CN117060075A - Compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for a compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network. A method may include transmitting a first signal at a first frequency at a port of a set of first ports. The method may further include transmitting a second signal at a second frequency at the second port, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The method may further include outputting a third signal from a third port to the dual band backfeed. Furthermore, the method may include converting the first signal and the second signal into a dual-band coaxial back-feed.

Description

Compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network

Technical Field

Some example embodiments relate generally to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR), or super 5G (5G beyond), or other telecommunication systems. For example, certain example embodiments relate to apparatus, systems, and/or methods for a compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network.

Background

Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems include Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-a), LTE-a Pro and/or fifth generation (5G) or New Radio (NR) telecommunication systems, as well as future generation telecommunication systems. The fifth generation (5G) telecommunications system refers to the network architecture of the Next Generation (NG) radio access network as well as the core network. The 5G telecommunication system is mainly based on the New Radio (NR) radio access technology (5G NR), but a 5G (or NG) network may also be established on the E-UTRAN. It is estimated that 5G NR will provide a bit rate of 10-20 gigabits per second (Gbit/s) or higher and will support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) as well as large-scale machine type communication (mctc). The 5G NR is expected to provide extremely broadband and ultra-robust low-latency connections and large-scale networks to support internet of things (IoT).

Disclosure of Invention

Some example embodiments relate to a method. The method may include transmitting a first signal at a first frequency at a port of a set of first ports. The method may further include transmitting a second signal at a second frequency at the second port, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The method may further include outputting a third signal from a third port to a dual band backfire feed (backfire feed). Furthermore, the method may include converting the first signal and the second signal into a dual-band coaxial back-feed.

Other example embodiments relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include a set of first ports, each first port including a respective waveguide configured to transmit a first signal at a first frequency. The apparatus may also include a second port including a second waveguide configured to transmit a second signal at a second frequency, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The apparatus may further include a third port configured to output a third signal to the dual-band back feed.

Drawings

For a proper understanding of the exemplary embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1 shows an example schematic diagram of a band carrier aggregation system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example dual band system;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example dual band backfire feed according to some example embodiments;

fig. 4 (a) illustrates an example dual band feed network in accordance with certain example embodiments;

fig. 4 (b) shows a rear view of the example dual band feed network of fig. 4 (a) in accordance with certain example embodiments;

fig. 5 (a) illustrates another example dual band feed network in accordance with certain example embodiments;

fig. 5 (b) shows a back view of an example dual band feed network, according to some example embodiments;

fig. 6 (a) illustrates an example dual band feed network in accordance with certain example embodiments;

fig. 6 (b) illustrates another example dual band feed network in accordance with certain example embodiments;

fig. 6 (c) illustrates an example dual band feed network after metallization according to some example embodiments;

fig. 6 (d) illustrates another example of a dual band feed network after metallization according to some example embodiments;

fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example dual band feed network, in accordance with certain example embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example coaxial diaphragm (septum) 800, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example E-plane T-junction, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example E-plane rectangular waveguide at right angles, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example H-plane right angle transition (transition) in accordance with certain example embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates return loss and isolation performance for a low frequency band according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates another return loss and isolation performance for a low frequency band in accordance with certain example embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example manufacturing process according to some example embodiments;

fig. 15 illustrates an example OrthoMode transducer device (transducer device) according to some example embodiments; and

FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments.

Detailed Description

It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for a compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," and "some embodiments" or other similar language throughout this specification may, for example, mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "cell," "node," "gNB," or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the term "gNB" may be one example of a "node".

With the advent of future 5G (and beyond) mobile networks, modern communication applications such as video streaming, mobile television, and other smart phone applications requiring high data rate communications (up to 10 Gbps) will challenge wireless transmission in the future. "band and carrier aggregation" (BCA: bands and Carrier Aggregation) for backhaul (backhaul) applications is one of these possible concepts, as it can be used to enhance radio link performance and involves associating two separate backhaul bands of one radio link. This combination ensures higher bandwidth and longer transmission distance while optimizing quality of service (QoS: quality of service). Conventional wireless transmission is mainly guaranteed by microwave parabolic antenna solutions. These antennas operate in a single frequency band defined by the International telecommunication Union (ITU: international Telecommunications Union) and European telecommunication standards institute (ETSI: european Telecommunications Standards Institute) or Federal communications Commission (FCC: federal Communications Commission) regulations. The dual band microwave antenna solution may provide opportunities for reduced tower rental costs, installation time, and lightweight tower structures. It is therefore desirable to provide a feed network for future BCA systems that covers two separate frequency bands with one microwave antenna.

In operation, a Radio Frequency (RF) signal generated by a microwave backhaul radio (also known as an outdoor unit) may propagate through a base mode TE ₁₀ Rectangular waveguides are operated, particularly at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies, to reduce insertion loss. ODUs may be used in single carrier or dual carrier, for which two orthogonal polarizations may be required. The two orthogonal polarizations may include a vertical polarization (V-pole) and a horizontal polarization (H-pole) from a radiating antenna system (e.g., a parabolic antenna).

In carrier aggregation systems, in addition to single-carrier or dual-carrier systems, ODUs may also generate two different carriers operating in two separate frequency bands; one for the low frequency band and the other for the high frequency band. For example, the low frequency band may be at 15GHz, 18GHz, or 23GHz, associated with the high frequency band of 80GHz (15 GHz band defined as from 14.2GHz to 15.35GHz,18GHz defined as from 17.7GHz to 19.7GHz,23GHz defined as from 21.2GHz to 23.6GHz, and 80GHz defined as from 71GHz to 86 GHz). However, in other cases, different band levels (levels) at the low and high frequency bands may be available. Thus, the radiating antenna system may be capable of propagating two RF signals, one in the low frequency band and the second in the high frequency band, possibly with two separate orthogonal polarizations (hereinafter referred to as the H-pole (H-pole) and V-pole (V-pole)).

Fig. 1 shows an example schematic diagram of a BCA system 100. The BCA system 100 includes ODUs 105a, 105b that propagate RF signals in band 1 (e.g., low frequency) under carriers 1 and 2. As shown in fig. 1, one of the RF signals for carrier 1 may comprise an H-pole orthogonal polarization and the other RF signal for carrier 2 may comprise a V-pole orthogonal polarization. The BCA system 100 may also include ODUs 110a, 110b that propagate RF signals in band 2 (e.g., high frequency) under carriers 1 and 2. As shown in fig. 1, one of the RF signals for ODU 110 may include an H-pole orthogonal polarization and the other RF signal for carrier 2 may include a V-pole orthogonal polarization. RF signals from ODUs 105a, 105b and 110a, 110b may be received at antenna system 115 for further processing and may be output via antenna 120.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example dual band system 200. The dual-band system 200 may include ODUs 205 and 210 that transmit RF signals in two frequency bands through a compact dual-band feed network 215 to a dual-band backfeed 220 of a parabolic antenna 225. The dual band backfire feed 220 may be TE for both low frequency bands ₁₁ Operating in coaxial waveguide mode, also in TE for high frequency bands ₁₁ Operating in a circular waveguide mode, which radiates within the antenna 225 to transmit two signals. As shown in fig. 2, one signal may be transmitted in band n° 1 and a second signal may be transmitted in band n° 2. Due to the inherent antenna characteristics, duality can be applied to the received signal.

While compact dual band feed networks have been used, such use may present certain problems and challenges. For example, problems caused by the compact dual band feed network may include that the TE will be initially at ₁₀ Maximum four input signals from ODU in rectangular mode are converted and combined into an appropriate TE operating for both horizontal and vertical polarization in the low frequency band ₁₁ Coaxial waveguide mode, and TE operating for both horizontal and vertical polarization in the high frequency band ₁₁ Circular waveguide modes. Furthermore, generating RF signals between low and high frequency bands and RF isolation of two polarizations in each band can be problematic.

Other techniques have used coaxial turnstile junctions (coaxial turnstile junction) to combine and convert RF signals. However, problems arise in terms of the significant space required to combine two opposing waveguides of polarity H, and also for a second waveguide of polarity V. Due to its inherent characteristics, the various outputs of the coaxial turnstile junction may be output in the same plane, thereby preventing combinations of opposite waveguide polarities from crossing other waveguide polarizations. This disadvantage can be solved by a tunnel solution of one polarized waveguide compared to another, which has a strong impact on the cumbersome design of a full dual band feed network. Thus, challenges arise in developing manufacturing solutions (e.g., machining), and several separate layers are required.

Certain example embodiments relate to microwave antennas for backhaul applications, and to dual carrier aggregation antenna systems. For example, certain example embodiments may provide a compact solution for a multi-band feed network to combine and convert RF input signals from an ODU into a dual-band coaxial backfeed for a parabolic antenna that operates in a low frequency band (e.g., 15GHz/18GHz/22 GHz) and a high frequency band (80 GHz) and both in dual orthogonal polarizations. In other example embodiments, the input signal to the multiband feed network from the ODU may also be considered an input signal to the ODU from the multiband feed network, as the passive antenna system is reversible (i.e., symmetrical). Further, certain example embodiments may include low return loss on each RF input, high rejection between the two frequency bands, and high isolation between orthogonal polarizations.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example dual band backfire feed 300, according to some example embodiments. The dual-band compact feed network shown in fig. 1 and 2 may feed a dual-band back-reflection primary source of a parabolic antenna (see fig. 3) through a coaxial waveguide for a low frequency band (e.g., without limitation, 15 GHz). According to certain example embodiments, the inner conductor may integrate a circular waveguide for a coaxial waveguide of a high frequency band (e.g., without limitation, 80 GHz). As shown in fig. 3, a dual band backfire feed 300 may utilize a dual band parabolic antenna (not shown) to transmit RF signals. In other example embodiments, the dual band backfire feed 300 may receive RF signals. High frequency TE ₁₁ The circular waveguide mode signal may be received from a circular waveguide (not shown) of the compact dual-band feed network 215 and propagate along a circular waveguide 310 (e.g., band 80 GHz) of the dual-band back-reflection feed 300. Also, low frequency TE ₁₁ The coaxial mode signal may be received by a coaxial waveguide 305 (e.g., band 15 GHz) of the dual-band backfire feed 300. According to certain example embodiments, the outer wall of the circular waveguide 310 may also be the inner wall of the coaxial waveguide 305.

Fig. 4 (a) illustrates an example dual band feed network in accordance with certain example embodiments. Further, fig. 4 (b) shows a back view of the example dual band feed network of fig. 4 (a) according to some example embodiments. As shown in fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the dual-band feed network 400 may include two separate rectangular waveguides TE ₁₀ Inputs 415, 430. In some example embodiments, two separate rectangular waveguide inputs 415, 430 may represent respective orthogonal polarizations of feeds at ports 420 and 425. Furthermore, 415 may correspond to an H-plane right angle coaxial to rectangular transition with several adaptive waveguide steps to optimize reflectance performance. The feed ports 420 and 425 may correspond to a first low-band port and a second low-band port, respectively. The dual band feed network 400 may also include a circular-square (rounded square) coaxial waveguide 405 equivalent to the low frequency band of a circular coaxial waveguide, but may be more suitable for machining processes. Also included in the dual band feed network 400 is one polarized symmetric rectangular waveguide 410 and another symmetric rectangular waveguide 460 180 out of phase with the symmetric waveguide 410.

Fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b) also show that the dual band feed network 400 includes an E-plane T-junction 440 with several adaptive waveguide steps to optimize the reflectance performance. Below the E-plane T-junction 440 is a polarized adaptive rectangular waveguide 435 connected to an E-plane rectangular waveguide 430 having adaptive waveguide steps to optimize reflectance performance. Fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b) also show a wide symmetrical coaxial diaphragm 450 that includes an adaptive step 445 of right angle coaxial to rectangular transition. Located below the adaptation step 445 is a high-band circular waveguide (outside of which it is located).

Further, fig. 5 (a) illustrates another example dual-band feed network 500 in accordance with certain example embodiments, and fig. 5 (b) illustrates a rear view of the example dual-band feed network 500 in accordance with certain example embodiments. As shown in fig. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the dual-band feed network 500 may have two orthogonal polarizations that are directly combined by an OrthoMode transducer (OMT) device through a square or circular waveguide input 505. According to some example embodiments, the OMT device may be a junction between the adaptive step 525, the square waveguide 530, and the adaptive step 535.

Similar to fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the dual-band feed network 500 may include a low-band circular-square coaxial waveguide 510 (also corresponding to 520), which is equivalent to a circular coaxial waveguide, but more suitable for machining processes. The dual band feed network 500 may also include a polarized symmetric rectangular waveguide 515 and an OMT square waveguide 530. Fig. 5 (a) and 5 (b) also show that the dual-band feed network 500 may include adaptive steps 525 and 535, and an H-plane rectangular right angle waveguide 540 forming part of the adaptive step 535. Furthermore, the dual band feed network 500 may include a square-round (square round) coaxial waveguide 520 (after a wide coaxial septum) and a high band circular waveguide 550 (outside of it). Furthermore, the dual band feed network 500 may include a polarized adaptive rectangular waveguide 545.

In certain example embodiments, in the high frequency band, the RF signal may be transmitted to the ODU through a circular waveguide input or through a rectangular input due to a circular-to-rectangular transition. In some example embodiments, a circular waveguide input may ensure transmission of two orthogonal polarizations. In other example embodiments, the output may be fed directly to the circular dual band backfire feed 300 shown in fig. 3. In some example embodiments, the output may be fed directly to the circular dual band backfire feed 300 with or without transition to optimize (or not optimize) RF return loss performance.

Fig. 4 (a) -5 (b) illustrate example dual-band feed networks 400, 500 with special voids (shown as the interior of the waveguide) of the multi-band antenna feed network, which may then be metallized by coating with a conductive material such as aluminum or copper, according to certain example embodiments. According to other example embodiments, each orthogonal polarization of the low frequency band may be separated into two different cross sections. In so doing, a dual band feed network 400 having an outer dimension of about 3λ×1.75λ×2.5λ may be provided.

Fig. 6 (a) illustrates an example dual band feed network 600 according to some example embodiments. Fig. 6 (b) illustrates another example dual band feed network 600 according to some example embodiments. For example, fig. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show solutions with two rectangular outputs for each individual polarization in the low frequency band. Fig. 6 (c) illustrates an example dual band feed network 600 after metallization according to some example embodiments. Fig. 6 (d) illustrates another example dual band feed network 600 after metallization according to some example embodiments. For example, fig. 6 (c) and 6 (d) show solutions with additional OMTs to re-associate the two polarizations in the low frequency band. The dual band feed network 600 shown in fig. 6 (a) -6 (d) may correspond to the same dual band feed networks 400 and 500 shown in fig. 4 (a) -5 (b), and fig. 4 (a) -5 (b) show the void (void) of the waveguide, while fig. 6 (a) -6 (d) show the outer shape of the waveguide.

As shown in fig. 6 (a) -6 (d), the dual-band feed network 600 may include circular-square coaxial waveguide outputs 605, 675 connected to the low-band of the dual-band feed 300. The circular-square coaxial waveguide outputs 605, 675 may be similar to the circular-square coaxial waveguide outputs 510, 405 shown in fig. 4 (a) through 5 (b). The dual band feed network 600 may also include upper machined metal layers 610, 645 of the compact dual band dual polarized feed network corresponding to layer 1/4. Furthermore, the dual band feed network 600 may include machined metal layers 615, 650 of the compact dual band polarization feed network corresponding to layer 2/4. Furthermore, the dual band feed network 600 may include machined metal layers 630, 655 of the compact dual band polarization feed network corresponding to layer 3/4. Furthermore, the dual band feed network 600 may include lower processed metal layers 635, 660 of the compact dual polarized feed network corresponding to 4/4 layers.

As further shown in fig. 6 (a) -6 (d), the dual-band feed network 600 may include a rectangular waveguide input 620 (referred to herein as port 1 in fig. 12) and a rectangular waveguide input 625 (referred to herein as port 2 in fig. 12). Below the processing metal layer 655, the dual-band feed network 600 may include a dual-polarized square waveguide OMT input 665 (with RF signals from the ODU conforming to the transmit antenna protocol) to convey two polarizations, referred to herein as the V-pole and the H-pole in fig. 12. Furthermore, the dual-band feed network 600 may also include circular waveguide inputs 640, 670 conveying two orthogonally polarized high-band.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example dual-band feed network shown in fig. 6 (a) and 6 (b) in accordance with certain example embodiments. In particular, FIG. 7 shows that an example dual-band feed network may include two separate rectangular waveguides TE ₁₀ And outputting. For example, the dual band feed network may include a first rectangular input 750 and a second rectangular input 755. According to some example embodiments, the coaxial output 705 of the dual-band feed network (i.e., shown in fig. 4 (a) -5 (b)) may be connected to the dual-band backfire feed 300, and the output may be a square coaxial waveguide. According to other example embodiments, the size of the output may be selected to properly expand the TE ₁₁ The first upper mode of the coaxial mode, the fundamental mode of the TEM, to generate two orthogonal polarizations. In other example embodiments, a circular coaxial waveguide may be used instead of a square coaxial waveguide. In further example embodiments, circular coaxial waveguides may be used with a dual band feed network.

Fig. 7 also shows that the dual-band feed network may include an upper machined metal layer 720 of the compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network corresponding to 1/4 layer and may also include a high-band circular waveguide output 710. Fig. 7 also shows a cross-sectional view 705 (see also 405, 510, 605, and 675) of the square-rectangular coaxial waveguide. As shown in fig. 7, the dual-band feed network may also include a metal portion 720 and two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides 725 for one polarization (referred to herein as the H-pole), the metal portion 720 including a symmetric wide diaphragm. Further, the dual band feed network may include a metal portion 730, the metal portion 730 including a right angle coaxial rectangular transition. The dual-band feed network may also include half-wave conductors 740 of the circular-square coaxial waveguide 705 opposite the waveguide steps, and the dual-band feed network may also include adaptive rectangular steps 745 to optimize the reflection coefficient. Furthermore, the dual band feed network may include a large coupling slot 770 (see also 1145) adjacent to the adaptive rectangular step 745.

Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example coaxial septum 800, according to some example embodiments. For example, fig. 8 shows a void and is a cross-sectional view of the dual band feed network shown by reference numerals 405, 410, 460, and 450 in fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b). In some example embodiments, the wide symmetric coaxial diaphragm 800 may be used to transmit polarization parallel to the coaxial diaphragm plate 760 in the low frequency band. For example, polarization may be transmitted in two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides, where the electric fields (E-fields) are 180 degrees out of phase (i.e., opposite in phase). According to certain example embodiments, an adaptive step 765 (see fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b)) may be gradually added to the coaxial diaphragm to improve the return loss and isolation performance of two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides. According to other example embodiments, the thickness of the coaxial diaphragm 800 may be referred to as t, in comparison to conventional diaphragms used in microwaves of circular or square waveguide (where the thickness may be below λ/30 to avoid interfering with orthogonal vertical polarization through the coaxial diaphragm plate) _s (fig. 7), which may have a value of lambda/5. In addition, fig. 8 shows that the dual-band feed network may include symmetric rectangular waveguides 810, 815 and a wide coaxial septum 820.

Fig. 9 illustrates an example E-plane T-junction 900, according to some example embodiments. As shown in fig. 9, the E-plane T-junction 900 includes a T-junction 910, and two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides 940, 950 (see fig. 8, reference numbers 810 and 815) may be bent and combined via the E-plane T-junction 900 to create a rectangular waveguide input access port 930. The use of an E-plane T-junction 900 may enable the output E-field to be in phase and thus enable direct feeding of the ODU input port.

As shown in fig. 9, the low frequency input signal may be TE via a rectangular waveguide at rectangular first port 930 ₁₀ Rectangular mode reception. In addition, the signal may propagate along the adaptive rectangular waveguide steps 920, 960 to increase the reflection coefficient and may be split into two signals, one of which isAlong the branch waveguides 940, 950.

Fig. 10 illustrates an example E-plane rectangular waveguide 1000, in accordance with certain example embodiments. According to some example embodiments, the E-plane rectangular waveguide 1000 may include a rectangular waveguide output 1005 connected to an adaptive rectangular waveguide step 1010. The E-plane rectangular waveguide 1000 may also include a rectangular waveguide input 1015 (see fig. 4, reference numeral 425). In other example embodiments, additional rectangular right angle waveguides 1000 may be connected to lie in the same access plane of the second rectangular waveguide input (input from ODU 420).

As shown in fig. 7, L _s May refer to the length of the coaxial diaphragm, which may be optimized to ensure good isolation between the two polarizations (port 1 and port 2) and to avoid return loss disturbances of the second orthogonal polarization perpendicular to the surface of the coaxial diaphragm (see fig. 12 and 13).

Fig. 11 illustrates an example H-plane right angle coaxial transition in accordance with certain example embodiments. As shown in fig. 11, an H-plane right angle coaxial transition may be used between a square coaxial waveguide to a rectangular waveguide to transfer the second orthogonal polarization of the low frequency band. Since the coaxial diaphragm surface is perpendicular to the second polarization, the RF signal of the second polarization passes through the wide coaxial diaphragm without interference. In some example embodiments, the transition may shift the TE by stepping one side 1140 of the square coaxial waveguide parallel to the electric field (E-field) to the inner coaxial conductor 1130 (or 1105) ₁₁ Conversion of coaxial waveguide mode to TE ₁₀ Rectangular waveguide mode. In particular, as shown in 1140 of fig. 11, different steps from a full square coaxial waveguide to a half coaxial waveguide inside the coaxial waveguide are presented. The E-field can now be stored progressively opposite one side of the progressive waveguide step and can be transferred to the rectangular waveguide through the large coupling slot 1145.

As shown in fig. 11, the H-plane right angle transition may include internal coaxial waveguides 1105, 1130 corresponding to the circular waveguide of the high frequency band. The H-plane right angle transition may also include square-circular coaxial waveguides 1120, 1125. In other example embodiments, 1120, 1125 may also represent rectangular waveguide inputs. As shown in fig. 11, the H-plane right angle transition may also include adaptive rectangular waveguide steps 1125, 1135 and an adaptive right angle coaxial to rectangular transition 1140.

Fig. 12 illustrates return loss and isolation performance for a low frequency band according to some example embodiments. Further, fig. 13 illustrates another return loss and isolation performance for a low frequency band according to some example embodiments. As shown in fig. 12 and 13, an adaptive step and a redundant portion may be added to the rectangular waveguide to improve return loss and isolation performance.

Fig. 14 illustrates an exploded view of the dual band feed network in fig. 6 (a) according to some example embodiments. For example, fig. 14 shows that the dual-band feed network may include an upper machined metal layer 1400 of the compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network corresponding to layer 1/4. The dual-band feed network may also include a machined metal layer 1410 of the compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network corresponding to layer 2/4, a machined metal layer 1415 of the compact dual-band polarized feed network corresponding to layer 3/4, and a lower machined metal layer 1420 of the compact dual-band dual-polarized feed network corresponding to layer 4/4.

FIG. 15 illustrates additional example OMT devices according to some example embodiments. For example, fig. 15 shows an additional OMT device that may be used for dual polarized ODU input, and shows the external shape of the OMT device split into two shells, similar to reference numerals 535, 540, 525 and 530 of fig. 5 (a) and 5 (b) showing the voids of the waveguides. For example, fig. 15 shows that the OMT device may comprise a lower metal half-shell 1500 (655) comprising OMT devices in a dual band dual polarized feed network. The OMT device may also include an upper metal half-shell 1515 (660) (which includes OMT devices in a dual-band dual-polarized feed network) and an input dual-polarized waveguide OMT 1510 (665) (which has RF signals from the ODU that conform to the transmit antenna protocol). In addition, the OMT device may include a polarized low-band rectangular waveguide 1505. Here it may be an H-pole with dimensional variation along the waveguide path to optimize RF adaptation (minimize reflection coefficient). In addition, OMT devices may include other waveguides 1520 of low frequency bands of other polarizations (here V-poles).

FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow chart of a method according to some example embodiments. In one example embodiment, the method of fig. 16 may be performed by a dual band feed network, for example, a dual band feed network as described herein and shown in the figures.

According to some example embodiments, the method of fig. 16 may include: at 1600, a first signal is transmitted at a first frequency at a port of a set of first ports. The method may further comprise: at 1605, a second signal is transmitted at a second frequency at a second port, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The method may further comprise: at 1610, a third signal is output from a third port to a dual band backfeed. Furthermore, the method may comprise: at 1615, the first signal and the second signal are converted into a dual band coaxial back feed.

According to some example embodiments, the method may further comprise coupling an OrthoMode transducer to the second port. According to some example embodiments, the method may also include combining the first signal and the second signal via an OrthoMode transducer. According to other example embodiments, the OrthoMode transducer device may include a square or circular waveguide input.

In some example embodiments, the third port may be connected to a port at TE ₁₁ Coaxial waveguide mode and TE ₁₁ Dual band back feed operating in circular waveguide mode. In some example embodiments, the output may include a square coaxial waveguide or a circular coaxial waveguide. In other example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting the orthogonal polarization of the first signal at the first frequency via an H-plane right angle transition disposed between the square coaxial waveguide and the rectangular waveguide. In further example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting the polarized signal into two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides via a symmetric coaxial septum.

According to certain example embodiments, the symmetrical coaxial diaphragm may include a coaxial diaphragm plate. According to some example embodiments, the polarization signal may be parallel to the coaxial diaphragm plate. According to other example embodiments, two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides may include electric fields 180 ° out of phase.

Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, e.g., comprising means for transmitting a first signal at a first frequency at a port of a set of first ports. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a second signal at a second frequency at the second port, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency. The apparatus may further include means for outputting a third signal from the third port to the dual band backfeed. Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise means for converting the first signal and the second signal into a dual band coaxial back feed.

Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and/or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, high RF performance of return loss and isolation may be achieved in the operational microwave band with return loss values on each port below-30 dB (see FIG. 12, port 1 and port 2 and/or port V and port H in FIG. 13 (both below-30 dB). Further, isolation values of greater than 50dB may be obtained between ports (isolation between port 1 and port 2 in FIG. 12, and isolation between port V and H in FIG. 13). In other example embodiments, the high frequency band may be transferred through an internal coaxial conductor through a circular waveguide, as shown in FIG. 6 (a) -FIG. 6 (d). Furthermore, in some example embodiments, a circular waveguide port may be directly connected to a circular dual carrier ODU port to transmit two orthogonal polarizations, or a rectangular port connected to an ODU through a circular-to-rectangular transition.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosure as described above may be practiced with processes in a different order and/or with hardware elements that are not configured as disclosed. Thus, while the present disclosure has been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE-advanced and/or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

Partial glossary:

3GPP third Generation partnership project

Fifth generation of 5G

5GCN 5G core network

5GS 5G system

BCA band and carrier aggregation

BS base station

E-field electric field

eNBs enhanced NodeB

gNB 5G or next generation NodeB

ITU International telecommunication Union

LTE long term evolution

NR new radio

ODU outdoor equipment (radio box)

OMT orthoMode transducer

QoS quality of service

UE user equipment

Claims (17)

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising:

a set of first ports, each of the first ports including a respective waveguide configured to transmit a first signal at a first frequency;

a second port comprising a second waveguide configured to transmit a second signal at a second frequency, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency; and

and a third port configured to output a third signal to the dual-band back feed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an OrthoMode transducer device is configured to combine the first signal and the second signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the OrthoMode transducer device comprises a square or circular waveguide input.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third port is connected to a node at TE ₁₁ Coaxial waveguide mode and TE ₁₁ Dual band back feed operating in circular waveguide mode.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output comprises a square coaxial waveguide or a circular coaxial waveguide.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

the H plane is converted at right angles and is arranged between the square coaxial waveguide and the rectangular waveguide.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a symmetrical coaxial diaphragm; and

a coaxial diaphragm plate having a plurality of spaced apart openings,

wherein the symmetric coaxial diaphragm is configured to transfer polarization to the coaxial diaphragm plate into two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides over the first frequency band.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a T-junction shunt, including a shunt,

wherein the T-junction shunt includes a T-junction shunt waveguide, a rectangular port, and a pair of branch waveguides.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a rectangular right angle waveguide connected to the rectangular port of the T-junction splitter.

10. A method for communication, comprising:

transmitting a first signal at a first frequency at a port of a set of first ports;

transmitting a second signal at a second frequency at a second port, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency;

outputting a third signal from a third port to the dual-band backfire feed; and

the first signal and the second signal are converted into a dual-band coaxial back-feed.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

coupling an OrthoMode transducer to the second port; and

the first signal and the second signal are combined via the OrthoMode transducer.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the OrthoMode transducer device comprises a square or circular waveguide input.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the third port is connected to a TE-in-place (TE) ₁₁ Coaxial waveguide mode and TE ₁₁ Dual band back feed operating in circular waveguide mode.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the output comprises a square coaxial waveguide or a circular coaxial waveguide.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

the orthogonal polarization of the first signal is transmitted at the first frequency via an H-plane right angle transition disposed between the square coaxial waveguide and a rectangular waveguide.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

the polarization signal is transferred via a symmetrical coaxial diaphragm into two opposing symmetrical rectangular waveguides,

wherein the symmetrical coaxial diaphragm comprises a coaxial diaphragm plate, and

wherein the polarization signal is parallel to the coaxial diaphragm plate.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the two opposing symmetric rectangular waveguides comprise electric fields 180 ° out of phase.