Base station

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a base station. The base station comprises: a passive module, a filter and a plurality of active modules for different frequency bands, which are located in a main airtight cavity, wherein the passive module comprises an integrated antenna supporting different frequency bands, and is connected to the filter by means of a connector; the filter is connected to the plurality of active modules for different frequency bands; and each of the active modules for different frequency bands comprises a transceiver unit and a power amplifier unit.

Description

A base station

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese patent application CN202510197955.9 entitled “A Base Station”, filed on February 21, 2025, and incorporates the entire contents of that patent application by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a base station. Background Technology

[0004] With the rapid evolution of wireless communication systems, the number of base stations and antenna devices has increased dramatically in traditional base station deployments due to the increase in bandwidth and frequency bands. This not only leads to a shortage of tower resources but also increases the overall energy consumption of communication equipment.

[0005] To address the need for multi-band integration, related technologies utilize active antenna units (AAUs) and multi-band integration to improve integration density, thereby reducing tower resource consumption and lowering the overall energy consumption of communication equipment. However, these methods cannot integrate two frequency bands with significantly different channel numbers (e.g., 32T@B7 + 4T@B1 & B3). Furthermore, in terms of installation methods, a rear-mounted approach, A+P (Active Antenna Unit + Passive Antenna Unit), is also used. However, A+P offers limited integration improvement, is heavy, difficult to install, and costly.

[0006] In summary, no effective solution has yet been proposed in the relevant technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides a base station that addresses the problem in related technologies where base stations typically require multiple independent devices for communication when facing multi-band and multi-channel demands, leading to an increase in the number of devices and increased installation complexity and cost. This solution aims to reduce installation complexity and cost.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a base station is provided, the base station comprising: a passive module, a filter, and multiple active modules of different frequency bands located within a main airtight cavity; the passive module includes an integrated antenna supporting different frequency bands, which is connected to the filter via a connector; the filter is connected to the multiple active modules of different frequency bands; each active module of different frequency bands includes a transceiver unit and a power amplifier unit. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the base station structure in related technologies;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of an integrated housing antenna radome according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0016] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0017] With the development of communication systems, due to the increase in bandwidth and frequency bands, there are more and more base stations (wireless base stations) and rooftops, which in turn increases the tower resources occupied and the total energy consumption of communication equipment is also increasing.

[0018] Base stations have been developing towards higher integration (multi-band, multi-component), higher efficiency, and higher coordination. However, in scenarios with large bandwidth and multiple frequency bands (different numbers of channels), multiple communication devices are still required to achieve communication. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station in related technologies. As shown in Figure 1, the base station includes frequency band 4-6 AAU, frequency band 1-3 antennas, frequency band 1-3 radio frequency modules, and frequency band 7-9 AAU. Among them, frequency band 4-6 AAU is in AAU form, and frequency band 1-3 radio frequency modules are in Radio Remote Unit (RRU) form. The above two frequency bands will lead to an increase in the windward area. The frequency band 1-3 antennas and frequency band 7-9 AAU are in A+P form. Related technologies have a large number of devices, no inter-band coordination, high cost, and occupy a lot of site windward area, weight, and space resources, resulting in high construction and installation difficulty, and large radiation loss and radio frequency feeder transmission loss.

[0019] The A+P transmission scheme shown in Figure 1 introduces radiation energy transmission loss of the AAU. Furthermore, to achieve the same coverage, greater equipment power consumption is required. In addition, the lack of interconnection between communication devices makes it difficult to achieve fusion and coordination between multiple frequency bands and multiple channels.

[0020] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure proposes an integrated base station with multi-band, high-bandwidth, and multi-channel installation. Through high integration, passive modules, multiple active modules of different frequency bands, and filters are all integrated into the same airtight cavity. The airtight cavity is composed of an antenna radome and a housing, forming a closed airtight environment. In other words, the integrated housing and antenna radome improve system integration, thereby reducing the number of communication devices, total weight, and windward surface, thus reducing installation difficulty and cost. Furthermore, by reducing the number of RF feed lines, RF transmission loss is reduced.

[0021] By setting up multiple active modules with different frequency bands, the active part is modularized, enabling flexible configuration of different channel numbers between different frequency bands. In addition, to achieve signal interconnection between different modules, in-circuit wiring of printed circuit boards (PCBs) or interconnection between PCBs can be used to realize signal transmission between multiple active modules with different frequency bands, so as to achieve fusion and cooperation between multiple frequency bands.

[0022] By using passive fusion technology, a highly integrated antenna supporting frequency bands 1 to N is achieved, avoiding the problem of AAU radiation energy transmission loss caused by RF transmission plate insertion loss in related A+P configuration schemes. This not only reduces the windward area but also saves site resources.

[0023] The various frequency bands in this disclosure include, but are not limited to: the full frequency bands of 700M, 800M, 900M, 1.8G, 2.1G, 2.3G, 2.6G, and 3.5G, or any combination of these frequency bands. The number of internal channels can be adjusted according to actual needs to meet various requirements.

[0024] In the case of a macro base station with multiple frequency bands, multiple channels, and high power, the base station of this disclosure embodiment can also achieve communication through a split base station, depending on the actual situation.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the present disclosure provides a base station integrated in an integrated housing antenna cover. The base station includes: a passive module, an active module for frequency bands 1, 2...N-1, N, a filter, a shielding cover, a PCB, and a heat sink.

[0026] The passive module supports highly integrated antennas in frequency bands 1 to N through passive fusion technology and is connected to the filter via a connector.

[0027] Active modules for frequency bands 1, 2...N-1, N, where each active module includes a transceiver (TRX) unit and a power amplifier (PA) unit, as detailed below:

[0028] TRX Unit: Receive Signal: Receives wireless signals from the antenna, converts RF signals to IF or baseband signals, then demodulates, decodes, and processes digital signals to extract useful information. Transmit Signal: Converts the IF or baseband signal to be transmitted into an RF signal, modulates, encodes, amplifies, and then transmits it through the antenna.

[0029] PA Unit: Signal Amplification: Amplifies the radio frequency signal transmitted from the TRX unit so that the signal can propagate over a greater distance in the wireless environment. The efficiency and linearity of the power amplifier unit directly affect the base station's coverage, call quality, and power consumption. Power Control: Dynamically adjusts the output power according to signal quality and environmental conditions to maintain optimal communication performance.

[0030] Active modules may also include a power supply unit: This unit converts externally input power (such as DC or AC) into different voltages and currents suitable for the operation of each component, ensuring the normal operation of the active module. It typically includes a power converter and power management circuitry, responsible for voltage conversion, regulation, and current adjustment. Energy management: This involves optimizing energy allocation, such as dynamically adjusting the power of active modules in different frequency bands as needed to reduce overall energy consumption and extend equipment lifespan. In multi-band base stations, energy efficiency management is crucial for reducing operating costs and improving green communication capabilities.

[0031] The active modules for frequency bands 1, 2, 3...N-1, N can be set on one PCB or multiple PCBs.

[0032] The filter can be set as an integrated filter or a separate filter, depending on the actual installation of the base station, and it does not need to be integrated with the PCB. The filter is connected to the active modules of frequency bands 1, 2, 3...N.

[0033] The shielding cover can be set as an integrated shielding cover or a separate shielding cover, depending on the actual installation of the base station, and it does not need to be consistent with whether it is integrated with the PCB.

[0034] The heat sink, with its casing made of highly thermally conductive material, enables efficient heat conduction, allowing each hotspot in the base station to utilize as much area as possible for heat dissipation.

[0035] For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the integrated housing radome according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the integrated housing radome consists of an radome portion and a housing portion. The radome covers an appropriate area of ​​the housing, typically the front or top of the housing. The housing is usually made of metal or other materials that provide structural support and protection, and is airtight. The radome is usually made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves. The housing portion can be either an integrated structure or a split design, the latter consisting of multiple independent components. In the case of a split housing, it typically consists of one or more housing frames and one or more housing base plates carrying heat sinks. The housing frames and the housing base plates carrying heat sinks can be flexibly added or removed according to different frequency bands and configuration requirements to adapt to diverse application scenarios. For example, the passive module and the filter are interconnected through a low insertion loss RF connector to reduce RF signal loss and improve overall communication performance while reducing loss.

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the base station includes: a passive module, a filter, and multiple active modules of different frequency bands located in the main airtight cavity; the passive module includes an integrated antenna supporting different frequency bands and is connected to the filter through a connector; the filter is connected to multiple active modules of different frequency bands; each active module of different frequency bands includes a transceiver unit and a power amplifier unit.

[0037] For example, the base station also includes a housing and interconnection devices, wherein the housing includes a housing base plate and side walls, and the interconnection devices include external interfaces and interconnection and interoperability components (such as cables, blind-mating connectors, adapter boards, etc.).

[0038] For example, the connector is a low insertion loss RF connector, that is, the passive module is interconnected with the filter through the low insertion loss RF connector, and the filter is connected to the active module of frequency band 1, 2, 3...N-1, N. By modularly setting the active module by frequency band, the channels between each frequency band can be decoupled, and flexible configuration of different number of channels in different frequency bands can be achieved.

[0039] By interconnecting and coordinating multiple transceiver units, multiple frequency bands and channels can be integrated into the same base station, saving site resources and enabling the fusion and collaborative operation of active modules.

[0040] For example, the passive module inside the main airtight cavity (integrated housing antenna cover) supports highly integrated antennas in frequency bands 1 to N through passive fusion technology, reducing the windward surface area.

[0041] By integrating the aforementioned antenna and active module, the antenna feeder cable is reduced, which not only lowers the construction difficulty but also reduces radio frequency loss, achieving green energy saving.

[0042] For example, the filter can be connected to multiple active modules of different frequency bands, and can be configured as an integrated filter or a split filter depending on the actual installation of the base station.

[0043] In one embodiment, multiple active modules of different frequency bands are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs).

[0044] For example, filters that connect to multiple active modules in different frequency bands may not be mounted on the PCB.

[0045] In one embodiment, the base station further includes a shielding cover, which is either an integrated shielding cover or a separate shielding cover, covering the PCB surface.

[0046] For example, depending on the actual installation of the base station, the shielding cover can be set as an integrated shielding cover or a separate shielding cover, and it does not need to be consistent with whether it is integrated with the PCB.

[0047] In one embodiment, multiple active modules of different frequency bands are interconnected through PCB board wiring or PCB board interconnection components.

[0048] In this embodiment, the PCB interconnection component includes at least one of the following: an optical transceiver backplane OTB cable; a backplane; and an optical fiber cable.

[0049] For example, in current active module setups, which are typically integrated, design and manufacturing are challenging for frequency bands ranging from 0.x GHz to 3.x GHz. However, the embodiments of this disclosure employ a modular design. To achieve signal interconnection between multiple active modules in different frequency bands, interconnection can be achieved through intra-PCB interconnection (e.g., PCB wiring) or inter-PCB interconnection (e.g., optical transceiver backplane (OTB) cables, backplanes, fiber optic cables, etc.), as shown in Figure 2, thus realizing signal interconnection between multiple active modules in different frequency bands.

[0050] In one embodiment, multiple active modules of different frequency bands are powered by wiring within the PCB or by power supply components between PCBs.

[0051] In this embodiment, the PCB board power supply component includes at least one of the following: power supply cable; blind mating connector; quick-connect connector.

[0052] For example, in the integrated base station of this disclosure embodiment, it is necessary to realize power supply between multiple active modules of different frequency bands. Power supply can be realized through various forms such as power supply within the PCB board (e.g., wiring within the PCB board) or power supply between PCB boards (e.g., flexible power cable adapter, blind-fit connector between boards, quick-connect connector between boards, etc.).

[0053] In one embodiment, the filter is installed in at least one of the following ways: fixed to the base plate or middle frame of the main airtight cavity; fixed to the shielding cover; or welded to the transceiver unit of the active module.

[0054] For example, in current filter installation methods, filters are typically fixed directly to the TRX shielding cover. This single and traditional method is difficult to adapt to the diverse needs of multi-band filter installation. This disclosure embodiment employs multiple flexible installation methods for filters. For instance, when the filter is fixed to the housing, it can be directly fixed to the housing base plate (the housing base plate carrying the heat sink) or the housing mid-frame; directly fixed to the shielding cover or fixed to the shielding cover using a plastic bracket to reduce the stress on the dielectric filter and improve reliability; fixed behind the antenna reflector to form an antenna filter unit (AFU); for smaller dielectric filters, they can also be directly soldered to the TRX.

[0055] In low-frequency antennas of related technologies, the antenna aperture size is relatively large, typically several meters in length. This requires a large number of RF cables to interconnect multiple elements to the feed port within that length. This not only increases the installation difficulty of multi-band highly integrated products but also increases the feed loss of low-frequency antennas.

[0056] In this embodiment, by using T-max phase shifter technology, the power supply cable of the low-frequency antenna is significantly reduced, thus reducing radio frequency loss. At the same time, through antenna fusion and multiplexing technology and modular design, the antenna components can be installed sequentially, avoiding the complexity of installing dozens of blind-fit connectors over a length of several meters at once.

[0057] In one embodiment, the base station further includes: a separate secondary airtight cavity, wherein an array element of a low-frequency antenna separated from the main airtight cavity is disposed in the secondary airtight cavity, and the array element of the low-frequency antenna is connected to the main body of the low-frequency antenna in the main airtight cavity via a connector.

[0058] For example, FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5, the base station may include an integrated housing antenna radome (main airtight cavity) and another integrated housing antenna radome (secondary airtight cavity). By using a separate design for the low-frequency antenna, the weight and cost of the integrated housing are reduced.

[0059] The main airtight cavity houses components integrated into the radome of the integrated housing, as shown in Figure 2. These include passive modules, active modules for frequency bands 1, 2...N-1, N, and heat sinks. The secondary airtight cavity houses several elements of the low-frequency antenna separated from the main airtight cavity. These elements are sealed into another airtight cavity using a smaller structural component and radome. For example, the length of the base station main body is only the length required for the current active module. This reduces the structural size and manufacturing difficulty of the main body. The separately separated low-frequency antenna elements are connected to the low-frequency antenna main body via connectors.

[0060] It should be noted that the secondary airtight cavity can be equipped with a radiator, and the radiator shell is made of a high thermal conductivity material to enable efficient heat conduction.

[0061] In this embodiment, by separating part of the passive antenna into another airtight cavity consisting of an antenna radome and a housing, the cost and weight of the equipment can be reduced with a lower configuration.

[0062] In one embodiment, the base station further includes: an independent intermediate frequency or high frequency active antenna unit (AAU), wherein a transmissive material is disposed between the AAU and the main airtight cavity to allow the signal of the AAU to penetrate the main airtight cavity.

[0063] For example, FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6, the base station may include an integrated housing antenna radome (main airtight cavity) and a separate AAU. The intermediate frequency or high frequency AAU is independently formed into an airtight cavity, forming an A+A (Active Antenna Unit + Active Antenna Unit) configuration with the main body of the base station.

[0064] At the top of the main body, directly opposite the intermediate frequency or high frequency AAU (Automatic Anchor Unit), i.e., on the back plate of the main body, a transmissive material is used to allow the sub-AAU signal to penetrate the front of the main body. The reflector of the main body uses a frequency-selective material, capable of reflecting low-frequency signals while transmitting intermediate frequency or high-frequency signals.

[0065] It should be noted that the standalone AAU can be configured with a heat sink, and the heat sink casing is made of a high thermal conductivity material to enable efficient heat conduction.

[0066] By splitting some AAU frequency band base station equipment into independent AAU equipment through this embodiment, the overall cost of this equipment can be reduced.

[0067] In one embodiment, the base station further includes a heat sink, the housing of which is configured as a housing made of a high thermal conductivity material.

[0068] For example, to solve the heat dissipation problem of active modules in multiple different frequency bands, a heat dissipation pooling technology is used, that is, a housing made of high thermal conductivity material. This allows the heat dissipated by the active module in each frequency band to be efficiently conducted to the housing area of ​​the active module in other frequency bands. In this way, each hotspot of the integrated base station can utilize as large an area as possible for heat dissipation. In addition, the heat sink housing is made of high thermal conductivity material to facilitate heat conduction between different areas of the housing.

[0069] The embodiments disclosed herein achieve a full 6-gigahertz (Sub-6 Gigahertz, Sub6G) frequency band in macro base station scenarios with multiple frequency bands, multiple channels, and high power, saving site tower resources (reducing the overall windward area, reducing the total weight of equipment, and simplifying the installation method).

[0070] The above embodiments of this disclosure provide a base station, which includes a passive module, a filter, and multiple active modules for different frequency bands located within a main airtight cavity. The passive module includes an integrated antenna supporting different frequency bands and is connected to the filter via a connector. The filter is connected to the multiple active modules for different frequency bands. Each active module for a different frequency band includes a transceiver unit and a power amplifier unit. Through a highly integrated design, multiple active modules, filters, and passive modules for different frequency bands are integrated into a single radome, significantly reducing the number of communication devices, the total weight, and the complexity and cost of installation. Therefore, this addresses the problem in related technologies where base stations typically require multiple independent devices for communication when facing multi-band and multi-channel demands, leading to an increased number of devices and increased installation complexity and cost, thereby achieving the effect of reducing installation complexity and cost.

[0071] It should be noted that the above modules can be implemented by software or hardware. For the latter, they can be implemented in the following ways, but are not limited to: all the above modules are located in the same processor; or, the above modules are located in different processors in any combination.

[0072] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of this disclosure described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those presented herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0073] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A base station, comprising: Passive modules, filters, and multiple active modules in different frequency bands are located in the main airtight cavity; The passive module includes an integrated antenna that supports different frequency bands and is connected to the filter via a connector; The filter is connected to the multiple active modules of different frequency bands; Each active module for a different frequency band includes a transceiver unit and a power amplifier unit.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, The active modules of different frequency bands are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs).

3. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The shielding cover, which is either an integrated shielding cover or a separate shielding cover, covers the PCB surface.

4. The base station according to claim 2, wherein, The multiple active modules with different frequency bands are interconnected through PCB board wiring or PCB board interconnection components.

5. The base station according to claim 4, wherein, The PCB interconnect components include at least one of the following: Optical transceiver backplane OTB cable; backplane; fiber optic cable.

6. The base station according to claim 2, wherein, The multiple active modules with different frequency bands are powered through wiring within the PCB board or power supply components between PCB boards.

7. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The PCB inter-board power supply component includes at least one of the following: Power cables; blind-mating connectors; quick-connect connectors.

8. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, The filter can be installed in at least one of the following ways: Fixed to the bottom plate or middle frame of the housing in the main airtight cavity; Fixed to the shielding cover; It is welded onto the transceiver unit of the active module.

9. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A separate secondary airtight cavity is provided, in which an array element of a low-frequency antenna separated from the main airtight cavity is disposed. The array element of the low-frequency antenna is connected to the main body of the low-frequency antenna in the main airtight cavity via a connector.

10. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: An independent intermediate frequency or high frequency active antenna unit (AAU) is provided between the AAU and the main airtight cavity, and a transmissive material is provided between the AAU and the main airtight cavity to allow the signal of the AAU to penetrate the main airtight cavity.

11. The base station according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Also includes: A radiator, wherein the housing of the radiator is made of a high thermal conductivity material.

12. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, The connector is a low insertion loss radio frequency connector.

Images