Planar Phase-Shift Feed Network for Cable-Free Multi-Band Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-band antenna feed systems are complex, time-consuming to produce, and difficult to assemble due to the large number of frequency bands, leading to high system loss and inconvenient deployment.
Innovation Solution
A phase-shift feed system with a simple structure, where first and second feed striplines are suspended in chambers on a metal plate, connecting directly to radiating elements without cables, allowing for efficient cable-free transmission and easy assembly of multi-band antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coaxial cables and connectors are used to connect feed networks to radiating elements, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but system complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the feed network and radiating elements into a single planar structure where feed striplines are directly patterned on the substrate and connect to radiating elements through printed connectors, eliminating the need for separate coaxial cables and traditional connectors. This merging of components reduces system complexity while maintaining signal transmission reliability through controlled impedance design and direct electromagnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical connection systems (coaxial cables, connectors, and physical assembly) with an integrated planar electromagnetic structure. Feed striplines use printed circuit board trace technology to transmit signals, and connections to radiating elements are achieved through coplanar waveguide structures and electromagnetic coupling rather than mechanical fastening, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band antennas are designed with separate feed networks for each frequency band, then broad frequency coverage is achieved, but production time and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal feed network structure using planar feed striplines that can operate across multiple frequency bands simultaneously. The same feed stripline structure supports different operating frequencies by adjusting the dimensions and configuration of radiating elements, eliminating the need for separate feed networks for each band and enabling single-step production for multi-band antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network is segmented into multiple independent feed striplines, each capable of serving different frequency bands or polarization directions. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where each stripline can be optimized for specific bands while maintaining overall multi-band functionality, and enables modular design that simplifies production and assembly.
3Ease of operation
If traditional feed networks with multiple cables are used, then signal distribution to multiple radiating elements is achieved, but system size and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional cable-based feed networks to two-dimensional planar feed striplines patterned on a substrate. This dimensional reduction allows signal distribution to multiple radiating elements within a compact footprint, eliminating the volume occupied by cables and connectors while maintaining full signal distribution capability through electromagnetic field coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed striplines are nested within the same planar layer or adjacent layers of the substrate as the radiating elements, with feed lines routed underneath or alongside radiating structures. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall system volume by eliminating separate cable pathways and integrating all components within a single planar envelope.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to the field of mobile communications technologies, and provide a feed system, an array antenna, and a base station, to provide a phase-shift feed system having a simple structure. The feed system is located on a back surface of a metal plate. The feed system includes a plurality of first feed chambers and a plurality of first feed striplines suspended in the plurality of first feed chambers. Each of the plurality of first feed striplines includes a plurality of output ports. The plurality of first feed chambers and a ground plane of the metal plate share a metal surface. The metal surface has a plurality of openings corresponding to a plurality of first radiating elements located on a front surface of the metal plate. The plurality of output ports of each first feed stripline are connected, in a one-to-one manner, to the plurality of first radiating elements through the plurality of openings. The plurality of first feed striplines are used to provide transmission signals for the plurality of first radiating elements.