TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of antennas, and more specifically, to antenna devices, arrays of antenna devices, and antenna architectures comprising arrays of antenna devices.

BACKGROUND

In recent times, the rapid development of various wireless communication systems is attributed to the growth of innovative antenna technologies. With evolution of wireless communication technologies, such as fifth generation (5G) technology, long term evolution (LTE) advanced, LTE advanced pro (e.g. 4.5G) technology, or an upcoming sixth generation (6G), antenna devices (or antenna arrays) with enhanced radiation characteristics is required. As an example, one of the key technologies to enable the new generation of mobile communications is Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (mMIMO) below 6 GHz, which is required to be integrated with different passive antenna arrays.

However, new deployments of antenna infrastructure are subject to local regulations, which limit a rate of growth of the antenna infrastructure with respect to a rate of growth of the wireless communication technologies. In order to comply with these local regulations, dimensions of new antenna infrastructure are required to be comparable to legacy antenna infrastructure. In addition, to be able to maintain mechanical support structures in sites, wind load of new antennas should be equivalent to the legacy antennas. These factors lead us to a very strict limitation in the height and width of the antenna infrastructure.

In some new deployments of the antenna infrastructure, a number of antennas in site is reduced by integrating a higher number of arrays in the same space by strongly simplifying an overall deploying process of Advanced antenna systems (AAS) and traditional passive antenna systems. This cuts down capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX) associated with the new deployments of the antenna infrastructure. In some other new deployments of the antenna infrastructure, a higher number of arrays are integrated into an antenna enclosure is to extend an operating bandwidth of current antennas. There exist several limitations associated with existing antenna infrastructure. In particular, existing antenna infrastructure suffer from performance problems such as limited aperture, irregular illumination across the aperture, suboptimal directivity, limited spectral bandwidth, and the like. In an example, some existing antenna arrays have a lower frequency radiating element built as a sub array of two dipoles and an embedded higher frequency band in the space in the center. However, such multiband antenna arrays have very limited performance. In another example, the aperture of the existing antenna infrastructure directly affects and theoretically limits the directivity of said infrastructure. Moreover, irregular illumination across the aperture also adversely impacts the directivity of said infrastructure. In another example, in some implementations small antenna elements are coupled capacitively to provide a large spectrum bandwidth. However, these antenna elements are almost physically connected to provide the bandwidth, and rely on an electrical length of a combination of the antenna elements for multiport operation. In such a case, there is discretization of control points (i.e. phase centers of radiation elements), which consequently causes distance between the antenna elements to become dependent on wavelength.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with existing antenna infrastructure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an antenna device, an array of antenna devices, and an antenna architecture comprising arrays of antenna devices. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problems of limited aperture, irregular illumination across the aperture, suboptimal directivity, and limited spectral bandwidth associated with conventional antenna infrastructure. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art and provides an improved antenna device that has a greater aperture, substantially continuous and uniform illumination across the aperture, higher directivity, and higher spectral bandwidth as compared to conventional antenna infrastructure.

The object of the present disclosure is achieved by the solutions provided in the enclosed 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 device. The antenna device comprises: a reflector having a substantially planar shape; a first set of three or more parallel dipoles, each configured to generate an electromagnetic signal with a first polarization, wherein each dipole of the first set is arranged to extend parallel to the plane of the reflector and at +45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the reflector; and a second set of three or more parallel dipoles, each configured to generate an electromagnetic signal with a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, wherein each dipole of the second set is arranged to extend parallel to the plane of the reflector and at -45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the reflector.

The antenna device of the first aspect enables steady and uniform directivity with low side lobes. Furthermore, the antenna device allows extension of operating bandwidth of the antenna device in comparison to conventional antenna devices. Moreover, the antenna device allows flexibility in configuration of the sets of the dipoles, thereby enabling customization of the antenna device according to physical dimensions of the reflector. The antenna device described herein employs sets (namely, subarrays) of at least three dipoles, thereby providing a broadband antenna device having improved performance over multiband 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, energy is well-distributed along all available dipoles, thereby uniformly illuminating the antenna aperture.

In an implementation form, at least one of the dipoles of the first set is collocated with a dipole from the second set of dipoles.

Beneficially, such arrangement of the dipoles in the antenna device substantially reduces area occupied by the antenna device without affecting directivity and allows integration of a higher number of antenna devices in the same space.

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

Beneficially, determining the number of dipoles in each set in the above manner enables customization of the antenna device based on the width of the reflector thereby allowing better efficient utilization of space occupied by the antenna device. Moreover, spectrum bandwidth of the antenna device is also increased.

In an implementation form, the second set of dipoles comprises the same or a different number of dipoles as the first set of dipoles. Beneficially, such an arrangement may allow selective increase of directivity of the antenna device in a particular desired direction.

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

Beneficially, determining the number of dipoles in each set in the above manner enables continuous and uniform illumination of the antenna aperture, thereby allowing an increase in spectrum bandwidth.

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

The arrangement of a dipole in reactive near field of the adjacent parallel dipole allows coupling therebetween to extend the bandwidth to be that of the resulting combination of dipoles.

In an implementation form, a pre-set increasing phase difference can be applied across the plurality of dipoles in the first and/or second set, such that a squint and/or tilt is formed in a resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device.

By virtue of applying the pre-set increasing phase difference, the radiation pattern of the antenna device can be electronically steered to be directed towards any required direction. In this way, there is provided an increase in directivity of the antenna device at a required frequency and/or required tilt angle. Moreover, the pre-tilt generated in this manner is usable to compensate for antenna squint.

In an implementation form, one or more dipoles in the first and/or second set is fed in counterphase with an adjacent dipole, such that a beam width is reduced in a resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device.

By virtue of feeding the one or more dipoles in the first and/or second set in counterphase with the adjacent dipole, the beam width of the resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device is reduced, thereby improving directivity of the antenna device.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an array of antenna devices. The array of antenna devices comprises two or more antenna devices arranged in a row extending along the longitudinal axis of the reflector. By virtue of such an arrangement of antenna devices in the array, there is allowed a uniform and steady illumination of aperture with the electromagnetic signals generated by the antenna devices in the array.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an antenna architecture. The antenna architecture comprises a first and a second array of antenna devices. The arrays are arranged in two rows extending along the longitudinal axis of the reflector.

By virtue of such an antenna architecture, energy is uniformly distributed amongst dipoles of antenna devices in the first array and the second array to ensure a highly uniform aperture illumination in the antenna architecture. Such uniform and continuous illumination ensures a constant beam width over a wider frequency range and avoids the discretization on the control points (i.e. the phase center of the dipoles), such that the phase center becomes an area rather than a point.

In an implementation form, the antenna architecture further comprises a third row of dipoles arranged between the first array and the second array, such that a grid of dipoles is formed.

By virtue of the third row of dipoles, the number of dipoles in the first set and second set of the first array and second array may be extended to fully optimize illumination of the antenna aperture.

In an implementation form, alternate dipoles in the third row of dipoles are assigned to the first array and the second array respectively.

In an implementation form, wherein alternate first sets of dipoles in each of the arrays are extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles and alternate second sets of dipoles in each of the arrays are extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles.

Such alternate distribution of dipoles of the third row between the first array and the second array ensures balance in signal strength and directivity between the directivity of electromagnetic signal emitted by the two arrays.

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

In an implementation form, each first set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles and each second set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles. By virtue of overlapping dipoles of two arrays partially in physical center of the antenna architecture, the directivity of each array can be increased as each array can profit from a larger aperture than in the case where each array physically occupies half of space in the antenna architecture.

In an implementation form, wherein each dipole in the third row is fed by applying pre-tilt and amplitude tapering at the same time.

By virtue of applying the pre-tilt and the amplitude tapering at the same time to each dipole in the third row, there is performed a required electronic steering radiation pattern of each dipole in the third row, as well as a reduction in side lobe levels of each dipole in the third row. This facilitates an overall balanced operation of dipoles in the third row.

It has to be noted that all devices, elements, circuitry, units and means described in the present application could be implemented in the software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. All steps which are performed by the various entities described in the present application as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective entity is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that entity which performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements, or any kind of combination thereof. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, 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 present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the antenna device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a manner in which phase is applied across a given set of dipoles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another manner in which phase is applied across a given set of dipoles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate perspective views of antenna devices, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an array of antenna devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an array of antenna device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A illustrates an implementation wherein one dipole is common to both a first array and a second array; and

FIG. 13B illustrates an implementation wherein two dipoles are common to both a first array and a second array.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the nonunderlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1 , the antenna device 100 comprises a reflector 102, a first set of three or more parallel dipoles, such as the first set 104 of three parallel dipoles, and a second set of three of more parallel dipoles, such as the second set 106 of three parallel dipoles.

The reflector 102 has a substantially planar shape. The reflector 102 reflects electromagnetic signals generated by the dipoles. Notably, the reflector 102 substantially reduces backward radiation and increases gain in forward direction. Herein, a size of the reflector 102 is selected based on factors such as, wavelength range of the electromagnetic waves, antenna aperture, desired directivity from the antenna device 100 and so forth. In FIG. 1 , the line A-A' illustrates a longitudinal direction of the reflector 102.

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

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

Notably, the dipoles in the first set 104 and the second set 106 refer to conventional dipole antennas used to generate electromagnetic signals. The dipole consists of two conductors of equal length oriented end-to-end with the feedline connected between the conductors, wherein the two conductors are separated by an insulator. Notably, voltage is applied via the feedline to generate the electromagnetic signal from the dipole. Herein, the three or more parallel dipoles in the first set 104 and the second set 106 are employed to increase directional gain of the antenna in comparison with that of a single dipole, wherein signals from the separate dipoles interfere to enhance electromagnetic signal radiated in desired directions. Herein, the feedline of a dipole is split using an electrical network in order to provide power to each of the dipoles.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "polarization" refers to an orientation of the electric field of the electromagnetic signal produced by the dipole. Optionally, the first polarization and the second polarization are linear polarization, wherein the electrical field vector of the electromagnetic waves is confined to a given plane along the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic wave. As mentioned previously, the second polarization is orthogonal to the first polarization. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves generated by the dipoles in the first set 104 extend perpendicular to the electromagnetic waves generated by dipoles in the second set 106. Notably, the polarization of the electromagnetic waves produced by the dipole may be affected by physical structure of the dipole and by orientation of the dipole.

Optionally, at least one of the dipoles of the first set is collocated with a dipole from the second set of dipoles. Herein, as shown in FIG. 1 , a dipole 108 from the first set 104 is collocated with a dipole 110 from the second set 106. As mentioned previously, the dipoles from the first set 104, such as the dipole 108, are arranged at +45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the reflector 102; and the dipoles from the second set 106, such as the dipole 110, are arranged at -45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the reflector 102. Therefore, the collocated dipoles, herein the dipoles 108 and 110, are arranged perpendicular to each other. Beneficially, such arrangement of the dipoles in the antenna device substantially reduces area occupied by the antenna device without affecting directivity and allows integration of a higher number of antenna devices in the same space.

In an embodiment, the second set 106 of dipoles comprises the same or a different number of dipoles as the first set 104 of dipoles. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second set 106 of dipoles comprises same number of dipoles (i.e. three) as the first set 104 of dipoles. It may be understood by a person skilled in the art that FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified architecture of the antenna device 100, for sake of clarity, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. The person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the second set 106 of dipoles may comprise a different number of dipoles in comparison to the first set 104 of dipoles. Beneficially, such arrangement may allow selective increase of directivity of the antenna device in a particular desired direction.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the antenna device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 2, the adjacent dipoles in the first set 104 and the second set 106 have a distance d therebetween.

In an embodiment, the number of dipoles in each set, such as the first set 104 and the second set 106, is determined based on required spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and a predetermined width of the reflector 102. In an embodiment, a distance, d, between adjacent dipoles in each set is determined based on required spectrum and matching bandwidth parameters and a predetermined width of the reflector 102. The predetermined width of the reflector 102 constrains a 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 and a spacing (i.e. , the distance d) between the adjacent dipoles in each set.

It will be appreciated that the distance d between the adjacent dipoles in each set and the number of dipoles in each set are selected such that efficiency of the required spectrum is improved. Given the specifications of the required spectrum, the aforesaid selections are made to arrange dipoles of the antenna device 100 with respect to the reflector 102 in a manner that capacity utilization of the required spectrum is improved. Moreover, the distance d between the adjacent dipoles in each set and the number of dipoles in each set are selected to increase the spectrum bandwidth of the antenna device 100 by suitably distributing dipoles over an aperture across the predetermined width of the reflector 102. The dipoles of the first set 104 and the second set 106 are arranged in a manner that bandwidth parameters of individual dipoles in each set are well-matched with each other. The increase in the spectrum bandwidth enables illuminating the aperture in a regular manner.

In an example, selecting three dipoles in each set, wherein distance d between the adjacent dipoles is less than 0.2 lambda, may provide a high spectrum efficiency and suitable matching of bandwidth parameters for the antenna device 100.

In an embodiment, the distance d is determined such that each dipole is in a 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. Notably, the reactive near field is directly proportional to dimensions of the dipole and wavelength of the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole. The arrangement of a dipole in reactive near field of the adjacent parallel dipole allows coupling therebetween to extend the bandwidth to be that of the resulting combination of dipoles. In an example, the distance d may be in a range between 0.05A and 0.2A, wherein A is the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal generated by the dipole.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a manner in which phase is applied across a given set of dipoles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a given set 300 of dipoles 302, 304 and 306 of an antenna device (such as the antenna device 100). Notably, the given set 300 is a first set of three parallel dipoles and/or a second set of three parallel dipoles. In an embodiment, one or more dipoles in the first and/or second set is fed in counterphase with an adjacent dipole, such that a beam width is reduced in a resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device 100. By "feeding a given dipole in counterphase with an adjacent dipole", it is meant that a feed provided to the given dipole and a feed provided to the adjacent dipole have a phase difference of 180 degrees or fl radians. In FIG. 3, the dipole 304 in the given set 300 is fed in counterphase with its adjacent dipoles 302 and 306. As an example, phases of feed of the dipoles 302, 304 and 306 may be 0 degrees, 180 degrees, and 0 degrees, respectively.

It will be appreciated that the one or more dipoles in the first and/or second set can be fed in counterphase with the adjacent dipole to reduce the beam width of the resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device 100, as long as the distance d between the adjacent dipoles is small (for example, when d is less than 0.2 lambda).

When adjacent dipoles of the given set 300 are fed in counterphase, the beam width is reduced at a cost of directivity (i.e. increase in side lobes) of the resulting radiation pattern. With reduction of the beam width, directivity in a required direction is increased. Moreover, feeding the adjacent dipoles of the given set 300 in counterphase causes waves from the adjacent dipoles to destructively interfere with one another, thereby reducing power radiated from the given set 300. Notably, smaller the beam width, easier is avoidance of interference with undesired signals.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another manner in which phase is applied across a given set of dipoles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a given set 400 of dipoles 402, 404 and 406 of an antenna device (such as the antenna device 100). Notably, the given set 400 is a first set of three parallel dipoles and/or a second set of three parallel dipoles. In an embodiment, a pre-set increasing phase difference can be applied across the plurality of dipoles in the first and/or second set, such that a squint and/or tilt is formed in a resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device 100. In an embodiment, the phase difference increases by a constant amount. In FIG. 4, the pre-set increasing phase difference applied across the dipoles 402, 404 and 406 in the given set 400 is shown to be 0, a, and 2a, respectively. In the given set, the phase difference increases by a constant amount, which is equal to a. In an example, a is equal to 30 degrees. In such a case, the pre-set increasing phase difference applied across the dipoles 402, 404 and 406 in the given set 400 would be 0, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees, respectively.

It will be appreciated that applying the pre-set increasing phase difference across the dipoles 402, 404 and 406 in the given set 400 enables electronic steering of the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100. Notably, by adjusting the pre-set increasing phase difference, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 can be adjusted to be directed towards different directions, as required. In this way, the squint and/or tilt is formed in the radiation pattern without physically moving (for example, by tilting) the dipoles 402, 404 and 406 in the given set 400. Application of the pre-set increasing phase difference across the dipoles 402, 404 and 406 in the given set 400 mimics physical tilt of classical antenna elements.

In an embodiment, the squint is formed in the resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 to increase directivity of the antenna device 100 in a required direction.

In an embodiment, the squint that is formed based on the phase provided can be used to compensate for a natural squint of the antenna device 100 (e.g. due to the antenna not being centered in the reflector). In an embodiment, the tilt is formed in the resulting radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 to increase directivity of the antenna device 100 at a required frequency and/or required tilt angle.

In an embodiment, a pre-set increasing phase difference can be applied across the plurality of dipoles in the first and/or second set using a set of phase shifters. Optionally, the set of phase shifters is controlled by a computing device.

FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate perspective views of antenna devices, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGs. 5 and 6, the antenna devices 502 and 504 are implemented using printed circuit boards (PCB) for fabrication of dipoles in the first set and the second set. The printed circuit boards mechanically support and electrically connect electrical components of the dipoles using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from one or more sheet layers of conducting metal, such as copper, laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate.

As shown in FIGs. 5 and 6, the dipoles of the first set and second set in the antenna devices

502 and 504 comprise folded arms (namely, meandered arms). Notably, such folded arms do not have an impact on operation of the dipoles but beneficially, reduce physical length of the dipoles. Beneficially, such implementation of the antenna devices enables an increased security and stability of the dipoles.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an array of antenna devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an array of antenna device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGs. 7 and 8, the array 700 of antenna devices comprises two or more of the antenna devices, such as the antenna devices 702, 704, 706, arranged in a row extending along the longitudinal axis of the reflector 708. Herein, the antenna devices, such as the antenna devices 702, 704, 706, are implemented in a similar manner as antenna device 100.

Notably, such arrangement of antenna devices in the array 700 allows a uniform and steady illumination of antenna aperture with the electromagnetic signals generated by the antenna devices, such as the antenna devices 702, 704, 706. Furthermore, integration of higher number of antenna devices in the array 700 enables extension of operating bandwidth of the array 700 due to coupling of dipoles that are in reactive near field of each other. It will be appreciated that the array 700 may be regarded as two arrays with different polarizations, as the first set of dipoles in the antenna devices has a first polarization orthogonal to the second polarization of the second set of dipoles in the antenna devices.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 9, the antenna architecture 900 comprises a first array 902 and a second array 904 (such as the array 700 of antenna devices of FIG. 7). Notably, the arrays 902 and 904 are arranged in two rows extending along the longitudinal axis of the reflector 906.

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

Notably, as the first array 902 and the second array 904 comprise dual polarized antenna devices, the antenna architecture 900 may be regarded as comprising four arrays with different polarizations implemented side-to-side. FIG. 10 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 10, the antenna architecture 1000 comprises a first array and a second array, similar to the antenna architecture 900 of FIG. 9. Furthermore, the antenna architecture 1000 comprises a third row 1002 of dipoles arranged between the first array and the second array, such that a grid of dipoles is formed.

It will be appreciated that the antenna architecture 1000 provides a highly uniform aperture illumination. Such uniform and continuous illumination ensures a constant beam width over a wider frequency range and avoids the discretization on the control points (i.e. the phase center of the dipoles), such that the phase center becomes an area rather than a point. Notably, a distance between two sets of dipoles in an antenna architecture, such as the antenna architecture 1000, or in an array of antenna devices, such as the array 700, is determined based on an array factor required for specific operational band thereof. Furthermore, the uniform illumination of the aperture ensures optimum directivity from the antenna devices and also, ensures low side lobes in an array configuration and a controlled beam width.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to the FIG. 11 , the antenna architecture 1100 comprises a first array and a second array, similar to the antenna architecture 900 of FIG. 9. The antenna architecture further comprises a third row of dipoles arranged between the first array and the second array, similar to the third row 1002 of dipoles in FIG. 10.

Optionally, alternate dipoles in the third row of dipoles are assigned to the first array and the second array respectively. More optionally, alternate first sets of dipoles in each of the arrays are extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles and alternate second sets of dipoles in each of the arrays are extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles. With reference to FIG. 11 , a first set 1102 of dipoles in the first array is extended to include a dipole 1104 from the third row of dipoles. Similarly, a second set 1106 of dipoles in the first array is extended to include a dipole 1108 from the third row of dipoles. In an alternating set of dipoles, a first set 1110 of dipoles in the second array is extended to include a dipole 1112 from the third row of dipoles. Similarly, a second set 1114 of dipoles in the second array is extended to include a dipole 1116 from the third row of dipoles. Therefore, it is to be noted that in each array, alternating sets of dipoles have different number of dipoles therein, i.e. three and four dipoles.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an antenna architecture, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to the FIG. 12, the antenna architecture 1200 comprises a first array and a second array, similar to the antenna architecture 900 of FIG. 9. The antenna architecture further comprises a third row of dipoles arranged between the first array and the second array, similar to the third row 1002 of dipoles in FIG. 10.

Optionally, each dipole in the third row of dipoles is assigned to both the first array and the second array. Optionally, each first set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles and each second set of dipoles in each of the arrays is extended to include a dipole in the third row of dipoles. With reference to FIG. 12, each dipole in the third row, such as the dipoles 1202 and 1204, is assigned to both the first array and the second array. Specifically, with respect to the dipole 1202, a first set 1206 of dipoles in the first array and a first set 1208 of dipoles in the second array are extended to include the dipole 1202 of the third row. Similarly, with respect to the dipole 1204, a second set 1210 of dipoles in the first array and a second set 1212 of dipoles in the second array are extended to include the dipole 1204 of the third row. Notably, by overlapping two arrays partially in physical center of the antenna architecture 1200, the directivity of each array can be increased as each array can profit from a larger aperture than in the case where each array physically occupies 50% of space in the antenna architecture 1200.

Optionally, the antenna architecture 1200 comprise duplexers communicably coupled to the arrays of antenna devices. Notably, duplexers may allow functioning of the arrays of antenna devices over multiple frequency bands. In an example, the duplexers may allow functioning of the arrays over frequency in a range between 690 Megahertz to 2700 Megahertz.

In an embodiment, each dipole in the third row is fed by applying pre-tilt and amplitude tapering at the same time. In an embodiment, the pre-tilt is applied to a given dipole in the third row by applying a phase difference across the given dipole. In this way, electronic steering of radiation pattern of each dipole in the third row is performed. In an embodiment, amplitude tapering is applied to dipoles in the third row by gradually adjusting excitation amplitudes of the dipoles in the third row in an ordered manner. Notably, the adjustment of excitation amplitudes that provides an amplitude taper is selected in a manner that an overall balanced performance of the dipoles in the third row is obtained. It will be appreciated that amplitude tapering enables in reducing side lobe levels of the set of dipoles in the third row.

FIG. 13A illustrates an implementation wherein one dipole is common to both a first array and a second array. With reference to FIG. 13A, there is shown one dipole (depicted as a dotted dipole) that is common to both a first array 1302 and a second array 1304. FIG. 13B illustrates an implementation wherein two dipoles are common to both a first array and a second array. With reference to FIG. 13B, there are shown two dipoles (depicted as dotted dipoles) that are common to both a first array 1302 and a second array 1304.

In an embodiment, the common dipole(s) is/are fed by applying pre-tilt and amplitude tapering at the same time. In such a case, a magnitude of phase difference (corresponding to the pretilt) and an excitation amplitude to be applied to the common dipole(s) depends on a location of the common dipole(s) within the first array 1302 and the second array 1304. It will be appreciated that a pre-tilt and an excitation amplitude applied at a time when the common dipole is assigned to the first array 1302 is different from a pre-tilt and an excitation amplitude applied at a time when the common dipole is assigned to the second array 1304.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. 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 to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments. The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". It is appreciated that certain features of the present 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 as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure.