Antenna unit, antenna device, communication apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

Provided in the present application are an antenna unit, an antenna device, a communication apparatus, and a communication system. The antenna unit comprises a balun structure and a radiation arm. The radiation arm comprises a first metal piece and a plurality of second metal pieces, wherein the plurality of second metal pieces are arranged at intervals, at least some of the plurality of second metal pieces are connected to each other by means of a metal wire, and at least one second metal piece is connected to the first metal piece by means of the metal wire. The antenna unit can reduce mutual interference between antenna portions at different frequency bands while simplifying the structure of the antenna unit.

Description

Antenna units, antenna devices and communication equipment, communication systems

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411645115.6, filed on November 15, 2024, entitled "Antenna Element, Antenna Device and Communication Equipment, Communication System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to an antenna unit, an antenna device, a communication equipment, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0004] As a crucial component of mobile communications, base station antennas need to be compatible with multi-standard and multi-band operating environments. Therefore, multi-frequency design has become the industry mainstream. In multi-frequency base station antennas, antennas of different frequency bands are affected by signals from frequencies outside their own operating bands when transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals. For example, low-frequency antennas have a stronger ability to receive energy radiated by high-frequency antennas, thus affecting the radiation and transmission characteristics of the high-frequency antenna element. Therefore, reducing the mutual interference between signals from antennas of different frequency bands has become a challenge in the design of multi-frequency base station antennas. Existing multi-band base station antennas typically incorporate a separate coupling structure within the radiating structure of one frequency band antenna, such as a high-frequency antenna, to reduce interference signals. However, adding an extra coupling structure increases the antenna's complexity, thereby increasing the difficulty and cost of antenna manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an antenna element, an antenna device, a communication equipment, and a communication system to reduce mutual interference between antennas of different frequency bands while simplifying the antenna structure.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an antenna element comprising a balun structure and a radiating arm. The radiating arm includes a first metal plate, a plurality of second metal plates, and a plurality of metal wires. The first metal plate is connected to the balun structure, the plurality of second metal plates are spaced apart, at least some of the second metal plates are connected by the metal wires, and at least one second metal plate is connected to the first metal plate by the metal wires.

[0007] The antenna element of this application comprises a radiating arm including multiple spaced second metal plates. At least some of these spaced second metal plates are electrically connected via metal wires, thereby enabling the antenna element to transmit and receive target signals. By discretizing the structure of the radiating arm, the antenna element reduces the impact of interference signals on its radiation characteristics, allowing it to perform electromagnetically transparent decoupling of interference signals while operating normally in its own frequency band. Furthermore, the radiating arm of this antenna element serves both a radiation function and a decoupling function, achieving a combined radiation and decoupling structure design, thus simplifying the antenna element structure and eliminating the need for an additional decoupling structure.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the maximum dimension between any two points of the second metal sheet is less than λ / 2, where λ is the wavelength of the interference signal, and the wavelength of the interference signal is different from that of the target signal of the antenna element.

[0009] The maximum size of the second metal plate is less than λ / 2. A second metal plate of this size has low responsivity to interference signals; the interference signal will not cause interference to the second metal plate, or the interference level is extremely low and negligible. Therefore, in the implementation of this application, the size of the second metal plate in the radiating arm is much smaller than the wavelength of the interference signal, thereby reducing the impact of the interference signal on its radiation characteristics. This allows the antenna element to perform electromagnetic transparent decoupling of the interference signal while operating normally in its own frequency band.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second metal sheet is one or a combination of at least two of the following: a regular N-gonal metal sheet, a rectangular metal sheet, a circular metal sheet, a ring-shaped metal sheet, or an irregularly shaped metal sheet; where N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. The shape of the second metal sheet is not subject to many restrictions, as long as its maximum size is less than λ / 2.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the second metal sheet is a square metal sheet, which is easy to process and can facilitate the symmetrical setting of the dipoles, thereby improving the polarization purity.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the side length or radial dimension of the second metal sheet is less than λ / 4. This size of the second metal sheet, being much smaller than the wavelength of the interfering signal, can further reduce the interference of the interfering signal.

[0013] In one possible implementation, multiple second metal sheets are arranged in an array. The array arrangement of the second metal sheets, such as a rectangular array, square array, ring array, triangular array, or circular array, facilitates the processing and fabrication of the second metal sheets and the connection between them.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the number of second metal plates in the radiating arm is greater than or equal to four. Controlling the number of second metal plates within this range allows for the creation of a radiating arm capable of transmitting and receiving target signals of multiple wavelengths, offering wide coverage and high adaptability.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first and second metal sheets are arranged in a coplanar manner, which facilitates processing using traditional PCB technology and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0016] In one possible implementation, both the first and second metal sheets are mounted on a support plate. By using the support plate to position the first and second metal sheets on the same plane, it facilitates their mounting, fabrication, and connection. This also allows for thinner and lighter first and second metal sheets, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the perimeter of the first metal sheet is greater than or equal to the sum of the perimeters of two second metal sheets and less than or equal to the sum of the perimeters of nine second metal sheets. The first metal sheet primarily serves to connect with the balun structure. When its side length is between the perimeters of two and nine second metal sheets, a stable connection with the balun structure can be achieved. At the same time, the first metal sheet of this size can also maintain a low responsivity to interference signals, achieving a decoupling effect on interference signals.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides an antenna device including a reflector and at least one antenna element according to the first aspect of this application, the antenna element being connected to the reflector.

[0019] Taking an antenna device containing two antenna elements as an example, the antenna device may include a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a reflector, wherein both the first and second antenna elements are connected to the reflector; wherein,

[0020] The first antenna element may be the antenna element of this application; or,

[0021] The second antenna element is the antenna element of this application; or,

[0022] Both the first antenna element and the second antenna element are antenna elements of this application.

[0023] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which includes the antenna element of this application and / or the antenna device of this application.

[0024] In one alternative implementation, the communication device further includes a remote radio unit (RRU) and a building baseband unit (BBU), with the RRU connected to the antenna device and the BBU, respectively.

[0025] In one alternative implementation, the radio frequency remote module is integrated with the antenna device.

[0026] Fourthly, this application provides a communication system, which includes a core network device and the communication device of this application, wherein the communication device is communicatively connected to the core network device.

[0027] The technical effects that can be achieved by the second to fourth aspects mentioned above can be referred to the corresponding effect descriptions in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0028] In this application, the data in the various possible implementations, such as the maximum dimension between any two points of the second metal sheet and the side length of the second metal sheet, should be understood as being within the range defined in this application, provided that the measurement is within the engineering measurement error range. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna device;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a radiating arm provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another antenna unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Reference numerals: 001-Antenna assembly; 01-First antenna element; 02-Second antenna element; 03-Reflector; 100-Antenna element; 10-Ballon structure; 11-Metal pillar; 20-Radiating arm; 21-First metal sheet; 22-Second metal sheet; 23-Metal wire; 24-Support plate; 20a-First radiating arm; 20b-Second radiating arm; 20c-Third radiating arm; 20d-Fourth radiating arm. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0037] The antenna provided in this application embodiment can be applied to communication equipment such as base stations and radar to enable wireless communication functions. The communication equipment is used in a communication system and can communicate wirelessly with terminals within the system. The communication equipment can be located in a base station subsystem (BBS), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) to provide cell coverage for wireless signals, thereby enabling communication between terminal devices and the wireless network. Specifically, the communication equipment can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the communication equipment can also be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, or a g node (gNodeB or gNB) in a new radio (NR) system, or a base station in a future evolved network, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0038] The antenna provided in this application embodiment can also be used in access network equipment, which is sometimes also called an access node. Access network equipment has wireless transceiver capabilities for communicating with terminals. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, future communication networks, access network equipment or modules in Open RAN (ORAN) systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. Access network equipment can also be a module or unit capable of implementing some of the functions of a base station. For example, access network equipment can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), as described below. In the ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU, DU can also be called open (O)-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CUP-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. The access network equipment can be a macro base station, micro base station, or indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the access network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, or vehicle-mounted equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). Multiple access network equipment in the communication system can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminals directly or through relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0039] In addition to communication equipment, communication systems can also include core network equipment. Communication equipment communicates with terminals. Core network equipment includes, but is not limited to, mobility management equipment, serving gateways, and wireless gateways.

[0040] As communication resources become increasingly scarce, communication systems are placing higher demands on antenna operating frequency bands. For example, antennas need to be compatible with multiple operating frequency bands to suit various working environments. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an antenna device. As shown in Figure 1, the antenna device 001 includes a first antenna element 01 and a second antenna element 02. The first antenna element 01 or the second antenna element 02 operates in different frequency bands. For ease of explanation, the antenna device 001 is illustrated using a dual-band example. Specifically, the first antenna element 01 operates at frequency f1, and the second antenna element 02 operates at frequency f2, where f2 is greater than f1, and both f1 and f2 are positive numbers. Therefore, the first antenna element 01 can also be called a low-frequency antenna, and the second antenna element 02 can also be called a high-frequency antenna. Since the operating wavelength of the first antenna element 01 is longer than that of the second antenna element 02, the size of the first antenna element 01 is larger than that of the second antenna element 02. Furthermore, the first antenna element 01 and the second antenna element 02 are relatively close together, and the first antenna element 01 interferes with the radiation performance of the second antenna element 02. Furthermore, if the value of f2 is approximately twice that of f1, the interference of the first antenna element 01 on the radiation performance of the second antenna element 02 is more significant. It should be noted that the antenna device 001 shown in Figure 1 of this application embodiment is merely an example. The structures of the first antenna element 01 and the second antenna element 02 can be the same or different. For example, the first antenna element 01 and the second antenna element 02 can both be die-cast antennas; or, the first antenna element 01 can be a die-cast antenna and the second antenna element 02 can be a dielectric antenna; or, the first antenna element 01 can be a dual-band antenna and the second antenna element 02 can be a single-band antenna, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on these aspects.

[0041] To avoid signal interference between antenna elements of different frequency bands, this application provides an antenna element with a discrete metal sheet structure. Each metal sheet has low sensitivity to interference signals, achieving decoupling and reducing the impact of interference signals on the antenna element's radiation. Simultaneously, electrical connections between the metal sheets form a radiating arm with high responsivity to specific target signals, enabling the transmission and reception of those signals. The radiation and decoupling functions of this antenna element are both implemented by the same structural unit, combining both functions and simplifying the antenna structure, eliminating the need for additional decoupling structures.

[0042] In this application, the interference signal mentioned in the embodiments refers to an interference current or an electromagnetic wave that affects the antenna's own radiation. The interference current can be a current that affects the antenna's own radiation; it can be a current directly conducted to the antenna, coupled to the antenna, or induced on the antenna, thus interfering with the antenna's own radiation. Furthermore, as is well known to those skilled in the art, electromagnetic fields can be interconverted; therefore, the interference current mentioned in this application can also be an interfering electromagnetic wave. For example, this interference current can be the radiated current of another antenna, or an induced current generated by the antenna sensing the radiated energy of another antenna.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an antenna element according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the antenna element 100 includes a balun structure 10 and a radiating arm 20. The balun structure 10, also known as a balance-unbalance transformer (Balun), mainly functions to convert unbalanced signals into balanced signals or vice versa, thereby enabling the connection between balanced and unbalanced transmission line circuits. The balun structure 10 provides different impedance matching in radio frequency circuits, supports differential / single-ended signaling compatibility, and can suppress electromagnetic interference and noise. The radiating arm 20 is used to realize the output and input of electromagnetic wave signals of the antenna element.

[0044] The balun structure 10 can connect to at least one radiating arm 20. Taking the antenna shown in Figure 2 as a dipole antenna as an example, the balun structure 10 connects to two radiating arms 20. Specifically, the balun structure 10 includes two metal pillars 11, one end of each metal pillar 11 is connected to a radiating arm 20, and the ends of the two metal pillars 11 not connected to the radiating arms 20 are short-circuited, forming a U-shaped balun structure 10. The two radiating arms 20 are centrally symmetrical to improve the antenna's radiation efficiency.

[0045] The structure of the radiating arm in the antenna unit of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 3.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of one of the radiating arms. As shown in Figure 3, the outer contour of the radiating arm 20 can be a square plate structure, which is beneficial for forming two centrally symmetrical radiating arms 20 and improving the radiation efficiency of the antenna element. It can be understood that the shape of the radiating arm 20 is not limited to a square structure, and the structure of the radiating arm 20 can also include, but is not limited to, a rectangular plate structure or other irregular shapes.

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, the radiating arm 20 may include a first metal sheet 21, multiple second metal sheets 22, and multiple metal wires 23. The first metal sheet 21 and the multiple second metal sheets 22 may be arranged in a coplanar manner. The first metal sheet 21 and the second metal sheet 22 may both be made of metals such as Au, Ag, and Cu. In the structure of the radiating arm shown in Figure 3, the radiating arm 20 has a square structure, which facilitates the processing and fabrication of the radiating arm 20 and also facilitates the placement of the first metal sheet 21 and the second metal sheet 22. The first metal sheet 21 may be placed at one corner of the radiating arm 20 to connect with the metal pillar of the balun structure. The second metal sheets 22 may be placed in the remaining space on the surface of the radiating arm 20.

[0048] Referring again to Figure 3, multiple second metal plates 22 are arranged at intervals to form a discrete configuration. Simultaneously, the second metal plates 22 are also spaced apart from the first metal plate 21. At least one second metal plate 22 is connected to the first metal plate 21 via a metal wire 23. For example, in the radiating arm, there may be only one second metal plate 22 connected to the first metal plate 21, two second metal plates 22 connected to the first metal plate 21, or even more second metal plates 22 connected to the first metal plate 21. These connections will not be elaborated further here and can be made according to the specific design of the antenna element. After at least one second metal plate 22 is connected to the first metal plate 21, the signal from the balun structure can be transmitted from the first metal plate 21 to the second metal plate 22, and the signal from the second metal plate 22 can be transmitted from the first metal plate 21 to the balun structure.

[0049] At least some of the multiple second metal pieces 22 can be connected by metal wires 23. The number of second metal pieces 22 connected by metal wires 23 is not limited in this application. For example, the number of second metal pieces 22 connected by metal wires 23 can be two, three, four, five, or more. The multiple second metal pieces 22 spaced apart can transmit signals via metal wires 23 or via wireless coupling, enabling the multiple second metal pieces 22 to cooperate with the first metal piece 21 to transmit and receive target signals.

[0050] The number and position of the multiple second metal pieces 22 that need to be connected can be optimized using a genetic algorithm to find second metal pieces 22 at specific positions and connect them to each other via metal wires 23. The second metal pieces 22 connected via metal wires 23 exhibit higher responsiveness to the target signal. The metal wires 23 can be coplanar with the second metal pieces 22 to reduce their length and improve transmission reliability. The metal wires 23 can be made of the same material as the first metal piece 21 and the second metal piece 22.

[0051] It is understandable that when connecting the second metal pieces 22, all of the second metal pieces 22 can be connected by the metal wire 23, or some of the second metal pieces 22 can be connected by the metal wire 23. The specific connection can be made according to the actual design requirements.

[0052] Furthermore, the metal wire 23 and the second metal sheet 22 can be either separate structures or integrally connected structures. When the metal wire 23 and the second metal sheet 22 are separate structures, the metal wire 23 can be provided according to specific needs, and different second metal sheets 22 can be connected using the metal wire 23 according to specific designs. When the metal wire 23 and the second metal sheet 22 are integral structures, the connection design of the second metal sheet 22 can be completed before manufacturing, so that the metal wire 23 and the second metal sheet 22 can be formed simultaneously during manufacturing.

[0053] Referring again to Figure 3, among the plurality of second metal plates 22, the maximum dimension between any two points of each second metal plate 22 is less than λ / 2, where λ is the wavelength of the interference signal. The interference signal has a different wavelength than the target signal, meaning their frequencies are different. In a multi-band antenna device, taking two bands as an example, when the target signal of one antenna is a low-frequency signal, the high-frequency signal is the interference signal. Conversely, when the target signal of one antenna is a high-frequency signal, the low-frequency signal is the interference signal. It is understood that in the radiating arm 20 of this application, the size of the second metal plate 22 that does not radiate is not limited by λ / 2.

[0054] In this embodiment, the maximum dimension between any two points of the second metal sheet 22 is less than λ / 2. When the interference signal is transmitted to the second metal sheet 22, the electromagnetic induction generated is very small and can be ignored because the dimensions of the second metal sheet 22 are small. This avoids the interference signal from causing electromagnetic interference to it.

[0055] Referring again to Figure 3, the second metal sheet 22 can be one or a combination of at least two of the following: a regular N-gon metal sheet, a rectangular metal sheet, a circular metal sheet, a ring-shaped metal sheet, or an irregularly shaped metal sheet; N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. The regular N-gon metal sheet can be an equilateral triangle metal sheet, a square metal sheet, a regular pentagon metal sheet, a regular hexagon metal sheet, etc. The side length or radial dimension of the second metal sheet 22 can be less than λ / 4, or less than λ / 5, or less than λ / 6, or less than λ / 7, or less than λ / 8, or less than λ / 9, or less than λ / 10.

[0056] Within the same radiating arm 20, the shapes and sizes of the multiple second metal sheets 22 can be the same or different. For example, all the second metal sheets 22 in the same radiating arm 20 can be square metal sheets, or they can be partially square metal sheets and partially rectangular metal sheets, etc. To facilitate processing and optimize the connection between the second metal sheets 22, in one embodiment, all the second metal sheets 22 in the same radiating arm 20 have the same shape and size. For example, in one embodiment, all the second metal sheets 22 can be square metal sheets of the same size.

[0057] In the radiating arm 20, multiple second metal plates 22 can be arranged in an array, that is, the multiple second metal plates 22 can be distributed according to a certain pattern, such as being distributed in rows and columns according to a specific pattern, or being distributed circumferentially according to a specific pattern, to form a characteristic distribution image. For example, the multiple second metal plates 22 can be arranged in a matrix array, a circular array, a ring array, a trapezoidal array, etc. The above is only an illustrative example; in addition, the multiple second metal plates 22 can also be arranged in an array according to other rules.

[0058] For example, multiple second metal sheets 22 can be distributed in an n*n square array. n can be a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. This distribution structure facilitates the fabrication of the second metal sheets 22, and the second metal sheets 22 can be spaced apart from adjacent second metal sheets 22 at equal intervals. This distribution structure can be formed by cutting a single metal sheet layer at equal intervals, or by depositing multiple spaced second metal sheets 22 using a deposition method.

[0059] In this configuration, after multiple second metal plates 22 are arranged in an n*n matrix, the first metal plate 21 can occupy several positions of the second metal plates 22 at the corners of the entire radiating arm 20. The perimeter of the first metal plate 21 can be greater than or equal to the perimeter of two second metal plates 22 and less than or equal to the sum of the perimeters of nine second metal plates 22. When both the first metal plate 21 and the second metal plate 22 are square metal plates, the side length of the first metal plate 21 can be the sum of the side lengths of two to three second metal plates 22. As shown in Figure 3, the first metal plate 21 is a square metal plate, and the second metal plate 22 is also a square metal plate. The side length of the first metal plate 21 is relative to the sum of the side lengths of two second metal plates 22. The first metal plate 21 effectively occupies the positions of four second metal plates 22.

[0060] The number of second metal plates 22 can be greater than or equal to four. To achieve connection of multiple different frequency bands and improve the adaptability of the radiating arm, the number of second metal plates 22 can be greater than or equal to ten, or even greater than or equal to twenty or more. Thus, by connecting and combining different second metal plates, the function of transmitting and receiving different target signals can be realized.

[0061] Since multiple second metal sheets connected by metal wires ultimately need to be connected to the balun structure through the first metal sheet, in order to prevent interference signals from interfering with the signal transmission of the first metal sheet, the maximum size of the first metal sheet can also be less than λ / 2, for example, less than λ / 3, λ / 4, λ / 5, etc.

[0062] Therefore, the antenna in this embodiment discretizes the metal layer of the radiating arm, making the size of the discretized second metal piece much smaller than the wavelength of the interference signal, thereby reducing the impact on the radiation characteristics of antennas operating in different frequency bands. By using a genetic algorithm to optimize and locate the second metal piece at a specific position, and connecting it with metal wires, interference signals are decoupled while the antenna functions normally within its preset frequency band.

[0063] Referring again to Figure 3, the radiating arm 20 may include a first metal sheet 21, a second metal sheet 22, and a metal wire 23, as well as a support plate 24. The first metal sheet 21 and the second metal sheet 22 can be disposed on the same surface of the support plate 24, achieving a coplanar arrangement. The support plate 24 supports the first metal sheet 21 and the second metal sheet 22, thereby allowing the first metal sheet 21 and the second metal sheet 22 to be made thinner, avoiding excessive thickness and increased costs. The support plate 24 can be a PCB board.

[0064] It is understood that the first and second metal sheets can be square, or other shapes such as circles, ovals, or other irregular shapes. Here, the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the shapes of the first and second metal sheets, as long as they meet the size limitations defined in this application.

[0065] In addition to the structures shown in Figures 2 and 3, the antenna elements in this application embodiment can also be antenna elements with the following structural forms. The following explanation, in conjunction with Figure 4, will describe another antenna element structure of this application.

[0066] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the antenna element according to another embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the antenna element 100 is a dual-polarized dipole antenna. The antenna element 100 includes two sets of orthogonally arranged dipoles, each set of dipoles including two centrally symmetrically placed radiating arms 20. In addition, each set of dipoles includes a U-shaped balun structure 10. Each metal post 11 in the balun structure is connected to a radiating arm 20. Thus, the dual-polarized dipole antenna includes four radiating arms 20. The four radiating arms 20 are arranged in a grid pattern. The first metal plate 21 in each radiating arm 20 is located near the center of the grid pattern.

[0067] Referring to Figure 4, the four radiating arms 20 are designated as first radiating arm 20a, second radiating arm 20b, third radiating arm 20c, and fourth radiating arm 20d in a clockwise direction. First radiating arm 20a and third radiating arm 20c form one set of dipoles. Second radiating arm 20b and fourth radiating arm 20d form another set of dipoles. Each radiating arm 20 in each set of dipoles may include multiple second metal plates 22. The second metal plates 22 are square structures with a side length less than λ / 2. In the structure shown in Figure 4, each radiating arm 20 may include one first metal plate 21 and 60 second metal plates 22. At least a portion of the 60 second metal plates 22 are electrically connected via metal wires 23.

[0068] It is understandable that when connecting the second metal plates, the connections between them can be optimized using a genetic algorithm to achieve the function of transmitting and receiving the target signal. The number of second metal plates and the connection lines required may vary for each frequency band wavelength. The connection structures shown in Figures 3 and 4 are merely illustrative examples and do not represent specific connection relationships. The specific connection structure between the second metal plates needs to be determined according to actual design requirements.

[0069] For the same technical purpose, this application provides an antenna device. The antenna device may include a reflector and at least one antenna element according to an embodiment of this application, the antenna element being connected to the reflector.

[0070] A schematic diagram of an antenna device according to this application can be seen in Figure 1. The antenna device may include a first antenna element 01, a second antenna element 02, and a reflector 03. The first antenna element 01 and the second antenna element 02 can be fixedly connected to the reflector 03 via their respective balun structures 10. The connection between the balun structure 10 and the reflector 03 can also be seen in Figure 4. The first antenna element 01 may be the antenna element provided in the embodiments of this application. Alternatively, the second antenna element 02 may be the antenna element of the embodiments of this application. Or, both the first antenna element 01 and the second antenna element 02 may be antenna elements of the embodiments of this application. When both the first antenna element 01 and the second antenna element 02 adopt the antenna element structure provided in the embodiments of this application, the connection structure of the second metal sheet 22 in their radiating arms 20 is different. Furthermore, the size of the second metal sheet 22 may be different.

[0071] Taking an antenna device containing two types of antennas as an example, namely a low-frequency antenna and a high-frequency antenna, the low-frequency antenna serves as the first antenna and adopts the antenna structure of the embodiment of this application, while the high-frequency antenna is a non-decoupled antenna. Compared with the combination of a non-decoupled low-frequency antenna and a non-decoupled high-frequency antenna, the antenna device of the embodiment of this application can improve the directivity coefficient of the high-frequency antenna by more than 0.5dB, effectively improving the radiation pattern distortion of the high-frequency antenna. At the same time, it can reduce the vertical sidelobes of the high-frequency antenna radiation pattern by more than 2dB and reduce the axial cross-polarization of the high-frequency antenna radiation pattern by more than 3dB.

[0072] For the same technical purpose, this application also provides a communication device, which includes the antenna unit of this application embodiment and / or the antenna device of this application embodiment.

[0073] The communication equipment also includes RRU and BBU, with the RRU connected to the antenna device and the BBU respectively.

[0074] In one embodiment, the RRU in the communication device is combined with the antenna device.

[0075] Based on the same technical objective, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes a core network device and the communication device of this application, wherein the communication device is communicatively connected to the core network device.

[0076] It is worth noting that, in the embodiments of this application, except for the embodiments that are parallel to each other and cannot be combined, the technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments; or, in other words, the various technical features provided in the embodiments of this application, whether described in the same embodiment or not, can be combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory or parallel.

[0077] The above are merely specific embodiments 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 unit, characterized by include: Baron structure; The radiating arm includes a first metal plate, multiple second metal plates, and multiple metal wires; The first metal sheet is connected to the balun structure; The plurality of second metal sheets are arranged at intervals, and at least some of the second metal sheets are connected by the metal wire; at least one second metal sheet is connected to the first metal sheet by the metal wire.

2. The antenna unit of claim 1, wherein, The maximum dimension between any two points of the second metal sheet is less than λ / 2, where λ is the wavelength of the interference signal, and the wavelength of the interference signal is different from that of the target signal of the antenna element.

3. The antenna unit according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y The second metal sheet is one or a combination of at least two of the following: a regular N-sided metal sheet, a rectangular metal sheet, a circular metal sheet, a ring-shaped metal sheet, or an irregularly shaped metal sheet; N is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

4. The antenna unit of claim 3, wherein, The side length or radial dimension of the second metal sheet is less than λ / 4.

5. The antenna unit according to any of claims 1-4, characterized by The plurality of second metal sheets are arranged in an array.

6. The antenna unit according to any of claims 1-5, characterized by The number of the second metal plates in the radiating arm is greater than or equal to 4.

7. The antenna unit according to any of claims 1-6, characterized by The first metal sheet and the second metal sheet are arranged in a coplanar manner.

8. The antenna unit according to any of claims 1-7, characterized by Both the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet are disposed on the support plate.

9. The antenna unit according to any of claims 1-8, characterized by The circumference of the first metal sheet is greater than or equal to two times the circumference of the second metal sheet and less than or equal to the sum of nine times the circumference of the second metal sheet.

10. An antenna device, characterized by It includes a reflector and at least one antenna element as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the antenna element is connected to the reflector.

11. A communication device, characterized by It includes the antenna element as described in any one of claims 1-9, and / or the antenna device as described in claim 10.

12. The communication device of claim 11, wherein, The communication device further includes a radio frequency remote module and a baseband processing unit, wherein the radio frequency remote module is connected to the antenna device and the baseband processing unit respectively.

13. The communication device of claim 12, wherein, The radio frequency remote module is integrated with the antenna device.

14. A communication system, characterized by It includes core network equipment and a communication device as described in any one of claims 11-13, wherein the communication device is communicatively connected to the core network equipment.

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