of network device 110 or terminal device 120 in communication system 100.

[0085] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an antenna element 400. The various modules in the antenna element 400 are described in detail below. The antenna element may be, for example, an AAU or a portion thereof.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4, the antenna element 400 may include N radio frequency (RF) links, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each of the N RF links includes a transmit channel, a receive channel, a feed network connected to the transmit and receive channels, and a transmit antenna subarray and a receive antenna subarray. The feed network can be used to feed the transmit and receive antenna subarrays.

[0087] For ease of distinction and explanation, taking network equipment as an example, the antenna subarray that transmits downlink signals is denoted as the transmitting antenna subarray, and the antenna subarray that receives the downlink signals is denoted as the receiving antenna subarray. It can be understood that transmitting and receiving are relative terms; each antenna subarray can be either a transmitting or receiving antenna subarray. Each receiving antenna subarray may simultaneously receive downlink signals from multiple transmitting antenna subarrays, and may also transmit downlink signals while receiving them.

[0088] Optionally, each of the N RF links further includes a second digital intermediate frequency (IF) module. This second IF module converts the RF signal into an IF signal and can also perform filtering, amplification, modulation, and demodulation of the signal, among other things. It should be understood that each of the N RF links can correspond to one second IF module. These second IF modules perform the same function, only differing in the RF links they connect to. For ease of differentiation, each second IF module can be distinguished by "# + number," for example, second IF module #1, second IF module #2, ..., and second IF module #N. This is not a limitation.

[0089] In the antenna element 400 shown in Figure 4, one or more interference suppression devices may be deployed. These interference suppression devices can be implemented, for example, as electronic circuitry connected within the antenna element. The connection relationships and functions of various possible interference suppression devices in this antenna element are illustrated below through several examples.

[0090] Example 1: A first feed network is deployed in the antenna element 400.

[0091] Each of the N radio frequency (RF) links can be connected to its corresponding transmit and receive antenna subarrays via a first feeding network. In other words, the transmit and receive antenna subarrays of each RF link are connected to the transmit and receive channels of each RF link via the first feeding network. The first feeding network is used to power the transmit and receive antenna subarrays of each of the N RF links.

[0092] For example, two radio frequency links (e.g., the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link) out of the N radio frequency links shown in Figure 4 will be used as examples for illustration.

[0093] It should be understood that the first feed network is connected to the transmit and receive channels of each of the N RF links. For ease of distinction, the first feed network connected to different RF links can be divided into multiple small modules, such as first feed network #1, second feed network #2, ..., first feed network #N. No limitation is imposed on this.

[0094] The first radio frequency link may include: a first transmitting antenna subarray, a first receiving antenna subarray, a first feed network #1, a first transmitting channel, a first receiving channel, and a second digital intermediate frequency module #1. The first transmitting antenna subarray and the first receiving antenna subarray are connected to the first feed network #1, the first feed network #1 is connected to the first transmitting channel, the first feed network #1 is connected to the first receiving channel, and the first transmitting channel and the first receiving channel are respectively connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #1.

[0095] The second radio frequency link may include: a second transmit antenna subarray, a second receive antenna subarray, a first feed network #2, a second transmit channel, a second receive channel, and a second digital intermediate frequency module #2. The second transmit antenna subarray and the second receive antenna subarray are connected to the first feed network #2, the first feed network #2 is connected to the second transmit channel, the first feed network #2 is connected to the second receive channel, and the second transmit channel and the second receive channel are respectively connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #2.

[0096] Example 2: A second feed network is deployed in the antenna element 400.

[0097] In this configuration, each of the N radio frequency (RF) links is connected to the second digital intermediate frequency (IF) module via a second feeding network. In other words, the second IF module in each RF link is connected to the transmit and receive channels of each RF link via the second feeding network. The second feeding network is used to power the transmit and receive antenna subarrays.

[0098] For example, two radio frequency links (e.g., the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link) out of the N radio frequency links shown in Figure 4 will be used as examples for illustration.

[0099] It should be understood that each of the N RF links can correspond to a second feed network. For ease of distinction, each second feed network can be separated by "# + number", for example, second feed network #1, second feed network #2, ..., second feed network #N. No restrictions are imposed on this.

[0100] The first radio frequency link may include: a first transmitting antenna subarray, a first receiving antenna subarray, a first transmitting channel, a first receiving channel, a second feed network #1, and a second digital intermediate frequency module #1. The first transmitting antenna subarray is connected to the first transmitting channel, the first receiving antenna subarray is connected to the first receiving channel, and the first transmitting antenna subarray and the first receiving antenna subarray are connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #1 through the second feed network #1.

[0101] The second radio frequency link may include: a second transmit antenna subarray, a second receive antenna subarray, a second transmit channel, a second receive channel, a second feed network #2, and a second digital intermediate frequency module #2. The second transmit antenna subarray is connected to the second transmit channel, the second receive antenna subarray is connected to the second receive channel, and the second transmit antenna subarray and the second receive antenna subarray are connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #2 through the second feed network #2.

[0102] Optionally, the connection channel between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module can be called a digital channel. As shown in Figure 4, N RF links can include W digital channels. Each RF link can, for example, correspond to two digital channels. When each of these two digital channels is connected to both the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray through the second feed network, in other words, each digital channel in each RF link can drive all the antenna elements in the transmitting and receiving antenna subarrays of each RF link. Therefore, the second feed network can also be called a fully linked network.

[0103] It should be understood that the number of digital channels in each of the N RF links shown in Figure 4 above is merely an example and is not a limitation.

[0104] In each radio frequency link, the receiving antenna subarray and the transmitting antenna subarray are fully connected through a fully linked network and each digital channel, respectively. Therefore, the antenna element 400 can include L fully linked networks with X input and Y output, where L is less than or equal to N, and L, X, and Y are positive integers.

[0105] Example 3: The antenna unit 400 deploys a first interference cancellation module.

[0106] The first interference cancellation module includes a first digital intermediate frequency (IF) module and N signal cancellation links connected to the first IF module. Each signal cancellation link corresponds to a receiving channel in each of the N radio frequency (RF) links. The signal cancellation link connected to the receiving channel may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a power amplifier (PA). The DAC converts the digital signal to be transmitted in the transmitting channel into an analog signal, and the PA amplifies the interference cancellation signal to provide sufficient power to cancel the interference signal received by the receiving channel. Therefore, the first interference cancellation module can eliminate the interference signal received by the receiving channel in each RF link. Specifically, the first IF module in the first interference cancellation module generates an interference cancellation signal for the receiving channel in each RF link based on the baseband digital signal corresponding to the transmitting channel of at least one RF link. The interference cancellation signal is used to eliminate the interference signal received by the corresponding receiving channel.

[0107] Furthermore, the aforementioned first digital intermediate frequency module can also be connected to the transmit channel in at least one RF link via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and an LNA. The ADC can be used to convert the received digital signal into an analog signal, and the LNA can be used to eliminate noise to improve signal quality. Therefore, the first digital intermediate frequency module can enhance the signal transmitted by the transmit channel based on the signal coupled from the transmit channel.

[0108] It should be understood that the link connecting the first digital intermediate frequency module and the transmit channel in the radio frequency link can be called a signal enhancement link, which includes the aforementioned ADC and LNA. No limitation is made in this regard.

[0109] For example, two radio frequency links (e.g., the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link) out of the N radio frequency links shown in Figure 4 will be used as examples for illustration.

[0110] It should be understood that in N RF links, each receiving channel corresponds to a signal cancellation link, and each transmitting channel corresponds to a signal enhancement link. For ease of distinction, the signal cancellation links connected to the receiving channel of each RF link can be distinguished by a "number," for example, the 1st signal cancellation link, the 2nd signal cancellation link, ..., the Nth signal cancellation link. Similarly, the signal cancellation links connected to the transmitting channel of each RF link can be distinguished by a "number," for example, the 1st signal enhancement link, the 2nd signal enhancement link, ..., the Nth signal enhancement link. No limitation is imposed on this.

[0111] The first radio frequency link may include: a first transmitting antenna subarray, a first receiving antenna subarray, a first transmitting channel, a first receiving channel, a first digital intermediate frequency (IF) module, a first signal cancellation link, a first signal enhancement link, and a second IF module #1. The first transmitting antenna subarray is connected to the first transmitting channel, the first receiving antenna subarray is connected to the first receiving channel, the first receiving channel is connected to the first IF module via the first signal cancellation link, the first transmitting channel is connected to the first IF module via the first signal enhancement link, and the first transmitting channel and the first receiving channel are respectively connected to the second IF module #1.

[0112] The second radio frequency link may include: a second transmit antenna subarray, a second receive antenna subarray, a second transmit channel, a second receive channel, a first digital intermediate frequency (IF) module, a second signal cancellation link, a second signal enhancement link, and a second IF module #2. The second transmit antenna subarray is connected to the first transmit channel, the second receive antenna subarray is connected to the second receive channel, the second receive channel is connected to the first IF module via the second signal cancellation link, the second transmit channel is connected to the first IF module via the second signal enhancement link, and the second transmit channel and the second receive channel are respectively connected to the second IF module #2.

[0113] Example 4: A second interference cancellation module is deployed in the antenna element 400.

[0114] In this context, a second interference cancellation module can be connected between the transmit channel and the receive channel in each of the N radio frequency links. In other words, each second interference cancellation module is connected between the transmit channel and the receive channel in the corresponding radio frequency link. The second interference cancellation module is used to eliminate the signal from the transmit channel in the same radio frequency link in the receive channel of the corresponding radio frequency link.

[0115] For example, two radio frequency links (e.g., the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link) out of the N radio frequency links shown in Figure 4 will be used as examples for illustration.

[0116] It should be understood that each of the N RF links shown in Figure 4 can correspond to a second interference cancellation module. For ease of distinction, each second interference cancellation module can be distinguished by "# + number", for example, second interference cancellation module #1, second interference cancellation module #2, ..., interference cancellation module #N. No limitation is imposed on this.

[0117] The first radio frequency link may include: a first transmitting antenna subarray, a first receiving antenna subarray, a first transmitting channel, a first receiving channel, a second interference cancellation module #1, and a second digital intermediate frequency module #1. The first transmitting antenna subarray is connected to the first transmitting channel, the first receiving antenna subarray is connected to the first receiving channel, the second interference cancellation module #1 is connected between the first transmitting channel and the first receiving channel, and the first transmitting channel and the first receiving channel are respectively connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #1.

[0118] The second radio frequency link may include: a second transmit antenna subarray, a second receive antenna subarray, a second transmit channel, a second receive channel, a second interference cancellation module #2, and a second digital intermediate frequency module #2. The first transmit antenna subarray is connected to the second transmit channel, the second receive antenna subarray is connected to the second receive channel, the second interference cancellation module #2 is connected between the second transmit channel and the first receive channel, and the second transmit channel and the second receive channel are respectively connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #2.

[0119] Optionally, one possible implementation of the second interference cancellation module is a self-interference canceller. To better prevent receiver channel blockage, a self-interference canceller is typically used to reduce interference in the downlink signal received by the receiver channel. The self-interference canceller aims to construct an RF signal with the same amplitude but opposite phase to the interference signal, which is then combined with the interference signal to cancel it out.

[0120] Figure 5 shows an example of a self-interference canceller. As shown in Figure 5, a self-interference canceller may include multiple links, and each tap link includes components such as an adjustable phase shifter and an adjustable attenuator, resulting in high circuit complexity.

[0121] To achieve better interference suppression, especially in full-duplex or sub-band duplex mode, at least two interference suppression devices can be deployed. That is, at least two examples from Examples 1 to 4 above can be combined to achieve interference cancellation. The connection relationship when Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4 are combined is described in detail below. The role of each interference suppression device in the antenna element 400 will not be elaborated here.

[0122] For example, two radio frequency links (e.g., the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link) out of the N radio frequency links shown in Figure 4 will be used as examples for illustration.

[0123] The first radio frequency link may include: a first transmitting antenna subarray, a first receiving antenna subarray, a first feed network #1, a first transmitting channel, a first receiving channel, a second interference cancellation module #1, a second feed network #1, a first signal cancellation link, a first signal enhancement link, a second digital intermediate frequency module #1, and a first digital intermediate frequency module. The first transmitting antenna subarray and the first receiving antenna subarray are connected to the first feed network #1. The first feed network #1 is connected to the first transmitting channel and the first receiving channel. The second interference cancellation module #1 is connected between the first transmitting channel and the first receiving channel. The first receiving channel is connected to the first digital intermediate frequency module through the first signal cancellation link. The first transmitting channel is connected to the first digital intermediate frequency module through the first signal enhancement link. The first transmitting channel and the first receiving channel are connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #1 through the second feed network #1. The second RF link may include: a second transmit antenna subarray, a second receive antenna subarray, a first feed network #2, a second transmit channel, a second receive channel, a second interference cancellation module #2, a second feed network #2, a second signal cancellation link, a second signal enhancement link, a second digital intermediate frequency module #2, and a first digital intermediate frequency module. The second transmit antenna subarray and the second receive antenna subarray are connected to the first feed network #2. The first feed network #1 is connected to the second transmit channel and the second receive channel. The second interference cancellation module #1 connects the second transmit channel and the second receive channel. The second receive channel is connected to the first digital intermediate frequency module via the second signal cancellation link. The second transmit channel is connected to the first digital intermediate frequency module via the second signal enhancement link. The second transmit channel and the second receive channel are connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module #2 via the second feed network #2. For ease of distinction, the signal cancellation link connected to the transmit channel and the signal enhancement link connected to the receive channel are shown with different lines in Figure 4. For simplicity, only two RF links are shown in the figure; other RF links can be obtained by referring to the structure shown in the figure.

[0124] Furthermore, each of the N RF links may include at least one filter, which can be used to effectively filter out a specific frequency point or other frequencies in the power line to obtain a power signal of a specific frequency, or to eliminate a power signal of a specific frequency.

[0125] For example, taking the first and second radio frequency links of the N radio frequency links in the antenna element shown in Figure 4 as examples, in the first radio frequency link, filter a can be located between the first transmitting antenna subarray and the first transmitting channel, and filter b can be located between the first receiving antenna subarray and the first receiving channel; in the second radio frequency link, filter c can be located between the second transmitting antenna subarray and the second transmitting channel, and filter d can be located between the second receiving antenna subarray and the second receiving channel. No limitations are imposed on this.

[0126] Furthermore, the transmit channel in each of the N RF links may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a power amplifier (PA), whereby the DAC converts the digital signal to be transmitted in the transmit channel into an analog signal, and the PA amplifies the signal. The receive channel in each RF link may include an analog low-frequency receiver (LNA) and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), where filters are used to filter out frequency signals other than a preset frequency, the LNA eliminates noise, and the ADC converts the received digital signal into an analog signal.

[0127] It should be understood that in the antenna unit shown in Figure 4, only one DAC is shown for each transmit channel and only one ADC is shown for each receive channel, but there is no limitation on the number of DACs and ADCs. The ADC is located between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module, and the DAC is located between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module. The ADC located between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module is less affected by other signals. The preceding feed network and interference cancellation module reduce interference between channels, achieving interference suppression, ensuring that the ADC is not saturated, and that the overall receive channel is not blocked, thus minimizing the impact on receive performance.

[0128] The positions of the PA and LNA in the RF link are, for example, as follows: the PA can be connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module; or, the PA can be connected between the first receiving channel of the first RF link and the second feed network; or, the PA can be connected between the first feed network and the first receiving channel of the first RF link. The LNA can be connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module; or, the LNA can be connected between the first transmitting channel of the first RF link and the second feed network; or, the LNA can be connected between the first feed network and the first transmitting channel of the first RF link. No limitations are imposed on these connections.

[0129] Thus, when the LNA is connected between the first feed network and the receiving channel of the RF link, the LNA can amplify the signal. After amplification, the signal strength is improved, while the noise effect is relatively suppressed, thereby effectively reducing the noise figure of the entire receiving channel. When the LNA is connected between the receiving channel and the second feed network in the RF link, it can maintain the signal at an appropriate power level. When the LNA is connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module in the RF link, the LNA can amplify and adjust the signal again. When the PA is connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module, it can amplify the signal at the initial stage, ensuring that the subsequent signal has sufficiently high power and improving the signal transmission power. When the PA is connected between the transmitting channel and the second feed network in the RF link, it can maintain the signal at an appropriate power level. When the PA is connected between the first feed network and the transmitting channel of the RF link, it can more precisely control the transmission power according to the antenna's radiation characteristics and actual needs, ensuring that the antenna can radiate at the optimal power level.

[0130] It should be understood that the devices included in the RF link of the antenna element 400 shown in Figure 4 are merely examples. The RF antenna link may also include other devices, or other devices that can be used to achieve the same or similar functions may be used to replace one or more devices in Figure 4. This application does not limit this.

[0131] In this application, the routing of the power supply network in at least two of the N RF links is different. The routing of the power supply network can also be referred to as the power supply line, and there is no limitation on it.

[0132] The different routing of the power supply networks for different RF links specifically refers to the different layouts of the RF lines on the PCB within those links. These different layouts can include variations in the length and / or width of the RF lines. As an example, and not a limitation, the RF lines include microstrip lines or striplines.

[0133] Furthermore, the feed lines for each RF link may include a transmit antenna feed line and a receive antenna feed line, and the feed lines for the transmit and receive antennas in each RF link are different. Specifically, the first feed network may include a first feed trace and a second feed trace, with the transmit channel of each RF link connected to the first feed line and the receive channel of each RF link connected to the second feed line, and the traces of the first and second feed lines are different; the second feed network includes a third feed line and a fourth feed line, with the transmit channel of each RF link connected to the third feed line and the receive channel of each RF link connected to the fourth feed line, and the feed traces of the third and fourth feed lines are different.

[0134] By designing different routing schemes for the feed networks in different RF links, on the one hand, when the transmitting antenna subarray transmits downlink signals, the downlink signals received by different antenna elements in the receiving antenna subarray in the near field of the transmitting antenna subarray are out of phase, resulting in vector cancellation and reduced energy. Therefore, the energy of the downlink signal received by the receiving antenna subarray is reduced, and interference is decreased. Furthermore, the downlink signals received by antennas in the far field (such as terminal antennas) are in phase and their energy is superimposed. On the other hand, by designing the feed network of the receiving antenna subarray, each antenna element in the receiving antenna subarray can further perform vector cancellation in the circuit domain after receiving the downlink signal, thereby further reducing the energy of the downlink signal and further reducing interference.

[0135] For ease of differentiation, the first feeder lines can be distinguished using "# + number", for example, first feeder line #1, first feeder line #2, ..., first feeder line #N; the second feeder lines can be distinguished using "# + number", for example, second feeder line #1, second feeder line #2, ..., second feeder line #N; the third feeder lines can be distinguished using "# + number", for example, third feeder line #1, third feeder line #2, ..., third feeder line #N; the fourth feeder lines can be distinguished using "# + number", for example, fourth feeder line #1, fourth feeder line #2, ..., fourth feeder line #N. No further limitations are imposed.

[0136] Taking the first radio frequency link as an example, the receiving antenna feed line of the first radio frequency link may include the second feed line #1 and the fourth feed line #1. In other words, the second feed line #1 and the fourth feed line #1 are connected to form the receiving antenna feed line of the first radio frequency link. The transmitting antenna feed line of the first radio frequency link may include the first feed line #1 and the third feed line #1. In other words, the first feed line #1 and the third feed line #1 are connected to form the transmitting antenna feed line of the first radio frequency link.

[0137] Taking the second radio frequency link as an example, the receiving antenna feed line of the second radio frequency link may include the second feed line #2 and the fourth feed line #2. In other words, the second feed line #2 and the fourth feed line #2 are connected to form the receiving antenna feed line of the second radio frequency link. The transmitting antenna feed line of the second radio frequency link may include the first feed line #2 and the third feed line #2. In other words, the first feed line #2 and the third feed line #2 are connected to form the transmitting antenna feed line of the second radio frequency link.

[0138] For ease of understanding, Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the feed lines for different RF links. The feed network shown in Figure 6 consists of feed lines for two RF links. The feed line for the transmitting antenna in the first RF link corresponds to the horizontal trace (1) in Figure 6, the feed line for the receiving antenna in the first RF link corresponds to the horizontal trace (2) in Figure 6, the feed line for the transmitting antenna in the second RF link corresponds to the horizontal trace (3) in Figure 6, and the feed line for the receiving antenna in the second RF link corresponds to the horizontal trace (4) in Figure 6.

[0139] It should be understood that the (1)th and (2)th horizontal traces in Figure 6 can form the feed line of the first RF link, and the (3)th and (4)th horizontal traces can form the feed line of the second RF link.

[0140] The four feed lines shown in Figure 6 have subtle differences. As shown at point a in (2) and point b in (4) of Figure 4, the line length at point b is greater than that at point a, indicating that the lengths of the RF lines in (2) and (4) at this location are different; the line at point b is also thicker than that at point a, indicating that the widths of the RF lines in (2) and (4) at this location are also different. By careful observation, it is not difficult to find that the routing of the four RF lines shown in Figure 6 is not exactly the same. Through different routing designs, the phase of the signal transmitted in each of the N RF links can be different, so that the signal tends to have opposite phase and energy cancellation effect in the near field.

[0141] In this application, the transmitting antenna subarray in the antenna array shown in Figure 4 may include one or more antenna elements, and the receiving antenna subarray may also include one or more antenna elements. In other words, the one or more antenna elements can be arranged according to a certain pattern to form an antenna subarray.

[0142] Furthermore, in each of the N RF links, the transmit antenna subarray and the receive antenna subarray can be the same antenna subarray or different antenna subarrays. When the transmit and receive antenna subarrays are different, the transmit antenna subarray is connected to the transmit channel via a first feed network and a filter, and the receive antenna subarray is connected to the receive channel via the same first feed network and a filter. When the transmit and receive antenna subarrays are the same, they form a single antenna subarray connected to both the transmit and receive channels via a first feed network and a filter. Several examples illustrate this further.

[0143] As an example, in the schematic diagram of the antenna element shown in Figure 7(a), the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray are different antenna subarrays. It can be seen that the first transmitting antenna subarray P1 is connected to the first transmitting channel through the first feed network #1 and filter a; the first receiving antenna subarray P2 is connected to the first receiving channel through the first feed network #1 and filter b; the second transmitting antenna subarray P3 is connected to the second transmitting channel through the first feed network #2 and filter c; and the second receiving antenna subarray P4 is connected to the second receiving channel through the first feed network #2 and filter d. For ease of distinction, the connections between the different antenna subarrays and RF links are shown with different lines in Figure 7. Furthermore, for simplicity, only two RF links are shown in the figure; the other RF links can be obtained by referring to the structure shown in the figure.

[0144] Figure 7(b) shows a schematic diagram of the antenna arrangement in the first and second radio frequency links. This antenna arrangement can be called a closely spaced antenna, which includes antenna elements in a 4x2 dual-polarized antenna array. Each column of antenna elements with the same polarization direction belongs to a subarray, and each column includes two subarrays with different polarization directions. Figure 7(b) shows a total of four subarrays, as shown in Figures A, B, C, and D. Subarray A in Figure 7(b) includes two antenna elements from the second transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the second receiving antenna subarray in Figure 7(a). Subarray B includes two antenna elements from the first transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the first receiving antenna in Figure 7(a). Subarray C includes two antenna elements from the second transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the second receiving antenna subarray in Figure 7(a). Subarray D includes two antenna elements from the first transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the first receiving antenna in Figure 7(a). It is understandable that N is an even number when the antenna in the antenna element is a dual-polarized antenna.

[0145] It should be noted that a dual-polarized antenna, also known as a cross-polarized antenna, consists of two antenna elements with different polarization directions. Each dual-polarized antenna can be arranged in a cross shape, and the two antenna elements, when cross-distributed (or placed), can form ±45° dual-polarized radiation. One antenna subarray has a polarization direction of +45°, and the other has a polarization direction of -45°; or, one antenna subarray has a horizontal polarization direction, and the other has a vertical polarization direction. This application does not limit this.

[0146] The antenna in Figure 7(b) can be divided into two antenna subarrays. That is, the two subarrays that make up the dual-polarized antenna subarray are denoted as one antenna subarray. For example, AB is one antenna subarray and CD is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two radio frequency links shown in Figure 7 (including the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link) can include two antenna subarrays, and the number of radio frequency links is equal to the number of antenna subarrays.

[0147] Alternatively, it can be divided into one antenna subarray, that is, the four subarrays that make up the dual-polarized antenna subarray are grouped together as one antenna subarray, for example, ABCD is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two RF links shown in Figure 7 (including the first RF link and the second RF link) can include one antenna subarray, and the number of RF links is greater than the number of antenna subarrays.

[0148] Alternatively, it can be divided into four antenna subarrays, where each column of antenna elements with the same polarization direction belongs to one antenna subarray. For example, A is one antenna subarray, B is one antenna subarray, C is one antenna subarray, and D is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two RF links shown in Figure 7 (including the first RF link and the second RF link) can include four antenna subarrays, and the number of RF links is less than the number of antenna subarrays.

[0149] In summary, N radio frequency links can include M antenna subarrays, where M can be less than N, greater than N, or equal to N. There are no restrictions on this.

[0150] Based on the different subarray divisions, the relationship between the aforementioned antenna subarrays, transmitting antenna subarrays, and receiving antenna subarrays can be understood as follows: an antenna subarray may include some antenna elements from one transmitting antenna subarray and one receiving antenna subarray; or, an antenna subarray may include some antenna elements from multiple transmitting antenna subarrays and multiple receiving antenna subarrays; or, an antenna subarray may include all antenna elements from multiple transmitting antenna subarrays and multiple receiving antenna subarrays. No limitation is imposed in this regard.

[0151] Figure 7(b) can also be divided into two units, each of which can include a transmit antenna element and a receive antenna element from two radio frequency links. That is, each unit can include antenna elements from the first transmit antenna subarray, the first receive antenna subarray, the second transmit antenna subarray, and the second receive antenna subarray. The spacing between each unit can be less than or equal to 0.5 wavelengths (λ). Alternatively, it can be divided into four units, without limitation.

[0152] Further, as shown in Figure 7(a), the antenna array in this antenna element may include a phase shifter. The transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray connected to the first feed network may each include one or more phase shifters, and each phase shifter may be connected to one or more antenna elements. For example, the first transmitting antenna subarray P1 connected to the first radio frequency link includes one phase shifter, and the first receiving link P2 connected to the first radio frequency link includes one phase shifter. Therefore, the first radio frequency link includes two phase shifters, and each phase shifter is connected to three antenna elements.

[0153] On the one hand, since phase shifters can be used to adjust the beam direction of a signal, more antenna elements can be used in the receiving antenna subarray for signal reception, and more antenna elements can be used in the transmitting antenna subarray for signal transmission. The increase in the number of antenna elements in the antenna array allows for greater freedom of the feed network. In other words, the feed network has greater freedom to optimize its amplitude and / or phase, thus providing strong support for achieving higher isolation.

[0154] On the other hand, each phase shifter can be used to adjust the phase of the signal transmitted or received by the connected antenna element. This results in a phase difference between the downlink signals transmitted by antenna elements connected to different phase shifters in the same transmit antenna subarray. Therefore, by controlling the phase difference, the downlink signals transmitted by different antenna elements can cancel each other out, reducing mutual interference.

[0155] In another example, in the schematic diagram of the antenna element shown in Figure 8(a), the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray are different antenna subarrays. It can be seen that the first transmitting antenna subarray P1 is connected to the first transmitting channel through the first feed network #1 and filter a; the first receiving antenna subarray P2 is connected to the first receiving channel through the first feed network #1 and filter b; the second transmitting antenna subarray P3 is connected to the second transmitting channel through the first feed network #2 and filter c; and the second receiving antenna subarray P4 is connected to the second receiving channel through the first feed network #2 and filter d. For ease of distinction, the connections between the different antenna subarrays and RF links are shown with different lines in Figure 8. Furthermore, for simplicity, only two RF links are shown in the figure; the other RF links can be obtained by referring to the structure shown in the figure.

[0156] Figure 8(b) shows a schematic diagram of the antenna arrangement in the first and second radio frequency links. This antenna arrangement can be called a multi-port antenna arrangement, which includes antenna elements in a four-port antenna with 2 rows and 2 columns. The antenna elements on the diagonal of each column belong to a subarray, and each column includes two subarrays in different diagonal directions. Figure 8(b) shows a total of four subarrays, as shown in Figures A, B, C, and D. Subarray A in Figure 8(b) includes two antenna elements from the second transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the second receiving antenna subarray in Figure 8(a). Subarray B includes two antenna elements from the first transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the first receiving antenna in Figure 8(a). Subarray C includes two antenna elements from the second transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the second receiving antenna subarray in Figure 8(a). Subarray D includes two antenna elements from the first transmitting antenna subarray and two antenna elements from the first receiving antenna in Figure 8(a).

[0157] The antenna in Figure 8(b) can be divided into two antenna subarrays. That is, a four-port antenna consisting of two diagonal subarrays in a column is considered as one antenna subarray. For example, AB is one antenna subarray, and CD is another. Therefore, the two RF links shown in Figure 8 (including the first and second RF links) can include two antenna subarrays, and the number of RF links equals the number of antenna subarrays. Alternatively, it can be divided into one antenna subarray. That is, the four-port antennas in the two columns are considered as one antenna subarray, for example, ABCD is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two RF links shown in Figure 8 (including the first and second RF links) can include one antenna subarray, and the number of RF links is greater than the number of antenna subarrays.

[0158] Alternatively, it can be divided into 4 antenna subarrays, where the antenna elements on the diagonal of each column belong to one antenna subarray. For example, A is one antenna subarray, B is one antenna subarray, C is one antenna subarray, and D is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two RF links shown in Figure 8 (including the first RF link and the second RF link) can include 4 antenna subarrays, and the number of RF links is less than the number of antenna subarrays.

[0159] In summary, N radio frequency links can include M antenna subarrays, where M can be less than N, greater than N, or equal to N. There are no restrictions on this.

[0160] The relationship between the antenna subarray, transmitting antenna subarray, and receiving antenna subarray is similar to that in Figure 7. Please refer to Figure 7 for a detailed description of the relationship between the antenna subarray, transmitting antenna subarray, and receiving antenna subarray, which will not be repeated here.

[0161] Figure 8(b) can also be divided into two units, each of which can include transmit antenna elements and receive antenna elements from two radio frequency links. That is, each unit can include antenna elements from the first transmit antenna subarray, the first receive antenna subarray, the second transmit antenna subarray, and the second receive antenna subarray. The spacing between each unit can be greater than 0.5λ, or less than or equal to 0.5λ, where less than or equal to 0.5λ is a more common spacing. Alternatively, it can be divided into four units, without limitation.

[0162] Further, as shown in Figure 8(a), the antenna array in this antenna element may include a phase shifter. The transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray connected to the first feed network may each include one or more phase shifters, and each phase shifter may be connected to one or more antenna elements. For example, the first transmitting antenna subarray P1 connected to the first radio frequency link includes one phase shifter, and the first receiving link P2 connected to the first radio frequency link includes one phase shifter. Therefore, the first radio frequency link includes two phase shifters, and each phase shifter is connected to three antenna elements.

[0163] For a detailed description of the phase shifter, please refer to Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0164] In another example, in the schematic diagram of the antenna element shown in Figure 9(a), the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray are the same antenna subarray. It can be seen that the first transmitting antenna subarray and the first receiving antenna subarray form a transceiver antenna subarray P1, which is connected to the first RF link through the first feed network #1, filter a, and filter b. The second transmitting antenna subarray and the second receiving antenna subarray form a transceiver antenna subarray P2, which is connected to the second RF link through the first feed network #2, filter c, and filter d. For ease of distinction, the connections between different antenna subarrays and different RF links are shown with different lines in the figure. Furthermore, for simplicity, only two RF links are shown in the figure; other RF links can be obtained by referring to the structure shown in the figure.

[0165] Figure 9(b) shows a schematic diagram of the antenna arrangement in the first and second radio frequency links. This antenna arrangement can be called a conventional antenna arrangement, which includes 2 rows and 2 columns of dual-polarized antenna elements. Each column of antenna elements with the same polarization direction belongs to a subarray, and each column includes two subarrays with different polarization directions. Figure 9(b) shows a total of 4 subarrays, as shown in Figures A, B, C, and D. Subarray A in Figure 9(b) includes two antenna elements from the second transmitting antenna subarray and the second receiving antenna subarray in Figure 9(a); subarray B includes two antenna elements from the first transmitting antenna subarray and the first receiving antenna subarray in Figure 9(a); subarray C includes two antenna elements from the second transmitting antenna subarray and the second receiving antenna subarray in Figure 9(a); and subarray D includes two antenna elements from the first transmitting antenna subarray and the first receiving antenna subarray in Figure 9(a).

[0166] For a detailed description of dual-polarized antennas, please refer to the description of dual-polarized antennas in Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0167] The antenna in Figure 9(b) can be divided into two antenna subarrays. That is, the two subarrays that make up the dual-polarized antenna subarray are denoted as one antenna subarray. For example, AB is one antenna subarray and CD is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two radio frequency links shown in Figure 9 (including the first radio frequency link and the second radio frequency link) can include two antenna subarrays, and the number of radio frequency links is equal to the number of antenna subarrays.

[0168] Alternatively, it can be divided into one antenna subarray, that is, the four subarrays that make up the dual-polarized antenna subarray are grouped together as one antenna subarray, for example, ABCD is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two RF links shown in Figure 9 (including the first RF link and the second RF link) can include one antenna subarray, and the number of RF links is greater than the number of antenna subarrays.

[0169] Alternatively, it can be divided into four antenna subarrays, where each column of antenna elements with the same polarization direction belongs to one antenna subarray. For example, A is one antenna subarray, B is one antenna subarray, C is one antenna subarray, and D is one antenna subarray. Therefore, the two RF links shown in Figure 9 (including the first RF link and the second RF link) can include four antenna subarrays, and the number of RF links is less than the number of antenna subarrays.

[0170] In summary, N radio frequency links can include M antenna subarrays, where M can be less than N, greater than N, or equal to N. There are no restrictions on this.

[0171] The relationship between the antenna subarray, transmitting antenna subarray, and receiving antenna subarray is similar to that in Figure 7. Please refer to Figure 7 for a detailed description of the relationship between the antenna subarray, transmitting antenna subarray, and receiving antenna subarray, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] Figure 9(b) can also be divided into two units, each of which can include transmit antenna elements and receive antenna elements from two radio frequency links. That is, each unit can include antenna elements from the first transmit antenna subarray and the first receive antenna subarray, as well as antenna elements from the second transmit antenna subarray and the second receive antenna subarray. The spacing between each unit can be less than or equal to 0.5λ. Alternatively, it can be divided into four units, without limitation.

[0173] Further, as shown in Figure 9(a), the antenna array in the antenna unit may include a phase shifter, and the transmitting antenna subarray and receiving antenna subarray connected to the first feed network may each include one or more phase shifters, and each phase shifter may be connected to one or more antenna elements. For example, the transmitting antenna subarray P1 connected to the first radio frequency link includes a phase shifter, and the phase shifter is connected to three antenna elements.

[0174] For a detailed description of the phase shifter, please refer to Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] As can be seen, the transmit antenna subarrays shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8 each include four transmit antenna elements, which are connected to the same filter through a first feed network; therefore, they can be referred to as a one-to-four system. The receive antenna subarray may include four receive antenna elements, which are connected to the same filter through a first feed network; therefore, they can also be referred to as a one-to-four system. Each RF link shown in Figure 9 includes four antenna elements, which are connected to different filters through a first feed network; therefore, they can be referred to as a two-to-four system.

[0176] It should be understood that the quantitative relationship between the filter and antenna elements shown in the diagram is merely an example. In practical applications, one filter can connect to more or fewer antenna elements, such as one filter connecting to three, four, or nine antenna elements, etc. Multiple antenna elements can also be divided into more groups, for example, nine antenna elements divided into three groups and connected to the filter. Two filters can connect to the same number of antenna elements, such as two filters connecting to four, eight, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0177] It should be understood that, although not shown in Figures 7, 8 or 9, the antenna array may also include other devices, such as attenuators, power dividers, etc., which are included but not limited to in this application.

[0178] Furthermore, in addition to setting up interference suppression devices on N radio frequency links, isolation components can also be set between antenna subarrays to isolate signals between antenna subarrays.

[0179] The isolation components can be made of absorbing materials, scattering materials, or metamaterials. Absorbing materials can absorb or reduce the electromagnetic wave energy received on their surface, and therefore can be used to fabricate isolation components. Scattering materials and metamaterials can modulate the amplitude and phase of electromagnetic waves, changing their scattering or reflection paths, thereby achieving the effect of canceling downlink signals, and therefore can be used to fabricate isolation components. It should be understood that the isolation components can be made of one or more of absorbing materials, scattering materials, and metamaterials.

[0180] For example, a first isolation component is provided between every two antenna subarrays in the M antenna subarrays.

[0181] For example, Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of isolation components between antenna subarrays. It can be seen that the antenna subarray shown in Figure 10 is, for example, the antenna subarray shown in Figure 8(b). In Figure 10, for ease of explanation and distinction, the two subarrays that make up the dual-polarized antenna subarray are referred to as a group of antenna subarrays, i.e., antenna subarray A and antenna subarray B form one antenna subarray, and antenna subarray C and antenna subarray D form another antenna subarray. Figure 10 shows a total of two antenna subarrays, with first isolation components positioned between them. These first isolation components can be located between two adjacent antenna subarrays, specifically between two adjacent antenna elements in the horizontal direction, as shown by the solid boxes in the figure. These first isolation components can be used to isolate interference signals between different groups of antenna subarrays, such as the interference signal between antenna subarray AB and antenna subarray CD.

[0182] Furthermore, a second isolation component can be provided between at least two antenna elements in each antenna subarray to isolate the signal between the two antenna elements.

[0183] For example, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of isolation components installed between antenna subarrays and between antenna elements. The antenna subarray in Figure 11 is similar to the antenna subarray in Figure 10; please refer to the description of the antenna subarray in Figure 10, which will not be repeated here. The difference is that the isolation components in Figure 11 include not only the first isolation component located between the antenna subarrays, but also the second isolation component located between two antenna elements. Although the various isolation components are located in different positions, the principle of isolating interference signals is the same regardless of their location. Please refer to the previous description of different materials used for isolating interference signals, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] It should be understood that the first and second isolation components can be made of the same material, such as one of the following: absorbing material, scattering material, or metamaterial; or the first and second isolation components can be made of different materials, such as any two or three of the following: absorbing material, scattering material, or metamaterial. No limitation is imposed in this regard.

[0185] It should also be understood that the first isolation component and the second isolation component can coexist or exist independently.

[0186] For example, Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of an isolation assembly between antenna elements. The antenna subarray in Figure 12 is similar to the antenna subarray in Figure 10; please refer to the description of the antenna subarray in Figure 10, which will not be repeated here. The difference is that the isolation assembly in Figure 12 includes a second isolation assembly located between the antenna elements. Although it is in a different position than the first isolation assembly in Figure 10, the principle for isolating interference signals is the same regardless of the location. Please refer to the previous description of different materials used for isolating interference signals, which will not be repeated here.

[0187] As can be seen, in the M antenna subarrays of N RF links, a first isolation component can be set between every two antenna subarrays, and / or, a second isolation component can be set between at least two antenna elements in each antenna subarray. No limitations are imposed on this.

[0188] Based on the above scheme, a feed network and one or more interference cancellation modules can be deployed in the antenna element. For example, a feed network, a first interference cancellation module, and a second interference cancellation module; or a feed network and a first interference cancellation module; or a feed network and a second interference cancellation module. This not only reduces mutual interference between the transmit and receive channels in each RF link but also eliminates interference signals received by the receive channel in each RF link. Thus, given that interference cancellation can be achieved based on this application, the transmit and receive antenna subarrays in the antenna element can share the same roof surface, improving uplink and downlink communication coverage and spectral efficiency.

[0189] This application also provides a communication device, which may include an antenna element. The antenna element may be the antenna element shown in any of Figures 5, 7 to 9 above, or it may be an antenna element that, although not shown in the figures, can be obtained based on any one or any combination of the aforementioned schemes.

[0190] Optionally, the communication device also includes a baseband unit.

[0191] Optionally, the communication device is a network device.

[0192] Optionally, the communication device is a terminal device.

[0193] It should be understood that the communication device may also include an antenna unit and other modules that can be used to achieve the same or similar functions as the baseband unit, and this application does not limit this.

[0194] By applying the antenna unit provided in this application to communication equipment, compared with the traditional base station architecture that uses a shared transmit and receive antenna, the transmit and receive antennas do not require roof isolation with isolation strips. Both transmit and receive antennas can utilize the entire maximum roof surface, ensuring lossless uplink and downlink roof surface coverage and thus no loss of communication performance. Furthermore, by employing multi-level isolation technology between different RF links, i.e., by combining the feed network and interference cancellation module in the RF link design, for example, a feed network, a first interference cancellation module, and a second interference cancellation module, or a feed network and a first interference cancellation module, or a feed network and a second interference cancellation module, not only can the mutual interference between the transmit and receive channels in each RF link be reduced, but the interference signals received by the receive channel in each RF link can also be eliminated.

[0195] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna element, characterized in that, The antenna unit includes: N radio frequency links and an interference cancellation module, where N is an integer greater than 1; Each of the radio frequency links includes: a transmit channel, a receive channel, a feed network connected to the transmit channel and the receive channel, and a transmit antenna subarray and a receive antenna subarray; The feeding network is used to feed the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray; The interference cancellation module includes a first interference cancellation module and / or a second interference cancellation module; The first interference cancellation module includes a first digital intermediate frequency module and N signal cancellation links connected to the first digital intermediate frequency module. Each signal cancellation link is connected to a receiving channel in each radio frequency link. The first interference cancellation module is used to cancel the interference signal received by the receiving channel in each radio frequency link. Each of the second interference cancellation modules is connected between the transmit channel and the receive channel in the corresponding RF link. The second interference cancellation module is used to cancel the signal from the transmit channel in the same RF link in the receive channel of the corresponding RF link. Among them, the power supply network routing is different in at least two of the N radio frequency links.

2. The antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply network includes a first power supply network and / or a second power supply network; Each of the radio frequency links is connected to the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray through the first feed network; Each of the radio frequency links is connected to the second digital intermediate frequency module via the second feed network.

3. The antenna element according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first power supply network includes a first power supply line and a second power supply line. The transmitting channel of the radio frequency link is connected to the first power supply line, and the receiving channel of the radio frequency link is connected to the second power supply line. The routing of the first power supply line and the second power supply line is different.

4. The antenna element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second power supply network includes a third power supply line and a fourth power supply line. The transmitting channel is connected to the third power supply line, and the receiving channel is connected to the fourth power supply line. The power supply routing of the third power supply line and the fourth power supply line is different.

5. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, In each of the aforementioned radio frequency links, A low-noise amplifier (LNA) is connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module; or, The LNA is connected between the receiving channel in the radio frequency link and the second feed network; or, The LNA is connected between the first feed network and the receiving channel of the RF link.

6. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In each of the aforementioned radio frequency links, The power amplifier PA is connected between the second feed network and the second digital intermediate frequency module; or, PA is connected between the transmit channel and the second feed network in the radio frequency link; or, The PA is connected between the first power supply network and the transmit channel of the radio frequency link.

7. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, In each of the radio frequency links, the transmitting antenna subarray and the receiving antenna subarray are the same antenna subarray or different antenna subarrays.

8. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first digital intermediate frequency module in the first interference cancellation module generates an interference cancellation signal for the receiving channel in each of the radio frequency links based on the baseband digital signal corresponding to the transmitting channel of at least one of the radio frequency links. The interference cancellation signal is used to cancel the interference signal received by the corresponding receiving channel.

9. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first digital intermediate frequency module in the first interference cancellation module is also connected to a transmission channel in at least one of the radio frequency links, and the first digital intermediate frequency module enhances the signal transmitted by the transmission channel based on the signal coupled from the transmission channel.

10. The antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, In the N radio frequency links, among the M antenna subarrays, M is less than N, or M is greater than or equal to N, and M is an integer greater than 0. A first isolation component is provided between every two antenna subarrays, and / or a second isolation component is provided between at least two antenna elements in each antenna subarray; wherein... The first isolation component is used to isolate the signal between the two antenna subarrays, and the second isolation component is used to isolate the signal between the two antenna elements.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Baseband unit, and The antenna unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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