This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 national phase filing of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/057760, filed Mar. 20, 2020, which claims the benefit of German Patent Application No. DE102019107476.2, filed Mar. 22, 2019, and German Patent Application No. DE102019108901.8, filed Apr. 4, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The invention relates to an antenna arrangement for mobile radio systems with at least one dual-polarised turnstile antenna.
Dipole antenna elements are known, for example, from the prior art documents DE 197 22 742 A, DE 196 27 015 A, U.S. Pat. No. 2,014,028 516 A1, WO 2014 018 600 A1 and US 41 841 63 A1. Such dipole antenna elements can have a conventional dipole structure or may consist, for example, of a turnstile antenna or a dipole square, etc.
Dipole antenna elements of this type are usually fed by connecting a dipole or emitter half with an outer conductor through direct current (i.e., in a galvanic manner), or in a capacitive or inductive (i.e. electromagnetic) manner, whereas the inner conductor of a coaxial connecting cable is connected to the second dipole or emitter half through direct current (i.e., in a galvanic manner once again) or in a capacitive or inductive manner.
A disadvantage of the turnstile antennas known from prior art is that the production cost is high and the dipole antenna elements cannot be operated as broadband as desired.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an antenna arrangement, in particular for mobile radio systems, with at least one dual-polarized turnstile antenna, with the turnstile antenna being able to be operated at a greater broadband capacity than previous turnstile antennas. In this context, the electrical properties should be better than those of existing turnstile antennas, even at low frequency ranges. Frequency ranges from 698 to 960 MHz are particularly desirable. Lower frequencies should also be achieved.
This object is achieved by the antenna arrangement according to the invention as described in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the antenna arrangement according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims.
The antenna arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one dual-polarised turnstile antenna. This antenna is arranged on a reflector arrangement and comprises a first dipole antenna element and a second dipole antenna element. Both dipole antenna elements are aligned perpendicular to each other. Both dipole antenna elements each comprise two dipole halves. The first dipole half of the first dipole antenna element comprises a ground connection medium, a dipole section, and a coupling section. The dipole section and the coupling section are galvanically connected to one another and to a first end of the ground connection medium. A second end of the ground connection medium, which lies opposite the first end, is arranged on the reflector arrangement. The same applies to the first dipole half of the second dipole antenna element. The second dipole half of the first dipole antenna element also comprises a dipole section and a coupling section as well as a signal connection medium. The dipole section and the coupling section are galvanically connected to one another and to a first end of the signal connection medium, with a second end of the signal connection medium, which lies opposite the first end, being arranged on the reflector arrangement. The same also applies to the second dipole half of the second dipole antenna element. The signal connection medium of the first dipole antenna element preferably runs parallel or with one component substantially parallel to the ground connection medium of the first dipole antenna element. The same also applies to the signal connection medium of the second dipole antenna element in relation to the ground connection medium. The dipole sections of the respective dipole antenna element run in the opposite direction.
This means that the respective dipole section extends outward from the respective first end of the ground connection medium or signal connection medium, in particular radially away from this first end. The signal connection medium of the first dipole antenna element is preferably galvanically connected to a first feed system (in particular at its second end). The same preferably also applies to the signal connection medium of the second dipole antenna element. In order to increase the broadband capability, the coupling section of the first dipole antenna element extends along the nearest dipole section of the adjacent second dipole antenna element. A spacing gap is formed between a coupling side of the respective coupling section of the first dipole antenna element and the respective adjacent dipole section of the second dipole antenna element, as a result of which a capacitive coupling occurs between the respective coupling section and the adjacent dipole section. The same also applies to the coupling section of the second dipole antenna element, which extends along to the nearest dipole section of the adjacent next dipole antenna element.
The bandwidth capability of the turnstile antenna (i.e., the compactness of the emitter impedance) for subsequent impedance transformations is improved by using the corresponding coupling section via which a capacitive coupling to the neighbouring dipole section can be established. The bandwidth and emission characteristics are improved by a “capacitive coupling with the orthogonal dipole” and/or a “symmetrisation” of the (supplied) field/current and/or the excitation of a “parasitic emitter.”
Very long and complex developments have shown that particularly good results can be achieved if the at least one coupling section has approximately the same circumferential length or resonance length as the dipole section to which the coupling section is galvanically connected. The word “approximately” includes deviations of less than +/−30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or less than 5%.
Preferably, at least one dipole section or all dipole sections have a plate-like shape. They extend by a length l away from the first end of the respective ground connection medium or signal connection medium and have a height h (in the direction of the reflector) and a thickness d, with the height h being greater than the thickness d. The at least one coupling section or all of the sections also preferably have a plate-like shape and extend
The at least one coupling section or all of the sections have a thickness D that is smaller than the length L and the width B. The difference between a first sum of length l and height h of the dipole section and a second sum of length L and width B of that coupling section which is galvanically connected to the dipole section is preferably less than 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or less than 5% of the first or second sum. The first sum should preferably correspond to the second sum.
In an embodiment of the antenna arrangement, the at least one coupling section or all of the sections are galvanically connected to the respective dipole section of the same dipole half over their entire width B. Coupling sections, dipole sections, and ground connection supports or signal connection supports are preferably formed as one piece, which is either pressed and/or stamped and/or lasercut.
Furthermore, the length L of at least one coupling section or all of the sections is smaller than the length l of the closest dipole section of the other dipole antenna element. This means that the coupling section does not protrude from the closest dipole section. The width B of at least one coupling section is preferably also smaller than the length l of the dipole section with which it is galvanically connected. The coupling section does not protrude from the dipole section to which it is galvanically connected.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one or all the coupling sections extend farthest away from their dipole section only in the area to which they are galvanically connected, and on which the coupling side is formed. As the width B increases, the coupling section preferably extends less far from its dipole section. The progression of this extent may in this case decrease in a stepped or continuous manner. This means that the open end of the coupling section, which is adjacent to the closest dipole section of the other dipole antenna element, is arranged farthest away from its own dipole section of the same dipole half. From this open end, the coupling section continues to run in the direction of its own dipole section. It is tapered, so to speak. This progression is stepped (one or more stages) or continuous.
The open end of the coupling section can also be bent in the direction of the reflector arrangement or away from the reflector arrangement, or it may run parallel to it. In particular, the open end on which the coupling side is formed, which runs adjacent to the closest dipole section of the adjacent dipole antenna element, can be arranged or bent in such a way that it runs, at least over a partial length:
If the open end is bent away from the reflector arrangement, the height of the coupling section, that is to say the height by which it protrudes from the reflector arrangement, may increase.
To increase the coupling, it is also possible for at least one coupling section or all of the sections to comprise a coupling lug. This coupling lug can extend over the entire length L or only over part of the length L of the respective coupling section on its coupling side and is bent in the direction of the reflector arrangement. This increases the coupling surface and thus the coupling between the respective coupling section and the respective closest dipole section of the adjacent dipole antenna element.
In order to increase the length L of the coupling section, it would also be conceivable for an indentation to be made in the coupling side of the coupling section. As a result, the dimensioning mentioned above can also be maintained with longer or higher dipole sections.
The height of the dipole section preferably decreases from its connection to the first end of the ground connection medium or signal connection medium to its free end. The progression of the dipole section is particularly adapted to the progression of a housing cover.
The progression of the dipole section and the coupling section can be different. One dipole section or all dipole sections comprise at least one top surface (upper surface), bottom surface, end surface and two side surfaces. The top surface extends from the first end of the ground connection medium parallel to the reflector arrangement or inclined in the direction of the reflector arrangement and terminates at the end surface. The bottom surface extends from a first end of the ground connection medium or signal connection medium in the direction of the reflector arrangement, is inclined toward it and also ends at the end surface. The bottom surface is more inclined in the direction of the reflector arrangement than the top surface as a result of which the height of the first and second side surfaces is greater in the area of the end surface than in the area of the ground connection medium or signal connection medium. This means that the corresponding dipole section “diverges” in the direction of its free end. In this context, the corresponding coupling section may run parallel to the reflector arrangement. The coupling section therefore preferably runs along the top surface and ends at a distance from the end surface. An extension of the coupling section away from the dipole section increases step by step and/or continuously from the end area towards the open end of the coupling section at the closest dipole section of the adjacent dipole antenna element.
In principle, however, it would also be possible for the bottom surface to be inclined from the first end of the ground connection medium or signal connection medium in the direction of the reflector arrangement to a turning point and, more preferably, inclined again from this turning point in the other direction (i.e., away from the reflector arrangement) to the end surface, whereby the height of the first and second side surfaces is greater in the area of this turning point than in the area of the end surfaces. The corresponding coupling section could then, for example, comprise a first area and, additionally or alternatively, a second area. In the first area, the coupling section is preferably arranged parallel to the reflector arrangement and then transitions into a second area. In the second area, the coupling section is inclined and runs from the top surface via the side surface in the direction of the bottom surface and ends at the turning point. Here, too, an extension of the coupling section away from the dipole section starting from the turning point toward the open end of the coupling section at the closest dipole section of the adjacent dipole antenna element increases in a stepped and/or continuous manner.
In principle, the coupling sections and the dipole sections could also be rectangular with the coupling section or coupling sections being aligned parallel to the reflector arrangement and the dipole sections perpendicular to the reflector arrangement. Deviations of less than +/−5° would be conceivable. In this case, the coupling section would run perpendicular to its dipole section to which it is galvanically connected.
In a further embodiment according to the invention, the first dipole half of the first dipole antenna element and the first dipole half of the second dipole antenna element are formed in one piece. This means that the dipole section and the coupling section of the first dipole half of the first dipole antenna element and the dipole section and the coupling section of the first dipole half of the second dipole antenna element are electrically connected to the first end of a shared ground connection medium. This simplifies production and assembly.
The antenna arrangement preferably has further higher-frequency turnstile antennas. These have smaller dimensions than the at least one dual-polarised turnstile antenna and protrude from the same. When the antenna arrangement is seen from above, at least one of these higher-frequency turnstile antennas is partially (not completely) covered by the first or second dipole antenna element of the at least one dual-polarised turnstile antenna.
These higher-frequency turnstile antennas are preferably mounted on separate base bodies which are inserted into a corresponding opening in the reflector arrangement. This makes it possible for them to be pre-assembled.
The higher-frequency turnstile antennas are arranged in different rows (parallel) to each other. These different rows are at least partially shielded from one another by partition devices.
Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. The same items have the same reference numerals. The corresponding figures in the drawings show in detail:
The antenna arrangement 100 according to the invention, which comprises at least one novel dual-polarised turnstile antenna 1, is described below. Such a dual-polarised turnstile antenna 1 according to the invention is shown in
The at least one dual-polarised turnstile antenna 1 is arranged on a reflector arrangement 101 (see
The first dipole antenna element 2 comprises two dipole halves 2a, 2b, which are shown enlarged in
The first dipole half 2a of the first dipole antenna element 2 comprises a ground connection medium 4, a dipole section 5, and a coupling section 6. The dipole section 5 and the coupling section 6 are galvanically connected to one another and to a first end 4a of the ground connection medium 4. The first end 4a lies opposite a second end 4b, which is arranged on the reflector arrangement 101. The ground connection medium 4 is preferably electrically connected to the reflector arrangement 101.
The second dipole half 2b of the first dipole antenna element 2 comprises a signal connection medium 7, a dipole section 5, and a coupling section 6. The dipole section 5 and the coupling section 6 are in turn galvanically connected to one another and to a first end 7a of the signal connection medium 7. Likewise, a second end 7b of the signal connection medium 7, which lies opposite the first end 7a, is arranged on the reflector arrangement 101, but is not galvanically connected to it.
The same applies to the second dipole antenna element 3. The first dipole half 3a of the second dipole antenna element 3 comprises a ground connection medium 4, a dipole section 5, and a coupling section 6. The dipole section 5 and the coupling section 6 are galvanically connected to one another and to a first end 4a of the ground connection medium 4. A second end 4b of the ground connection medium 4, which lies opposite the first end 4a, is arranged on the reflector arrangement 101.
The second dipole half 3b of the second dipole antenna element 3 comprises a signal connection medium 7, a dipole section 5 and a coupling section 6. The dipole section 5 and the coupling section 6 are galvanically connected to one another and to a first end 7a of the signal connection medium 7. A second end 7b of the signal connection medium 7, which lies opposite the first end 7a, is in turn arranged on the reflector arrangement 101 but is not galvanically connected to it.
In this exemplary embodiment, the signal connection medium 7 of the first dipole antenna element 2 runs parallel to the ground connection medium 4 of the first dipole antenna element 2 or predominantly parallel to a component that is parallel to said ground connection medium. The same also applies to the signal connection medium 7 of the second dipole antenna element 3, which likewise runs parallel to the ground connection medium 4 of the second dipole antenna element 2 or predominantly parallel to a component that is parallel to said ground connection medium 4.
The dipole sections 5 of the first dipole antenna element 2 run in opposite directions. They can run through the same plane or through two planes that are arranged parallel to each other. In the latter case, the dipole sections 5 would be offset from one another. The same also applies to the dipole sections 5 of the second dipole antenna element 3, which likewise run in opposite directions.
In a preferred embodiment, the signal connection medium 7 of the first dipole antenna element 2 is galvanically connected to a first feed system (not shown). The same can also apply to the signal connection medium 7 of the second dipole antenna element 3. In this case, the signal connection mediums 7 would not be capacitively connected to the feed system.
In order to increase the broadband capability, the coupling sections 6 of the first dipole antenna element 2 each extend along the closest dipole section 5 of the adjacent second dipole antenna element 3. A spacing gap 8 is formed between a coupling side 6a of the respective coupling section 6 of the first dipole antenna element 2 and the respective adjacent dipole section 5 of the second dipole antenna element 3, as a result of which a capacitive coupling occurs between the coupling side 6a of the respective coupling section 6 of the first dipole antenna element 2 and the respective adjacent dipole section 5 of the second dipole antenna element 3.
In
This also applies to the coupling sections 6 of the second dipole antenna element 3, which also extend along to the closest dipole section 5 of the adjacent first dipole antenna element 2. Between a coupling side 6a of the respective coupling section 6 of the second dipole antenna element 3 and the respective adjacent dipole section 5 of the first dipole antenna element 2, a spacing gap 8 is formed once again, as a result of which a capacitive coupling occurs between the coupling side 6a of the respective coupling section 6 of the second dipole antenna element 3 to the adjacent one Dipole section 5 of the first dipole antenna element 2.
In
The coupling sections 6 originate from the first end 4a of the respective ground connection medium 4 or from the first end 7a of the respective signal connection medium 7 of the second dipole half 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. It would also be possible for the coupling sections 6 to originate from the respective dipole sections 5 of the second dipole half 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b.
In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling sections 6 are aligned parallel to the reflector arrangement 101. The dipole sections 5 are aligned perpendicular to the reflector arrangement 101. The angle between the coupling section 6 and the dipole section 5, to which it is galvanically connected, is preferably approximately 90°. The word “approximately” is to be understood to mean that a deviation of less than +/−5°, +/−3°, or less than +/−2° is included.
In
Referring to
In principle, as shown in
In order to be able to achieve particularly good results with regard to the bandwidth in which the dual-polarised turnstile antenna 1 according to the invention can be used, it is advantageous if at least one coupling section 6 or all of the sections 6 have the same circumferential length or resonance length as the dipole section 5 of the corresponding own dipole half 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b to which the respective coupling section 6 belongs.
With regard to
This dimensioning preferably applies to all dipole halves 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b as shown in
At least one coupling section 6 is electrically connected over its entire width B to the respective dipole section 5 of the same dipole half 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. In particular, however, only the portion on which the coupling section 6 is galvanically connected to the dipole section 5 belongs to the width B.
The length L of at least one coupling section 6 is preferably the length l of the closest dipole section 5 of the other dipole antenna element 2, 3 along which the respective coupling section 6 extends. This means that the corresponding coupling section 6 does not protrude beyond the closest dipole section 5 of the other dipole antenna element 2, 3. The same preferably also applies to the width B. The width B of at least one coupling section 6 is preferably smaller than the length l of the dipole section 5 of the same dipole half 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b.
In
The coupling section 6 is bent in the direction of the reflector arrangement 101 in the area of said section's open end 11, which is arranged adjacent to the adjoining dipole section 5 of the other dipole antenna element 2, 3 and on which the coupling side 6a is formed. The coupling section could also be bent away from the reflector arrangement 101 or run parallel to it. The coupling lug 9 is in particular only arranged in the curved area of the coupling section 6.
The height by which the dipole section 5 protrudes from the reflector arrangement 101 decreases towards the free end 12 of the dipole section 5. This means that the dipole section 5 is inclined over its entire length l or, as shown in
The dipole section 5 comprises at least a top surface 5a, a bottom surface 5b, an end surface 5c, and side surfaces 5d, 5e. In this case, the top surface 5a runs from the first end 7a of the signal connection medium 7 over a partial length both parallel to the reflector arrangement 101 and over a subsequent partial length inclined in the direction of the reflector arrangement 101. It could also run only parallel to the reflector arrangement 101 or be only inclined towards the reflector arrangement 101. The bottom surface 5b extends from the first end 7a of the signal connection medium 7, inclined in the direction of the reflector arrangement 101, to the end surface 5c. In this case, the bottom surface 5b is inclined more in the direction of the reflector arrangement 101 than the top surface 5a, as a result of which the height of the first and second side surfaces 5d, 5e is greater in the area of the end surface 5c than in the area of the signal connection medium 7. This height (the maximum height) is particularly relevant for dimensioning purposes.
The corresponding coupling section 6, which is galvanically connected to the dipole section 5 along the width B, extends over a partial length (width B) of the top surface 5a along the top surface 5a and ends at an end area 17 that is at a distance from the end surface. The coupling section 6 is generally not inclined up to this end area 17 and preferably runs parallel to the reflector arrangement 101.
An extent of the coupling section 6 away from the dipole section 5 increases from the end area 17 to the open end 11 of the coupling section 6 at the closest dipole section 5 of the adjacent dipole antenna element 2, 3 in a stepped and/or continuous manner.
The corresponding coupling section 6 could also run as shown in
In the second area 14, the coupling section 6 tapers as well, starting from the first area 13 in the direction of the turning point. This tapering can take place in a stepped and/or continuous manner. This means that an extent of the coupling section 6 away from the dipole section 5 starting from the turning point 16 toward the open end 11 of the coupling section 6 at the closest dipole section 5 of the adjacent dipole antenna element 2, 3 increases in a stepped and/or continuous manner. The first area 13 also tapers from the open end 11 in the direction of the second area 14. In this case, the tapering is stepped. The tapering could also be continuous.
In
In
Furthermore,
The features described with regard to the coupling section 6 and the dipole section 5 apply to each dipole half 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. All of these coupling sections 6 or dipole sections 5 may or may not have the same configuration.
The structure shown in
A second end surface 5f is arranged between the area of the bottom surface 5b which is next to the first end 4a of the ground connection medium 4 and the first end 4a of the ground connection medium 4. The bottom surface 5b therefore begins at a distance from the top surface 5a (by the length of the end surface 50 in the direction of the reflector arrangement 101. The bottom surface 5b of the dipole section 5 therefore runs (around the second end surface 5f in the direction of the reflector arrangement 101) offset from the first end 4a or 7a of the ground connection medium 4 or signal connection medium 7 in the direction of the end surface 5c. In
The corresponding coupling section 6, which is galvanically connected to the dipole section 5 along the width B, runs along the top surface 5a and ends at the end surface 5a at the end area 17. Said coupling section could also end before the end area 17. The coupling section 6 is preferably not inclined up to this end area 17 and in particular runs parallel to the reflector arrangement 101.
An extent of the coupling section 6 away from the dipole section 5 increases continuously from the end area 17 to the open end 11 of the coupling section 6 at the closest dipole section 5 of the adjacent dipole antenna element 2, 3. The extent of the coupling section 6 could also increase in a stepped manner.
In this exemplary embodiment, the length L of the at least one coupling section 6 or of all coupling sections 6 is smaller than its width B. The width B of at least one coupling section 6 or of all coupling sections 6 is greater than the length l of the dipole section 5 of the same dipole half 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b. This means that the top surface 5a of the dipole section 5 does not extend over the entire width B of the coupling section 6.
According to
A dielectric 15 is also shown, which is arranged in the spacing gap 8. In principle, such a dielectric 15 can be arranged in each spacing gap 8. This does not have to be the case, however. The dielectrics 15 can all be of the same length or of different lengths. The dielectrics 15 can also be arranged on or clipped onto the respective coupling lug 9.
It is also possible for the respective dielectric 15 to be an integral component of the respective holding device 25 or 26. The dielectric 15 is preferably made of a plastic such as Teflon.
It is also possible for the respective holding device 25, 26 to be formed by overmoulding the ground connection medium 4 and the signal connection medium 7 of the first dipole antenna element 2 and the second dipole antenna element 3, respectively.
The emitter planes of the first and second dipole antenna elements 2, 3 of the dual-polarized turnstile antenna 1 preferably run parallel to the emitter planes of the first and second dipole antenna elements of the higher-frequency turnstile antennas 102.
A number of rows 103 are provided, in which the higher-frequency turnstile antennas 102 are arranged. The plurality of rows 103 are separated from one another by partition devices 104. These partition devices 104 can extend away from the reflector arrangement 101 and can be less high than or of the same height as the high-frequency turnstile antennas 102. As a result, high-frequency turnstile antennas 102 of different rows 103 are at least partially shielded or decoupled from one another.
The signal connection mediums 7 of both dipole antenna elements 2, 3 are preferably fed exclusively at their respective second ends 7b.
The dual-polarized turnstile antenna 1 is free or, with the exception of the second ends 4b, 7b of the ground connection medium 4 and/or the signal connection medium 7, free of soldering points and/or cables.
The sum of the length l and the height h of the dipole section 5 can be more than 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110% or more than 120% but less than 130%, 120%, 110%, 100%, 90% or less than 80% of the sum of the length L and the width B of the coupling section 6, which is galvanically connected to the dipole section 5.
The coupling gap 8 between two adjacent dipole halves 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b is preferably designed and arranged to run asymmetrically in such a way that the coupling gap 8 is offset from the bisecting lines between the dipole halves 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b.
The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described. In the context of the invention, all of the described and/or drawn features can be combined with one another at will.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
102019107476.2 | Mar 2019 | DE | national |
102019108901.8 | Apr 2019 | DE | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2020/057760 | 3/20/2020 | WO |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2020/193401 | 10/1/2020 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4184163 | Woodward | Jan 1980 | A |
4414550 | Tresselt | Nov 1983 | A |
4434425 | Barbano | Feb 1984 | A |
5208602 | Monser | May 1993 | A |
5321414 | Alden | Jun 1994 | A |
6069590 | Thompson, Jr. et al. | May 2000 | A |
6072439 | Ippolito et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6747606 | Harel et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6940465 | Gottl | Sep 2005 | B2 |
7358924 | Boss | Apr 2008 | B2 |
20050253769 | Timofeev et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
20140028516 | Semonov et al. | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20170125917 | Lin et al. | May 2017 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
19627015 | Jan 1998 | DE |
19722742 | Dec 1998 | DE |
1156549 | Nov 2001 | EP |
1772929 | Apr 2007 | EP |
2672568 | Dec 2013 | EP |
2863111 | Jun 2005 | FR |
2014018600 | Jan 2014 | WO |
2018224666 | Dec 2018 | WO |
Entry |
---|
International Search Report and Written Opinion for International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2020/057760, dated Jun. 25, 2020, 16 pages. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20220200168 A1 | Jun 2022 | US |