Compact Feeding Network for Base Station Antenna Using Nested Phase Shifters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base station antenna feeding networks face challenges with large footprint, complex structure, reduced electrical performance, and high power loss, making them inefficient and costly for miniaturization and mass production.
Innovation Solution
A compact feeding network design incorporating cascaded phase shifters and power dividers within a narrow metal housing, utilizing a nested coupling principle to achieve flexible power division ratios and stable performance, reducing signal leakage and resonance points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing phase shifting devices are used to obtain large phase changes, then the phase shifting capability is improved, but the footprint area increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested coupling structures where metal tubes are placed inside each other to form compact phase shifting devices. The inner metal tube can move within the outer metal tube, enabling phase adjustment without requiring large lateral space. This nesting approach directly resolves the contradiction by providing adequate phase shifting capability while minimizing the footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from lateral expansion to vertical stacking by arranging multiple coupling structures in the vertical dimension. The nested metal tubes utilize vertical space for phase adjustment mechanisms, allowing the device to maintain compact horizontal footprint while achieving the required phase shifting range through vertical arrangement of coupling elements.
2Reliability
If existing phase shifting devices are used to obtain large phase changes, then the phase shifting capability is improved, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nested metal tube structure integrates multiple functional elements within a compact hierarchical arrangement. The inner tube containing the outer tube creates a self-contained phase shifting mechanism that reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining phase shifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support, enable phase adjustment, and maintain electromagnetic coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing structural complexity while preserving the required phase shifting performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional feeding network structure is used, then the design is conventional, but the electrical performance and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nested coupling structures provide consistent electromagnetic coupling characteristics across different phase settings. The concentric arrangement of metal tubes ensures uniform field distribution and stable coupling coefficients, improving electrical performance consistency while maintaining design flexibility for different antenna configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes controlled changes in the nested tube dimensions, spacing, and material properties to optimize electrical performance. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the design achieves both flexibility in configuration and consistency in electrical characteristics across the operating bandwidth.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional feeding network is used, then the structure is traditional, but the power loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The nested metal tube structure minimizes radiation losses and improves power efficiency by containing the electromagnetic fields within the nested configuration. The concentric arrangement reduces unwanted radiation and improves coupling efficiency, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard metal forming processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to feeding networks for base station antenna. Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise first and second phase shifters, and a 3-way power divider, including an input terminal, a first output terminal for feeding a first unit, a second output terminal connecting to the first phase shifter, and a third output terminal connecting to the second phase shifter. The feeding network may also comprise a first 2-way power divider, including an input terminal connecting to the first phase shifter, a first output terminal for feeding a second unit, and a second output terminal for cascading a third phase shifter. In addition, the feeding network may comprise a second 2-way power divider, including an input terminal connecting to the second phase shifter, a first output terminal for feeding a third unit, and a second output terminal for cascading a fourth phase shifter.