Modular Base Station Antenna Array With Integrated Feed and Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current massive antenna array systems for 5G have complex mounting and connection structures, leading to high manufacturing and use costs, difficulty in debugging and maintenance, and limited expansibility.

Innovation Solution

The design of a modularized antenna array module with a feed network circuit board, power and coupling circuits, and a metal cavity filter, integrated with a calibration network adapter plate, allowing detachable mounting and simplified connections using feed cores, reducing the need for radio frequency connectors and enabling easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional antenna structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the antenna cannot be selectively tilted to adjust signal coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverage adjustmentVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into multiple antenna elements that can be independently tilted relative to each other. Each antenna element can be selectively tilted to adjust the signal coverage in different directions, allowing the antenna system to adapt to various coverage requirements without requiring a completely different antenna structure for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna elements are designed with tilt mechanisms that allow them to be dynamically adjusted between different tilt angles. This dynamic capability enables the antenna to adapt its radiation pattern in real-time based on coverage requirements, transforming a static antenna structure into a versatile, adjustable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are deployed to achieve selective tilting, then the signal coverage adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverage adjustmentVSAvoidbase station space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple antenna elements are merged into a single integrated antenna structure rather than being deployed as separate physical antennas. This consolidation allows the system to achieve selective tilting and multiple signal coverage patterns while occupying minimal space at the base station, as all antenna elements share common support structures and mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna elements are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller antenna elements are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones, allowing compact integration. This nested arrangement enables multiple antenna functions to coexist in a small footprint, reducing the overall space required at the base station while maintaining the capability for selective tilting and signal coverage adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna structure is made more complex to enable selective tilting, then the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverage adjustmentVSAvoidantenna element alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tilt mechanisms are designed with localized adjustment capabilities at each antenna element, allowing independent control of each element's orientation. This local quality approach enables precise control of individual antenna elements without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision across the entire antenna structure, as adjustments can be made locally during installation or operation to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design lowers structural and connection complexity, reduces material costs, facilitates mass production, and enhances expansibility, while allowing easy debugging and repair, and reduces weight and development costs by standardizing the calibration network adapter plate for different equipment suppliers.

Implementation Method 1

a current antenna structure cannot be selectively tilted to adjust signal coverage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3680986B1Base station antenna and antenna array module thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 TONGYU COMM INC
  • EP3680986B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3680986B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3680986B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An antenna array module is provided. At least two antenna units are mounted on a surface of a feed network circuit board provided with two power division circuits, and a filter is mounted on a surface of the feed network circuit board provided with two coupling circuits. Each power division circuit is provided with an input end and a plurality of output ends. Each of the plurality of output ends of one power division circuit feeds an antenna unit for -45° polarization, and each of the plurality of output ends of the other power division circuit feeds an antenna unit for +45° polarization. Each coupling circuit is provided with a radio frequency input end and an output end, and the output end of the coupling circuit is electrically connected to the input end of the power division circuit. The filter is provided with at least two output ends, and each of the two output ends of the filter is electrically connected to the radio frequency input end of the coupling circuit. An base station antenna is further provided. Integration and modularization are implemented, expansibility is improved, a simple mounting structure and a simple connection structure are provided, subsequent debugging and maintenance are easily achieved, and manufacturing costs and use costs are lowered.