The present invention refers to a slim multi-band antenna array for cellular base stations, which provides a reduced width of the base station antenna and minimizes the environmental and visual impact of a network of cellular base station antennas, in particular in mobile telephony and wireless service networks. The invention relates to a generation of slim base station sites that are able to integrate multiple mobile/cellular services into a compact radiating system.
A Multi Band antenna array of the invention comprises an interlaced arrangement of small radiating elements to significantly reduce the size of the antenna. More specifically the width of this antenna being similar to the width of a typical single band antenna so about half of the width of typical Dual Band antenna.
The UMTS, third generation of wireless communications systems, that is being added to 2nd generation of wireless communications systems (such as GSM900, DCS, PCS1900, CDMA, TDMA) has created a demand for multiband antennas and in particular to Dual Band Base Station Antennas. The typical Dual band antennas that are used today are side by side arrays where the size is typically twice of the size of a single band antenna. To be more specific the typical width of Dual Band antenna is around 2 wavelengths, which is about 30 cm in the case of an antenna operating at two of the following communication services DCS, PCS or UMTS while the width of a Single Band antenna is typically around one wavelength, which is around 15 cm in case of a DCS, PCS or UMTS antenna.
The cellular services require several Base Stations that are composed by several base station antennas to give service to the cellular users. The antennas are the radiating part of the Base Station. Typically, the radiating part of the Base Station is composed by nine or three independent antennas that give coverage to a specific part of the city, village, road, motorway. As the radiating part of the Base Station is composed by several antennas, the size of the Base Station is large and has a significant visual impact.
The visual impact due to the size and number of antennas at the Base Station has been a rising issue for operators and consumers, so creating a demand for smaller antennas, having less visual impact, but still maintaining the same performance and functionality. Governments desire to minimize the visual impact of the Base Station, and it is becoming very difficult for the operators to get a license to set up new Base Stations on the cities and villages around the world.
Adjustable electrical down-tilt techniques for antenna systems are very well known in the related background art.
The invention provides tools and means to minimize the visual impact and cost of mobile telecommunication networks while at the same time simplifying the logistics of the deployment, installation and maintenance of such networks. The invention provides a slim base station site which integrates multiple mobile/cellular services into a compact radiating system. The radiating system includes an adjustable electrical tilt system for one or more of the operating frequency bands, thus providing additional flexibility when planning, adjusting, and optimizing the coverage, and increasing the capacity of the network. Also, the slim form factor of the radiating system as described by the present invention enables slimmer, lighter towers to support such radiating systems, which are easier to carry to the roof of buildings (through elevators, through stairs or small gear systems) where the systems might be installed. Also, such slim systems enable such lighter and portable towers to be implemented as a cascading of modular elements, and also, to introduce folding, retracting or bending mechanisms for an easier installation. Also, the slim site can be easily disguised in the form of other urban architectural elements (such as for instance street light poles, chimneys, flag posts, advertisement posts and so on) while at the same time integrating other equipment (such as filters, diplexers, tower mounted low-noise amplifiers and/or power amplifiers) in a single, compact unit.
One aspect of the invention refers to a Slim Stacked dual band antenna array using compact antenna and compact phase shifter technology to allow the integration of three dual band antennas on a slim cylinder, that result in a base station of reduced size and reduced visual impact when compared to the radiating part of current base stations. More specifically, the diameter of this slim array that compose the radiating part of the base station is typically less than 2 wavelengths for the longest operating wavelength, and in some embodiments, such a diameter is less than 1.6, 1.5, 1.4 or 1.3 wavelengths, which is significantly smaller than the size of the radiating part of typical base stations. The invention therefore provides as well a method for reducing the size of the radiating part of the base station, and therefore a method for minimizing the environmental and visual impact of a network of cellular base station antennas. Also, this provides a means of reducing the cost of installation of the whole network, and a means to speed-up the deployment of the network.
A particular embodiment of this invention includes a Dual Band and dual polarized array with independent variable down-tilt for each frequency band. The ratio between frequency bands is less than 2, and in some preferred embodiments less than 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2 and 1.15. In particular, this invention is suitable for combining frequency bands such as UMTS and GSM1800 (DCS), UMTS with PCS1900 or in general two or more cellular or wireless systems operating in the vicinity of the 1700 MHz-2700 MHz frequency range. For instance, in the case of UMTS (1920 MHz-2170 MHz) the central frequency is f2=2045 MHz, while for GSM1800 (1710 MHz-1880 MHz) the central frequency is f1=1795 MHz. In a preferred embodiment the ratio between both frequencies is f2/f1=1,139 which is smaller than 1.3. In some embodiments the ratio is computed from the central frequencies of the band. In some embodiments the ratio is computed from other frequencies chosen at the two bands.
The width and thickness of this antenna is small compared to typical Dual Band base station antenna. Particularly the width is less than two wavelengths, such as for instance one and half wavelengths (1.5), 1.4 times the wavelength (1.4λ), 1.3 times the wavelength (1.3λ) and even in some embodiments less than one wavelength (λ) for any of the operating bands. The thickness of this antenna is less than one third of the wavelength, such as for instance 0.3 times the wavelength (0.3λ) and even in some embodiments less than one third of the wavelength (0.3λ) for any of the operating bands. Despite of the narrow width and thickness of the antenna, the radiation pattern characteristics, such as vertical and horizontal beamwidth, and upper side-lobes suppression, are maintained.
Variable down-tilt is achieved by using a phase shifter and using adequate vertical spacing between radiating elements, less than one λ, but also preferably less than ¾ of λ and less than ⅔ of λ at all frequencies of operation to maintain a good radiation pattern. Such a spacing is specified, for instance, taking into consideration the center of the radiating elements. In a preferred embodiment, the phase shifter comprises a movable transmission line above a main transmission line.
The invention allows the integration of three dual band antennas in a slim cylinder due to the compact phase-shifter that allows variable electrical downtilt, being the downtilt independent for the two operating bands of the dual band antenna. The thickness of the phase shifter is less than 0.07 times the wavelength (0.07λ).
The invention makes it possible to integrate three dual band antennas in a slim cylinder, due to the use of compact radiating elements and compact ground plane. When considering the maximum length in the axis of the array, these radiating elements are smaller than half a wavelength (λ/2) at the frequency of operation, but also smaller than λ/3 in several embodiments. Several techniques are possible to reduce the size of the radiating elements within the present invention, such as for instance using space-filling structures, multilevel structures, box-counting and grid dimension curves, dielectric loading and fractal techniques.
Therefore, one aspect of the present invention refers to a multiband antenna system for cellular base stations, which includes at least one multiband antenna array, wherein each antenna array comprises a first set of radiating elements operating at a first frequency band and a second set of radiating elements operating at a second frequency band. The radiating elements of this antenna system are smaller than λ/2 or smaller than λ/3, being (λ) the longest operating wavelength. Preferably the ratio between the largest and the smallest of said frequency bands is smaller than 2. This ratio can be computed from the largest and smallest operating frequency within the bands, or by taking the central frequencies of each band.
In a preferred embodiment said antenna arrays are radially spaced from a central axis of the antenna system, and each antenna array is longitudinally (i.e., along the direction of the central axis) placed within an angular sector defined around said central axis.
To complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but just as an example of how the invention can be embodied. The drawings comprise the following figures:
The multiband antenna array of the invention comprises a first set of radiating elements (17) operating at a first frequency band and a second set of radiating elements (16) operating at a second frequency band. The radiating elements of this antenna system are smaller than λ/2 or smaller than λ/3, being (λ) the longest operating wavelength.
These four feeding points (14) can be feeding the radiating element (13) for instance by direct contact or by capacitive coupling. In case of using the capacitive coupling, no electrical contact is required to connect the element, so solder joints or metal fasteners are avoided on the element. This can improve inter-modulation performance and it is one of the preferred arrangements of the invention. In some embodiments the aspect ratio of the elements (vertical:horizontal sizes) will be 1 to 1 (1:1), in some other preferred embodiments, a deviation smaller than a 15% in one of axes will be introduced in at least one of the elements to improve the polarization isolation, the isolation between connectors of different bands, or both.
In order to further reduce the size of the antenna system, the radiating elements (13) of each multiband antenna array may be interlaced in different configurations. An example of the interlaced arrangement of the radiating elements is shown in
More in detail, and in view of
Examples of interleaving radiating elements working at different frequencies, are shown in
The horizontal separation between elements (centre to centre) is smaller than λ/2, but bigger than λ/3 to maintain the proper horizontal beamwidth (<75 degrees). It could be less than λ/3 if broader horizontal beamwidth (>70 degrees) is required.
A horizontal offset between bands is also introduced in some embodiments to adjust horizontal beamwidth. This is for instance shown in
For a better manufacturability, this box (18) can be made of metal casting or injection-moulded plastic covered with a conductor. So there is a possibility to manufacture this antenna without using an extruded or sheet metal ground plane. Also, for better isolation and cross polarization performance, each element should preferably have four feeding points (14) or more, preferably symmetrical, although unsymmetrical embodiments are allowed as well.
The vertical spacing (d) between radiating elements has been represented in
In some embodiments a Filter/Diplexer is added inside the antenna to achieve greater isolation between electrical ports of different frequency bands.
Alternately, the radiating elements may be arranged in a stacked topology also in order to reduce the size of the antenna array. An example of the spatial arrangement of the stacked radiating elements working at different frequencies is shown in
The number of radiating elements at each of the two regions for each band does not need to be the same. Different number of elements will be preferably used in those cases where a different radiation pattern for each band is desired. The spacing between elements will preferably be between 0.6λ and 1.2λ at the shortest operating band within each corresponding region. For instance, in some embodiments the physical distance between elements in a first frequency region will be different than the physical distance between elements in a second frequency region, but the electrical distance (in terms of their corresponding operating frequencies) will be substantially similar.
A preferred embodiment with stacked configuration of the radiating elements is shown in
The vertical separation between stacked arrays (centre to centre of each group of elements corresponding to a band) is larger than λ, such distance is modified to control the gain adding more elements. In some embodiments, as shown in
Several features are included in some embodiments to improve isolation between polarization and cross-polarization level, for instance some flanges (29) between elements. In some embodiments, the flanges (29) will be placed between every single radiating element and will have the same shape. In other embodiments, further improvement of the polarization isolation is achieved by using asymmetrical arrangements and distributions of flanges (29) between radiating elements, as shown for instance in
In
In some embodiments, the number of radiating elements around the central support (28) will be just two, while in some other embodiments this number will be larger than three, preferably 4, 5 or 6.
In some embodiments, an angular spacing is introduced between antennas, and a mechanical feature is added in order to adjust the horizontal boresight of each sector so optimising the azimuth coverage. In this particular case, the diameter of the total circumference formed by the three antennas is still less than 2λ, and even less than 1.82λ at the highest frequency, with an angular spacing of at least 20 degrees. Smaller diameter is achieved in some embodiments by reducing the angular spacing and/or its adjustment range.
In order to shrink the diameter of a tri-sector Dual Band even further, small radiating elements with smaller ground plane are used in some embodiments including a stacked configuration according to the present invention. As shown in
In the embodiment of
c is an example of a Tri-Band antenna with three independent down-tilt and an angular spacing of 20 degrees. For each antenna array (19, 19′, 19″) the ground plane profile (23, 23′, 23″) has flanges (24, 24′, 24″) bent upwards at the optimum angle for minimizing antenna diameter and maximizing aperture of radiation, which is 40 degrees in this example.
For any given tri-sector antenna, there is always the compromise of:
having the smallest radome diameter for lower visual impact and lower windload, allowing the mimetization of the radiating part of the base station with the environment,
having the biggest angular spacing for more flexibility in optimising the azimuth coverage of each sector,
having the maximum horizontal radiation aperture to increase the directivity of the antenna in the horizontal plane.
In some embodiments, a preferred angle (α) that would allow the best compromise is equal to 30 degrees+Angular Spacing (A) divided by 2:
α=30+A/2
where (α) is the angle between the horizontal and the flanges of the ground plane and (A) is the angular spacing between 2 antennas.
Each multiband antenna array is provided with a phase shifter device providing an adjustable electrical downtilt for each frequency band. The phase shifter includes an electrical path of variable length, for which the phase shifter preferably comprises a first transmission line slideably mounted on a second transmission line.
One aspect of the invention refers to the phase shifter shown in
The electrical length of the phase shifter may be adjusted either manually or by means of a small electric motor (not shown), which in turn may be remotely controlled by means of any technique known to the prior art.
Another feature of the slim stacked dual band array is the integration of a modular system to easily modify the height of the antenna from the floor, as represented in
Several techniques are possible to reduce the size of the radiating elements within the present invention, such as for instance using space-filling structures, multilevel structures, box-counting and grid dimension curves.
About Space-Filling Curves
A way of miniaturizing the radiating elements of the Multiband Array is shaping part of the antenna elements (for example at least a part of the arms of a dipole, the perimeter of the patch of a patch antenna, the slot in a slot antenna, the loop perimeter in a loop antenna) as a space-filling curve (SFC), i.e., a curve that is large in terms of physical length but small in terms of the area in which the curve can be included. More precisely, the following definition is taken in this invention for a space-filling curve: a curve composed by at least five segments which are connected in such a way that each segment forms an angle with their neighbours, i.e., no pair of adjacent segments define a larger straight segment. In some embodiments a SFC can comprise straight segments, and in some other embodiments a SFC can comprise curved segments, and yet in other cases a SFC can comprise both straight and curved segments. Also, whatever the design of such SFC is, it can never intersect with itself at any point except the initial and final point (that is, the whole curve can be arranged as a closed curve or loop, but none of the parts of the curve can become a closed loop). A space-filling curve can be fitted over a flat or curved surface, and due to the angles between segments, the physical length of the curve is always larger than that of any straight line that can be fitted in the same area (surface) as said space-filling curve. Additionally, to properly shape the structure of a miniature antenna according to the present invention, the segments of the SFC curves must be shorter than at least one fifth of the free-space operating wavelength, in some embodiments preferably shorter than one tenth of the free-space operating wavelength. Although five is the minimum number of segments to provide some antenna size reduction, in some embodiments a larger number of segments can be chosen, for instance 10, 20 or more. In general, the larger the number of segments and the narrower the angles between them, the smaller the size of the final antenna.
About the Box-Counting Dimension
One aspect of the present invention is the box-counting dimension of the curve that forms at least a portion of the antenna. For a given geometry lying on a surface, the box-counting dimension is computed in the following way: first a grid with substantially squared identical cells boxes of size L1 is placed over the geometry, such that the grid completely covers the geometry, that is, no part of the curve is out of the grid. Then the number of boxes N1 that include at least a point of the geometry are counted; secondly a grid with boxes of size L2 (L2 being smaller than L1) is also placed over the geometry, such that the grid completely covers the geometry, and the number of boxes N2 that include at least a point of the geometry are counted again. The box-counting dimension D is then computed as:
In terms of the present invention, the box-counting dimension is computed by placing the first and second grids inside the minimum rectangular area enclosing the curve of the antenna and applying the above algorithm. The first grid should be chosen such that the rectangular area is meshed in an array of at least 5×5 boxes or cells, and the second grid is chosen such that L2=½ L and such that the second grid includes at least 10×10 boxes. By the minimum rectangular area it will be understood such area wherein there is not an entire row or column on the perimeter of the grid that does not contain any piece of the curve. Thus, some of the embodiments of the present invention will feature a box-counting dimension larger than 1.1, and in those applications where the required degree of miniaturization is higher, the designs will feature a box-counting dimension ranging from 1.3 up to 3, inclusive. These curves featuring at least a portion of its geometry with a box-counting dimension larger than 1.1 will be also referred as box-counting curves.
For some embodiments, a curve having a box-counting dimension close to 2 is preferred. For very small antennas, that fit for example in a rectangle of maximum size equal to one-twentieth of the longest free-space operating wavelength of the antenna, the box-counting dimension will be necessarily computed with a finer grid. In those cases, the first grid will be taken as a mesh of 10×10 equal cells, while the second grid will be taken as a mesh of 20×20 equal cells, and then D is computed according to the equation above. In general, for a given resonant frequency of the antenna, the larger the box-counting dimension the higher the degree of miniaturization that will be achieved by the antenna. One way of enhancing the miniaturization capabilities of the antenna according to the present invention is to arrange the several segments of the curve of the antenna pattern in such a way that the curve intersects at least one point of at least 14 boxes of the first grid with 5×5 boxes or cells enclosing the curve. Also, in other embodiments where a high degree of miniaturization is required, the curve crosses at least one of the boxes twice within the 5×5 grid, that is, the curve includes two non-adjacent portions inside at least one of the cells or boxes of the grid.
An example of how the box-counting dimension is computed according to the present invention is shown in
About Grid Dimension
Analogously, in some embodiments, the radiating elements of the Multi Band Array of the present invention include a characteristic grid dimension curve forming at least a portion of the at least one radiating element of the antenna. A grid dimension curve does not need to show clearly distinct segments and can be a completely smooth curve. For a given geometry lying on a planar or curved surface, the grid dimension in a grid dimension curve is computed in the following way:
first a grid with substantially identical cells of size L1 is placed over the geometry of said curve, such that the grid completely covers the geometry, and the number of cells N1 that include at least a point of the geometry are counted; secondly a grid with cells of size L2 (L2 being smaller than L1) is also placed over the geometry, such that the grid completely covers the geometry, and the number of cells N2 that include at least a point of the geometry are counted again. The grid dimension D is then computed as:
In terms of the present invention, the grid dimension is computed by placing the first and second grids inside the minimum rectangular area enclosing the curve of the antenna and applying the above algorithm. By the minimum rectangular area it will be understood such area wherein there is not an entire row or column on the perimeter of the grid that does not contain any piece of the curve.
The first grid should be chosen such that the rectangular area is meshed in an array of at least 25 substantially equal cells, and the second grid is chosen such that each cell on said first grid is divided in 4 equal cells, such that the size of the new cells is L2= 1/2 L1, therefore the second grid including at least 100 cells. Thus, some of the embodiments of the present invention will feature a grid dimension larger than 1, and in those applications where the required degree of miniaturization is higher, the designs will feature a grid dimension ranging from 1.5 up to 3 (in case of volumetric structures), inclusive. For some embodiments, a curve having a grid dimension of about 2 is preferred. In any case, for the purpose of the present invention, a grid dimension curve will feature a grid dimension larger than 1.
In general, for a given resonant frequency of the antenna, the larger the grid dimension the higher the degree of miniaturization that will be achieved by the antenna. One way of enhancing the miniaturization capabilities of the antenna according to the present invention is to arrange the several segments of the curve of the antenna pattern in such a way that the curve intersects at least one point of at least 50% of the cells of the first grid with at least 25 cells enclosing the curve. Also, in other embodiments where a high degree of miniaturization is required, the curve crosses at least one of the cells twice within the 25 cell grid, that is, the curve includes two non-adjacent portions inside at least one of the cells or cells of the grid.
In
In
Preferably, the elements in the array, according to the present invention, will be patch antenna elements, having a perimeter or at least one portion of the element structure shaped with a curve of at least 5 segments, being said segments smaller than the longest operating wavelength (λ) divided by 5. Preferably such a curve will feature a box-counting dimension or a grid dimension larger than 1.1, typical above 1.2 or 1.3. For non-rectilinear curves, it will feature a grid-dimension preferably larger than 1.1, typical above 1.2 or 1.3 as well. In general, the larger the box counting or grid-dimension, the smaller the size of the radiating element.
About Multilevel Antennae
The present invention consists of an antenna whose radiating element is characterised by its geometrical shape, which basically comprises several polygons or polyhedrons of the same type. That is, it comprises for example triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons or even circles and ellipses as a limiting case of a polygon with a large number of sides, as well as tetrahedral, hexahedra, prisms, dodecahedra, etc. coupled to each other electrically (either through at least one point of contact or through a small separation providing a capacitive coupling) and grouped in structures of a higher level such that in the body of the antenna can be identified the polygonal or polyhedral elements which it comprises. In turn, structures generated in this manner can be grouped in higher order structures in a manner similar to the basic elements, and so on until reaching as many levels as the antenna designer desires.
A multilevel structure is characterized in that it is formed by gathering several polygon or polyhedron of the same type (for example triangles, parallelepipeds, pentagons, hexagons, etc., even circles or ellipses as special limiting cases of a polygon with a large number of sides, as well as tetrahedral, hexahedra, prisms, dodecahedra, etc.) coupled to each other electromagnetically, whether by proximity or by direct contact between elements. A multilevel structure or figure is distinguished from another conventional figure precisely by the interconnection (if it exists) between its component elements (the polygon or polyhedron). In a multilevel structure the majority of its component elements (in some embodiments preferably at least 75% of them) have more than 50% of their perimeter (for polygons) not in contact with any of the other elements of the structure. Thus, in a multilevel structure it is easy to identify geometrically and individually distinguish most of its basic component elements, presenting at least two levels of detail: that of the overall structure and that of the polygon or polyhedron elements which form it. Its name is precisely due to this characteristic and from the fact that the polygon or polyhedron can be included in a great variety of sizes. Additionally, several multilevel structures may be grouped and coupled electromagnetically to each other to form higher level structures. In a multilevel structure all the component elements are polygons with the same number of sides or polyhedron with the same number of faces. Naturally, this property is broken when several multilevel structures of different natures are grouped and electromagnetically coupled to form meta-structures of a higher level.
Its designation as multilevel antenna is precisely due to the fact that in the body of the antenna can be identified at least two levels of detail: that of the overall structure and that of the majority of the elements (polygons or polyhedrons) which make it up. This is achieved by ensuring that the area of contact or intersection (if it exists) between the majority of the elements forming the antenna is only a fraction of the perimeter or surrounding area of said polygons or polyhedrons.
A particular property of multilevel antennae is that their radioelectric behaviour can be similar in several frequency bands. Antenna input parameters (impedance and radiation pattern) remain similar for several frequency bands (that is, the antenna has the same level of matching or standing wave relationship in each different band), and often the antenna presents almost identical radiation diagrams at different frequencies. This is due precisely to the multilevel structure of the antenna, that is, to the fact that it remains possible to identify in the antenna the majority of basic elements (same type polygons or polyhedrons) which make it up. The number of frequency bands is proportional to the number of scales or sizes of the polygonal elements or similar sets in which they are grouped contained in the geometry of the main radiating element.
In addition to their multiband behaviour, multilevel structure antennae usually have a smaller than usual size as compared to other antennae of a simpler structure. (Such as those consisting of a single polygon or polyhedron). Additionally, its edge-rich and discontinuity-rich structure enhances the radiation process, relatively increasing the radiation resistance of the antenna and reducing the quality factor Q, i.e. increasing its bandwidth.
Thus, the main characteristic of multilevel antennae are the following:
In specialized literature it is already possible to find descriptions of certain antennae designs which allow to cover a few bands. However, in these designs the multiband behaviour is achieved by grouping several single band antennae or by incorporating reactive elements in the antennae (lumped elements as inductors or capacitors or their integrated versions such as posts or notches) which force the apparition of new resonance frequencies. Multilevel antennae on the contrary base their behaviour on their particular geometry, offering a greater flexibility to the antenna designer as to the number of bands (proportional to the number of levels of detail), position, relative spacing and width, and thereby offer better and more varied characteristics for the final product.
A multilevel structure can be used in any known antenna configuration. As a non-limiting example can be cited: dipoles, monopoles, patch or microstrip antennae, coplanar antennae, reflector antennae, wound antennae or even antenna arrays. Manufacturing techniques are also not characteristic of multilevel antennae as the best-suited technique may be used for each structure or application. For example: printing on dielectric substrate by photolithography (printed circuit technique); dieing on metal plate, repulsion on dielectric, etc.
Further embodiments of the invention and particular combinations of features of the invention, are described in the attached claims.
The invention is obviously not limited to the specific embodiment(s) described herein, but also encompasses any variations that may be considered by any person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.), within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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05103226.6 | Apr 2005 | EP | regional |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/EP05/09376 | 8/31/2005 | WO | 6/7/2007 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60606038 | Aug 2004 | US | |
60678569 | May 2005 | US |