CN116195133A

CN116195133A - Dual polarized semi-continuous dipole antenna device, antenna array and antenna architecture

Info

Publication number: CN116195133A
Application number: CN202080105236.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 伊格纳西欧·冈萨雷斯; 布鲁诺·比斯孔蒂尼
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-22
Filing date: 2020-09-22
Publication date: 2023-05-30
Also published as: EP4208915A1; WO2022063387A1

Abstract

An antenna device includes: a reflector, the reflector being substantially planar; a first set of dipoles comprising three or more parallel dipoles, each for generating an electromagnetic signal having a first polarization, each dipole of the first set of dipoles being arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector and extending at +45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector; and a second set of dipoles comprising three or more parallel dipoles, each for generating an electromagnetic signal having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, each dipole of the second set of dipoles being arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector and extending at-45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector.

Description

Dual polarized semi-continuous dipole antenna device, antenna array and antenna architecture

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of antennas, and more particularly, to antenna devices, antenna device arrays, and antenna architectures including antenna device arrays.

Background

In recent years, the rapid development of various wireless communication systems has benefited from the development of innovative antenna technology. With the evolution of wireless communication technologies, such as fifth generation (5G) technology, long term evolution Advanced (long term evolution, LTE), LTE Advanced Pro (e.g., 4.5G) technology, or upcoming sixth generation (6G), antenna devices (or antenna arrays) with enhanced radiation characteristics are needed. For example, one of the key technologies for implementing new generation mobile communication is Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (mimo) below 6GHz, which needs to be integrated with different passive antenna arrays.

However, new deployments of antenna infrastructure are subject to local regulations that limit the growth rate of antenna infrastructure for the growth rate of wireless communication technologies. In order to comply with local regulations, the new antenna infrastructure is required to be substantially identical in size to the legacy antenna infrastructure. In addition, in order to be able to maintain a mechanical support structure in the field, the wind load of the new antenna should be consistent with that of a conventional antenna. These factors all place very stringent constraints on the height and width of the antenna infrastructure.

In some new deployments of antenna infrastructure, the number of field antennas is reduced by integrating a greater number of arrays in the same space by greatly simplifying the overall deployment process of advanced antenna systems (Advanced antenna system, AAS) and traditional passive antenna systems. This reduces capital expenditure (capital expenditure, CAPEX) and operating costs (operating expense, OPEX) associated with new deployments of antenna infrastructure. In some other new deployments of antenna infrastructure, a greater number of arrays are integrated into the antenna enclosure to extend the operating bandwidth of the current antenna.

There are several limitations associated with existing antenna infrastructure. In particular, existing antenna infrastructures face performance problems such as limited aperture, irregular illumination across the aperture, non-optimal directivity, limited spectrum bandwidth, etc. In one example, some existing antenna arrays have low frequency radiating elements constructed as sub-arrays of two dipoles and a high frequency band embedded in a central space. However, the performance of such multi-band antenna arrays is very limited. In another example, the aperture of an existing antenna infrastructure directly affects and theoretically limits the directivity of the infrastructure. Furthermore, irregular illumination over the aperture also adversely affects the directivity of the infrastructure. In another example, in some implementations, small antenna elements are capacitively coupled to provide large spectral bandwidths. However, these antenna elements are almost always physically connected to provide bandwidth and depend on the electrical length of the antenna element combination for multiport operation. In this case, there is a discretization of the control point (i.e. the phase center of the radiating elements), resulting in a wavelength dependent distance between the antenna elements.

Thus, in view of the above discussion, there is a need to overcome the above-described drawbacks associated with existing antenna infrastructures.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure seeks to provide an antenna device, an array of antenna devices and an antenna architecture comprising an array of antenna devices. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problems associated with conventional antenna infrastructure, such as limited aperture, irregular illumination across the aperture, non-optimal directivity, limited spectrum bandwidth. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that overcomes at least part of the problems of the prior art and to provide an improved antenna device having a larger aperture, substantially continuous and uniform illumination over the aperture, a stronger directivity and a higher spectral bandwidth than conventional antenna infrastructures.

The object of the present disclosure is achieved by the solution provided in the attached independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna apparatus. The antenna device includes: a reflector, the reflector being substantially planar; a first set of dipoles comprising three or more parallel dipoles, each for generating an electromagnetic signal having a first polarization, wherein each dipole of the first set of dipoles is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector and extends at +45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector; and a second set of dipoles comprising three or more parallel dipoles, each for generating an electromagnetic signal having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, wherein each dipole of the second set of dipoles is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector and extends at-45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector.

The antenna device of the first aspect achieves stable and uniform directivity with low side lobes. Furthermore, the antenna device expands the operating bandwidth of the antenna device compared to conventional antenna devices. Furthermore, the antenna device allows flexibility in the configuration of the group of dipoles, enabling the antenna device to be customized according to the physical dimensions of the reflector. The antenna device described herein employs a set (i.e., sub-array) comprising at least three dipoles, thereby providing a wideband antenna device with improved performance over multi-band antenna arrays. In the antenna device, the antenna elements provide a large spectral bandwidth and rely on substantially continuous and uniform aperture illumination for multiport operation. In the antenna device, the energy is evenly distributed along all available dipoles, thereby illuminating the antenna aperture evenly.

In one implementation, at least one dipole of the first set of dipoles is disposed with a dipole of the second set of dipoles.

Advantageously, such an arrangement of dipoles in the antenna device substantially reduces the area occupied by the antenna device without affecting the directivity, and a greater number of antenna devices may be integrated in the same space.

In one implementation, the number of dipoles in each set of dipoles is determined based on the desired frequency spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and a predetermined width of the reflector.

Advantageously, determining the number of dipoles in each set of dipoles in the manner described above facilitates customizing the antenna device based on the width of the reflector, thereby making full use of the space occupied by the antenna device. In addition, the spectrum bandwidth of the antenna device is increased.

In one implementation, the second set of dipoles includes the same number or a different number of dipoles than the first set of dipoles.

Advantageously, such an arrangement may selectively increase the directivity of the antenna device in a desired direction.

In one implementation, the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each set of dipoles is determined based on the desired frequency spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and a predetermined width of the reflector.

Advantageously, determining the number of dipoles in each set of dipoles in the manner described above enables continuous and uniform illumination of the antenna aperture, allowing for increased spectral bandwidth.

In one implementation, the distance d is determined such that each dipole is in the reactive near field of an adjacent parallel dipole.

The arrangement of the dipoles in the reactive near field of adjacent parallel dipoles causes the dipoles to couple to each other to extend the bandwidth to the bandwidth of the resulting dipole combination.

In one implementation, a predetermined incremental phase difference may be imposed on a plurality of the first and/or second set of dipoles to produce a skew and/or tilt in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna apparatus.

By applying a preset increasing phase difference, the radiation pattern of the antenna device is electronically controlled to point in any desired direction. In this way the directivity of the antenna device is increased at the desired frequency and/or at the desired tilt angle. Furthermore, the pre-tilt generated in this manner may be used to compensate for antenna tilt.

In one implementation, one or more of the first and/or second set of dipoles are fed in anti-phase with adjacent dipoles such that the beam width is reduced in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device.

By feeding one or more of the first and/or second set of dipoles in an inverted manner with respect to the adjacent dipoles, the beam width is reduced in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device, thereby improving the directivity of the antenna device.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna device array. The array of antenna devices includes two or more antenna devices arranged in a row along a longitudinal axis of the reflector.

By this arrangement of the antenna devices in the array, the electromagnetic signals generated by the antenna devices in the array achieve uniform and stable illumination of the aperture.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna architecture. The antenna architecture includes a first antenna device array and a second antenna device array. The array is arranged in two rows along the longitudinal axis of the reflector.

With such an antenna architecture, energy is evenly distributed between the dipoles of the antenna devices in the first and second arrays to ensure highly uniform aperture illumination in the antenna architecture. This uniform and continuous illumination ensures a constant beam width over a wider frequency range and avoids discretization at the control point (i.e. the phase center of the dipole) so that the phase center becomes a region rather than a point.

In one implementation, the antenna architecture further includes a third row of dipoles disposed between the first array and the second array, forming a dipole grid.

By means of the third row of dipoles, the number of dipoles in the first and second set of dipoles of the first and second array can be increased, thereby substantially optimizing the illumination of the antenna aperture.

In one implementation, alternating ones of the third row of dipoles are assigned to the first array and the second array, respectively.

In one form, the alternating first set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles, and the alternating second set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles.

This alternating distribution of the third row of dipoles between the first and second arrays ensures a balance between signal strength and directivity of the electromagnetic signals emitted by the two arrays.

In one implementation, each dipole in the third row of dipoles is assigned to the first array and the second array.

In one implementation, the respective first set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles, and the respective second set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles.

By partially overlapping the dipoles of the two arrays in the physical center of the antenna structure, the directivity of each array may be increased as each array may benefit from a larger aperture than if each array physically occupied half the space in the antenna structure.

In one implementation, each dipole in the third row of dipoles is fed by applying a pre-tilt and amplitude decay simultaneously.

By simultaneously applying a pre-tilt and an amplitude attenuation to each of the third row of dipoles, in addition to reducing the side lobe level of each of the third row of dipoles, the electronically controlled radiation pattern required for each of the third row of dipoles is achieved, helping to achieve an overall balance of operation of the third row of dipoles.

It should be noted that the devices, elements, circuits, units and means described in the present application may be implemented by software or hardware or any type of combination thereof. All steps performed by each entity described in this application, as well as functions to be performed by each entity described, are intended to mean that the corresponding entity is adapted to, or used to perform, the corresponding steps and functions. In the following description of specific embodiments, although a specific function or step performed by an external entity performing a specific unit is not embodied in a description of a specific detailed element of an entity performing a specific step or function, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the methods and functions may be implemented by corresponding software or hardware elements or any type of combination thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being implemented in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

Other aspects, advantages, features, and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description of illustrative implementations, which are to be construed in connection with the following appended claims.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the drawings exemplary constructions of the disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not drawn to scale. Where possible, like elements are indicated with the same numerals.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a top view of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a manner of applying a phase to a given set of dipoles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates another manner of applying a phase to a given set of dipoles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 and 6 are perspective views of an antenna apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a top view of an array of antenna devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 is a perspective view of an antenna device array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A illustrates an implementation in which one of the dipoles is a common dipole of the first and second arrays;

fig. 13B shows an implementation in which the two dipoles are common dipoles of the first and second arrays.

In the drawings, an underlined number is used to denote an item where the underlined number is located or an item adjacent to the underlined number. The non-underlined numbers relate to items identified by lines associating the non-underlined numbers with the items. For a number that is not underlined and has an associated arrow, the number that is not underlined is used to identify the general item to which the arrow points.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description describes embodiments of the disclosure and the manner in which the embodiments are implemented. While some modes of carrying out the present disclosure are disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also suitable.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 1, the antenna apparatus 100 includes: a reflector 102; a first set of dipoles comprising three or more parallel dipoles, such as first set of three parallel dipoles 104; and a second set of dipoles comprising three or more parallel dipoles, such as a second set of three parallel dipoles 106.

The reflector 102 is substantially planar. The reflector 102 reflects electromagnetic signals generated by the dipole. It should be noted that the reflector 102 greatly reduces the backward radiation and increases the forward gain. Here, the size of the reflector 102 is selected based on factors such as the wavelength range of electromagnetic waves, the antenna aperture, the desired directivity from the antenna device 100, and the like. In fig. 1, the line A-A' shows the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102.

The antenna device 100 comprises a first set of three parallel dipoles 104. Each dipole of the first set of dipoles 104 is used to generate an electromagnetic signal having a first polarization. Furthermore, each dipole of the first set of dipoles 104 is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector 102 and extends at +45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102 as indicated by line A-A'.

Similarly, each dipole of the second set of dipoles 106 is used to generate an electromagnetic signal having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. Furthermore, each dipole of the second set of dipoles 106 is arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector 102 and extends at-45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102 as indicated by line A-A'.

Note that the dipoles in the first set of dipoles 104 and the second set of dipoles 106 refer to conventional dipole antennas for generating electromagnetic signals. The dipole consists of two equal length conductors oriented end-to-end, connected by a feeder line between the conductors, wherein the two conductors are separated by an insulator. It should be noted that a voltage is applied through the feed line to generate an electromagnetic signal from the dipole. Here, employing the first set of dipoles 104 and the second set of dipoles 106 each comprising three or more parallel dipoles increases the directional gain of the antenna compared to the directional gain of a single dipole, wherein signals from the different dipoles interfere with each other to enhance the electromagnetic signal radiated in the desired direction. Here, the feed lines of the dipoles are split using an electrical network to provide power to each dipole.

Throughout this disclosure, the term "polarization" refers to the direction of the electric field of an electromagnetic signal generated by a dipole. Alternatively, the first polarization and the second polarization are linear polarizations, wherein an electric field vector of the electromagnetic wave is confined within a given plane along a propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave. As previously described, the second polarization is orthogonal to the first polarization. Thus, the electromagnetic waves generated by the dipoles of the first set of dipoles 104 extend perpendicular to the electromagnetic waves generated by the dipoles of the second set of dipoles 106. It is noted that the polarization of electromagnetic waves generated by a dipole may be affected by the physical structure of the dipole and the direction of the dipole.

Optionally, at least one dipole of the first set of dipoles is arranged with a dipole of the second set of dipoles. Here, as shown in fig. 1, the dipoles 108 in the first set of dipoles 104 are provided with the dipoles 110 in the second set of dipoles 106. As previously described, the dipoles in the first set of dipoles 104, such as dipole 108, are disposed at +45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102; the dipoles in the second set of dipoles 106, such as dipole 110, are disposed at-45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector 102. Thus, the dipoles, here the

dipoles

108 and 110, which are arranged together are arranged perpendicular to each other. Advantageously, such an arrangement of dipoles in an antenna device greatly reduces the area occupied by the antenna device without affecting the directivity, and allows a greater number of antenna devices to be integrated in the same space.

In an embodiment, the second set of dipoles 106 may include the same number of dipoles as the first set of dipoles 104 or a different number of dipoles. As shown in fig. 1, the second set of dipoles 106 includes the same number (i.e., three) of dipoles as the first set of dipoles 104. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that for clarity, fig. 1 shows a simplified architecture of an antenna device 100, but does not limit the scope of the claims herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, the second set of dipoles 106 may include a different number of dipoles than the first set of dipoles 104. Advantageously, such an arrangement may selectively increase the directivity of the antenna device in a particular desired direction.

Fig. 2 is a top view of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 2, the distance between adjacent dipoles in the first set of dipoles 104 and the second set of dipoles 106 is d.

In one embodiment, the number of dipoles in each set, such as the first set 104 and the second set 106, is determined based on the desired frequency spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and the predetermined width of the reflector 102. In one embodiment, the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each set of dipoles is determined based on the desired frequency spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and the predetermined width of the reflector 102. The predetermined width of the reflector 102 limits the maximum number of dipoles that can be arranged parallel to the plane of the reflector 102. The maximum number of dipoles depends on the number of dipoles in each set of dipoles and the distance between adjacent dipoles in each set of dipoles (i.e. distance d).

It will be appreciated that the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each group and the number of dipoles in each group are chosen such that the efficiency of the desired spectrum is improved. Given the specifications of the desired spectrum, the above selection is made to arrange the dipole of the antenna device 100 with respect to the reflector 102 in a manner that improves the capacity utilization of the desired spectrum. Further, the distance d between adjacent dipoles in each group and the number of dipoles in each group are selected to increase the spectral bandwidth of the antenna device 100 by appropriately distributing the dipoles over the aperture over a predetermined width of the reflector 102. The dipoles of the first set of dipoles 104 and the second set of dipoles 106 are arranged in such a way that the bandwidth parameters of the individual dipoles in each set are well matched to each other. The increase in spectral bandwidth causes the aperture to be illuminated in a regular manner.

In an example, selecting each group to include three dipoles, wherein the distance d between adjacent dipoles is less than 0.2λ, may provide the antenna device 100 with a suitable match of high spectral efficiency and bandwidth parameters.

In an embodiment, the distance d is determined such that each dipole is in the reactive near field of an adjacent parallel dipole. In particular, the distance d is determined such that each dipole is in the reactive near field of an adjacent parallel dipole of the same polarization. It is noted that the reactive near field is proportional to the size of the dipole and the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole. The arrangement of the dipoles in the reactive near field of adjacent parallel dipoles allows coupling between them to extend the bandwidth to the bandwidth of the resulting dipole combination. In an example, the distance d may be in a range between 0.05λ and 0.2λ, where λ refers to a wavelength of the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole.

Fig. 3 illustrates a manner of applying a phase on a given set of dipoles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 3, there are shown

dipoles

302, 304, and 306 of a given set of dipoles 300 of an antenna device (e.g., antenna device 100). It is noted that a given set of dipoles 300 is a first set of three parallel dipoles and/or a second set of three parallel dipoles. In an embodiment, one or more of the first set of dipoles and/or the second set of dipoles are fed in anti-phase with adjacent dipoles such that the beamwidth is reduced in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100. By "feeding a given dipole in anti-phase with an adjacent dipole" it is meant that the feed provided to the given dipole and the feed provided to the adjacent dipole have a phase difference of 180 degrees or pi radians. In fig. 3, a dipole 304 in a given set of dipoles 300 is fed in anti-phase with its

adjacent dipoles

302 and 306. For example, the feed phases of

dipoles

302, 304, and 306 may be 0 degrees, 180 degrees, and 0 degrees, respectively.

It should be appreciated that as long as the distance d between adjacent dipoles is small (e.g., when d is less than 0.2λ), one or more of the first and/or second sets of dipoles may be fed in anti-phase with the adjacent dipoles to reduce the beamwidth of the radiation pattern formed by the antenna apparatus 100.

When adjacent dipoles of a given set of dipoles 300 are fed in antiphase, the beamwidth decreases, but the directivity (i.e., side lobe increase) of the resulting radiation pattern is sacrificed. As the beam width decreases, the directivity in the desired direction increases. In addition, the adjacent dipoles of the given set of dipoles 300 are reverse fed such that waves from the adjacent dipoles destructively interfere with each other, thereby reducing the power radiated from the given set of dipoles 300. It is noted that the smaller the beam width, the easier it is to avoid interference with undesired signals.

Fig. 4 illustrates another way of applying a phase on a given set of dipoles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 4, there are shown

dipoles

402, 404, and 406 of a given set of dipoles 400 of an antenna device (e.g., antenna device 100). It is noted that a given set of dipoles 400 is a first set of three parallel dipoles and/or a second set of three parallel dipoles. In an embodiment, a predetermined incremental phase difference may be applied to a plurality of dipoles in the first set of dipoles and/or the second set of dipoles such that a skew and/or tilt is formed in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100. In one embodiment, the phase difference increases by a constant amount. In fig. 4, the preset incremental phase differences imposed on the

dipoles

402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400 are 0, α, and 2α, respectively. In a given set of dipoles, the phase difference increases by a constant amount, which is equal to α. In one example, α is equal to 30 degrees. In this case, the preset incremental phase differences imposed on the

dipoles

402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400 are 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees, respectively.

It should be appreciated that the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 can be electronically controlled by applying a predetermined incremental phase difference over the

dipoles

402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400. It should be noted that by adjusting the preset increasing phase difference, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 may be adjusted to be directed in different directions as needed. In this way, the skew and/or tilt is formed in the radiation pattern without physically moving (e.g., by tilting) the

dipoles

402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400. Applying a preset incremental phase difference to the

dipoles

402, 404, and 406 in a given set of dipoles 400 simulates the physical tilt of a typical antenna element.

In an embodiment, a skew is formed in a radiation pattern formed by the antenna apparatus 100 to increase directivity of the antenna apparatus 100 in a desired direction.

In an embodiment, the skew formed based on the provided phase may be used to compensate for the natural skew of the antenna device 100 (e.g., because the antenna is not centered on the reflector). In an embodiment, a tilt is formed in the radiation pattern formed by the antenna device 100 to increase the directivity of the antenna device 100 at a desired frequency and/or a desired tilt angle.

In one embodiment, a set of phase shifters may be used to impart a predetermined incremental phase difference on a plurality of dipoles in the first set of dipoles and/or the second set of dipoles. Optionally, the set of phase shifters is controlled by a computing device.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate perspective views of an antenna apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 5 and 6,

antenna devices

502 and 504 are implemented using a printed circuit board (printed circuit board, PCB) to fabricate the first and second sets of dipoles. The printed circuit board mechanically supports and electrically connects the electrical components of the dipole using conductive tracks, pads, and other features etched from one or more thin layers of conductive metal (e.g., copper) laminated on and/or between thin layers of non-conductive substrate.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the first and second sets of dipoles in the

antenna devices

502 and 504 include folded arms (i.e., bent arms). It should be noted that such a folded arm does not affect the operation of the dipole, but helps to reduce the physical length of the dipole. Advantageously, such an implementation of the antenna device can improve the security and stability of the dipole.

Fig. 7 is a top view of an array of antenna devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an antenna device array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, an antenna device array 700 includes two or more antenna devices, such as

antenna devices

702, 704, 706, that are aligned along a longitudinal axis of a reflector 708. Antenna devices, such as

antenna devices

702, 704, 706, may be implemented in a similar manner as antenna device 100.

It should be noted that this arrangement of antenna devices in array 700 helps achieve uniform and stable illumination of the antenna aperture with electromagnetic signals generated by the antenna devices (e.g.,

antenna devices

702, 704, 706). Furthermore, due to the mutual coupling of dipoles in the reactive near field, a greater number of antenna devices may be integrated in the array 700, enabling an expansion of the operating bandwidth of the array 700. It should be appreciated that the array 700 may be considered as two arrays having different polarizations, e.g., a first polarization of a first set of dipoles in the antenna device is orthogonal to a second polarization of a second set of dipoles in the antenna device.

Fig. 9 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 9, an antenna architecture 900 includes a first array 902 and a second array 904 (e.g., the antenna device array 700 of fig. 7). It should be noted that the

arrays

902 and 904 are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal axis of the reflector 906.

It should be appreciated that the electrical energy is uniformly distributed between the dipoles in the first array 902 and the second array 904 of the antenna device to ensure highly uniform aperture illumination in the antenna architecture 900.

It is noted that since the first array 902 and the second array 904 comprise dual polarized antenna devices, the antenna architecture 900 may be considered to comprise four arrays with different polarizations implemented side by side.

Fig. 10 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 10, an antenna architecture 1000 includes a first array and a second array, similar to the antenna architecture 900 of fig. 9. In addition, the antenna architecture 1000 includes a third row of dipoles 1002 arranged between the first and second arrays, forming a dipole grid.

It should be appreciated that the antenna architecture 1000 provides highly uniform aperture illumination. This uniform and continuous illumination ensures a constant beam width over a wider frequency range and avoids discretization at the control point (i.e. the phase center of the dipole) so that the phase center becomes a region rather than a point. It should be noted that in an antenna architecture, such as in antenna architecture 1000, or in an array of antenna devices, such as in array 700, the distance between the two sets of dipoles is determined by the array factor required for its particular operating frequency band. Furthermore, uniform illumination of the aperture ensures optimal directivity of the antenna device and ensures low side lobes and controllable beam width in the array configuration.

Fig. 11 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 11, an antenna architecture 1100 includes a first array and a second array, similar to the antenna architecture 900 of fig. 9. The antenna architecture also includes a third row of dipoles disposed between the first and second arrays, similar to the third row of dipoles 1002 in fig. 10.

Alternatively, alternating ones of the third row of dipoles are assigned to the first array and the second array, respectively. Further optionally, the alternating first set of dipoles in each array is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles, and the alternating second set of dipoles in each array is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles. Referring to fig. 11, a first set of dipoles 1102 in the first array are extended to include dipoles 1104 in a third row of dipoles. Similarly, the second set of dipoles 1106 in the first array are extended to include the dipoles 1108 in the third row of dipoles. In one set of alternating dipoles, the first set of dipoles 1110 in the second array is extended to include the dipoles 1112 in the third row of dipoles. Similarly, the second set of dipoles 1114 in the second array is extended to include dipoles 1116 in the third row of dipoles. It is therefore noted that in each array there are different numbers of dipoles in alternating groups of dipoles, i.e. three and four.

Fig. 12 is a top view of an antenna architecture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 12, an antenna architecture 1200 includes a first array and a second array, similar to the antenna architecture 900 of fig. 9. The antenna architecture also includes a third row of dipoles disposed between the first and second arrays, similar to the third row of dipoles 1002 in fig. 10.

Optionally, each dipole of the third row of dipoles is assigned to both the first array and the second array. Optionally, the respective first group of dipoles in each array is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles, and the respective second group of dipoles in each array is extended to include the dipoles in the third row of dipoles. Referring to fig. 12, each dipole in the third row (e.g., dipoles 1202 and 1204) is assigned to both the first array and the second array. Specifically, for the dipoles 1202, the first set of dipoles 1206 in the first array and the first set of dipoles 1208 in the second array are extended to include the dipoles 1202 in the third row. Similarly, for the dipole 1204, the second set of dipoles 1210 in the first array and the second set of dipoles 1212 in the second array are extended to include the dipole 1204 in the third row. It should be noted that by partially overlapping the two arrays at the physical center of the antenna architecture 1200, it is possible to increase the directivity of each array by helping each array to acquire a larger aperture than in the case where each array physically occupies 50% of the space in the antenna architecture 1200.

Optionally, the antenna architecture 1200 includes a duplexer communicatively coupled to an array of antenna devices. It should be noted that the diplexer allows the antenna device array to operate over multiple frequency bands. In one example, the diplexer allows the array to operate at frequencies in the range between 690 megahertz and 2700 megahertz.

In one embodiment, each dipole in the third row is fed by applying a pre-tilt and amplitude decay simultaneously. In one embodiment, the pre-tilt is applied to a given dipole in the third row by applying a phase difference to the given dipole. In this way, the radiation pattern of each dipole in the third row is electronically controlled. In one embodiment, amplitude attenuation is applied to the dipoles in the third row by sequentially stepwise adjusting the excitation amplitudes of the dipoles in the third row. It is noted that the excitation amplitude of the amplitude decay is adjusted in such a way that the overall balance performance of the dipoles in the third row is obtained. It will be appreciated that the amplitude attenuation can reduce the sidelobe levels of a group of dipoles in the third row.

Fig. 13A shows an implementation in which one of the dipoles is a common dipole of the first and second arrays. Referring to fig. 13A, one dipole (e.g., a dot dipole in the figure) is shown, which is shared by the first array 1302 and the second array 1304.

Fig. 13B shows an implementation in which the two dipoles are common dipoles of the first and second arrays. Referring to fig. 13B, two dipoles (e.g., dot-like dipoles in the figure) are shown, which are shared by the first array 1302 and the second array 1304.

In one embodiment, the common dipole is fed by applying both pre-tilt and amplitude attenuation. In this case, the magnitude of the phase difference (corresponding to the pre-tilt) and the excitation amplitude to be applied to the common dipole depend on the position of the common dipole within the first array 1302 and the second array 1304. It should be appreciated that the pre-tilt and excitation amplitude applied when the common dipole is assigned to the first array 1302 is different than the pre-tilt and excitation amplitude applied when the common dipole is assigned to the second array 1304.

Modifications may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure described above without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The use of expressions such as "including", "combining", "having", "being" and "being" etc. for describing and claiming the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e. to allow items, components or elements not explicitly described to also exist. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments, and/or as excluding combinations of features of other embodiments. The word "optionally" as used herein means "provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments. It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or adaptation in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), the antenna device comprising:

a reflector (102, 708, 906) that is substantially planar;

a first set of dipoles (104, 300, 1102, 1110, 1206, 1208) comprising three or more parallel dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204), each for generating an electromagnetic signal having a first polarization, wherein each dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the first set of dipoles (104, 300, 1102, 1110, 1206, 1208) is arranged to extend parallel to a plane of the reflector (102, 708, 906) and at +45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the reflector (102, 708, 906);

a second set of dipoles (106, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212) comprising three or more parallel dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204), each for generating an electromagnetic signal having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, wherein each dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the second set of dipoles (106, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212) is arranged to extend parallel to a plane of the reflector (102, 708, 906) and at-45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the reflector (102, 708, 906).

2. The antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the first set of dipoles (104, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212) is arranged together with a dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the second set of dipoles (106, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212).

3. The antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the number of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) in each group of dipoles is determined according to a desired frequency spectrum and matching bandwidth parameter and a predetermined width of the reflector (102, 708, 906).

4. The antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second set of dipoles (106, 300, 1106, 1114, 1210, 1212) comprises the same or a different number of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) than the first set of dipoles (104, 300, 1102, 1110, 1206, 1208).

5. The antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance d between adjacent dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) in each group of dipoles (104, 106, 300, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1114, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212) is determined according to a desired frequency spectrum and matching bandwidth parameter and a predetermined width of the reflector (102, 708, 906).

6. The antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to claim 5, characterized in that the distance d is determined such that each dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) is in the reactive near field of an adjacent parallel dipole (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204).

7. The antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preset increasing phase difference can be applied over a plurality of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the first set of dipoles and/or the second set of dipoles (104, 106, 300, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1114, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212) such that a skew and/or tilt is created in a radiation pattern formed by the antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706).

8. The antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one or more dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) of the first set of dipoles and/or the second set of dipoles (104, 106, 300, 1102, 1106, 1110, 1114, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212) are fed in antiphase with adjacent dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) such that the beam width decreases in a radiation pattern formed by the antenna device (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706).

9. An array (700, 902, 904) of antenna devices (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706), the array comprising two or more antenna devices (100, 502, 504, 702, 704, 706) according to any of the preceding claims, the antenna devices being arranged in a row along a longitudinal axis of the reflector.

10. An antenna architecture (900, 1000, 1100, 1200) comprising a first array (902) and a second array (904) according to claim 9, the arrays (902, 904) being arranged in two rows along a longitudinal axis of the reflector (906).

11. The antenna architecture (1000, 1100, 1200) of claim 10, further comprising a third row (1002) of dipoles (108, 110, 302, 304, 306, 402, 404, 406, 1104, 1108, 1112, 1116, 1202, 1204) arranged between the first array (902) and the second array (904) such that a dipole grid is formed.

12. The antenna architecture (1100) of claim 11, wherein alternating ones (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) of the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) are assigned to the first array (902) and the second array (904), respectively.

13. The antenna architecture (1100) of claim 12, wherein alternating first groups of dipoles (1102, 1110) in each of the arrays (902, 904) are extended to include dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116), and alternating second groups of dipoles (1106, 1114) in each of the arrays (902, 904) are extended to include dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1104, 1108, 1112).

14. The antenna architecture (1200) of claim 11, wherein each dipole (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204) is assigned to the first array (902) and the second array (904).

15. The antenna architecture (1200) of claim 14, wherein the respective first set of dipoles (1206, 1208) in each of the arrays (902, 904) are extended to include the dipoles (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204), and the respective second set of dipoles (1210, 1212) in each of the arrays (902, 904) are extended to include the dipoles (1202, 1204) in the third row (1002) of dipoles (1202, 1204).

16. The antenna architecture of claim 14 or claim 15, characterized in that each dipole (1104, 1108, 1112, 1116) in the third row (1002) is fed by applying a pre-tilt and an amplitude attenuation simultaneously.