Shielded Coupler Layout for Narrower Base Station Azimuth Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of antenna arrays in base station antennas increases, interactions between neighboring arrays lead to degradation of radiation patterns, resulting in wider azimuth beam widths and reduced gain, causing overlapping coverage areas and decreased sector performance.
Innovation Solution
A coupler is introduced, comprising vertically stacked coupling members with shielding and connection members to couple signals between radiating elements, reducing interference and optimizing azimuth beam widths through signal path configuration and shielding to improve antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of antenna arrays is increased to meet capacity requirements, then the capacity is improved, but the interactions between neighboring arrays increase causing degradation of radiation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding member is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent antenna arrays. This shielding member includes a shielding surface facing the adjacent antenna array and a connection surface connected to the antenna array, creating an electromagnetic barrier that reduces harmful interactions while preserving the high-capacity multi-array configuration
2Productivity
If more antenna arrays are integrated into the base station antenna, then the capacity increases, but the azimuth beam width becomes wider resulting in reduced gain
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member acts as an electromagnetic intermediary that isolates adjacent antenna arrays, preventing the mutual coupling effects that cause azimuth beam widening. This allows each array to maintain its intended beam characteristics even in high-capacity multi-array configurations
3Productivity
If the number of antenna arrays is increased, then the capacity is improved, but the sector coverage is reduced due to reduced gain
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing shielding members as electromagnetic intermediaries between antenna arrays, the system maintains higher gain levels through reduced mutual interference, thereby preserving adequate sector coverage even when increasing the number of arrays for higher capacity
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
The coupler effectively narrows azimuth beam widths, enhancing the gain and sector coverage of base station antennas by reducing signal interference between arrays, thereby improving overall antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to shield the first coupling member and the second coupling member from one another
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a coupler and a base station antenna. The coupler comprises: a first coupling member comprising a first substrate, and a first signal path and a first sub-path of a second signal path located on the first substrate, the first sub-path configured to be at least partially coupled with the first signal path to couple a portion of a signal in the first signal path into the second signal path; a second coupling member vertically stacked with the first coupling member, the second coupling member comprising a second substrate, and a second sub-path of the second signal path located on the second substrate; a shielding member disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to shield the first coupling member and the second coupling member from one another, the shielding member being provided with a first connection through-hole; and a first connection member passing through the first connection through-hole and electrically connected between the first sub-path and the second sub-path.