TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of antennas for telecommunication; and more specifically, to a signal distribution network and a method of installing a signal distribution network in an antenna structure.

BACKGROUND

New wireless communication technologies, such as fifth generation (5G) communication technology, make use of several frequency ranges, including sub-6 Gigahertz and millimetre-wave bands to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. Antennas are used for such wireless communication technologies. Base stations antennas used in mobile communication networks are typically array antennas which consist of several dipoles (i.e., radiators) in a cross-configuration (i.e., cross-polarization) in order to generate a positive 45 degrees and negative 45 degrees of polarization.

In some antennas, the radiators are directly or in groups connected to a phase shifter or a distribution network, such as a conventional signal distribution network. Generally, an assembling direction of the conventional signal distribution network is not in a direction to openings of a reflector of the antenna. Further, it is not possible to have the signal distribution network structures on both sides of the reflector as a housing or cavity is closed over a whole length of the antenna. Thus, only making short holes for establishing contact are possible to assemble the signal distribution network in the antenna. As a result, connection outside of cavity is difficult or requires larger number of resources, such as milled profiles. As the antenna consists of several parts, the cost of assembly contributes significantly in the overall production costs of the antenna. Further, reliability of the antenna may suffer due to complex structures and difficult production process of its parts and also connection of the parts. Thus, good access to connection points and reliable connection processes are essential. Conventionally, the signal distribution network in form of sheet metal or Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is made to slide in a housing with a defined shape. This shape is milled on contact area of signal distribution network with the radiators of the antenna. In this way, the signal distribution network is conventionally assembled in the antenna. However, this approach is very complex and cost intensive. Further, in this approach, the reflector may not be flat and further may prevent optimum or adequate positioning of connected antenna elements. In some existing antenna systems, the conventional signal distribution network is connected with the radiators via soldering components through a hole in a housing or the reflector of the antenna. However, this approach results in limited accessibility of the conventional signal distribution network. In some other cases, the conventional signal distribution network having protruding elements is pushed sideward into a housing and moved up such that the protruding elements are assembled in defined holes in the reflector. However, this results in wastage of space and also increases the size of the antenna. As the height of the antennas is a critical parameter in installation of the antenna, this conventional approach increases complexity and cost and do not solve the problem adequately. Thus, there exist the technical problem of assembling the signal distribution network in the antenna without increasing complexity, cost of assembly, and production cost as compared to existing solutions.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional antennas and assembly of signal distribution network.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a signal distribution network and a method of installing a signal distribution network in an antenna structure. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of complexity in assembling of signal distribution network in an antenna resulting in complex and inefficient connection of signal distribution network with radiators in the antenna, i.e., the problem of how to further improve access and provide reliable connection of signal distribution network with radiators as compared to conventional approaches. The complexity is increased due to the fact that the assembling direction of the conventional signal distribution network is not in a direction to openings of a reflector of the antenna, and that it is not possible to have the signal distribution network structures on both sides of the reflector as a housing or cavity is closed over a whole length of the antenna. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art, and provide improved signal distribution network that has improved access for connection with radiators (i.e., reliable connection) without increasing structural complexity, and thereby cost of assembly and production cost as compared to existing solutions.

One or more objects 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, comprising a plastic support and a flexible plastic foil attached to one side of the plastic support with metal lines deposited on the flexible plastic foil.

The signal distribution network of the present disclosure provides an improved access to connections for radiators of an antenna in comparison to conventional approach where access is limited. Further, a complete height of cavity of the antenna is utilized by the signal distribution network as the flexible plastic foil consumes the complete height of the cavity without wasting any space. Beneficially, the signal distribution network is lighter in weight and has smaller transport size than conventional distribution networks. Further, the signal distribution network has a lower cost of assembly and is simple to manufacture as compared to conventional distribution networks.

In an implementation form, the flexible plastic foil comprises one or more extending parts, each extending part being a part of the flexible plastic foil that extends beyond an edge of the plastic support, wherein each extending part is configured for bending to the other side of the plastic support.

As the one or more extending parts are configured for bending, thus connection of one or more extending parts can be established with radiators at any angle with respect to the signal distribution network.

In a further implementation form, the one or more extending parts are configured for aligning with one or more openings in a reflector of an antenna and bending so as to extend through the openings to another side of the reflector. By virtue of the openings in the reflectors a passage is provided for the one or more extending parts to stretch out for establishing connection with the radiators.

In a further implementation form, the metal lines deposited on the one or more extending parts are configured to form a connection structure for connecting one or more radiators of the antenna with the signal distribution network.

By virtue of the metal lines a conductive path is provided which forms the connection structure for providing feed signal to the one or more radiators of the antenna.

In a further implementation form, each extending part comprises one or more support elements attached to the flexible plastic foil and configured for preserving a stable shape of the extending part after bending of the extending part.

The support elements provide strength to the extending parts during bending of the extending part.

In a further implementation form, the one or more extending parts are configured to form, after bending of the extending parts, a radiating structure that is a part of one or more radiators of the antenna.

Further, the present disclosure provides a single structure i.e., radiating structure to have the signal distribution network and the radiators in comparison to conventional approach where signal distribution network is executed as a separate entity and thus present disclosure is cost efficient.

In a further implementation form, the radiating structure forms an array of radiators of the antenna.

Beneficially, the signal distribution network provides improved and reliable connection for providing signal feed to the array of radiators of the antenna.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of installing a signal distribution network in an antenna structure, comprising: providing a signal distribution network comprising a plastic support and a flexible plastic foil attached to one side of the plastic support with metal lines deposited on the flexible plastic foil, wherein the flexible plastic foil comprises one or more extending parts that extend beyond an edge of the plastic support, arranging the signal distribution network on one side of a reflector of an antenna to align the extending parts of the flexible plastic foil with one or more openings in the reflector, and bending the extending parts of the flexible plastic foil to extend through the openings to another side of the reflector.

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:

FIGs. 1A, IB, 1C are illustrations of a signal distribution network that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 2A, 2B, 2C are illustrations of different perspective views and corresponding side views that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 3A, 3B are illustrations of a signal distribution network that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a signal distribution network for multiple radiators, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C are illustrations of the signal distribution network that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of installing a signal distribution network in an antenna structure, 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 would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

FIGs. 1A, IB, 1C are illustrations of a signal distribution network that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1A, there is shown a view 102A of a signal distribution network 102 that includes a plastic support 104 and a flexible plastic foil 106. There is further shown one or more extending parts 108A and 108B, an edge 110 of the plastic support 104, a reflector 112, one or more openings such as opening 114, a metal housing 116. In the FIG.1A, the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown within the metal housing 116.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a signal distribution network 102, comprising a plastic support 104 and a flexible plastic foil 106 attached to one side of the plastic support 104 with metal lines deposited on the flexible plastic foil 106.

The signal distribution network 102 is a network that provides (or distributes) signal feed to one or more radiating elements or radiators (not shown) of an antenna (not shown). The signal distribution network 102 is configured to receive an input (i.e., signal feed) and provide an output to either a single radiator or multiple radiators. In other words, the signal distribution network 102 enables in establishing a connection for providing signal feed to the one or more radiators. In an example, the signal distribution network 102 may provide signal feed to a feeding arrangement of the radiators.

In an example, the signal distribution network 102 may provide the signal feed in a way that phase shifting can be executed on the radiators. Such as a first signal feed provided by the signal distribution network 102 to a first radiator may be phase shifted in comparison to a second signal feed provided by the signal distribution network 102 to a second radiator.

The signal distribution network 102 comprises the plastic support 104 and the flexible plastic foil 106 attached to one side of the plastic support 104 with metal lines deposited on the flexible plastic foil 106. The plastic support 104 is configured to provide structural support to the flexible plastic foil 106 so that the flexible plastic foil 106 can easily be used for establishing connection with the radiators. Further, the plastic support 104 may enable in providing strength to the flexible plastic foil 106 so that there is no breaking during bending of the flexible plastic foil 106. Beneficially, as the flexible plastic foil 106 is placed along the plastic support 104, there is improved utilization (i.e., less length needed) of the flexible plastic foil 106. The plastic support 104 provides a non-conductive support to the flexible plastic foil 106 i.e., the plastic support 104 is electrically non-conductive to the metal lines of the flexible plastic foil 106. The flexible plastic foil 106 provides the signal feed to the radiators via the metal lines deposited thereupon. The metal lines are deposited on the flexible plastic foil 106 to enable providing conductive tracks for providing the signal feed to the radiators. Beneficially, the flexible plastic foil 106 can be easily bent or moved (i.e., is flexible) to enable forming a connection with the radiators.

According to an embodiment, the flexible plastic foil 106 comprises one or more extending parts 108A and 108B, each extending part 108A and 108B being a part of the flexible plastic foil 106 that extends beyond an edge 110 of the plastic support 104, wherein each extending part 108A and 108B is configured for bending to the other side of the plastic support 104. The one or more extending parts 108A and 108B include the metal lines deposited thereupon which enable in providing the signal feed to the radiators. As the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are configured for bending, thus connection can be established with radiators at any angle with respect to the signal distribution network 102. The extending parts 108A and 108B are mere examples and there may any number of defined extending parts to provide a desired flexibility in connection with the radiators.

According to an embodiment, the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are configured for aligning with one or more openings, such as the opening 114, in a reflector 112 of an antenna and bending so as to extend through the openings 114 to another side of the reflector 112. The openings 114 in the reflectors 112 provide a passage for the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B to stretch out for establishing connection with the radiators. The reflector 112 generally is configured to redirect or reflect electro-magnetic signals to receivers such as user devices. The antenna is used for transmitting or receiving a radio frequency signal, for example, in a cellular communication. The antenna may also be referred to as a radiating element or a radiating device. For example, the antenna may be used in a wireless communication system. In some embodiments, an array of radiators may be used in the antenna. Examples of such wireless communication system include, but is not limited to, a base station (such as an Evolved Node B (eNB), a gNB, and the like), a repeater device, a customer premise equipment, and other customized telecommunication hardware.

In an example, in the present disclosure, the signal distribution network 102 is provided inside a cavity or housing such as the metal housing 116 which is coupled to the reflector 112. Thus, the signal distribution network 102 can form a part of the antenna in comparison to conventional approach where such signal distribution networks are separate and thus add on to a height of the antenna which is very critical during installations of the antennas.

According to an embodiment, the metal lines deposited on the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are configured to form a connection structure for connecting one or more radiators of the antenna with the signal distribution network 102. The metal lines are configured to provide a conductive path to form a connection structure for providing feed signal to the one or more radiators of the antenna. In an example, the metal lines are made of conductor materials like 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 the need.

In an example, there is shown a direction 118 of opening of the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B. The one or more extending parts 108A and 108B may extend through the openings 114 in the direction 118.

Beneficially, the signal distribution network 102 of the present disclosure provides a good access to connections for the radiators of the antenna. Further, the present disclosure enables a single structure to have the signal distribution network 102 and the radiators. Further, a complete height of cavity is utilized by the signal distribution network 102 as the flexible plastic foil 106 consumes the complete height of the cavity without wasting any space. In some conventional antennas, the conventional signal distribution networks having protruding elements, is pushed sideward (i.e., sided) into a housing and moved up such that the protruding elements are assembled in defined holes in conventional reflector, which results in wastage of space and also makes a conventional antenna longer. Beneficially, the signal distribution network 102 employs the flexible plastic foil 106 with metal lines, which reduces the complexity to enable forming a connection with the radiators. The flexible plastic foil 106 enables to pull the foil ends out through the holes of the cavity or the reflector to connect outside to other parts, such as the radiators. Moreover, the use of the flexible plastic foil 106 makes the signal distribution network 102 lighter in weight, and the flexible plastic foil 106 has smaller transport size. Further, the signal distribution network 102 has a lower cost of assembly and production, thereby contributes significantly to reduce the overall cost and complexity to manufacture an antenna including maintenance cost.

With reference to FIG. IB, there is shown a view 102B of the signal distribution network 102, where the extending part 108A of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown to be bent out of the metal housing 116 from the opening 114 of the reflector 112. There is also shown the plastic support 104. The extending part 108A is passed through the openings 114 in a direction 120 which is another side of the reflector 112. The openings 114 in the reflectors 112 provide a passage for the extending part 108A to stretch out for establishing connection with the radiators.

With reference to FIG. 1C, there is shown a view 102C of the signal distribution network 102, where the extending part 108A of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown to be further bent from the opening 114 of the reflector 112 in another position (i.e., a final position). Like FIG. 1A and IB there is also shown the plastic support 104 and the metal housing 116. The extending part 108A is passed through the openings 114 and bent to establish a good connection with the radiators to provide signal feed. Thus, the present disclosure provides a connection that can be established with radiators at any angle with respect to the signal distribution network 102.

FIGs. 2A, 2B, 2C are illustrations of different perspective views and corresponding side views that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.2A is described in conjunction with elements from FIG.1A. With reference to FIG. 2A there is shown a perspective view 200A and a side view 200B of a signal distribution network 200. There is further shown the plastic support 104, the flexible plastic foil 106, the reflector 112, the opening 114, and the metal housing 116. In the FIG.2A, the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown within the metal housing 116.

A position of the flexible plastic foil 106 in the FIG. 2A is similar to the position in the FIG. 1A i.e., the flexible plastic foil 106 are not shown extended from the opening 114. In the perspective view 200A of the signal distribution network, there is shown the reflector 112, the opening 114, and the metal housing 116. In the side view 200B of the signal distribution network such, there is shown the plastic support 104, the flexible plastic foil 106, the reflector 112 and the metal housing 116.

The flexible plastic foil 106 is attached to one side of the plastic support 104 with metal lines deposited on the flexible plastic foil 106. The plastic support 104 is configured to provide structural support to the flexible plastic foil 106 so that the flexible plastic foil 106 can easily be used for establishing connection with the radiators. Further, the plastic support 104 may enable in providing strength to the flexible plastic foil 106 so that there is no breaking during bending of the flexible plastic foil 106. The plastic support 104 provides a non-conductive support to the flexible plastic foil 106 i.e., the plastic support 104 is electrically non- conductive to the metal lines of the flexible plastic foil 106.

With reference to FIG. 2B there is shown a perspective view 200C and a side view 200D of a signal distribution network 200, where the extending parts 108A and the 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown to be bent out of the metal housing 116 from the opening 114 of the reflector 112. There is further shown the plastic support 104.

A position of the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B in the FIG. 2B is similar to the position in the FIG. IB i.e., the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are shown extended from the opening 114. In the perspective view 200C of the signal distribution network, there is shown the reflector 112, the opening 114, and the metal housing 116. In the side view 200D of the signal distribution network, there is shown the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B, the reflector 112 and the metal housing 116.

With reference to FIG. 2C there is shown a perspective view 200E and a side view 200F of a signal distribution network 200, where the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown to be further bent from the opening 114 of the reflector 112 in another position (i.e., a final position). There is further shown the plastic support 104.

A position of the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B in the FIG. 2C is similar to the position in the FIG. 1C i.e., the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are shown completely extended and bent from the opening 114. In the perspective view 200E of the signal distribution network such as the signal distribution network of FIG. 1A, there is shown the reflector 112, the opening 114, and the metal housing 116. In the side view 200F of the signal distribution network 200 such as the signal distribution network 102 of FIG. 1 A, there is shown the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B, the reflector 112 and the metal housing 116.

FIGs. 3A, 3B are illustrations of a signal distribution network that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.3A is described in conjunction with elements from FIG.1 A. With reference to FIG. 3A, there is shown a view 302A of a signal distribution network 302 that includes the plastic support 104 and the flexible plastic foil 106, the extending part 108A and 108B, the reflector 112, the one or more openings such as opening 114, the metal housing 116. In the FIG.3A, the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown within the metal housing 116.

In an example, there is shown a direction 304 of opening of the extending parts 108A and 108B. The extending parts 108A and 108B may extend through the openings 114 in the direction 304.

With reference to FIG. 3B, there is shown a view 302B of the signal distribution network 302, where the extending part 108A of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown to be bent out of the metal housing 116 from the opening 114 of the reflector 112. There is also shown the plastic support 104, a radiator 308 and one or more support elements 310A and 310B.

In an example, the extending part 108A is passed through the openings 114 in a direction 306 which is another side of the reflector 112. The openings 114 in the reflectors 112 provide a passage for the extending part 108A to stretch out for establishing connection with a radiator 308.

According to an embodiment, each extending part 108A and 108B comprises one or more support elements 310A and 310B attached to the flexible plastic foil 106 and configured for preserving a stable shape of the extending part 108A and 108B after bending of the extending part 108A and 108B. In an example, the support element 310A is configured to preserve a stable shape of the extending part 108A and the support element 310B is configured to preserver a stable shape of the extending part 108B. The support elements 310A and 310B may be electrically non-conductive to the extending parts 108A and 108B which have metal lines. The support elements 310A and 310B provides strength to the extending parts 108A and 108B during bending of the extending part 108A and 108B.

According to an embodiment, the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are configured to form, after bending of the extending parts 108A and 108B, a radiating structure that is a part of one or more radiators such as radiator 308 of the antenna (not shown). The one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are configured to bend to enable forming a connection with the radiator 308 for providing signal feed. Beneficially, the signal distribution network 302 of the present disclosure forms a single part i.e., a radiating structure in comparison to conventional approach where such distribution networks are usually separate and thus consume much more space compared to the signal distribution network 302 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a signal distribution network for multiple radiators, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.4 is described in conjunction with elements from FIG.1 A. With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a signal distribution network 402 that includes an input 404, outputs 406, radiator feed lines 408, the flexible plastic foil 106, the metal housing 116.

The input 404 provides signal feed to multiple flexible plastic foil such as the flexible plastic foil 106. The outputs 406 provides the signal feed to respective radiators via the radiators feed line 408. In an example, at the output 406, the flexible plastic foil 106 may bend at an angle of 45 degrees.

The one or more extending parts such as extending parts 108A and 108B (of FIG. 1 A) of the signal distribution network 402 are configured to form a radiating structure that is a part of one or more radiators (not shown) of the antenna (not shown). The one or more extending parts 108A and 108B are configured to bend to enable forming a connection with the radiator such as radiator 308 of FIG. 3B for providing signal feed. According to an embodiment, the radiating structure forms an array of radiators of the antenna. The output 406 is provided to radiator feed lines 408 of each radiator of the array of radiators of the antenna. Thus, the present disclosure provides improved access or connection of the signal distribution network 402 to the array of radiators.

FIGs. 5A, 5B, 5C are illustrations of the signal distribution network that depicts one or more extending parts of a flexible plastic foil in different positions, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 5A there is shown of a view 502A of a signal distribution network 502. There is further shown one or more extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C, the plastic support 104, the flexible plastic foil 106, the reflector 112, the opening 114, and the metal housing 116. In the FIG.5A, the one or more extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown within the metal housing 116.

A position of the flexible plastic foil 106 in the FIG. 5A is similar to the position in the FIG. 1A i.e., the flexible plastic foil 106 are not shown extended from the opening 114.

With reference to FIG. 5B there is shown of a view 502B of the signal distribution network 502, where the extending part 504A, 504B and 504C of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown to be bent out of the metal housing 116 from the opening 114 of the reflector 112. There is further shown the plastic support 104.

A position of the one or more extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C in the FIG. 5B is similar to the position in the FIG. IB i.e., the one or more extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C are shown extended from the opening 114.

With reference to FIG. 5C there is shown of a view 502C of the signal distribution network 502 where the extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C of the flexible plastic foil 106 is shown to be further bent from the opening 114 of the reflector 112 in another position (i.e., a final position). There is further shown one or more support elements 506A, 506B and 506C, the plastic support 104.

A position of the one or more extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C in the FIG. 5C is similar to the position in the FIG. 1C i.e., the one or more extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C are shown completely extended and bent from the opening 114. In an example, the openings 114 in the reflectors 112 provide a passage for the extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C to stretch out for establishing connection with a radiator such as radiator 308. The one or more support elements 506A, 506B and 506C are attached to the flexible plastic foil 106 and configured for preserving a stable shape of the extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C after bending of the extending part 504A, 504B and 504C. In an example, the support element 506A is configured to preserver a stable shape of the extending part 504A, the support element 506B is configured to preserver a stable shape of the extending part 504B and the support element 506C is configured to preserver a stable shape of the extending part 504C. The support elements 506A, 506B and 506C may be electrically non-conductive to the extending parts 504A, 504B and 504C which have metal lines.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of installing a signal distribution network in an antenna structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 6 there is shown a method 600. The method 600 is executed for a signal distribution network described, for example, in Fig. 1A. The method 600 includes steps 602 to 606.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method 600 of installing a signal distribution network 102 in an antenna structure, comprising: providing a signal distribution network 102 comprising a plastic support 104 and a flexible plastic foil 106 attached to one side of the plastic support 104 with metal lines deposited on the flexible plastic foil 106, wherein the flexible plastic foil 106 comprises one or more extending parts 108A and 108B that extend beyond an edge 110 of the plastic support 104, arranging the signal distribution network 102 on one side of a reflector 112 of an antenna to align the extending parts 108A and 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 with one or more openings such as opening 114 in the reflector 112, and bending the extending parts 108A and 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 to extend through the openings 114 to another side of the reflector 112.

At step 602, the method 600 comprises providing a signal distribution network 102 comprising a plastic support 104 and a flexible plastic foil 106 attached to one side of the plastic support 104 with metal lines deposited on the flexible plastic foil 106, wherein the flexible plastic foil 106 comprises one or more extending parts 108A and 108B that extend beyond an edge 110 of the plastic support 104. The plastic support 104 comprises providing structural support to the flexible plastic foil 106 so that the flexible plastic foil 106 can easily be used for establishing connection with the radiators such as radiator 308. Further, the plastic support 104 may enable in providing strength to the flexible plastic foil 106 so that there is no breaking during bending of the flexible plastic foil 106. Beneficially, as the flexible plastic foil 106 is placed along the plastic support 104, there is improved utilization (i.e., less length needed) of the flexible plastic foil 106. The metal lines are deposited on the flexible plastic foil 106 to enable providing conductive tracks for providing the signal feed to the radiators such as radiator 308. Beneficially, the flexible plastic foil 106 can be easily bent or moved to enable forming a connection with the radiators 308. The one or more extending parts 108A and 108B include the metal lines deposited thereupon which enable in providing the signal feed to the radiators 308.

At step 604, the method 600 comprises arranging the signal distribution network 102 on one side of a reflector 112 of an antenna to align the extending parts 108A and 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 with one or more openings, such as the opening 114, in the reflector 112. The openings 114 in the reflectors 112 comprises providing a passage for the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B to stretch out for establishing connection with the radiators such as radiator 308. By virtue of the openings 114, there is an improved access of the signal distribution network 102 to the radiator 308 in comparison to conventional approach where there is a limited access.

At step 606, the method 600 comprises bending the extending parts 108A and 108B of the flexible plastic foil 106 to extend through the openings 114 to another side of the reflector 112. As the method 600 comprises bending the one or more extending parts 108A and 108B, thus connection can be established with radiators such as radiator 308 at any angle with respect to the signal distribution network 102. Further, the signal feed may be provided to the radiators 308 via the extending parts 108A and 108B.

Beneficially, the method 600 comprises providing the signal distribution network 102 that provides a good access to connections for the radiators of the antenna. Further, the method 600 enables in providing a single structure to have the signal distribution network 102 and the radiators such as radiator 308. Further, a complete height of cavity is utilized by the signal distribution network 102 provided by the method 600 as the flexible plastic foil 106 consumes the complete height of the cavity without wasting any space. In comparison to some conventional antennas where distribution networks having protruding elements is sided into a housing and moved up such that the protruding elements are assembled in defined holes in conventional reflector, which results in wastage of space and also makes a conventional antenna longer.

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 present disclosure, 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.