Cavity structure for phase shifter and antenna

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cavity structure for a phase shifter. The cavity structure comprises: a middle cavity configured to accommodate a main feed signal line; side cavities respectively disposed on two sides of the middle cavity, the side cavities being configured to accommodate a power division network, a phase shift network, and a main feed network; and a metal transition member, wherein the main feed network is electrically connected to the main feed signal line via the metal transition member. In this way, the cavity structure for a phase shifter can be divided into at least three smaller cavities which are placed side by side, so that the height of the cavity structure for a phase shifter can be decreased, thereby improving the assembly flexibility and overall height of an antenna comprising the cavity structure according to the present disclosure.

Description

A cavity structure for a phase shifter and an antenna Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically to a cavity structure for a phase shifter and an antenna including the cavity structure for the phase shifter. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, to enable coverage of base station antennas from different generations (e.g., 4G and 5G) using shared towers and heights, integrated active and passive (A+P) base station antennas for 4G and 5G networks are increasingly accepted and applied. The combination of active and passive base station antennas typically involves placing a portion or the entire passive antenna module on top of the active antenna module. The passive module includes RF components such as high-frequency and low-frequency vibrators, phase-shifting feed networks, main feed lines, and metamaterials, and also encloses various structural components, support components, and a metal frame to ensure the strength of the passive antenna. The transparency of each component plays a crucial role in the radiation of the active antenna. Traditional A+P antennas are often divided into upper and lower halves, one half using a traditional passive antenna design, and the other half using transparent designs such as metasurfaces, decoupled radiating elements, and minimalist networks. The active antenna is embedded in the transparent design area of ​​the passive antenna, achieving coplanar integration of the A+P antenna. The antenna frame, as the support frame for the passive antenna, ensures the overall structural strength of the antenna. Meanwhile, active antennas can be fixed on passive antennas. Due to the dual-half-segment design, the traditional passive half-segment cannot continue to integrate active antennas. Therefore, existing A+P antennas on the market generally only support the integration of one active module. With the continuous development of A+P antennas, the integration requirements of active antenna modules have changed from a single active antenna to two or even more active antennas. The length of two active antennas occupies most of the space below the passive antenna. The design and arrangement of traditional phase shifters and feed networks for passive antennas will cause serious interference to the radiation of active antennas. Designing and developing an edge-distributed phase-shifting feed network has become an urgent technical direction.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent application CN116598734A discloses a polarization-corresponding electroplating-free phase shifter and antenna. In this technical solution, an adapter is used to connect the inner and outer conductors of the main feed line to the input feed point of the phase shifting network inside the cavity without bending or electroplating. The external placement of the main feed line increases the height of the cavity structure used for the phase shifter. Chinese patent application CN116601828A discloses a base station antenna. In this technical solution, an external wired adapter structure is used to achieve impedance matching with the cable, thereby expanding the matching space of the feed network, improving the continuity of RF signal transmission, and increasing the height of the cavity structure used for the phase shifter. Chinese patent application CN117117491A discloses a feed assembly and antenna for a phase shifter. In this technical solution, a cavity is added above the phase shifting network to achieve a cable-free design for the main feed section, but this increases the overall height of the cavity structure used for the phase shifter. Chinese patent application CN117293563A discloses a vertical cableless dual-polarized electrically adjustable base station antenna. In this technical solution, the single-row dual-polarized base station antenna is fed by erecting N metal cavities. The independent cavity design for the two polarizations wastes the space of the whole machine and increases the overall width of the cavity structure used for the phase shifter. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, namely that the cavity structure used for phase shifters usually increases the overall antenna height, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of existing antennas, and given the increasing demand for the integration of multiple active antennas, the inventors of this disclosure conceived of designing a novel cavity structure.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, this disclosure proposes a cavity structure for a phase shifter, the cavity structure comprising:

[0006] An intermediate chamber configured to accommodate the main power supply signal line;

[0007] Side chambers, located on either side of the central chamber, are configured to house the power divider network, phase shifter network, and main feeder network; and

[0008] A metal adapter, wherein the main feed network is electrically connected to the main feed signal line via the metal adapter.

[0009] In this way, the cavity structure for a phase shifter according to the present disclosure can divide the cavity structure for a phase shifter into at least three smaller cavities and place them side by side, thereby reducing the height of the cavity structure for a phase shifter and thus improving the assembly flexibility and overall height of the antenna including the cavity structure according to the present disclosure.

[0010] In the technical solution based on this disclosure, the intermediate chamber includes:

[0011] First intermediate chamber; and

[0012] The second intermediate chamber is provided, wherein the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber are arranged side by side between the side chambers.

[0013] In this manner, the intermediate chamber can be further divided into a first intermediate chamber and a second intermediate chamber arranged side by side between the side chambers, thereby further improving the electrical performance of the cavity structure for the phase shifter according to the present disclosure.

[0014] In the technical solution based on this disclosure, the intermediate chamber includes:

[0015] First intermediate chamber; and

[0016] The second intermediate chamber is provided, wherein the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber are stacked vertically between the side chambers.

[0017] In this manner, the intermediate chamber can be further divided into a first intermediate chamber and a second intermediate chamber, which are stacked vertically between the side chambers, thereby further improving the electrical performance of the cavity structure for the phase shifter according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the phase-shifting network is disposed between the power divider network and the main feeder network. More preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the output terminal of the power divider network in the side chamber is connected to the corresponding radiating oscillator.

[0019] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the main power supply signal line of the intermediate chamber is electrically connected to the connector panel via a coaxial cable. More preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the metal adapter is constructed as a metal sheet or a U-shaped metal piece.

[0020] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the main power supply signal line includes multiple main power supply signal lines, which are respectively connected to the main power supply networks on both sides via corresponding metal adapters for same polarization electrical connection. More preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the upper top wall and lower bottom wall of the intermediate chamber are respectively constructed as metal walls with corresponding thicknesses.

[0021] Furthermore, a second aspect of this disclosure provides an antenna comprising a passive antenna, the passive antenna including the cavity structure proposed in the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0022] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the antenna further includes at least two active antennas, and the cavity structure is disposed on both sides of the at least two active antennas.

[0023] In summary, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the cavity structure for the phase shifter according to this disclosure can divide the cavity structure for the phase shifter into at least three smaller cavities and place them side by side, thereby reducing the height of the cavity structure for the phase shifter and thus improving the assembly flexibility and overall height of the antenna including the cavity structure according to this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Features, advantages, and other aspects of the various embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in which several embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, in the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a cavity structure 100 for a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a side chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an intermediate chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of electrical connections according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 shows a structural schematic diagram of a metal adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an intermediate chamber according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the exemplary methods and apparatuses described below include software and / or firmware executed on hardware among other components, it should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is conceivable that any or all hardware, software, and firmware components may be implemented exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, or in any combination of hardware and software. Therefore, although exemplary methods and apparatuses have been described below, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the examples provided are not intended to limit the ways in which these methods and apparatuses may be implemented.

[0033] Furthermore, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of methods and systems according to various embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, or they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0034] As mentioned above, the existing technology suffers from the following technical problems: traditional cavity structures for phase shifters typically increase the overall antenna height, hindering the miniaturization of existing antennas. Furthermore, the demand for integrating multiple active antennas is increasing. To address these technical problems, the inventors of this disclosure have conceived of designing a novel cavity structure. In summary, the inventors of this disclosure innovatively propose a cavity structure for a phase shifter, comprising: a central cavity configured to accommodate a main feed signal line; side cavities located on either side of the central cavity, configured to accommodate a power divider network, a phase shifting network, and a main feed network; and a metal adapter, wherein the main feed network is electrically connected to the main feed signal line via the metal adapter. In this way, the cavity structure for a phase shifter according to the present disclosure can divide the cavity structure for a phase shifter into at least three smaller cavities and place them side by side, thereby reducing the height of the cavity structure for a phase shifter and thus improving the assembly flexibility and overall height of the antenna including the cavity structure according to the present disclosure.

[0035] The cavity structure for a phase shifter and the corresponding antenna disclosed herein will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a cavity structure 100 for a phase shifter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of an antenna 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, Figure 3 shows a schematic structural diagram of a side cavity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a central cavity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 shows a schematic electrical connection diagram according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 shows a schematic structural diagram of a metal adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure also illustrates a possible specific structure of the central cavity, namely, Figure 7 shows a schematic structural diagram of a central cavity according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the cavity structure 100 according to this disclosure includes at least three parts: a left-side side cavity 110, a right-side side cavity 120, and a middle intermediate cavity 130. Specifically, the middle intermediate cavity 130 is configured to accommodate the main feed signal line; while the side cavity 110 and 120, located on either side of the middle intermediate cavity 130, are configured to accommodate the power divider network, the phase shifter network, and the main feeder network. Furthermore, in order to electrically connect the middle intermediate cavity 130 and the two side cavity 110 and 120, the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter according to this disclosure also includes a metal adapter 140 (the specific structure and shape of the metal adapter 140 will be described below in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6), wherein the main feeder network is electrically connected to the main feed signal line via the metal adapter 140. In this way, the cavity structure 100 for a phase shifter according to the present disclosure can divide the cavity structure 100 for a phase shifter into at least three smaller cavities 110, 120 and 130 and place them side by side, thereby reducing the height of the cavity structure 100 for a phase shifter and thereby improving the assembly flexibility and overall height of the antenna including the cavity structure 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0037] In other words, the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter proposed according to this disclosure is placed on both sides of a plurality of active modules, with at least three cavities arranged side-by-side in the width direction: at least two side cavities 110 and 120 and at least one intermediate cavity 130. The at least two side cavities 110 and 120 are composed of a power divider network and a phase shifter network, and have multiple output ports above them for feeding the radiating elements. Furthermore, the at least two side cavities 110 and 120 also have partial main feed networks. The intermediate cavity 130 has, for example, multiple dual-polarized main feed networks in parallel. The partial main feed networks of the side cavities 110 and 120 and the main feed network of the intermediate cavity 130 are electrically connected in the same polarization via metal adapters 140 such as metal sheets or U-shaped metal parts. Furthermore, the main feed network of the intermediate cavity 130 extends to the area of ​​the passive antenna connector panel and is connected to external devices via coaxial cables or the like. The cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter has metal walls of a certain thickness at both the top and bottom of the intermediate chamber 130. Passive antenna components can be fixed at the top via metal terminals 151, and multiple active antenna modules can be fixed at the bottom via metal screw holes 152. The structure of the antenna formed by these components will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an antenna 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen from Figure 2, the antenna 200 according to the present disclosure includes a passive antenna, which includes a cavity structure 100 for a phase shifter as proposed in the first aspect of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 includes two cavity structures 100 for the phase shifter. However, this number is merely exemplary and not limiting; of course, only one or more cavity structures 100 for the phase shifter can be provided as needed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the antenna 200 includes an active antenna 260 and a passive antenna 250. More specifically, the active antenna 260 may include two or more discrete active antennas. The passive antenna 250 includes, in addition to the radiating element 230, an radome 210, a metamaterial module 240, and a signal line 220 connecting the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter and the radiating element 230 according to the present disclosure. Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the antenna further includes at least two active antennas, and the cavity structure is disposed on both sides of the at least two active antennas.

[0039] The cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter can transmit radio frequency signals, support the passive antenna assembly above, and assemble multiple active antenna modules below it. This integrated design helps reduce the radiation impact of the passive antenna module on the active antenna module. In the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter according to this disclosure, shown in Figure 1, a multi-chamber parallel design is adopted. Its main feed line is connected via a metal adapter 140 and extends to the connector panel. Simultaneously, multiple heteropolarized main feed networks share a single cavity, significantly reducing the horizontal and vertical height of the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter, which helps reduce the radiation impact of the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter on the active antenna module. Furthermore, through the multi-chamber parallel design, the vibrator feed network, passive antenna fixing assembly, and main feed line do not interfere with each other, greatly reducing the overall assembly complexity of the passive antenna.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter has at least three chambers arranged in parallel along its width direction. The side chambers 110 and 120 on both sides house a power divider network, a phase shifter network, and a portion of the main feed network. Multiple output terminals of the power divider network are connected to the radiating element via grounding terminals. The intermediate chamber 130 has multiple main feed signal lines. One end of the intermediate chamber 130 is connected to the portion of the main feed networks of the side chambers 110 and 120 and one end of the multiple signal lines of the intermediate chamber 130 via a metal adapter such as a metal sheet or a U-shaped metal piece, achieving the same polarization. The other end of the multiple signal lines of the intermediate chamber 130 extends to the connector panel area of ​​the passive antenna and connects to external equipment. Further details can be seen in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a side chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an intermediate chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4, a power divider network 111, an oscillator output terminal 112, a phase-shifting network 113, and a portion of the main feed network 114 are disposed in the side chambers 110 and / or 120, while a main feed signal line 131 is disposed in the intermediate chamber 130. This main feed signal line 131 is electrically connected to the connector panel 133 via a coaxial cable 132. Furthermore, this main feed signal line 131 is also electrically connected to a portion of the main feed network 114 in the side chambers 110 and / or 120 via the metal adapter 134 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the electrical connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the metal adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Furthermore, the intermediate chamber 130 has metal walls of a certain thickness at its top and bottom. The passive antenna support assembly is assembled and fixed using metal screws, and the active antenna module below is also fixed using metal screws. The intermediate chamber 130 of the cavity structure 100 for the phase shifter can be two independent chambers, divided horizontally or vertically. That is, this disclosure also illustrates a possible specific structure of the intermediate chamber 130 with the aid of FIG7, specifically FIG7 showing a schematic diagram of the intermediate chamber 130 according to another embodiment of this disclosure. As can be seen from FIG7, in the embodiment on the left side of the technical solution shown in FIG7 according to this disclosure, the intermediate chamber 130 includes a first intermediate chamber and a second intermediate chamber, wherein the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber are arranged side-by-side between the side chambers. In this manner, the intermediate chamber can be further divided into the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber arranged side-by-side between the side chambers, thereby further improving the electrical performance of the cavity structure for the phase shifter according to this disclosure. In the embodiment shown on the right side of Figure 7 according to this disclosure, the intermediate chamber 130 includes a first intermediate chamber and a second intermediate chamber, wherein the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber are stacked vertically between the side chambers. This arrangement further divides the intermediate chamber into the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber, which are stacked vertically between the side chambers, thereby further improving the electrical performance of the cavity structure for the phase shifter according to this disclosure.

[0042] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the phase-shifting network is disposed between the power divider network and the main feed network. More preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the output terminal of the power divider network in the side chamber is connected to the corresponding radiating oscillator. Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the main feed signal line of the intermediate chamber is electrically connected to the connector panel via a coaxial cable. More preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the metal adapter is constructed as a metal sheet or a U-shaped metal piece.

[0043] Preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the main power supply signal line includes multiple main power supply signal lines, which are respectively connected to the main power supply networks on both sides via corresponding metal adapters for same polarization electrical connection. More preferably, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the upper top wall and lower bottom wall of the intermediate chamber are respectively constructed as metal walls with corresponding thicknesses.

[0044] In summary, in the technical solution according to this disclosure, the cavity structure for the phase shifter according to this disclosure can divide the cavity structure for the phase shifter into at least three smaller cavities and place them side by side, thereby reducing the height of the cavity structure for the phase shifter and thus improving the assembly flexibility and overall height of the antenna including the cavity structure according to this disclosure.

[0045] The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present disclosure can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to several specific examples, it should be understood that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. The embodiments of this disclosure are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the claims is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, thereby encompassing all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A cavity structure for a phase shifter, characterized in that, The cavity structure includes: An intermediate chamber, configured to accommodate the main power supply signal line; Side chambers, located on either side of the central chamber, are configured to house the power divider network, phase shifter network, and main feeder network; and A metal adapter, wherein the main feed network is electrically connected to the main feed signal line via the metal adapter.

2. The cavity structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate chamber includes: First intermediate chamber; and The second intermediate chamber is provided, wherein the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber are arranged side by side between the side chambers.

3. The cavity structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate chamber includes: First intermediate chamber; and The second intermediate chamber is provided, wherein the first intermediate chamber and the second intermediate chamber are stacked vertically between the side chambers.

4. The cavity structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase-shifting network is positioned between the power divider network and the main feeder network.

5. The cavity structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The output of the power divider network in the side chamber is connected to the corresponding radiating oscillator.

6. The cavity structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main power supply signal line of the intermediate chamber is electrically connected to the connector panel via a coaxial cable.

7. The cavity structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal adapter is constructed as a metal sheet or a U-shaped metal part.

8. The cavity structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main power supply signal line includes multiple main power supply signal lines, which are electrically connected to the main power supply networks on both sides via corresponding metal adapters to achieve the same polarization.

9. The cavity structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper top wall and lower bottom wall of the intermediate chamber are respectively constructed as metal walls with corresponding thicknesses.

10. An antenna, characterized in that, The antenna includes a passive antenna, which includes a cavity structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that, The antenna also includes at least two active antennas, and the cavity structure is disposed on both sides of the at least two active antennas.

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