WO2019045974A1 - Systems for controlling phase shifters of remote electronic downtilt base station antennas - Google Patents
Systems for controlling phase shifters of remote electronic downtilt base station antennas Download PDFInfo
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- WO2019045974A1 WO2019045974A1 PCT/US2018/045764 US2018045764W WO2019045974A1 WO 2019045974 A1 WO2019045974 A1 WO 2019045974A1 US 2018045764 W US2018045764 W US 2018045764W WO 2019045974 A1 WO2019045974 A1 WO 2019045974A1
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- base station
- gas
- station antenna
- gas supply
- phase
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
- H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
- H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
- H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
- H01Q3/36—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
- H01Q3/005—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using remotely controlled antenna positioning or scanning
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
- H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
- H01Q1/24—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
- H01Q1/241—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM
- H01Q1/246—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for base stations
Definitions
- Base station antennas for cellular communications systems typically include one or more linear arrays of radiating elements such as dipoles that are mounted on, for example, a flat panel. Each array of radiating elements may produce an antenna beam that has desired characteristics such as, for example, a desired beam elevation angle, beam azimuth angle, and/or half power beam width in order to provide cellular service to a specified coverage area.
- a signal that is to be transmitted by one of the linear arrays of such a base station antenna is divided into multiple sub-components, and each sub-component may be fed through an antenna feed network to a respective one of the radiating elements.
- Such electronic down-tilt is typically performed by transmitting a control signal from a remote location to the base station antenna.
- the base station antenna adjusts settings of adjustable phase shifters that are included in the antenna feed network to implement the phase shifts that down-tilt the main beam of the linear array at issue.
- the compressed gas may comprise air or nitrogen.
- the flow control valves may be connected with a controller.
- the gas driven piston may be coupled to two or more gas supply lines.
- the base station assembly may comprise a plurality of phase shifters, a container configured to hold a compressed gas, a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container, a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines.
- each gas supply line may comprise a flow control valve, a plurality of gas driven pistons each coupled to a respective gas supply line, and a linkage coupled between each gas driven piston and a respective phase shifter, where the linkage may be configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
- the phase shifters may move in a first direction when more compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines, and the phase shifters may move in a reciprocal direction when less compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines.
- the flow control valves may be connected with a controller.
- the method may further comprise a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the plurality of gas driven pistons relative to each respective phase shifter.
- the flow control valves may be connected with a controller.
- Figure 1 is a diagram of a base station antenna according to embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 9 is a diagram of a base station antenna according to additional
- the distribution manifold 26 is configured to disperse the compressed gas to the plurality of gas driven pistons 16.
- the compressed gas is dispersed to the gas driven pistons 16 through a plurality of gas supply lines 18.
- Each gas supply line 18 is coupled to a respective gas drive piston 16 and each gas driven piston 16 is coupled to a respective phase shifter 14.
- the gas driven pistons 16 are configured to move the phase shifters 14 to shift the phase of the base station antenna 10.
- the number of gas supply lines 18 and gas driven pistons 16 may be dependent on the number of phase shifters 14 within the base station antenna 10.
- the gas driven pistons 16 are configured to reciprocate in response to pressure (P) of the compressed gas when released into the gas supply lines 18 ( Figures 3A and 3B).
- the phase shifters 14 move in a first direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 16 extends, thereby rotating the link of the phase shifter 14, i.e., when pressure P is increased in the gas supply line 18 ( Figure 3A).
- the phase shifters 14 move in a reciprocal direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 16 retracts, thereby rotating the link of the phase shifter 14, i.e., when pressure P is decreased in the gas supply line 18 ( Figure 3B).
- the flow control valves 28 keep a constant pressure P within the gas supply lines 18 until the phase of the base station antenna 10 needs to be readjusted. When an adjustment is needed, the flow control valves 28 will either increase or decrease the pressure P flowing into the gas supply lines 18 accordingly.
- the linkage 120 moves in a first direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 116 extends, thereby rotating the phase shifters 114, i.e., when pressure P is increased in the gas supply line 118 (similar to Figure 3A). Conversely, the linkage 120 moves in a reciprocal direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 116 retracts, thereby rotating the phase shifter 114, i.e., when pressure P is decreased in the gas supply line 118 (similar to Figure 3B).
- the pressure regulator 122 keeps a constant pressure (P) within the gas supply line 118 until the phase of the base station antenna 110 needs to be readjusted. When an adjustment is needed, the pressure regulator 122 will either increase or decrease the pressure (P) flowing into the gas supply line 118 accordingly.
- the base station antenna 10 further comprises a linear position tracker 70 (Figure 7).
- the linear position tracker 70 is configured to track the position of a gas driven piston 16 relative to a respective phase shifter 14.
- the linear position tracker 70 may comprise sensors or similar feedback devices to communicate the position of a gas driven piston 16 relative to a respective phase shifter 14. The location of the linear position tracker 70 can vary dependent on the feedback device used. As shown in Figure 7, the linear position tracker 70 is coupled to a linkage 20 between the phase shifter 14 and the gas driven piston 16. Alternatively, the linear position tracker 70 may be integrated with the phase shifters 14 or the gas driven piston 16. The linear position tracker 70 could also be a separate component of the base station antenna 10.
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- Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)
Abstract
Systems for controlling phase shifters of remote electronic downtilt base station antennas are provided. The base station antenna can include a plurality of phase shifters in a housing that can be coupled to a pneumatic system, wherein the pneumatic system is configured to shift the phase of the base station antenna. The pneumatic system may include gas driven pistons coupled to a gas supply line, wherein the gas driven pistons are configured to reciprocate in response to pressure of a compressed gas in the gas supply line. A linkage between the gas driven piston and the phase shifters is configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
Description
SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING PHASE SHIFTERS OF REMOTE ELECTRONIC DOWNTILT BASE STATION ANTENNAS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/551,284 entitled Systems for Controlling Phase Shifters of Remote Electronic Downtilt Base Station Antennas filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on August 29, 2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to communication systems and components, and in particular, systems for controlling phase shifters of base station antennas.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Base station antennas for cellular communications systems typically include one or more linear arrays of radiating elements such as dipoles that are mounted on, for example, a flat panel. Each array of radiating elements may produce an antenna beam that has desired characteristics such as, for example, a desired beam elevation angle, beam azimuth angle, and/or half power beam width in order to provide cellular service to a specified coverage area. A signal that is to be transmitted by one of the linear arrays of such a base station antenna is divided into multiple sub-components, and each sub-component may be fed through an antenna feed network to a respective one of the radiating elements.
[0004] Based on network coverage requirements, cellular operators may find it
advantageous to adjust the vertical elevation angle (i.e., the vertical angle of the antenna with respect to the horizon) or "tilt" of the main beam of a linear array in order to change the coverage area of the antenna. Such adjustment is typically referred to as "down-tilting" as the antenna beam is typically tilted to point at an elevation angle of 0° or less with respect to the horizon such as, for example, an elevation angle of 0° to -10°. The base station antenna may also be electronically down-tilted by controlling the phases of the sub-components of the signal that are transmitted through the respective radiating elements of the linear array that forms the antenna beam in a manner that changes the elevation angle of the main antenna beam. Such electronic down-tilt is typically performed by transmitting a control signal from
a remote location to the base station antenna. In response to this control signal, the base station antenna adjusts settings of adjustable phase shifters that are included in the antenna feed network to implement the phase shifts that down-tilt the main beam of the linear array at issue.
[0005] Electromechanical phase shifters are typically used to implement the adjustable phase shifters that are used to electronically down-tilt the antenna beams of the linear antennas. An example of such an electromechanical phase shifter is the wiper arc phase shifter disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,463,190 to Zimmerman. The phase shifter of the Ί90 patent has a stationary "main" printed circuit board and a mechanically rotatable "wiper" printed circuit board mounted thereon. The amount of phase shift may be adjusted by mechanically moving the wiper printed circuit board to change the position along the arced transmission paths where the wiper printed circuit board capacitively couples to the main printed circuit board. Each of the outputs of the phase shifter may be connected to a respective one of the radiating elements or to a respective sub-groups of radiating elements of the linear array so that a linear phase taper may be applied to the radiating elements (or subgroups thereof).
[0006] Base station antennas that use electromechanical phase shifters typically include a plurality of Remote Electronic Tilt (RET) units that are used to move the wiper printed circuit boards of the phase shifters. Each RET unit may include one or more motors such as direct current (DC) motors or stepper motors. In some cases a motor may be shared over multiple RET units. Mechanical linkages connect each motor to a respective one of the phase shifters (or to two of the phase shifters when dual polarized radiating elements are used, as the same phase shift is typically applied to the signals of each polarization) so that the motors may be used to move the wiper boards of the phase shifters. The electrical down-tilt is effected by sending a control signal to the base station antenna. This control signal is transmitted over an Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) control channel to a RET controller included in the base station antenna. The RET controller includes software that decodes and processes AISG commands that are included in the AISG control signal and, in response thereto, transmits control signals to the individual RET units. The control signals transmitted by the RET controller to an individual RET unit may activate a motor of the RET unit to drive a mechanical linkage to adjust an associated electromechanical phase shifter to apply a desired phase taper to the radio frequency (RF) signals input thereto. Thus, a RET unit is a device that is used to physically adjust a phase shifter of the base station antenna while the RET
controller is a unit that receives AISG commands and controls one or more RET units in response thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It should be appreciated that this Summary of the Invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description of the Invention. This Summary of the Invention is not indented to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a base station antenna. The base station antenna may comprise a housing, a plurality of phase shifters in the housing, and a pneumatic system coupled to the plurality of phase shifters where the pneumatic system is configured to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
[0009] In some embodiments, the pneumatic system may comprise a container configured to hold a compressed gas, a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container, a gas driven piston coupled to a gas supply line where the gas driven piston may be configured to reciprocate in response to pressure of the compressed gas in the gas supply line, and a linkage coupled between the gas driven piston and the phase shifters, where the linkage may be configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
[0010] In some embodiments, the base station antenna may further comprise a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines, where each gas supply line comprises a flow control valve.
[0011] In some embodiments, the gas supply line may comprise flexible tubing.
[0012] In some embodiments, the base station antenna may further comprise a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the gas driven piston relative to the phase shifters.
[0013] In some embodiments, the compressed gas may comprise air or nitrogen.
[0014] In some embodiments, the phase shifters may move in a first direction when more compressed gas is distributed into the gas supply line and the phase shifters may move in a reciprocal direction when less compressed gas is distributed into the gas supply line.
[0015] In some embodiments, the flow control valves may be connected with a controller.
[0016] . In some embodiments, the gas driven piston may be coupled to two or more gas supply lines.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a base station antenna assembly. The base station assembly may comprise a plurality of phase shifters, a container configured to hold a compressed gas, a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container, a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines. In some embodiments, each gas supply line may comprise a flow control valve, a plurality of gas driven pistons each coupled to a respective gas supply line, and a linkage coupled between each gas driven piston and a respective phase shifter, where the linkage may be configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of gas supply lines may comprise flexible tubing.
[0019] In some embodiments, the base station antenna assembly may further comprise a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the plurality of gas driven pistons relative to each respective phase shifter.
[0020] In some embodiments, the compressed gas may comprise air or nitrogen.
[0021] In some embodiments, the phase shifters may move in a first direction when more compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines, and the phase shifters may move in a reciprocal direction when less compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines.
[0022] In some embodiments, the flow control valves may be connected with a controller.
[0023] In some embodiments, each of the gas driven pistons may be coupled to two or more gas supply lines.
[0024] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a base station antenna. The bases station antenna may comprise a housing, a plurality of phase shifters in the housing, a container configured to hold a compressed gas, a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container, a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines, where each gas supply line may comprise a flow control valve, and a plurality of gas driven pistons coupled to a respective gas supply line and a respective phase shifter, where the plurality of gas driven pistons may be configured to move each respective phase shifter to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
[0025] In some embodiments, the plurality of gas supply lines may comprise flexible tubing.
[0026] In some embodiments, the base station antenna may further comprise a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the plurality of gas driven pistons relative to each respective phase shifter.
[0027] In some embodiments, the compressed gas may comprise air or nitrogen.
[0028] In some embodiments, the phase shifters may move in a first direction when more compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines and the phase shifters may move in a reciprocal direction when less compressed gas is distributed into the plurality gas supply lines.
[0029] In some embodiments, the flow control valves may be connected with a controller.
[0030] In some embodiments, each of the gas driven pistons may be coupled to two or more gas supply lines.
[0031] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for shifting the phase of a base station antenna. The method may comprise providing a plurality of phase shifters, a container configured to hold a compressed gas, a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container, a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines, where the plurality of gas supply lines may comprise a flow control valve, a plurality of gas driven pistons coupled to a respective gas supply line and a respective phase shifter, where the plurality of gas driven pistons may be configured to move each respective phase shifter to shift the phase of the base station antenna, and modifying the pressure of the compressed gas to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
[0032] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise a linkage between the plurality of gas driven pistons and a respective phase shifter, where the linkage may be configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of gas supply lines may comprise flexible tubing.
[0034] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the plurality of gas driven pistons relative to each respective phase shifter.
[0035] In some embodiments, the compressed gas may comprise air or nitrogen.
[0036] In some embodiments, the flow control valves may be connected with a controller.
[0037] It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any
way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim and/or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim or claims although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. Further features, advantages and details of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram of a base station antenna according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 2 is a diagram of the base station antenna assembly of Figure 1.
[0040] Figures 3A and 3B show the interaction of a phase shifter and the pneumatic system of the base station antenna of Figure 1.
[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram of a base station antenna according to additional
embodiments of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 5 is a diagram of a base station antenna assembly of Figure 4.
[0043] Figure 6 is a diagram of a base station antenna according to additional
embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the piston of the pneumatic system of Figures 1-6 according to additional embodiments of the present invention.
[0045] Figure 8 is a diagram of a base station antenna according to additional
embodiments of the present invention.
[0046] Figure 9 is a diagram of a base station antenna according to additional
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] The present invention will be described more particularly hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the invention to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein the expression "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0050] Referring now to the figures, a base station antenna 10 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1-7. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base station antenna 10 comprises a housing 12, a plurality of phase shifters 14, and a pneumatic system 30 (Figures 1 and 2). The pneumatic system 30 is coupled to the plurality of phase shifters 14 and is configured to shift the phase of the base station antenna 10. The housing 12 protects the internal components of the base station antenna 10. Thus, the housing 12 must be formed from a material that can withstand a wide range of
environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the housing 12 is formed from steel, aluminum, or the like. Figure 1 shows the phase shifters 14 and the pneumatic system 30 being located within the housing 12 of the base station antenna 10. In alternative
embodiments, the pneumatic system 30 can be located outside of the housing 12 of the base station antenna 10.
[0051] The pneumatic system 30 may be used with any base station antenna 10 that utilizes electromechanical phase shifters to electronically down-tilt the antenna beams of the linear arrays. For example, the pneumatic system 30 may be used with the wiper arc phase shifter disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,463,190 to Zimmerman, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pneumatic system 30 comprises a container 24, a pressure regulator 22, a distribution manifold 26, a plurality of flow control
valves 28, a plurality of gas driven pistons 16, and a plurality of gas supply lines 18 (Figures 1 and 2).
[0053] The container 24 is configured to hold a compressed gas. In some embodiments, the compressed gas comprises air or nitrogen. The container 24 can be configured to hold other types of compressed gases. The type of compressed gas that may be used depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, safety and cost. The pressure regulator 22 is coupled between the container 24 and the distribution manifold 26. The pressure regulator 22 is configured to regulate the pressure of the compressed gas within the container 24 and the flow of compressed gas to the distribution manifold 26. In some embodiments, the container 24 is coupled with a secondary gas container 21 (Fig. 9). This secondary gas container 21 may act as permanent supply of compressed gas to the container 24 or may be attached by an external port 23 when the container 24 needs to be refilled with compressed gas.
[0054] The distribution manifold 26 is configured to disperse the compressed gas to the plurality of gas driven pistons 16. The compressed gas is dispersed to the gas driven pistons 16 through a plurality of gas supply lines 18. Each gas supply line 18 is coupled to a respective gas drive piston 16 and each gas driven piston 16 is coupled to a respective phase shifter 14. The gas driven pistons 16 are configured to move the phase shifters 14 to shift the phase of the base station antenna 10. The number of gas supply lines 18 and gas driven pistons 16 may be dependent on the number of phase shifters 14 within the base station antenna 10. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the gas driven pistons 16 are configured to reciprocate in response to pressure (P) of the compressed gas when released into the gas supply lines 18 (Figures 3A and 3B).
[0055] Each gas supply line 18 may comprise a flow control valve 28. The flow control valves 28 are configured to control the flow of compressed gas entering the gas supply lines 18. In some embodiments, the flow control valves 28 are connected with a controller (not shown). Similar to a RET controller discussed above, a control signal may be transmitted over an Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) control channel to the controller connected to the flow control valves 28. The controller would include software that decodes and processes AISG commands that are included in the AISG control signal and, in response thereto, transmits control signals to the individual flow control valves 28 to control the flow of compressed gas into the gas supply lines 18.
[0056] The gas supply lines 18 may be formed from a variety of materials that are compatible for use with the type of compressed gas chosen for the pneumatic system 30, including PVC tubing. Alternatively, because base station antennas contain other electrical
components (not shown), it may be advantageous for the gas supply lines 18 to be formed from a material that can be easily maneuverable within the housing 12 of the base station antenna 10. Therefore, in some embodiments, the gas supply lines 18 comprise flexible tubing.
[0057] The operation of the pneumatic system 30 will now be described. The compressed gas flows from the container 24, through the pressure regulator 22 and into the distribution manifold 26. As the compressed gas flows into the distribution manifold 26, the compressed gas is evenly dispersed based on the number of flow control valves 28 and respective gas supply lines 18. Each flow control valve 28 controls how much compressed gas flows into each respective gas supply line 18. The compressed gas flows through each gas supply line 18 to a respective gas drive piston 16. The gas driven pistons 16 reciprocate in response to pressure (P) of the compressed gas when released into the gas supply lines 18. The phase shifters 14 move as the gas driven pistons 16 reciprocate in response to the pressure (P) of the compressed gas within the gas supply lines 18, thus resulting in a shift of the phase of the base station antenna 10.
[0058] By way of example, and shown in Figures 3 A and 3B, the phase shifters 14 move in a first direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 16 extends, thereby rotating the link of the phase shifter 14, i.e., when pressure P is increased in the gas supply line 18 (Figure 3A). Conversely, the phase shifters 14 move in a reciprocal direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 16 retracts, thereby rotating the link of the phase shifter 14, i.e., when pressure P is decreased in the gas supply line 18 (Figure 3B). The flow control valves 28 keep a constant pressure P within the gas supply lines 18 until the phase of the base station antenna 10 needs to be readjusted. When an adjustment is needed, the flow control valves 28 will either increase or decrease the pressure P flowing into the gas supply lines 18 accordingly.
[0059] Additional embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 4 and 5. In Figures 4 and 5, a base station antenna 110 comprises a housing 112, a plurality of phase shifters 114, and a pneumatic system 130 coupled to the plurality of phase shifters 114. The pneumatic system 130 comprises a container 124, a pressure regulator 122, a gas supply line 118, and a gas driven piston 116. The container 124 is configured to hold a compressed gas. In some embodiments, the compressed gas comprises air or nitrogen. In some embodiments, the gas supply lines 118 comprise flexible tubing.
[0060] The pressure regulator 122 is coupled to the container 124 and the gas supply line 118. The pressure regulator 122 is configured to regulate the pressure of the compressed gas within the container 124 and the flow of compressed gas to the gas supply line 118. In this
embodiment, the pressure regulator 122 may serve as a flow control valve (similar to the one discussed above, i. e., 28) or a flow control valve 128 may be included. The flow control valve 128 may be connected with a controller 113. Similar to a RET controller discussed above, a control signal may be transmitted over an Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) control channel to the controller 113 connected to the flow control valves 128. The controller 113 would include software that decodes and processes AISG commands that are included in the AISG control signal and, in response thereto, transmits control signals to the individual flow control valves 128 to control the flow of compressed gas into the gas supply lines 118.
[0061] The compressed gas flows through the gas supply line 118 to a gas driven piston 116. The gas driven piston 116 reciprocates in response to pressure (P) of the compressed gas when released into the gas supply line 118. A linkage 120 couples the gas driven piston 116 to each phase shifter 114. The linkage 120 allows the gas driven piston 116 to move each phase shifter 114 in unison. The phase shifters 114 move as the gas driven piston 116 reciprocates in response to the pressure (P) of the compressed gas within the gas supply line 118.
[0062] The linkage 120 moves in a first direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 116 extends, thereby rotating the phase shifters 114, i.e., when pressure P is increased in the gas supply line 118 (similar to Figure 3A). Conversely, the linkage 120 moves in a reciprocal direction when the rod of the gas driven piston 116 retracts, thereby rotating the phase shifter 114, i.e., when pressure P is decreased in the gas supply line 118 (similar to Figure 3B). The pressure regulator 122 keeps a constant pressure (P) within the gas supply line 118 until the phase of the base station antenna 110 needs to be readjusted. When an adjustment is needed, the pressure regulator 122 will either increase or decrease the pressure (P) flowing into the gas supply line 118 accordingly.
[0063] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a base station antenna 210 comprises a housing 212, a plurality of phase shifters 214, and a pneumatic system 230 coupled to the plurality of phase shifters 214. The pneumatic system 230 comprises a plurality of containers 224, a plurality of pressure regulators 222, a plurality of gas supply lines 218, and a plurality of gas driven pistons 216. Each container 224 is configured to hold a compressed gas. In some embodiments, the compressed gas comprises air or nitrogen. In some embodiments, the gas supply lines 218 comprise flexible tubing.
[0064] The pressure regulators 222 are coupled to a respective container 224 and a respective gas supply line 218. Each pressure regulator 222 is configured to regulate the
pressure of the compressed gas within each respective container 224 and is further configured to regulate the flow of compressed gas to each respective gas supply line 218. Accordingly, each pressure regulator 222 also serves as a flow control valve (similar to the one discussed above, i.e., 28).
[0065] The compressed gas flows through the plurality of gas supply lines 218 to each respective gas drive piston 216. The gas driven pistons 216 reciprocate in response to pressure (P) of the compressed gas in the gas supply lines 218. The phase shifters 214 move as the gas driven pistons 216 reciprocate resulting in a shift of the phase of the base station antenna 210.
[0066] The phase shifters 214 move in a first direction when the rods of the gas driven pistons 216 extend, thereby rotating the phase shifters 214, i.e., when pressure P is increased in the gas supply line 218. Conversely, the phase shifters 214 move in a reciprocal direction when the rods of the gas driven pistons 216 retract, thereby rotating the phase shifters 214, i.e., when pressure (P) is decreased in the gas supply line 218. The pressure regulators 222 keep a constant pressure (P) within the gas supply lines 218 until the phase of the base station antenna 210 needs to be readjusted. When an adjustment is needed, the pressure regulators 222 will either increase or decrease the pressure (P) flowing into the gas supply line 218 accordingly.
[0067] In some embodiments, the base station antenna 10 further comprises a linear position tracker 70 (Figure 7). The linear position tracker 70 is configured to track the position of a gas driven piston 16 relative to a respective phase shifter 14. The linear position tracker 70 may comprise sensors or similar feedback devices to communicate the position of a gas driven piston 16 relative to a respective phase shifter 14. The location of the linear position tracker 70 can vary dependent on the feedback device used. As shown in Figure 7, the linear position tracker 70 is coupled to a linkage 20 between the phase shifter 14 and the gas driven piston 16. Alternatively, the linear position tracker 70 may be integrated with the phase shifters 14 or the gas driven piston 16. The linear position tracker 70 could also be a separate component of the base station antenna 10.
[0068] In some embodiments, the base station antenna 10' may comprise two or more gas supply lines 18' coupled to each respective gas driven piston 16 (Figure 8). Each gas supply line 18' has differing pressures (P) which allow the position of the gas driven pistons 16 to be more accurately controlled. Thus, allowing the adjustment of the phase shifters 14 to be more accurately controlled.
[0069] Methods for shifting the phase of a base station antenna 10 are also provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises (a) providing a plurality of phase shifters 14, a container 24 configured to hold a compressed gas, a pressure regulator 22 configured to regulate the pressure of the container 24, a distribution manifold 26 configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines 18, wherein the plurality of gas supply lines 18 comprise a flow control valve 28, a plurality of gas driven pistons 16 coupled to a respective gas supply line 18 and a respective phase shifter 14, wherein the plurality of gas driven pistons 16 are configured to move each respective phase shifter 14 to shift the phase of the base station antenna 10; and (b) modifying the pressure (P) of the compressed gas to shift the phase of the base station antenna 10.
[0070] Finally, instead of being configured to hold a compressed gas, the container of the pneumatic systems described above could be configured to hold a liquid {i.e., water). In this alternative configuration, the pneumatic system would comprise a plurality of hydraulic pistons. Similar to embodiments described above, the plurality of hydraulic pistons could be configured to move each respective phase shifter to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
[0071] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
Claims
1. A base station antenna, comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of phase shifters in the housing; and
a pneumatic system coupled to the plurality of phase shifters, wherein the pneumatic system is configured to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
2. The base station antenna of Claim 1 , wherein the pneumatic system comprises: a container configured to hold a compressed gas;
a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container;
a gas driven piston coupled to a gas supply line, wherein the gas driven piston is configured to reciprocate in response to pressure of the compressed gas in the gas supply line; and
a linkage coupled between the gas driven piston and the phase shifters, wherein the linkage is configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
3. The base station antenna of Claim 2, further comprising a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines, wherein each gas supply line comprises a flow control valve.
4. The base station antenna of Claims 2 or 3, wherein the gas supply line comprises flexible tubing.
5. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 2-4, further comprising a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the gas driven piston relative to the phase shifters.
6. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 2-5, wherein the compressed gas comprises air or nitrogen.
7. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 2-6, wherein the phase shifters move in a first direction when more compressed gas is distributed into the gas supply line,
and wherein the phase shifters move in a reciprocal direction when less compressed gas is distributed into the gas supply line.
8. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 2-7, wherein the flow control valves are connected with a controller.
9. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 2-8, wherein the gas driven piston is coupled to two or more gas supply lines.
10. A base station antenna assembly, comprising:
a plurality of phase shifters;
a container configured to hold a compressed gas;
a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container;
a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines, wherein each gas supply line comprises a flow control valve;
a plurality of gas driven pistons each coupled to a respective gas supply line; and a linkage coupled between each gas driven piston and a respective phase shifter, wherein the linkage is configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
11. The base station antenna assembly of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of gas supply lines comprise flexible tubing.
12. The base station antenna assembly of Claims 10 or 11, further comprising a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the plurality of gas driven pistons relative to each respective phase shifter.
13. The base station antenna assembly of any one of Claims 10-12, wherein the compressed gas comprises air or nitrogen.
14. The base station antenna assembly of any one of Claims 10-13, wherein the phase shifters move in a first direction when more compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines, and wherein the phase shifters move in a reciprocal direction when less compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines.
15. The base station antenna assembly of any one of Claims 10-14, wherein the flow control valves are connected with a controller.
16. The base station antenna assembly of any one of Claims 10-15, wherein each of the gas driven pistons are coupled to two or more gas supply lines.
17. A base station antenna, comprising:
a housing;
a plurality of phase shifters in the housing;
a container configured to hold a compressed gas;
a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container;
a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines, wherein each gas supply line comprises a flow control valve; and
a plurality of gas driven pistons coupled to a respective gas supply line and a respective phase shifter, wherein the plurality of gas driven pistons are configured to move each respective phase shifter to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
18. The base station antenna of Claim 17, wherein the plurality of gas supply lines comprises flexible tubing.
19. The base station antenna of Claims 17 or 18, further comprising a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the plurality of gas driven pistons relative to each respective phase shifter.
20. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 17-19, wherein the compressed gas comprises air or nitrogen.
21. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 17-20, wherein the phase shifters move in a first direction when more compressed gas is distributed into the plurality of gas supply lines, and wherein the phase shifters move in a reciprocal direction when less compressed gas is distributed into the plurality gas supply lines.
22. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 17-21, wherein the flow control valves are connected with a controller.
23. The base station antenna of any one of Claims 17-22, wherein each of the gas driven pistons are coupled to two or more gas supply lines.
24. A method for shifting the phase of a base station antenna, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of phase shifters, a container configured to hold a compressed gas, a pressure regulator configured to regulate the pressure of the container, a distribution manifold configured to distribute the compressed gas to a plurality of gas supply lines, wherein the plurality of gas supply lines comprise a flow control valve, a plurality of gas driven pistons coupled to a respective gas supply line and a respective phase shifter, wherein the plurality of gas driven pistons are configured to move each respective phase shifter to shift the phase of the base station antenna; and
modifying the pressure of the compressed gas to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
25. The method of Claim 24, further comprising a linkage between the plurality of gas driven pistons and a respective phase shifter, wherein the linkage is configured to move the phase shifters in response to the gas driven piston to shift the phase of the base station antenna.
26. The method of Claims 24 or 25, wherein the plurality of gas supply lines comprise flexible tubing.
27. The method of any one of Claims 24-26, further comprising a linear position tracker configured to track the position of the plurality of gas driven pistons relative to each respective phase shifter.
28. The method of any one of Claims 24-27, wherein the compressed gas comprises air or nitrogen.
29. The method of any one of Claims 24-28, wherein the flow control valves are connected with a controller.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201762551284P | 2017-08-29 | 2017-08-29 | |
| US62/551,284 | 2017-08-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2019045974A1 true WO2019045974A1 (en) | 2019-03-07 |
Family
ID=65525869
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2018/045764 Ceased WO2019045974A1 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2018-08-08 | Systems for controlling phase shifters of remote electronic downtilt base station antennas |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2019045974A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2023284957A1 (en) * | 2021-07-15 | 2023-01-19 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Multi-output and flexible base station antenna drive system |
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| US20080024385A1 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2008-01-31 | Andrew Corporation | Panel Antenna with Variable Phase Shifter |
| US20080316133A1 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2008-12-25 | Ramon Guixa Arderiu | Remote Control Device for Controlling the Angle of Inclination of the Radiation Diagram on an Antenna |
| US20090135074A1 (en) * | 2007-11-26 | 2009-05-28 | Ching-Shun Yang | Single drive variable azimuth and beam tilt antenna for wireless network |
| US20110063049A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Andrew Llc | Phase Shifter Design Improvements |
| US20140139401A1 (en) * | 2011-07-27 | 2014-05-22 | Huawei Technologeis Co., Ltd. | Phase shifting apparatus and antenna system to which phase shifting apparatus is applied |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20080024385A1 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2008-01-31 | Andrew Corporation | Panel Antenna with Variable Phase Shifter |
| US20080316133A1 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2008-12-25 | Ramon Guixa Arderiu | Remote Control Device for Controlling the Angle of Inclination of the Radiation Diagram on an Antenna |
| US20090135074A1 (en) * | 2007-11-26 | 2009-05-28 | Ching-Shun Yang | Single drive variable azimuth and beam tilt antenna for wireless network |
| US20110063049A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Andrew Llc | Phase Shifter Design Improvements |
| US20140139401A1 (en) * | 2011-07-27 | 2014-05-22 | Huawei Technologeis Co., Ltd. | Phase shifting apparatus and antenna system to which phase shifting apparatus is applied |
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| WO2023284957A1 (en) * | 2021-07-15 | 2023-01-19 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Multi-output and flexible base station antenna drive system |
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