Shared antenna arrays with multiple independent tilt

摘要

A feed network for use with an antenna array includes at least first and second RF inputs, a combiner network and a beamforming network. In some examples, additional RF inputs are provided. Each RF input corresponds to a sub-band. The first RF input for a first sub-band signal is coupled to a first sub-band parameter control; the second RF input for the second sub-band signal is coupled to a second sub-band parameter control. The combiner network is coupled to the first sub-band parameter control and to the second sub-band parameter control. The combiner network also has at least one output comprising a combination of the first sub-band signal and the second sub-band signal. The beamforming network is coupled to the combiner network and has a plurality of RF outputs. The first and second sub-band parameter controls are independently adjustable. In one example, the beamforming network comprises a Butler matrix.

主权项

1. A feed network for use with an antenna array, comprising:
a. a first RF input for a first sub-band signal coupled to a first sub-band parameter control; b. a second RF input for a second sub-band signal coupled to a second sub-band parameter control; c. a combiner network having a first diplexer coupled to first outputs of the first and second sub-band parameter controls and a second diplexer coupled to second outputs of the first and second sub-band parameter controls, the combiner network also having a branchline hybrid having a first input coupled to the first sub-band parameter control and a second input coupled to the second sub-band parameter control, the combiner network also having at least one output comprising a combination of the first sub-band signal and the second sub-band signal; and d. a beamforming network, the beamforming network coupled to outputs of the branchline hybrid of the combiner network and having a plurality of RF outputs; wherein the first and second sub-band parameter controls are independently adjustable and wherein adjustment of the first and second sub-band parameter controls independently adjusts a down-tilt of first and second sub-band beams.