CN107785665B - Mixed structure dual-frequency dual-beam three-column phased array antenna - Google Patents

Abstract

The dual-frequency antenna elements may be used to construct a dual-beam three-column antenna array. The dual-frequency antenna element comprises both high-frequency and low-frequency radiating elements, so that the dual-frequency antenna element is capable of transmitting signals in two frequency bands. The dual-frequency antenna element further comprises a resonance box, and the resonance box is used for isolating the radiation units which are arranged together and reducing the deformation between the bands. The dual-frequency antenna elements can be arranged with the single-frequency units in a crossed manner so as to realize a dual-beam three-column antenna array. The individual elements of the dual beam three column antenna array may be separated by non-uniform offsets/spacings to improve performance.

Description

A hybrid structure dual-frequency dual-beam three-column phased array antenna

This application requires the divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application number of 201480033255.6 and the invention title of "a hybrid structure dual-frequency dual-beam three-column phased array antenna" to be submitted to the China Patent Office on June 30, 2014, all of which are The contents are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The invention relates to the field of wireless communication, in particular to a hybrid structure dual-frequency dual-beam three-column phased array antenna.

Background technique

Today, wireless cellular antennas can transmit one or more beams of signals. A single-beam antenna transmits a single beam signal directed toward the boresight of the antenna, while a dual-beam antenna transmits two asymmetric beams of signals toward two directions relative to the offset angle of the antenna's mechanical boresight. In fixed coverage cellular networks, the azimuth beam pattern of a dual beam antenna is narrower than that of a single beam antenna. For example, a dual-beam antenna can transmit two beams with a half-power width (HPBW) close to 33 degrees in azimuth, while a single-beam antenna can transmit a beam with a half-power width (HPBW) close to 65 degrees in azimuth. The two narrow beams emitted by the dual-beam antenna are usually pointed in offset azimuth directions, for example, in increments of 20 degrees to minimize the beam coupling factor between the two beams and provide 65 degrees of HPBW coverage in a three-sector network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The hybrid structure dual-frequency dual-beam three-row phased array antenna described in the embodiment of the present invention can achieve technical advantages.

According to an embodiment, a dual frequency radiating unit is provided. In this example, the dual-frequency radiation unit includes: an antenna reflector, a low-frequency radiation plate mounted on the antenna reflector, and a high-frequency radiation plate on the low-frequency radiation plate.

According to an embodiment, a dual frequency antenna is provided. In this example, the dual-frequency antenna includes: a plurality of single-frequency antenna elements for radiating in the first frequency band; and a plurality of dual-frequency antenna elements for radiating in the first frequency band and the second frequency band . Wherein, the single-frequency antenna element and the dual-frequency antenna element are arranged in three rows of radiation element arrays.

According to another embodiment, a 3x2 (3x2) azimuth beamforming network (AFBN) method of operation is provided. In this example, the method includes: receiving a left beam and a right beam; applying a first phase shift to a replica of the left beam to obtain a phase shifted left beam; applying a second phase shift to the right side a copy of the beam to obtain a phase-shifted right beam; mixing the right beam with the phase-shifted left beam to obtain a first mixed signal; mixing the left beam with the phase-shifted right beam to obtain a second mixed signal; mixing a copy of the first mixed signal with a copy of the second mixed signal to obtain a third mixed signal; sending the first mixed signal, the second mixed signal, and the second mixed signal through an antenna array the third mixed signal.

According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a 3x2 (3x2) azimuth beamforming network (AFBN) structure. In this example, the 3x2 AFBN structure is used to: receive a left beam and a right beam; apply a first phase shift to a replica of the left beam to obtain a phase shifted left beam; apply a second phase shift to A copy of the right beam is obtained to obtain a phase shifted right beam. The 3×2 AFBN structure is also used for: mixing the right beam with the phase-shifted left beam to obtain a first mixed signal; mixing the left beam with the phase-shifted right beam to obtain the first mixed signal. Two mixed signals; mixing a copy of the first mixed signal with a copy of the second mixed signal to obtain a third mixed signal. The 3×2 AFBN structure is also used for: sending the first mixed signal, the second mixed signal and the third mixed signal through an antenna array.

Description of drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional dual-frequency antenna array.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional low frequency radiation unit.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional high-frequency radiation unit.

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary dual frequency radiating element.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary dual frequency radiating element.

6A-6C illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary dual-beam three-column antenna array.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary dual beam antenna array.

FIG. 8 shows a graph of the azimuthal radiation pattern formed by an exemplary dual-beam three-column antenna array.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the center feed of an exemplary dual frequency radiating element.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a center feed arrangement of another exemplary dual-frequency radiating element.

11A-11B illustrate schematic diagrams of a center feed arrangement of another exemplary dual-frequency radiating element.

12 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary non-uniform azimuth beamforming network.

13 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary unbalanced power divider circuit.

Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of an unbalanced power divider.

15A-15E show schematic diagrams of an exemplary bipolar 180 degree microstrip line power divider.

16A-16B show schematic diagrams of an exemplary bipolar 180 degree microstrip line power divider assembly.

Figure 17 shows a block diagram of an exemplary fabrication facility.

Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated. The figures are drawn to clearly illustrate relevant aspects of the embodiments and are therefore not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed ways

The making and using of embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below. It should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts and that the specific embodiments discussed are by way of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the claims. Further, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Base station antennas are typically installed in high-traffic metropolitan areas, and small modules are especially popular due to their more pleasing form factor (eg, less noticeable), ease of installation, and ease of service. In addition, base station antennas typically use arrays of antenna elements, thereby increasing spatial selectivity (eg, through beamforming) and increasing spectral efficiency. The design concept of a single beam three-column antenna array is discussed in US patent application Ser. No. 12/175,425, the entire contents of which are reproduced in this application by reference. However, those concepts are not suitable for dual beam applications. Accordingly, there is a need for a mechanism and architecture to provide a three-column antenna array with dual beam capability.

Various aspects of the present invention provide dual-frequency antenna elements that can be used to construct dual-beam three-column antenna arrays. More specifically, the dual-frequency antenna element includes both high-frequency and low-frequency radiating elements, so that it can radiate signals in two frequency bands. The dual-frequency antenna vibrator further includes a resonance box, which is used for isolating the co-located radiating elements from each other and reducing inter-band deformation. Additional aspects of the present invention provide additional characteristics for constructing the dual frequency antenna elements, as well as characteristics for constructing a dual beam three column antenna array.

FIG. 1 shows a conventional dual-frequency antenna array 100 . The dual-frequency antenna array 100 includes a radome 110 , a plurality of low-frequency radiation elements 120 and a plurality of high-frequency radiation elements 130 . As shown, the low frequency radiating element 120 and the high frequency radiating element are placed in one radome. It is worth noting that the arrangement of the low frequency radiation units 120 is more typical than that of the high frequency radiation units 130 for radiating in different frequency bands.

FIG. 2 shows a conventional low frequency radiating element 200 mounted on an antenna reflector 210 . The low frequency radiating element 200 includes a back cavity 222 , a printed circuit board (PCB) 224 and a low frequency radiating element 226 . The back cavity 222 is used to accommodate the active antenna assembly, and the PCB 224 contains internal wiring that enables the active antenna assembly to drive the low frequency radiating element 226 . FIG. 3 shows a conventional high-frequency radiation unit 300 , and the structure of the high-frequency radiation unit 300 is similar to the conventional low-frequency radiation unit 200 . The conventional high frequency radiating element 300 is mounted on the antenna reflector 310 and includes a back cavity 332, a PCB 334 and a low frequency radiating element 336, the configuration of which is similar to the similar components of the low frequency radiating element 200. It is worth noting that the high frequency radiation unit 300 operates on a different frequency band than the low frequency radiation unit 200 .

Various aspects of the present invention provide a dual frequency radiating element that operates on two different frequency bands. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary dual-frequency radiating element 400 mounted on an antenna reflector 410 . The dual-frequency radiation unit 400 includes a low frequency back cavity 422 , a PCB 424 , a low frequency radiation unit 426 , a high frequency back cavity 432 , a radiation box 433 , a PCB 434 and a high frequency radiation unit 436 . The dual-frequency radiation unit 400 uses the low-frequency radiation unit 426 to transmit low-frequency signals, and uses the high-frequency radiation unit 436 to transmit high-frequency signals. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary dual-frequency radiation unit 500 , and the structure of the dual-frequency radiation unit 500 is similar to the exemplary dual-frequency radiation unit 400 . The dual-frequency radiation unit 500 is mounted on the antenna reflector 510 and includes a low frequency back cavity 522 , a PCB 524 , a low frequency radiation unit 526 , a high frequency back cavity 532 , a radiation box 533 , a PCB 534 and a high frequency radiation unit 536 . The high-frequency back cavity 532 , the radiation box 533 , the PCB 534 and the high-frequency radiation unit 536 may be referred to as a high-frequency flat panel assembly. In some embodiments, the low frequency radiating element 526 may be driven by a low frequency microstrip feed line extending from a slot, and the high frequency radiating element 536 may be driven by a slot (eg, a cross) extending through the center of the low frequency radiating element 526 The coaxial line that feeds the intersection, etc.) is fed. Therefore, the low frequency radiating element 526 may be driven by a different feeder than the high frequency radiating element 536 .

The exemplary dual-frequency radiating element configuration can facilitate the realization of a dual-beam three-column antenna array. 6A to 6C show a dual-beam three-column antenna array 600, the dual-beam three-column antenna array 600 includes a plurality of high-frequency radiation units 621-622 and a plurality of dual-frequency radiation units 641-643, wherein the The dual frequency radiating elements 641 - 643 are distributed in three columns 601 , 602 and 603 along the antenna reflector 610 . As shown in the figure, the column 601 includes alternating patterns of dual-frequency radiation elements 641 and high-frequency radiation elements 621, and the column 602 includes alternating patterns of dual-frequency radiation elements 642 and high-frequency radiation elements 622, so The column 603 includes alternating patterns of dual-frequency radiating elements 643 and high-frequency radiating elements 623 . 6B more clearly shows that the high frequency radiating elements 621 and 623 in the outermost columns 601 and 603 are shifted inward relative to the dual frequency radiating elements 641 and 643 in the outermost columns 601 and 603 (OF1). This makes the interval between the high-frequency radiation elements 621 and 623 smaller than the interval between the dual-frequency radiation elements 641 and 643 . Further, Fig. 6C more clearly shows the offset (OF2) of the odd-numbered dual-frequency radiation elements 641, 642 and 643 relative to the even-numbered dual-frequency radiation elements 641', 642' and 643'. Similarly, the odd-numbered high-frequency radiation elements 621, 622, and 623 are offset (OF3) with respect to the even-numbered high-frequency radiation elements 621', 622', and 623'. It is worth noting that the label is excluded only for the convenience of description, and the offset also exists between the continuous dual-frequency radiation units 642 and 642 ′ in the middle column 602 and the continuous high-frequency radiation units 622 and 622 ′ OF2 and OF3. The offsets OF2 and OF3 may be identical or identical to each other. The offsets OF2 and OF3 provide additional degrees of freedom for azimuthal beamforming, especially for reducing azimuthal sidelobe levels.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary dual beam antenna array 700 including an array of high frequency radiating elements 720 and an array of dual frequency radiating elements 740 affixed to an antenna reflector 710 . Applicants have found that a cell spacing of about half a wavelength in the azimuthal direction and slightly more than half a wavelength in the vertical direction can provide better performance than other cell spacings. In practice, the above spacing is suitable for two frequency bands of spectral wavelengths with a ratio of about 1.2 to 2.2. Low-frequency radiators can be interleaved in three columns to increase the aperture ratio, while allowing the use of simpler clusters of high-frequency radiators without severe pattern interference between the two bands. The high frequency radiators can be distributed non-staggered at irregular intervals to improve side lobe performance. These low-frequency radiating elements can be further shifted in azimuth, alternating between rows to further improve sidelobe performance in both bands. Figures 6A-6C and 7 depict these stacked rectangular plates, and other types of radiating elements, such as dipoles, may also be used. In both low-frequency and high-frequency arrays, array subgroups each containing two or more array rows first form azimuth beams using a purpose-built 3x2 azimuth beamforming network (ABFN). These ABFNs can be fed with a multi-port phase shifter to form a two-dimensional array.

Various aspects of the present invention provide an azimuth antenna beam pattern device, which can make beneficial improvements to the azimuth antenna beam pattern by changing the amplitude and phase of the RF signal applied to each radiating element by the azimuth direction. Many modern cellular base station antennas are designed with a single main lobe with a half power bandwidth (HPBW) of 65 or 90 degrees. Various aspects of the present invention describe a three-column dual-frequency dual-beam antenna that enables high-capacity cellular operation. The proposed dual-band dual-beam antenna array creates two highly orthogonal spatial beams on two or more frequency bands through a common antenna aperture. Thus, for example, a single dual frequency dual beam can create four orthogonal azimuth beams at each signal pole, where each orthogonal azimuth beam has a half-power width (HPBW) of 33 degrees, compared to , the standard 65-degree dual-frequency array can only make two beams.

Various aspects of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing a commercially viable dual-frequency dual-beam array using a three-column staggered antenna array structure. Some embodiments utilize a hybrid configuration of three-column linear arrays to form a dual beam array with higher aperture ratios and lower inter-band interference than other array configurations. The exemplary antenna array creates 4 separate asymmetric beams in two closely adjacent frequency bands along the azimuth direction, for example, one in the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) band (1710MHz to 2170MHz) and the other in the slightly higher long-term Evolution (LTE) band 2.5GHz (2500MHz to 2700MHz). The two three-column arrays include a plurality of radiating elements operating in two separate frequency bands that are interleaved to achieve reasonable signal radiation on both frequency bands. The radiating elements of the low-frequency three-column array can be arranged in a staggered array configuration, while the high-frequency radiating elements use a rectangular three-column array structure to increase the aperture ratio, improve the azimuth beam pattern, and reduce inter-band interference. A purpose-built non-Butler non-uniform 3x2 azimuth beamforming network (ABFN) is designed to satisfy the relatively complex excitation of these multi-column arrays. ABFN circuits can be formed so that all orthogonal beams operate simultaneously with a low beam coupling factor, which is beneficial for reducing network interference. The arrangement of the radiating elements can not only accurately deliver the amplitude and phase to the radiators, but also improve the overall beam pattern. In order to make the structure of the dual-frequency array more compact, the radiating elements of the two frequency bands sometimes occupy the same space. At this point, the high-frequency plate must be placed on top of the low-frequency unit to form a new dual-frequency unit capable of radiating signals on both frequency bands simultaneously.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an antenna array, the antenna array includes a plurality of radiating elements, the radiating elements are arranged to form a plurality of columns, each column includes at least one radiating element, and each radiating element is in a plurality of non-radiating elements. operating in at least one of the overlapping frequency bands, wherein each radiating element is used to produce a plurality of radiation beams in the at least one operating frequency band, wherein at least one radiation beam is asymmetric.

Aspects of the present invention introduce the concept of a hybrid three-column antenna array architecture comprising a plurality of driven radiating elements interleaved between two different types of radiating elements, the two different types of radiating elements The unit operates on two separate frequency bands. For each frequency band of operation, two lightly overlapping asymmetric beams with extremely low beam coupling factors are generated in the azimuth plane to provide optimal wireless cellular performance. In order to achieve reasonable dual frequency operation, a new dual frequency panel is introduced here to complete the simultaneous operation of two independent arrays.

8 shows a graph of the azimuthal radiation pattern of an exemplary hybrid-structure three-column dual-frequency dual-beam antenna array. As shown, for each linearly polarized signal, there are four separate asymmetric beams: high-frequency left (L), right (R) beams and low-frequency left (L), right (R) beams. To achieve 65 degrees of cell coverage, each dual beam array provides a azimuth beam pattern with an azimuth HPBW of approximately 33 degrees. In this way, the combined HPBW of these two beams can provide nearly the same coverage as a standard 65-degree beam. The beam shape of the radiation pattern can seriously affect the operation/performance of the network, so it is best to have each element beam (left and right) perpendicular to the other with a low beam coupling factor between the two beams. Beam parameters can be selected according to the following formula: Min(βRL)=min(k*∫ER(θ,Φ) EL(θ,Φ)dΩ), where k is a normalization constant, and ER(θ,Φ) represents The radiation pattern of the right beam, EL(θ,Φ) represents the radiation pattern of the left beam.

Aspects of the invention achieve patterns with high roll-off ratios at the intersection of two element beams, low azimuth side lobes, beams crossing from -5dB to -9dB between patterns, and a main backlobe ratio at the back of the antenna exceeding 30dB . The four asymmetric beams produced by the dual-band BSA are inherently separate due to the orthogonality of the BFN and the inter-band spectral isolation. Accordingly, various aspects of the present invention greatly improve network performance without increasing the overall size of the base station antenna.

Various aspects of the present invention provide dual frequency radiating elements. The exemplary radiating element may use a multi-frequency stacked panel radiator, which may provide relatively good broadband characteristics and produce a highly polarized field with a relatively simple feed system. Aspects of the present invention introduce a novel dual-band flat panel unit that allows radiated signals in both frequency bands with minimal inter-band interference.

The embodiment of the present invention provides a dual-frequency microstrip feeder assembly to implement reasonable feeding of bipolar high-frequency RF signals from the bottom of the dual-frequency unit. FIG. 9 shows a center feeding device 940 of a dual-frequency radiating element 900 . As shown in the figure, the dual-frequency radiation unit 900 is mounted on the antenna reflector 910, and includes a low-frequency back cavity 922, a PCB 924, a low-frequency radiation unit 926, a high-frequency back cavity 932, a radiation box 933, a PCB 934 and a high-frequency radiation unit 936 . The center feed 940 feeds the resonator disposed in the high frequency back cavity 932 through the PCB 924 and the low frequency radiating element 926 through holes and/or slits. FIG. 10 shows a center feed 1040 of a dual frequency radiator 1000 . As shown in the figure, the dual-frequency radiation unit 1000 is installed on the antenna reflector 1010, and includes a low-frequency back cavity 1022, a PCB1024, a low-frequency radiation unit 1026, a high-frequency back cavity 1032, a radiation box 1033, a PCB1034 and a high-frequency radiation unit 1036 . The center feed device 1040 feeds the active antenna assembly disposed in the high frequency back cavity 1032 through the PCB 1024 and the low frequency radiating element 1026 through holes and/or slits.

11A-11B illustrate a top view of a center feed 1100 . As shown, the two radiating slots 1141 and 1142 located at an angle of plus or minus 45 degrees are fed by four microstrip feeders 1146, wherein the four microstrip feeders 1146 are directly connected to the top of the central feed assembly. The two radiating slots 1141 and 1142 provide two orthogonal linear polarization fields, and each radiating slot is fed by two microstrip feeders 1146 that carry the same amplitude and opposite phase (180-degree phase difference). )signal of. This feed concept utilizes a microstrip power splitter to split an unbalanced RF input into two unbalanced RF outputs with a 180-degree phase shift.

其中，Li表示左波束列i的阵列激发系数，Ri表示右波束列i的阵列激励系数，N为总列数。阵列的列数越少，可以展现的这种类型的正交BFN的自由度越受限制，从而导致辐射图样无法同时满足方位角方向上波束形状的所有需要的参数，如增益、旁瓣电平和滚降率。通常，实现这些特征要以波束正交性轻微损失为代价。通过将小损耗向量δ引入激发向量，示例性BFN可以在不损耗图样正交性的情况下改善辐射图样。与牺牲波束正交性相反，这种损耗向量可以通过整体RF的细微损失换来波束耦合因数的降低。因此，由于系统损耗的让步，所述示例性ABFN能够在保持单元波束之间的正交性的同时实现满意的双波束辐射图样。在下面的标准满足时，可以保持单位波束之间的正交性：

其中，δ为波束形成的损耗因数。图14示出了一种非平衡功率分配器1400的示意图。如图所示，输出端口1和输出端口2相差180度。Various aspects of the present invention provide a 3x2 azimuth beamforming network. The network may include a non-Butler non-uniform azimuth beamforming network (ABFN). A Butler matrix can be used to form a 2N multibeam array, where N is an integer. At this time, the array may include a non-binary number of columns, eg, the number of columns≠2N. The non-Butler ABFN was developed for the three-column array to produce a dual-frequency pattern with good orthogonality between element beams. For example, 3×2ABFN can be used to form a 3×10 low frequency array and a 3×20 high frequency array. Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the ABFN1200. As shown, the ABFN 1200 is distributed across the three element antennas 1210, 1220 and 1230 via the left beam 1201 and the right beam 1202. FIG. 13 shows a passive hybrid circuit 1330 that can be implemented as an unbalanced power divider. Orthogonal beams (left and right) can be produced by ABFNs that meet the following criteria:

Among them, Li represents the array excitation coefficient of the left beam column i, Ri represents the array excitation coefficient of the right beam column i, and N is the total number of columns. The fewer the number of columns in the array, the more limited the degrees of freedom this type of orthogonal BFN can exhibit, resulting in the radiation pattern not being able to simultaneously satisfy all the required parameters of the beam shape in the azimuth direction, such as gain, sidelobe level and roll-off rate. Typically, these features are achieved at the expense of a slight loss of beam orthogonality. By introducing a small loss vector δ into the excitation vector, an exemplary BFN can improve the radiation pattern without losing the orthogonality of the pattern. Instead of sacrificing beam orthogonality, this loss vector can be exchanged for a reduction in the beam coupling factor with a slight loss of overall RF. Thus, the exemplary ABFN is able to achieve a satisfactory dual beam radiation pattern while maintaining the orthogonality between the element beams due to the concession of system losses. Orthogonality between unit beams can be maintained when the following criteria are met:

where δ is the loss factor for beamforming. FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of an unbalanced power divider 1400 . As shown, output port 1 and output port 2 are 180 degrees apart.

15A-15C illustrate an exemplary bipolar 180 degree microstrip line power divider assembly 1500 that includes a first power divider 1501 and a second power divider 1502. The first power divider 1501 and the second power divider 1502 can be printed on a separate PCB, and then interlocked at a 90-degree angle, and a suitable gap is left in the middle of each PCB, thereby forming a bipolar 180-degree feeder. Electrical assembly 1500. Electrical connections to the output ground plane are made through holes on the top of the PCB. FIG. 15D shows the first power divider 1501 and FIG. 15E shows the second power divider 1502 . 16A-16B illustrate an exemplary bipolar 180 degree microstrip line power divider assembly 1600.

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of an exemplary manufacturing facility 1700 . The manufacturing facility 1700 may be used to perform one or more aspects of the present invention. The manufacturing equipment 1700 includes a processor 1704, a memory 1706, and a plurality of interfaces 1710-1712, the arrangement of which is shown in FIG. 17 . The processor 1704 may be any device capable of performing tasks related to computing and/or other processing, and the memory 1706 may be any device capable of storing programs and/or instructions for the processor 1704 . The interfaces 1710-1712, as factory-set, may be any device or set of devices that allow the device 1700 to communicate control commands to other devices.

Although described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein, as those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from this disclosure that processes, machines, manufacturing processes, compositions of matter, components, methods or steps (including (currently existing or later developed) may perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same effect as the corresponding embodiments described herein. Accordingly, such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, and steps are included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (6)

1. A 3×2 (3×2) azimuth beamforming network (AFBN) operation method, wherein the method comprises: Receive left beam and right beam; applying a first phase shift to a replica of the left beam to obtain a phase shifted left beam; applying a second phase shift to the copy of the right beam to obtain a phase shifted right beam; mixing the right beam with the phase-shifted left beam to obtain a first mixed signal; mixing the left beam with the phase-shifted right beam to obtain a second mixed signal; mixing a copy of the first mixed signal with a copy of the second mixed signal to obtain a third mixed signal; The first mixed signal, the second mixed signal and the third mixed signal are transmitted through an antenna array. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first phase shift and the second phase shift are 180-degree phase shifts. 3 . 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sending the first mixed signal, the second mixed signal and the third mixed signal through an antenna array comprises: sending the first mixed signal through a first antenna; sending the second mixed signal through a second antenna; The third mixed signal is transmitted through a third antenna. 4. A device, characterized in that, comprising: A 3×2 (3×2) Azimuth Beamforming Network (AFBN) structure for: receiving a left beam and a right beam; applying a first phase shift to the left beam copy to get a phase shifted left beam; apply a second phase shift to a copy of the right beam to get a phase shifted right beam; mix the right beam with the phase shifted left beam to get a first mix signal; mixing the left beam with the phase-shifted right beam to obtain a second mixed signal; mixing a copy of the first mixed signal with a copy of the second mixed signal to obtain a third mixed signal; The first mixed signal, the second mixed signal and the third mixed signal are transmitted through an antenna array. 5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first phase shift and the second phase shift are 180-degree phase shifts. 6 . 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the first mixed signal, the second mixed signal, and the third mixed signal is transmitted by a different antenna of the antenna array.

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