Phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure using floating protrusions inside a slot

Abstract

The present invention relates to a phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure using a floating projection inside a slot, and the technical problem to be solved is to provide a slot radiation structure capable of implementing tilting of a radiation beam without separate bevel processing or complex structural changes to the slot cross-section. To this end, the present invention discloses a phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure that radiates electromagnetic waves through a slot, comprising: at least one slot formed in a conductive structure and having a vertical passage extending in a vertical direction and an opening formed at the top of the vertical passage; and a projection extending outward from the vertical passage of the slot and protruding from the opening of the slot, wherein the projection is configured to form an asymmetry in the electric field distribution around the vertical passage of the slot and the opening, thereby forming a phase gradient at the opening, so as to form a radiation beam tilted from the slot normal direction.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna and an electromagnetic radiation structure, and more specifically, to a phase-controlled beam tilting structure capable of implementing a beam tilt of a radiation beam by utilizing the asymmetry of the electric field distribution in a slot-based radiation structure.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a technology for controlling the direction of a radiated beam using an internal slot structure in a slot antenna formed in a waveguide or waveguide structure, and can be applied to various electromagnetic radiation devices including radar systems, automotive radars, and communication antennas, including those in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band. Background Technology

[0003] Slot antennas are structures that radiate electromagnetic waves through slots formed in waveguides or conductive structures, and are widely used in radar and communication systems due to their high radiation efficiency and structural stability.

[0004] To control the direction of the radiated beam in such a slot antenna, it is important to control the phase distribution of the electromagnetic field distribution formed at the slot opening.

[0005] In conventional beam tilt structures, methods to adjust radiation characteristics by adding a separate structure around the slot, methods to change the phase distribution by forming a sloped structure inside or around the slot, and methods to adjust the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves by changing the internal shape of the waveguide have been mainly used.

[0006] For example, methods have been proposed to change the radial phase distribution by forming a protruding structure around the slot or forming an inclined surface inside the slot.

[0007] However, these conventional technologies have the problem of spatial constraints in structural design because additional space must be secured around the slot. In addition, forming an inclined structure inside the slot complicates the manufacturing process. Furthermore, it is difficult to form stable phase asymmetry across the entire slot opening. Additionally, there is a problem with limited design freedom for precisely controlling the beam tilt angle.

[0008] In particular, when the slot cross-section is a parallel structure, the electric field distribution is formed symmetrically, so there is a problem in that it is difficult to implement intentional beam tilt radiation characteristics.

[0009] Therefore, a new slot radiation structure is required that is structurally simple yet can effectively control the electromagnetic field distribution inside the slot to realize beam tilt characteristics.

[0010] The information described above disclosed in the background technology of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention is proposed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and aims to solve the following problems.

[0012] The invention provides a slot radiation structure that can implement tilt of the radiation beam without separate bevel processing or complex structural changes to the slot cross-section.

[0013] In addition, it provides a structure capable of forming a phase gradient at the slot opening by creating an intentional asymmetry in the electric field distribution inside the slot.

[0014] In addition, the invention provides a structure that controls the electromagnetic field distribution inside the slot by utilizing a floating protrusion structure spaced apart from the bottom surface on the inner side wall of the slot, thereby effectively controlling the direction of the radiation beam.

[0015] In addition, the invention provides a slot-based beam tilting structure that allows for easy control of the beam tilt direction and tilt angle by adjusting structural parameters such as the height, length, width, and spacing from the bottom of the slot of the projection. means of solving the problem

[0016] A phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure using a floating projection inside a slot according to the present invention comprises: at least one slot formed in a conductive structure and having a vertical passage extending in a vertical direction and an opening formed at the top of the vertical passage; and a projection extending outward from the vertical passage of the slot and protruding outward from the opening of the slot, wherein the projection is configured to form a phase gradient at the opening by forming an asymmetry in the surrounding electric field distribution of the vertical passage of the slot and the opening, thereby forming a radiated beam tilted from the slot normal direction.

[0017] The length of the above-mentioned protrusion is smaller than the length of the vertical passage of the above-mentioned slot.

[0018] The upper end of the above-mentioned projection extends to a position higher than the upper end of the opening of the above-mentioned slot.

[0019] The conductive structure above further has a horizontal passage formed to communicate with the vertical passage of the slot, and a rib is formed in the horizontal passage.

[0020] The lower end of the above-mentioned projection is spaced apart from the rib of the above-mentioned horizontal passage.

[0021] The vertical passage of the slot includes a plurality of side walls, and the projection is formed on one of the plurality of side walls and is formed to protrude outwardly toward the opening of the slot.

[0022] The width of the above-mentioned protrusion is equal to or smaller than the width of the side wall on which the above-mentioned protrusion is formed.

[0023] The above protrusions are formed in multiple numbers along the length direction of the slot.

[0024] The tilt angle of the radiation beam is adjusted according to the height (h), length (l), width (w), or position of the above-mentioned projection.

[0025] The above protrusion is formed only on one side wall of the slot.

[0026] The lower end of the above-mentioned protrusion is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the above-mentioned slot. Effects of the invention

[0027] The phase-controlled beam tilting structure using a floating projection inside the slot according to the present invention can form asymmetry in the electric field distribution around the slot opening by arranging a projection structure spaced apart from the bottom on the inner side wall of the slot, thereby enabling stable beam tilt radiation characteristics.

[0028] In addition, unlike conventional technology, there is no need to form a complex inclined structure inside the slot or add a separate structure around the slot, so the structure is simple and the manufacturing process is easy.

[0029] In addition, by adjusting structural parameters such as the height, length, width, and spacing from the bottom of the slot of the protrusion, the magnitude of the phase tilt formed at the slot opening can be controlled, and accordingly, the tilt direction and tilt angle of the radiation beam can be effectively controlled.

[0030] In addition, beam direction control is possible without additional changes to the feed structure or waveguide cross-section, so it offers excellent compatibility with existing antenna structures.

[0031] In addition, the present invention is applicable in various frequency ranges including the millimeter wave band and is advantageous for implementing miniaturization and high-performance beam steering functions required in radar systems and wireless communication systems. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is a transmitted perspective view illustrating a phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure using a floating projection inside a slot according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the X-X' line of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Y-Y' line of Figure 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure using a floating projection inside a slot according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] The present inventions are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, and the following examples may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the following examples. Rather, these examples are provided to make the disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Additionally, in the drawings below, the thickness or size of each layer is exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and like reference numerals in the drawings refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the listed items and all combinations of one or more thereof. Furthermore, in this specification, the meaning of "connected" refers not only to cases where Member A and Member B are directly connected, but also to cases where Member C is interposed between Member A and Member B so that Member A and Member B are indirectly connected.

[0036] The terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, "comprise, include" and / or "comprising, including" specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups.

[0037] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts, it is obvious that these components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or part from another region, layer, or part. Accordingly, the first component, part, region, layer, or part described below may refer to the second component, part, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0038] Spatial terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," and "vertical" may be used to facilitate understanding of one element or feature depicted in the drawings and another element or feature. These spatial terms are intended to facilitate understanding of the invention according to various process or usage conditions of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, if an element or feature in the drawings is inverted, the element or feature described as "lower" becomes "upper." Therefore, "lower" is a concept that encompasses "upper."

[0039] In this specification, "vertical passage direction of the slot" may refer to the depth direction of the slot, i.e., the thickness direction of the conductive structure. Additionally, "length direction of the slot" may refer to the direction in which the slot is extended, and "width direction of the slot" may refer to the width direction of the slot. These directional definitions are for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a transmitted perspective view illustrating a phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure using a floating projection inside a slot according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the X-X' line of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the Y-Y' line of FIG. 1.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure (100) according to the present invention may include a slot (120) formed in a conductive structure (110). The slot (120) may include a vertical passage (121) extending in a vertical direction and an opening (122) formed at the top of the vertical passage (121).

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the conductive structure (110) may be formed as a waveguide, a metal block, a conductive substrate, or a conductive housing structure, and the slot (120) may operate as a radiating opening (122) that radiates electromagnetic waves through the surface of the conductive structure (110).

[0043] As a characteristic feature of the present invention, a projection (140) may be formed in the vertical passage (121) of the slot (120). The projection (140) may have a structure that extends outward from the side wall of the vertical passage (121) toward the opening (122) of the slot (120).

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the protrusion (140) may be formed as a floating protrusion structure inside the slot (120). That is, the protrusion (140) may be positioned in contact with the side wall of the slot (120) but spaced apart from the bottom surface of the slot (120).

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the projection (140) may be in the form of a roughly square (square or rectangular) plate, which may be attached to one side wall of the slot (120) or extend and protrude from one side wall.

[0046] Due to this structure, the protrusion (140) can be positioned in a partially floating form relative to the internal space of the slot (120), thereby affecting the internal electromagnetic field distribution of the slot (120).

[0047] The above-mentioned protrusion (140) may be configured to form an asymmetry in the surrounding electric field distribution of the vertical passage (121) of the slot (120) and the opening (122). This may result in a phase gradient being formed at the opening (122) of the slot (120), and consequently, a radiation beam tilted at a certain angle from the normal direction of the slot (120) may be formed.

[0048] Specifically, in the region where the protrusion (140) is formed, the effective path length of the electromagnetic field may increase or a local impedance change may occur. Such a change may cause the amount of phase delay of the electromagnetic wave propagating inside the slot (120) to vary depending on the location, and as a result, phase asymmetry may be formed across the entire opening (122) of the slot (120).

[0049] The phase gradient formed in this way can tilt the wavefront of the radiated electromagnetic wave, causing the radiated beam to tilt in a specific direction from the slot normal direction.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the length of the projection (140) may be formed to be smaller than the length of the vertical passage (121) of the slot (120). Accordingly, the projection (140) may be formed to be located only in a portion of the internal space of the vertical passage (121).

[0051] In addition, in one or more embodiments, the upper portion of the projection (140) may extend to a position higher than the upper portion of the opening (122) of the slot (120). Such a structure may have a stronger effect on the electromagnetic field distribution around the opening (122) of the slot (120).

[0052] Additionally, a horizontal passage (150) communicating with the vertical passage (121) of the slot (120) may be formed in the conductive structure (110). The horizontal passage (150) may function as a path through which electromagnetic waves inside the waveguide are transmitted in the direction of the slot.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, a rib (160) may be formed in the horizontal passage (150). The rib (160) may be formed as a reinforcing structure to regulate the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves or to secure structural rigidity.

[0054] The lower end of the protrusion (140) may be positioned spaced apart from the rib (160) of the horizontal passage (150). This structure allows the protrusion (140) to affect the internal electromagnetic field distribution of the slot (120) while preventing it from coming into direct contact with the propagation structure of the horizontal passage (150).

[0055] The vertical passage (121) of the slot (120) may include a plurality of side walls, and the projection (140) may be formed to protrude from any one of the plurality of side walls.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the width of the projection (140) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the width of the side wall on which the projection (140) is formed.

[0057] Additionally, the protrusions (140) may be formed in multiple numbers along the length direction of the slot (120). These multiple protrusions (140) may be arranged at regular intervals or positioned at different locations.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the height (h), length (l), width (w) of the projection (140) and the distance (g) from the bottom surface of the slot (120) can be adjusted by design parameters. Depending on the change in these parameters, the magnitude of the phase gradient formed in the opening (122) of the slot (120) can be adjusted.

[0059] Accordingly, the tilt angle and tilt direction of the radiated beam can be adjusted.

[0060] For example, as the height of the protrusion (140) increases, the electromagnetic field asymmetry formed inside the slot (120) increases, and the tilt angle of the radiation beam may tend to increase. Conversely, as the height of the protrusion (140) decreases, the beam tilt angle may tend to decrease.

[0061] In addition, the inclination of the radiation pattern can be further adjusted by adjusting the geometric structure of the inner cross-section of the slot (120) while maintaining the same height of the protrusion (140).

[0062] In this way, in the structure of the present invention, the direction and tilt angle of the radiation beam can be adjusted to suit the design purpose by adjusting the shape and placement parameters of the protrusion (140).

[0063] The slot radiation structure according to the present invention can achieve stable and controllable beam tilt radiation characteristics by placing a floating projection (140) spaced apart from the bottom on the side wall of the slot (120) without applying a separate bevel process to the cross-section of the slot (120).

[0064] In particular, since phase asymmetry is naturally formed at the opening (122) of the slot (120) by the protrusion (140), efficient beam direction control is possible without complex internal slope design or additional processing required in conventional structures.

[0065] In addition, the tilt angle and tilt direction can be adjusted simply by adjusting the height, length, width and spacing of the protrusion (140), so the degree of design freedom is greatly improved.

[0066] Furthermore, since the present invention does not require additional changes to the power supply structure or the waveguide cross-sectional structure, the burden on the manufacturing process is low and compatibility with existing production processes is high.

[0067] Therefore, the present invention is suitable for application to radar systems, automotive radar antennas, communication antenna systems, etc., that require beam steering functions in various frequency ranges including the millimeter wave (mmWave) band, and is advantageous for implementing a small yet high-performance beam tilting antenna.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure (100) using a floating projection inside a slot according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The antenna structure (100) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be substantially the same or similar as the antenna structure (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 in terms of basic configuration and operating principle. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, there is a difference in that the width of the protrusion (140) is formed to be smaller than the width of any one of the side walls forming the vertical passage (121) of the slot (120).

[0070] That is, in one or more embodiments, the projection (140) may be formed to protrude from a portion of the side wall forming the vertical passage (121), in which case the width of the projection (140) may be formed to be smaller than the total width of the side wall. Accordingly, the projection (140) may be formed locally in a central area or a portion of the side wall.

[0071] In this way, when the width of the protrusion (140) is formed to be smaller than the width of the side wall, the asymmetry of the electric field distribution formed inside the slot (120) can be controlled more precisely, and the magnitude and distribution of the phase gradient formed at the opening (122) of the slot (120) can be controlled more effectively through local electromagnetic field changes formed around the protrusion (140).

[0072] Accordingly, the antenna structure (100) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 can also equally implement the technical effect of the present invention, which causes the radiation beam to tilt in a specific direction from the normal direction of the slot (120) by utilizing the phase asymmetry formed in the opening (122) of the slot (120).

[0073] In this way, the phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure (100) using a floating projection inside the slot according to the present invention can naturally form a phase gradient at the opening (122) of the slot (120) through the floating projection (140) formed on the side wall of the slot (120), thereby enabling stable beam tilting characteristics without the complex internal slope structure or additional external structure required in conventional slot antennas. In particular, design flexibility is greatly improved because the tilt angle and direction of the radiated beam can be precisely controlled by adjusting only simple structural parameters such as the height, length, width of the projection (140) and the distance from the bottom of the slot (120). Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage of being applicable without significantly changing the waveguide structure or the feed structure, thus having high compatibility with existing antenna design and manufacturing processes and low manufacturing burden. Therefore, the present invention can be effectively applied to radar systems, automotive radar antennas, and wireless communication systems that require beam steering functions in various frequency ranges including the millimeter wave band, and can be usefully utilized in the implementation of next-generation antenna systems that require miniaturization and high performance.

[0074] The above description is merely one embodiment for implementing a phase-controlled beam tilting antenna structure using an exemplary slot-inside floating projection according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The technical spirit of the present invention extends to the scope in which various modifications can be made by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the invention belongs, without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the following patent claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0075] 100; Antenna structure 110; conductive structure 120; slot 121; vertical passage 122; opening 140; projection 150; horizontal passage 160; Liv

Claims

Claim 1 A slot radiation structure for radiating electromagnetic waves through a slot, comprising: at least one slot formed in a conductive structure and having a vertical passage extending in a vertical direction and an opening formed at the top of the vertical passage; and a projection extending outward from the vertical passage of the slot and protruding therefrom, wherein the projection protrudes from the side wall of the vertical passage and is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the vertical passage, and the top of the projection is positioned higher than the opening, and wherein the projection is configured to form an asymmetry in the surrounding electric field distribution of the vertical passage of the slot and the opening, thereby forming a phase gradient at the opening, so as to form a radiation beam tilted from the slot normal direction. Claim 2 A phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure according to claim 1, wherein the length of the projection is smaller than the length of the vertical passage of the slot. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure according to claim 1, wherein the conductive structure further has a horizontal passage formed to communicate with the vertical passage of the slot, and the horizontal passage has a rib formed therein. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the lower end of the projection is spaced apart from the rib of the horizontal passage, forming a phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure. Claim 6 A phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure according to claim 1, wherein the vertical passage of the slot includes a plurality of side walls, and the projection is formed on one of the plurality of side walls and formed to protrude outwardly toward the opening of the slot. Claim 7 In claim 6, the phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure, wherein the width of the projection is equal to or smaller than the width of the side wall on which the projection is formed. Claim 8 In claim 1, the phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure, wherein the projections are formed in plurality along the longitudinal direction of the slot. Claim 9 A phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure according to claim 1, wherein the tilt angle of the radiation beam is adjusted according to the height (h), length (l), width (w), or position of the projection. Claim 10 In claim 1, the phase-controlled beam tilting slot radiation structure, wherein the projection is formed only on one side wall of the slot. Claim 11 delete

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