Integrated Phase Shifter for Base Station Antenna RET Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing remote electrical tilt (RET) antenna systems for base station antennas face challenges in space utilization and stability due to complex structural arrangements and sensitivity to pressure changes, which affect the phase shifter performance and increase Return Loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phase shifter with a slide device and a sector gear section that slides on a phase shift circuit board, combined with a rack-gear transmission mechanism and a control rod, enhances stability and space utilization by ensuring uniform torque and balanced forces throughout the stroke, reducing extra space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional RET system with multiple drive motors, transmission mechanisms, and phase shifters is used for each array of radiating elements, then the antenna can achieve dynamic tilt angle adjustment, but the structural arrangement becomes complicated and space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent phase shifters into a single integrated phase shifter structure. Instead of having separate drive motors, transmission mechanisms, and phase shifters for each array of radiating elements, the invention uses one integrated phase shifter that can simultaneously control multiple arrays, thereby simplifying the structural arrangement while maintaining dynamic tilt adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated phase shifter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. A single phase shifter structure can adjust the tilt angle for multiple different arrays of radiating elements, making the system more versatile and reducing the overall number of components needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional RET system with multiple independent phase shifters is used, then each array can be controlled independently, but the antenna structural arrangement becomes complicated and space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple phase shifters are merged into a single integrated structure that occupies less space. The integrated design allows the same phase shifting functionality to be shared across multiple arrays, reducing the total area required while maintaining independent control capability through electronic switching or modular design
3Ease of operation
If conventional transmission mechanisms are used in the RET system, then the system can achieve tilt adjustment, but the transmission stability deteriorates due to sensitivity to pressure changes affecting phase shifter performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical transmission mechanisms with a more stable transmission system. Instead of using traditional mechanical linkages that are sensitive to pressure changes, the invention employs a optimized transmission mechanism that reduces sensitivity to pressure variations, thereby improving transmission stability and phase shifter performance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a phase shifter, which includes: a phase shift circuit board with conductive traces printed thereon; and a phase shift circuit board with conductive traces printed thereon; and a slide device with a first tooth section configured to be driven, wherein movement of the first tooth section drives the slide device to slide on the phase shift circuit board. In addition, the present disclosure further relates to a remote electrical tilt system, which includes an actuator, a transmission mechanism, and at least one phase shifter according to the present disclosure, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism engages the first tooth section to drive the slide device to slide on the phase shift circuit board. In addition, the present disclosure also relates to a base station antenna which includes the remote electrical tilt system according to the present disclosure. The base station antenna according to the present disclosure may improve the stability of the transmission of the remote electrical tilt system and increase the space utilization of the remote electrical tilt system.