TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of antenna devices used for telecommunication and more specifically, to a signal distribution network and a method of manufacturing the signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus.

BACKGROUND

With the development of mobile communication technologies, such as fifth-generation (5G), there is a growing demand to develop base station antennas for high-speed communication. Generally, base station antennas used in mobile communication networks are typical array antennas which consist of several radiators (or dipoles) in a cross configuration in order to generate a positive 45 degree and a negative 45 degree of polarization, where such radiators are produced via different technologies. Various radiators are already available, such as, a die casted radiator in combination with an additional plastic part, another etched planar radiator with many planar substrates and additional plastic parts or less used injection moulded plastic parts with metallic lines on the planar substrates.

In the typical array antennas, the radiators are connected either directly or in groups to a conventional phase shifter or a conventional signal distribution network. Due to the reason that the typical array antennas include various parts, therefore, assembly cost of the typical array antennas is comparable to an overall production cost of the typical array antennas. Moreover, the reliability of the typical array antennas gets affected due to complex structure and difficult production process producing various parts and also connecting the various parts. Additionally, a suitable access to various connection points is required and therefore, reliable connection processes are preferred. Generally, an assembling direction of the conventional signal distribution network in a cavity or a housing is not in a direction to openings of a reflector of the typical array antenna. Further, it is required to have the conventional signal distribution network structures on both sides of the reflector. There is a connection on dipole side of the reflector (i.e. outside of the cavity) which is obtained either by increasing the height of the typical array antenna or with some additional efforts (or milled profiles). For this connection, bending outside the cavity is required which may be performed by use of a flexible material. However, the conventional signal distribution network is required to be stiff to fix it to the cavity or the housing and handle during an assembling process.

Currently, certain attempts have been made to connect a conventional signal distribution network on both sides of a reflector of a typical array antenna. In a conventional method, a printed circuit borad (PCB) may be slided into a cavity or a housing of the conventional signal distribution network and moved up for making a connection with the reflector of the typical array antenna. However, this method results into a wastage of space and an increase in height of the typical array antenna, hence, not preferred. In another conventional method, a semi-flexible PCB may be used to connect the conventional signal distribution network on both sides of the reflector of the typical array antenna, but this method is very expensive. Therefore, there exists a technical problem of connecting the conventional signal distribution network on both sides of the reflector of the typical array antenna without increasing structural complexity and assembly cost as well as production cost.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional methods of connecting the conventional signal distribution network on both sides of the reflector of the typical array antenna.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a signal distribution network and a method of manufacturing the signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus. The present disclosure provides a solution to the existing problem of connecting a conventional signal distribution network on both sides of a reflector of a typical array antenna without increasing structural complexity and assembly cost as well as production cost. An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an improved signal distribution network with partially flexibility and a method of manufacturing the improved signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus. One or more objectives 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 one aspect, the present disclosure provides a signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus. The signal distribution network includes a flexible part comprising a flexible plastic foil with a first metal structure deposited on the flexible plastic foil. The signal distribution network further includes a rigid part comprising a rigid plastic foil with a second metal structure deposited on the rigid plastic foil. The rigid part is bonded to the flexible part so as to provide a capacitive coupling between the first metal structure and the second metal structure.

The disclosed signal distribution network provides stable and flexible connections with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with reduced structural complexity and low cost as well. The flexible part and the rigid part enables the signal distribution network to have the connections outside the housing (or the cavity) by use of capacitive coupling and soldering. Thus, the flexible part and the rigid part enables the signal distribution network to have the connections on both sides of the reflector. Additionally, the signal distribution network provides comparatively better access to the connections with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus. Moreover, there is no additional support requied to fix the signal distribution network in the housing (or the cavity). The signal distribution network can be easily slided into the housing (or the cavity) and thus, usage of complete space of the housing (or the cavity) may also be obtained. In addition, a small transport size of the flexible plastic foil makes the signal distribution network lighter in weight. Beneficially, the signal distribution network manifests a low assembly cost as well as low production cost.

In an implementation form, the rigid part is configured for being arranged on one side of a reflector of an antenna apparatus, and the flexible plastic foil of the flexible part comprises elongated elements configured for extending through openings in the reflector to the other side of the reflector.

The rigid part and the flexible part enables the signal distribution network to have the connections on both sides of the reflector. In a further implementation form, the first metal structure on the elongated elements of the flexible part is configured to form a connection structure on the other side of the reflector for connecting one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with the signal distribution network.

By virtue of the first metal structure on the elongated elements of the flexible part, a conductive path is provided, which forms the connection structure for providing a feed signal to one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus.

In a further implementation form, the rigid plastic foil is made of a heat-resistant plastic material.

The rigid plastic foil is beneficially made of the heat-resistant plastic material to enable soldering based electrical connections.

In a further implementation form, the flexible plastic foil is made of a plastic material that is not heat-resistant.

The flexible plastic foil is beneficially made of the plastic material that is not heat-resistant to obtain a solder-free connection with reduced cost.

In a further implementation form, the rigid plastic foil comprises two or more layers of a plastic foil bonded to each other.

The rigid plastic foil with two or more layers of plastic foil bonded to each other is used to fix the rigid part to a housing or a cavity with more stability and hence, to have stable connections.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus. The method comprises depositing a first metal structure on a flexible plastic foil to form a flexible part of the signal distribution network. The method further comprises depositing a second metal structure on a rigid plastic foil to form a rigid part of the signal distribution network, and bonding the rigid part to the flexible part so as to provide a capacitive coupling between the first metal structure and the second metal structure. The method achieves all the advantages and effects of the signal distribution network of the present disclosure.

It is to be appreciated that all the aforementioned implementation forms can be combined.

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. 1A represents a schematic view of a signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. IB represents a schematic view of capacitive coupling of the signal distribution network for the antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C represents a schematic view of the signal distribution network for the antenna apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. ID represents a top view of the signal distribution network for the antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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 non- underlined 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.

DETAIFED 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 will recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

FIG. 1A represents a schematic view of a signal distribution network 100A for an antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The signal distribution network 100A includes a flexible part 102, a flexible plastic foil 104, a first metal structure 106, a rigid part 108, a rigid plastic foil 110, and a second metal structure

112. The present disclosure provides a signal distribution network 100A for an antenna apparatus, including a flexible part 102 comprising a flexible plastic foil 104 with a first metal structure 106 deposited on the flexible plastic foil 104 and a rigid part 108 comprising a rigid plastic foil 110 with a second metal structure 112 deposited on the rigid plastic foil 110. The rigid part 108 is bonded to the flexible part 102 so as to provide a capacitive coupling between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112.

The signal distribution network 100A is a network that provides (or distributes) a feed signal to one or more radiating elements or radiators (not shown here) of an antenna (not shown). The signal distribution network 100A is configured to receive an input (i.e. a feed signal) and provide an output to either a single radiator or multiple radiators. In other words, the signal distribution network 100A is operable to provide a connection for feeding a signal to the one or more radiators. In an example, the signal distribution network 100A may provide a signal feed to a feeding arrangement of the radiators. The signal distribution network 100A corresponds to a tailored partially metalized plastic foil with enhanced mechanical properties in one part - hence, the signal distribution network 100A provides stable and flexible connections to the one or more radiators. In an implementation, the signal distribution network 100A may act as an uplink distribution network. In another implementation, the signal distribution network 100A may act as a compact distribution network (CDN).

In an example, the signal distribution network 100A may provide the signal feed in a way that phase shifting can be executed on the one or more radiators. For example, a first signal feed provided by the signal distribution network 100A to a first radiator may be phase shifted in comparison to a second signal feed provided by the signal distribution network 100A to a second radiator.

The flexible part 102 with the flexible plastic foil 104 and the first metal structure 106 may be used for establishing a flexible connection with the one or more radiators. In an example, the flexible part 102 may also be referred to as a flexible structure or flexible area. Examples of conductor materials used for the first metal structure 106 include, but are not limited to, iron, copper, aluminum, steel, bronze, brass, or a combination thereof. The aforesaid conductor materials are mere examples and any other conductor material may be used based on requirement. The rigid part 108 with the rigid plastic foil 110 and the second metal structure 112 may be used for establishing a stable connection with the one or more radiators. In an example, the rigid part 108 may also be referred to as a stable structure or inflexible area. Examples of conductor materials used for the second metal structure 112 include, but are not limited to, iron, copper, aluminum, steel, bronze, brass, or a combination thereof. The aforesaid conductor materials are mere example and any other conductor material may be used based on requirement. In an implementation, the rigid part 108 may be designed on a printed circuit board (PCB) which may or may not have other electrical components, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, filters, and the like, soldered on it (i.e, the PCB).

The signal distribution network 100A for an antenna apparatus, including the flexible part 102 comprising the flexible plastic foil 104 with the first metal structure 106 deposited on the flexible plastic foil 104. The signal distribution network 100A further includes the rigid part 108 comprising the rigid plastic foil 110 with the second metal structure 112 deposited on the rigid plastic foil 110. The rigid part 108 is bonded to the flexible part 102 so as to provide a capacitive coupling between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112. In other words, the signal distribution network 100A includes a flexible structure, such as the flexible part 102, and a stable structure, such as the rigid part 108. The flexible part 102 with the flexible plastic foil 104 and the first metal structure 106 provide flexibility to the signal distribution network 100A. The flexible part 102 may be configured to bend out and connect with the one or more radiators at very low tolerances. Therefore, the signal distribution network 100A may be easily connected to a radiator side of a reflector of the antenna apparatus because the flexible part 102 may bend depending on requirement. Additionally, the rigid part 108 with the rigid plastic foil 110 and the second metal structure 112 provide stability to the signal distribution network 100A. The rigid part 108 may be fixed to a housing or a handle during assembling process. In this way, the signal distribution network 100A provides stable and flexible connections with the one or more radiators.

Furthermore, the second metal structure 112 deposited on the rigid plastic foil 110 of the rigid part 108 is bonded to the flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102. As a result, the capacitive coupling is obtained between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112 with the flexible plastic foil 104 between the two (i.e., the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112). The flexible plastic foil 104 acts as a dielectric between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112, hence, the flexible plastic foil 104 arranged in between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112 behaves as a capacitor.

In contrast to some conventional methods of connecting a conventional signal distribution network with the one or more radiators, the rigid part 108 enables handling, assembling, fixing, straightness, flatness of the signal distribution network 100A with more ease and also stabilizing the signal distribution network 100A. Moreover, the flexible part 102 bends out and connects the signal distribution network 100A with the one or more radiators at very low tolerances and with reduced cost. Therefore, the signal distribution network 100A may be used in wireless communication systems. Examples of such wireless communication systems include, but are not limited to, a base station, such as an Evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation node B (gNB), and the like, a repeater device, a customer premise equipment, and other customized telecommunication hardware.

In accordance with an embodiment, the rigid part 108 is configured for being arranged on one side of a reflector of the antenna apparatus, and the flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102 comprises elongated elements configured for extending through openings in the reflector to the other side of the reflector. In other words, the rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A is arranged on one side of the reflector (not shown) of the antenna apparatus (not shown) by use of a fixing process (e.g., soldering process). Additionally, the elongated elements comprised by the flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102 are configured to extend through openings in the reflector to the other side of the reflector. The openings in the reflector provide a passage for the elongated elements to stretch out to establish a connection with the one or more radiators. In this way, a connection can be established on both sides of the reflector by use of the rigid part 108 as well as the flexible part 102 of the signal distribution network 100A.

In general, the reflector is configured to redirect or reflect electromagnetic signals to receivers, such as user devices, and the antenna apparatus is used for transmitting or receiving radio frequency signals, for example, in cellular communication. The antenna apparatus may also be referred to as a radiating element or a radiating device. In accordance with an embodiment, the first metal structure 106 on the elongated elements of the flexible part 102 is configured to form a connection structure on the other side of the reflector for connecting one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with the signal distribution network 100A. The first metal structure 106 on the elongated elements of the flexible part 102 provides the connection structure on the other side of the reflector in order to connect the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with the signal distribution network 100A. Alternatively stated, the first metal structure 106 on the elongated elements of the flexible part 102 provides electrical connection with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with the signal distribution network 100A.

In accordance with an embodiment, the rigid plastic foil 110 is made of a heat-resistant plastic material. The rigid plastic foil 110 is made of the heat-resistant plastic material, therefore, the rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A is soldered to have electrical connections. In other words, a side of the signal distribution network 100A (i.e., the rigid part 108) which can withstand at high temperature is fixed to a housing (or cavity) or a handle during assembling by use of soldering process. Thus, the rigid part 108 is used to fix and stabilize the signal distribution network 100A.

In accordance with an embodiment, the flexible plastic foil 104 is made of a plastic material that is not heat-resistant. The flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102 is made of the plastic material which can not withstand at high temperature hence, the flexible part 102 is used in making such connections where soldering is not required. Additionally, the flexible part 102 is used where bending is required at very low tolerances and with a low cost as well.

In accordance with an embodiment, the rigid plastic foil 110 comprises two or more layers of a plastic foil bonded to each other. In an implementation, the rigid plastic foil 110 may include two or more layers of the plastic foil which are bonded to each other. In such implementation, it may be that the flexible plastic foil 104 may have one layer. Therefore, the rigid plastic foil 110 is fixed to the housing (or cavity) or the handle during assembling by use of the soldering process and the flexible plastic foil 104 is configured to bend out and connect at extrememly low tolerances.

Beneficially, the signal distribution network 100A provides stable and flexible connections with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with reduced structural complexity and low cost as well. The flexible part 102 and the rigid part 108 enables the signal distribution network 100A to have the connections outside the housing (or the cavity) by use of capacitive coupling and soldering. Thus, the flexible part 102 and the rigid part 108 enables the signal distribution network 100A to have the connections on both sides of the reflector. Additionally, the signal distribution network 100A provides comparatively better access to the connections with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus. Moreover, there is no additional support requied to fix the signal distribution network 100A in the housing (or the cavity). The signal distribution network 100A can be easily slided into the housing (or the cavity) and thus, usage of complete space of the housing (or the cavity) may also be obtained. In addition, a small transport size of the flexible plastic foil 104 makes the signal distribution network 100A lighter in weight. Beneficially, the signal distribution network 100A manifests a low assembly cost as well as low production cost.

FIG. IB represents a schematic view of capacitive coupling of the signal distribution network for the antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. IB is described in conjunction with elements from FIG. 1A. With reference to FIG. IB, there is shown a schematic view 100B of capacitive coupling of the signal distribution network 100A.

In the schematic view 100B, the capacitive coupling of the first metal structure 106 of the flexible part 102 and the second metal structure 112 of the rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A is represented by an elliptical box 114. In the elliptical box 114, it is shown that the flexible plastic foil 104 lies in between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112. Consequently, the flexible plastic foil 104 acts as a dielectric (or an isolation layer) between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112. Therefore, the flexible plastic foil 104 alongwith the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112 behaves as a capacitor. In this way, the flexible part 102 and the rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A are electrically connected to each other through the capacitive coupling between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112.

FIG. 1C represents a schematic view of the signal distribution network for the antenna apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A and IB. With reference to FIG. 1C, there is shown a schematic view lOOC of the signal distribution network 100A that depicts the flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part102 includes a plurality of elongated elements 116. In the schematic view lOOC of the signal distribution network 100A, there is further shown one or more layers, such as a first layer 108A and a second layer 108B of the rigid part 108 and a single layer 102A of the flexible part 102.

The plurality of elongated elements 116 of the flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102 is configured for extending through openings in the reflector to the other side of the reflector. The first metal structure 106 formed on the plurality of elongated elements 116 of the flexible part 102 is configured to form a connection structure on the other side of the reflector for connecting one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with the signal distribution network 100A.

Moreover, the first layer 108A and the second layer 108B of the rigid part 108 corresponds to two or more layers of a plastic foil which are bonded to each other. The rigid part 108 with the first layer 108A and the second layer 108B is configured to fix to a housing (or cavity) or a handle during assembling by use of the soldering process. The flexible part 102 with the single layer 102A is configured to bend out and connect at extrememly low tolerances.

FIG. ID represents a top view of the signal distribution network for the antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. ID is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A, IB, and 1C. With reference to FIG. ID, there is shown a top view 100D of the signal distribution network100A that depicts the flexible part 102 and the rigid part 108 which are bonded to each other. There is further shown the plurality of elongated elements 116 of the flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102 on top side.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a signal distribution network for an antenna apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is described in conjunction with elements from FIGs. 1A, IB, 1C and ID. With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown a method200 of manufacturing the signal distribution network 100A (of FIG. 1A) for an antenna apparatus. The method 200 includes steps 202,204, and 206. The method200 is executed by the signal distribution network 100A. The present disclosure provides a method 200 of manufacturing a signal distribution network 100A for an antenna apparatus, comprising: depositing a first metal structure 106 on a flexible plastic foil 104 to form a flexible part 102 of a signal distribution network 100A, depositing a second metal structure 112 on a rigid plastic foil 110 to form a rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A, and bonding the rigid part 108 to the flexible part 102 so as to provide a capacitive coupling between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112.

The method 200 of manufacturing the signal distribution network 100A for an antenna apparatus (not shown). The signal distribution network 100A corresponds to a tailored partly metalized plastic foil with improved mechanical properties. The signal distribution network 100A provides stable and flexible connections to one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus.

At step 202, the method 200 comprises depositing the first metal structure 106 on the flexible plastic foil 104 to form the flexible part 102 of the signal distribution network 100A. The first metal structure 106 is deposited on the flexible plastic foil 104 to form the flexible part 102 of the signal distribution network 100A. The flexible part 102 may be configured to bend out and connect with the one or more radiators at very low tolerances. Therefore, the flexible part 102 enables the signal distribution network 100A to have flexible connections with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus. Alternatively stated, the flexible part 102 is configured to enhance the mechanical properties of the signal distribution network 100A.

At step 204, the method 200 further comprises, depositing the second metal structure 112 on the rigid plastic foil 110 to form the rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A. The second metal structure 112 is deposited on the rigid plastic foil 110 to form the rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A. The rigid part 108 may be configured to fix to a housing or a handle during assembling process (e.g., soldering process). Therefore, the rigid part 108 enables the signal distribution network 100A to have stable connections with the one or more radiatiors. At step 206, the method 200 further comprises, bonding the rigid part 108 to the flexible part 102 so as to provide a capacitive coupling between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112. The second metal structure 112 deposited on the rigid plastic foil 110 of the rigid part 108 is bonded to the flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102. As a result, the capacitive coupling is obtained between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112 through the flexible plastic foil 104. The flexible plastic foil 104 acts as a dielectric between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112, hence, the flexible plastic foil 104 along with the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112 behaves as a capacitor. The capacitive coupling between the first metal structure 106 and the second metal structure 112 enables the signal distribution network 100A to have electrical connections with the one or more radiators.

In accordance with an embodiment, the method 200 further comprises making the rigid plastic foil 110 of a heat-resistant plastic material. The rigid plastic foil 110 is made of the heat-resistant plastic material, therefore, the rigid part 108 of the signal distribution network 100A is soldered to have electrical connections. In other words, a side of the signal distribution network 100A (i.e., the rigid part 108) which can withstand at high temperature is fixed to the housing (or cavity) or the handle during assembling by use of soldering process. Thus, the rigid part 108 is used to fix and stabilize the signal distribution network 100A.

In accordance with an embodiment, the method 200 further comprises making the flexible plastic foil 104 of a plastic material that is not heat-resistant. The flexible plastic foil 104 of the flexible part 102 is made of the plastic material which can not withstand at high temperature hence, the flexible part 102 is used in making such connections where soldering is not required. Additionally, the flexible part 102 is used where bending is required at very low tolerances and with a low cost as well.

In accordance with an embodiment, the method 200 further comprises making the rigid plastic foil 110 by bonding two or more layers of a plastic foil to each other. In an implementation, the rigid plastic foil 110 may include two or more layers of the plastic foil which are bonded to each other. In such implementation, it may be that the flexible plastic foil 104 may have one single layer. Therefore, the rigid plastic foil 110 is fixed to the housing (or cavity) or the handle during assembling by use of the soldering process and the flexible plastic foil 104 is configured to bend out and connect at extrememly low tolerances.

Beneficially, the method 200 provides the signal distribution network 100A that manifests stable and flexible connections with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus with reduced structural complexity and low cost as well. The flexible part 102 and the rigid part 108 enables the signal distribution network 100A to have the connections outside the housing (or the cavity) by use of capacitive coupling and soldering. Thus, the flexible part 102 and the rigid part 108 enables the signal distribution network 100A to have the connections on both sides of the reflector. Additionally, the method 200 provides the signal distribution network 100A which has a comparatively better access to the connections with the one or more radiators of the antenna apparatus. Moreover, there is no additional support requied to fix the signal distribution network 100A in the housing (or the cavity). The signal distribution network 100A can be easily slided into the housing (or the cavity) and thus, usage of complete space of the housing (or the cavity) may also be obtained. In addition, a small transport size of the flexible plastic foil 104 makes the signal distribution network 100A lighter in weight. The signal distribution network 100A manifests a low assembly cost as well as low production cost.

The steps 202, 204, and 206 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

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 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.