Antenna and its manufacturing, driving method, and antenna system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an antenna and its manufacturing and driving methods, and an antenna system, which belong to the field of antenna technology. The antenna includes: at least one group of antenna units; at least one group of phase shifting units, each group of phase shifting units is arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, and is used to adjust the phase of microwave signals; and a power division transmission unit; wherein each group of antenna units includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, and each group of phase shifting units includes a first phase shifting unit connected to the first antenna unit and a second phase shifting unit connected to the second antenna unit; the power division transmission unit includes at least one first power divider, each first power divider includes a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the first phase shifting unit, the second end is connected to the second phase shifting unit, and the phase difference between the microwave signal transmitted from the first end to the third end and the microwave signal transmitted from the second end to the third end is a preset value. The technical solution disclosed in the present disclosure can improve the response speed of the antenna and reduce the volume of the antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to an antenna and a manufacturing and driving method thereof, and an antenna system. Background Art

[0002] The liquid crystal phased array antenna structure based on the inverted microstrip line structure has the advantages of low profile, low cost, and pure electric control scanning. However, since its phase shifting part adopts the inverted microstrip line structure, there are certain requirements for the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is usually not less than 100um, which causes the phase shifter to respond slowly.

[0003] By introducing a structure in which a variable capacitor is periodically loaded in parallel on a transmission line, and changing the capacitance of the variable capacitor, a phase change can be achieved. When a flat plate capacitor is used as the variable capacitor, and liquid crystal is used as the dielectric layer, its dielectric constant can be changed by voltage-controlled liquid crystal, thereby achieving a change in the capacitance value and achieving the purpose of phase shifting. In this structure, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer can be reduced to 3-8um, greatly improving the response speed of the phase shift. However, when using the liquid crystal phase shifter of this structure to prepare a liquid crystal array antenna, there are requirements for the spacing between the array antennas, which is generally 0.5λ-0.6λ, where λ is the wavelength of the microwave signal, resulting in a larger antenna volume. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an antenna and a manufacturing and driving method thereof, and an antenna system, which can improve the response speed of the antenna and reduce the size of the antenna.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] In one aspect, an antenna is provided, comprising:

[0007] at least one set of antenna elements;

[0008] At least one group of phase shifting units, each group of phase shifting units being arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, and being used for performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal;

[0009] and, a power division transmission unit;

[0010] Wherein, each group of the antenna units includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, and each group of the phase shifting units includes a first phase shifting unit connected to the first antenna unit and a second phase shifting unit connected to the second antenna unit;

[0011] The power division transmission unit includes at least one first power divider, each of the first power dividers includes a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the first phase shifting unit, the second end is connected to the second phase shifting unit, and the phase difference between the microwave signal transmitted from the first end to the third end and the microwave signal transmitted from the second end to the third end is a preset value.

[0012] In some embodiments, the routing line connecting the first end and the third end of each of the first power dividers is a first routing line, the routing line connecting the second end and the third end of each of the first power dividers is a second routing line, and the length difference between the first routing line and the second routing line is an odd multiple of half the wavelength of the microwave signal.

[0013] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0014] A first resistor connected to both the first wiring and the second wiring.

[0015] In some embodiments, each antenna unit includes:

[0016] first base;

[0017] A first reference electrode disposed on one side of the first substrate, wherein the first reference electrode is provided with a first via hole;

[0018] A radiation patch is disposed on a side of the first substrate away from the first reference electrode, and an orthographic projection of the radiation patch on the first substrate and an orthographic projection of the first via hole on the first substrate have a first overlapping area.

[0019] In some embodiments, each phase shift unit includes:

[0020] A second substrate and a third substrate are arranged opposite to each other;

[0021] The second substrate is arranged on a side of the first reference electrode away from the first substrate;

[0022] a coplanar waveguide transmission line located on a side of the third substrate facing the second substrate;

[0023] a loading electrode located on a side of the second substrate facing the third substrate;

[0024] a liquid crystal layer located between the second substrate and the third substrate;

[0025] The coplanar waveguide transmission line includes a fourth end connected to the first power divider and a fifth end connected to the antenna unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first overlapping region at least partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of a portion of the coplanar waveguide transmission line close to the fifth end on the first substrate.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first power divider and the coplanar waveguide transmission line are arranged in the same layer and with the same material.

[0028] In some embodiments, a first insulating layer is disposed between the loading electrode and the second substrate, and a second insulating layer is disposed on a side of the loading electrode away from the first insulating layer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines of all phase shifting units are electrically connected via a same signal line, and the loading electrodes of different phase shifting units are insulated from each other.

[0030] In some embodiments, the power division transmission unit further includes:

[0031] At least one second power divider, each of the second power dividers comprises a sixth end and a plurality of seventh ends, and each of the seventh ends is connected to the third end of one of the first power dividers.

[0032] In some embodiments, the power division transmission unit further includes:

[0033] A second reference electrode is disposed on a side of the third substrate away from the coplanar waveguide transmission line.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first reference electrode is provided with at least one second via hole;

[0035] The second reference electrode is provided with at least one third via hole;

[0036] The second via holes are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the third via holes;

[0037] The orthographic projection of each of the second via holes on the third substrate has a second overlapping region with the orthographic projection of one of the third via holes on the third substrate, and the second overlapping region at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of one of the third ends on the third substrate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the power division transmission unit further includes:

[0039] a fourth substrate, the fourth substrate being disposed between the second reference electrode and the second power divider;

[0040] a fifth substrate, the fifth substrate being arranged on a side of the second power divider away from the fourth substrate;

[0041] A third reference electrode is disposed on a side of the fifth substrate away from the second power divider.

[0042] In some embodiments, the third reference electrode is provided with at least one fourth via hole;

[0043] The fourth via holes are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the third via holes;

[0044] The orthographic projection of each of the fourth via holes on the fifth substrate has a third overlapping region with the orthographic projection of one of the third via holes on the fifth substrate, and the third overlapping region at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of one of the seventh ends on the fifth substrate.

[0045] In some embodiments, the power division transmission unit further includes:

[0046] a sixth substrate, the sixth substrate being arranged on a side of the third reference electrode away from the fifth substrate;

[0047] a back reflection layer, wherein the back reflection layer is arranged on a side of the sixth substrate away from the third reference electrode;

[0048] In some embodiments, the power division transmission unit further includes:

[0049] A support frame, the support frame is arranged on a side of the back reflection layer away from the sixth substrate;

[0050] A waveguide is arranged on a side of the support frame away from the sixth substrate.

[0051] In some embodiments, the waveguide is connected to the sixth end via a connector.

[0052] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an antenna system, comprising the antenna as described above.

[0053] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an antenna, including:

[0054] forming at least one group of antenna elements;

[0055] Forming at least one group of phase shifting units, each group of the phase shifting units being arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, for performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal;

[0056] forming a component transmission unit;

[0057] Wherein, each group of the antenna units includes a first sub-antenna unit and a second sub-antenna unit, and each group of the phase shifting units includes a first phase shifting unit connected to the first sub-antenna unit and a second phase shifting unit connected to the second sub-antenna unit;

[0058] The power division transmission unit includes at least one first power divider, each of the first power dividers includes a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the first phase shifting unit, the second end is connected to the second phase shifting unit, and the phase difference between the microwave signal transmitted from the first end to the third end and the microwave signal transmitted from the second end to the third end is a preset value.

[0059] In some embodiments, forming the antenna unit includes:

[0060] providing a first substrate;

[0061] forming a radiation patch array on one side of the first substrate;

[0062] A first reference electrode is formed on the other side of the first substrate.

[0063] In some embodiments, forming a phase shift unit includes:

[0064] providing a second substrate and a third substrate;

[0065] forming a coplanar waveguide transmission line on the third substrate;

[0066] forming a loading electrode on the second substrate;

[0067] Aligning the third substrate and the second substrate, wherein the coplanar waveguide transmission line and the electrode are located between the third substrate and the second substrate;

[0068] A liquid crystal layer is filled between the third substrate and the second substrate.

[0069] In some embodiments, the antenna unit is combined with the phase shift unit through a bonding process.

[0070] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for driving an antenna, which is applied to the antenna as described in any one of the above items, and the driving method includes:

[0071] Receiving microwave signals respectively through the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit of each group of antenna units;

[0072] The first phase shift unit is used to adjust the phase of the microwave signal received by the first antenna unit; the second phase shift unit is used to adjust the phase of the microwave signal received by the second antenna unit;

[0073] combining the microwave signal adjusted by the second phase shift unit and the microwave signal adjusted by the first phase shift unit into one channel through the first power divider;

[0074] and / or,

[0075] Splitting the microwave signal into two paths through the first power divider, and transmitting the two paths to the first phase shift unit and the second phase shift unit respectively;

[0076] Performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal transmitted to the first phase shift unit by using the first phase shift unit, and performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal transmitted to the second phase shift unit by using the second phase shift unit;

[0077] The microwave signal adjusted by the first phase shift unit is transmitted through the first antenna unit, and the microwave signal adjusted by the second phase shift unit is transmitted through the second wire unit.

[0078] The embodiments of the present disclosure have the following beneficial effects:

[0079] In the above scheme, the phase shift unit receives the microwave signal input by the corresponding group of antenna units and performs phase adjustment on the microwave signal. The power division transmission unit includes a first power divider, which is respectively connected to the first phase shift unit and the second phase shift unit. The microwave signal output by the second phase shift unit is phase-shifted by a preset value and then merged with the microwave signal output by the first phase shift unit. The first power divider is used to make the phase difference between the microwave signal output by the first phase shift unit and the microwave signal output by the second phase shift unit a preset value, thereby improving the isolation between adjacent phase shift units. While meeting the requirements of antenna mirror feeding, the layout of the phase shift unit can be completed in a very small space, which can greatly utilize the internal space of the antenna and reduce the volume of the antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an existing liquid crystal antenna with an inverted microstrip line structure;

[0081] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal phase shift unit based on a CPW transmission line;

[0082] Figure 4a-4f is a schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 4g is a schematic diagram of an equivalent model of a phase shift unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] Figure 4h to Figure 4j is a schematic structural diagram of a phase shifting unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] Figure 4k It is a schematic diagram of simulation of performance change of the phase shift unit under different bending conditions of the phase shift unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a phase shifting unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a performance diagram of the first power divider according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, a detailed description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0089] The structure of liquid crystal phased array antenna based on inverted microstrip line structure is as follows Figure 1 As shown, it includes a substrate 11 and a substrate 15, a liquid crystal layer 13 located between the substrate 11 and the substrate 15, a feed line 12 located on the side of the substrate 11 facing the liquid crystal layer 13, and a ground electrode 14 located on the side of the substrate 15 facing the liquid crystal layer 13. The liquid crystal phased array antenna has the advantages of low profile, low cost, and pure electric control scanning, but because its phase shifting part adopts an inverted microstrip line structure, it has certain requirements for the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, which is usually not less than 100um, resulting in a slow response speed of the phase shifter.

[0090] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal phase shift unit based on a coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line, wherein: Figure 3 for Figure 2The cross-sectional schematic diagram in the AA' direction shows that the liquid crystal phase shift unit includes a substrate 21 and a substrate 25, an electrode 22 located on the substrate 21, a CPW transmission line located on the substrate 25, the CPW transmission line includes a coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 and two base electrodes 26 located on both sides of the signal line, and a liquid crystal layer 23 located between the substrate 21 and the substrate 25. The liquid crystal phase shift unit introduces a structure in which the transmission line is periodically loaded in parallel with a variable capacitor (where the inside of the dotted line frame is a variable capacitor), and the phase can be changed by changing the capacitance of the variable capacitor. When the variable capacitor adopts a flat plate capacitor and uses liquid crystal as the dielectric layer, its dielectric constant can be changed by voltage-controlled liquid crystal, thereby changing the capacitance value and achieving the purpose of phase shift. In this structure, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer can be reduced to 3-8um, which greatly improves the response speed of the phase shift. However, when the liquid crystal phase shift unit of this structure is used to prepare a liquid crystal array antenna, in order to ensure the isolation between adjacent liquid crystal phase shift units, there are requirements for the spacing between array antennas, which is generally 0.5λ-0.6λ, where λ is the wavelength of the microwave signal. The layout area of ​​the liquid crystal phase shift unit under each antenna unit is only 0.5*0.5λ2, and considering the packaging, antenna coupling area, etc., its layout range will be further reduced. Since the CPW transmission line periodically loaded parallel variable capacitor structure is essentially a CPW transmission line as a transmission structure, and the substrate electrodes 26 on both sides and the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 are located on the same plane, it is difficult to layout the phase shift unit within the range of 0.5*0.5λ2, that is, although the liquid crystal phase shift unit based on the CPW transmission line periodically loaded variable capacitor has the characteristics of a thick liquid crystal box, its large physical size makes the overall layout appear very compact.

[0091] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna and a manufacturing and driving method thereof, and an antenna system, which can improve the response speed of the antenna and reduce the size of the antenna.

[0092] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an antenna, including:

[0093] At least one group of antenna units, the antenna units can receive external microwave signals and / or send microwave signals to the outside world;

[0094] At least one group of phase shifting units, each group of phase shifting units is arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, and is used to adjust the phase of the microwave signal; each group of phase shifting units is arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, that is, the number of groups of phase shifting units is the same as the number of groups of antenna units, each group of phase shifting units corresponds to a group of antenna units, and different groups of phase shifting units correspond to different antenna units. Each group of phase shifting units can receive the microwave signal input by the corresponding group of antenna units, and adjust the phase of the microwave signal, and can also send the microwave signal after phase adjustment through the antenna unit;

[0095] A power division transmission unit, which can combine the multiple phase-adjusted microwave signals output by the multiple groups of phase shifting units into one microwave signal and output it;

[0096] Each group of antenna units includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, and each group of phase shifting units includes a first phase shifting unit connected to the first antenna unit and a second phase shifting unit connected to the second antenna unit, wherein the above-mentioned “connection” is a coupling connection, that is, the first antenna unit and the first phase shifting unit are coupled, and the second antenna unit and the second phase shifting unit are coupled;

[0097] The power division transmission unit includes at least one first power divider, each of the first power dividers includes a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the first phase shifting unit, the second end is connected to the second phase shifting unit, and the phase difference between the microwave signal transmitted from the first end to the third end and the microwave signal transmitted from the second end to the third end is a preset value.

[0098] The first end of the first power divider is directly electrically connected to the first phase shift unit, and the second end of the first power divider is directly electrically connected to the second phase shift unit.

[0099] The above preset value may be 180°. Of course, the above preset value is not limited to 180°, and the structure of the first power divider may be adjusted as needed so that the preset value is other values.

[0100] In this embodiment, the phase shift unit receives the microwave signal input by the corresponding group of antenna units, and performs phase adjustment on the microwave signal. The power division transmission unit includes a first power divider, which is respectively connected to the first phase shift unit and the second phase shift unit. The microwave signal output by the second phase shift unit is phase-shifted by a preset value and then merged with the microwave signal output by the first phase shift unit. The first power divider is used to make the phase difference between the microwave signal output by the first phase shift unit and the microwave signal output by the second phase shift unit a preset value, so that the isolation between adjacent phase shift units can be improved. While meeting the requirements of antenna mirror feeding, the layout of the phase shift unit can be completed in a very small space, which can greatly utilize the internal space of the antenna and reduce the volume of the antenna.

[0101] Figure 4a Schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4a As shown, the antenna of this embodiment includes multiple groups of antenna units F1, multiple groups of phase shifting units F3 and power division transmission units.

[0102] like Figure 4a-4c As shown, the antenna unit F1 includes a first substrate 311, a first reference electrode 310 disposed on one side of the first substrate 311, and a radiation patch 312 disposed on a side of the first substrate 311 away from the first reference electrode 310. Figure 4c As shown, the first reference electrode 310 is provided with a first via hole 3101, and the first reference electrode 310 may also be provided with a via hole 3102, wherein the first reference electrode 310 serves as the ground of the microstrip antenna and the ground of the stripline transmission line (i.e., the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24), and through the opening, the energy on the stripline transmission line can stimulate the radiation patch 312 by radiation. Figure 4c As shown, vias 3101 and 3102 may be rectangular or rounded rectangles. Of course, vias 3101 and 3102 are not limited to rectangular or rounded rectangles, but may be other shapes. Via 3101 is used to couple energy to the antenna; via 3102 is used to stimulate the radiation patch 312 by radiation of energy on the stripline transmission line. The orthographic projection of via 3101 on the first substrate 311 and the orthographic projection of the radiation patch 312 on the first substrate 311 have a first overlapping area, and the center of via 3101 may coincide with the center of the radiation patch 312, or may not coincide.

[0103] like Figure 4b As shown, a plurality of radiation patches 312 are arranged in an array on the first substrate 311, which can receive and / or send external microwave signals. The radiation patches 312 can be rectangular or rounded rectangular. Of course, the radiation patches 312 are not limited to rectangular or rounded rectangular, and can also be other shapes. The width of the radiation patches 312 can be half the wavelength of the antenna operating frequency. The longer the length of the radiation patches 312, the higher the antenna gain. However, too long will cause increased coupling between adjacent antenna units, because the radiation patches 312 can be square. The antenna unit F1 can transmit the received microwave signal to the phase shift unit F3. The phase shift unit F3 transmits the phase-shifted microwave signal to the metal connector 313 through the lower coupling structure F2 of the power division transmission unit. The metal connector 313 transmits the microwave signal to the waveguide 31, and the waveguide 31 synthesizes the microwave signal and outputs it.

[0104] Each group of antenna units F1 includes two symmetrical antenna units: a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit; each group of phase shift units F3 includes two phase shift units: a first phase shift unit and a second phase shift unit. The phase shift units correspond to the antenna units one by one. The first antenna unit is coupled to the first phase shift unit, and the second antenna unit is coupled to the second phase shift unit. Each phase shift unit can receive the microwave signal of the corresponding antenna unit. The antenna unit F1 transmits the microwave signal to the phase shift unit F3 by mirror feeding. The radiation patch 312 transmits the received microwave signal to the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 by spatial coupling. In this way, there is no need to set a wiring between the antenna unit and the phase shift unit to transmit the microwave signal, which can save the process of punching and making wiring, and simplify the structure and manufacturing process of the antenna.

[0105] like Figure 4a and Figure 5 As shown, the antenna includes multiple groups of phase shifting units M arranged in an array, and each group of phase shifting units M includes two phase shifting units N1 and N2. Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, each phase shift unit includes: a second substrate 21 and a third substrate 25 arranged opposite to each other; the second substrate 21 is arranged on the side of the first reference electrode 310 away from the first substrate 311; a coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 located on the side of the third substrate 25 facing the second substrate 21; a loading electrode 22 located on the side of the second substrate 21 facing the third substrate 25; a liquid crystal layer 23 located between the second substrate 21 and the third substrate 25; the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 includes a fourth end P4 connected to the first power divider and a fifth end P5 connected to the antenna unit.

[0106] In the phase shift unit of this embodiment, the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 is periodically loaded in parallel with a variable capacitor. By changing the capacitance of the variable capacitor, the phase change can be achieved. Its equivalent model is as follows: Figure 4g As shown. Wherein, Lt, Ct are the equivalent line inductance and line capacitance of the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24, which depends on the characteristics of the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 and the substrate. The variable capacitor Cvar (V) can be realized by MEMS capacitor, variable diode capacitor, etc. At present, the capacitance value of the flat plate capacitor is changed by voltage-controlled liquid crystal, thereby preparing a liquid crystal phase shift unit.

[0107] When a liquid crystal array antenna is prepared by using a CPW periodically loaded variable capacitance phase shift unit, there is a requirement for the spacing between the array antennas, which is generally 0.5λ-0.6λ. In order to meet this requirement, the layout area of ​​the liquid crystal phase shift unit under each antenna unit is only 0.5*0.5λ2. At the same time, the phase shift unit needs to achieve a phase shift angle of 360°, so the coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line needs to be bent and arranged in a certain manner. However, different bending methods will have a certain impact on the phase shift performance of the phase shift unit.

[0108] To solve the above problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions. Before introducing the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the dielectric layer in the phase shift unit provided below includes but is not limited to the liquid crystal layer 23. In the following embodiments, the dielectric layer is the liquid crystal layer 23 as an example.

[0109] like Figure 4h to Figure 4j As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a phase shift unit, which includes: a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer 23 arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. Figure 4i for Figure 4h Schematic diagram of the cross section along the AA' direction.

[0110] The first substrate includes: a third substrate 25, a substrate electrode 26 and a coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 arranged on a side of the third substrate 25 close to the liquid crystal layer 23; the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 includes: a main structure 241 and a plurality of branch structures 242 connected in the length direction of the main structure;

[0111] The second substrate includes: a second substrate 21, and a plurality of loading electrodes 22 arranged on a side of the second substrate 21 close to the liquid crystal layer 23; the plurality of loading electrodes 22 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of branch structures 242 to form a plurality of variable capacitors Cvra (V); and the orthographic projections of each of the loading electrodes 22 and the substrate electrode 26 on the third substrate 25 at least partially overlap.

[0112] Among them, Figure 4j As shown, multiple variable capacitors Cvra (V) are arranged linearly to define a variable capacitor area A; the variable capacitor area A has at least one sub-corner area B, and the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 has multiple bending angles θ in the sub-corner area B, and the sum of the angles of the multiple bending angles is 90°. By bending the signal electrode 90°, the occupied area of ​​the CPW periodically loaded variable capacitor phase shift unit in the phased array antenna is reduced, and by setting the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 to have multiple bending angles θ in the sub-corner area B, the phase shift performance of the CPW periodically loaded variable capacitor phase shift unit is improved.

[0113] The coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 of the CPW periodically loaded variable capacitance phase shift unit can be in a U-shaped, ring-shaped, S-shaped or other structure. When it is a U-shaped structure, it has two sub-corner regions B; when it is a ring structure, it has four sub-corner regions B; when it is an S-shaped structure, it has multiple sub-corner regions B. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 is described as a U-shaped structure.

[0114] In some embodiments, the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 has a plurality of bending angles θ in the sub-corner region B, the angles of the plurality of sub-bending angles θ are equal, and the sum of the angles of the plurality of sub-bending angles θ is 90°. For example, when there are six bending angles, each bending angle θ is 15° (6*15°); when there are three bending angles, each bending angle θ is 30° (3*30°); when there are two bending angles θ, both bending angles θ may be 45° (2*45°).

[0115] Figure 4k FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of simulation of performance changes of the phase shift unit under different bending conditions of the phase shift unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4kAs shown, S1 represents the curve of the signal line bending six phase shift units with a bending angle of 15° θ, S2 represents the curve of the signal line bending three phase shift units with a bending angle of 30° θ, S3 represents the curve of the signal line bending two phase shift units with a bending angle of 45° θ, S4 represents the curve of the signal line bending a phase shift unit with a bending angle of 90° θ, and S5 represents the curve of the signal line bending a phase shift unit with a bending angle of 60° and a bending angle of 30° θ. Figure 4k As shown, when the dielectric constant is 2.8, the transmission loss corresponding to curve S3 (bending at two 45° bending angles θ) is the smallest, and the fluctuation of curve S3 is the smallest. Therefore, when the signal line is bent at two 45° angles, the performance of the phase shift unit is optimal.

[0116] In some embodiments, Figure 4h-Figure 4j As shown, the substrate electrode 26 includes a first sub-substrate electrode 261 and a second sub-substrate electrode 262; the first sub-substrate electrode 261 and the second sub-substrate electrode 262 are respectively located on two opposite sides of the length direction of the main structure 241, and are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the branch structure 242; the bending angles (α, β) of the first sub-substrate electrode 261 and the second sub-substrate electrode 262 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the bending angle θ of the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24.

[0117] In some embodiments, in order to ensure smooth transmission of microwave signals, on the basis of the above structure, the branch structure 242 can be set through the main structure 241. In some embodiments, the branch structure 242 and the main structure 241 can be designed as an integrated structure, and the branch structure 242 and the main structure 241 are arranged in the same layer and made of the same material; in this way, the preparation of the branch structure 242 and the main structure 241 is convenient, and the process cost is reduced. Of course, the branch structure 242 and the main structure 241 can also be electrically connected together in any way, and no limitation is made to this in the embodiments of the present invention. At this time, when a microwave signal is input to the main structure 241, there is a certain voltage difference between the voltage of the loading electrode 22 and the branch structure 242, so that the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23 in the liquid crystal capacitor formed by the overlap of the loading electrode 22 and the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 changes, so as to change the phase of the microwave signal.

[0118] In some embodiments, the spacing between any two adjacent variable capacitors Cvra (V) is the same. At this time, the spacing between each loading electrode 22 can be set to the same spacing, and the spacing between each branch structure 242 can also be set to the same spacing. Of course, the spacing between each variable capacitor Cvra (V) (or each loading electrode 22, each branch structure 242) can also be designed to increase or decrease monotonically according to a certain rule; the spacing between each variable capacitor Cvra (V) (or each loading electrode 22, each branch structure 242) can also be designed to be different, and there is no certain arrangement rule, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0119] In some embodiments, the third substrate 25 and the second substrate 21 can be a glass substrate with a thickness of 100-1000 microns, or a sapphire substrate, or a polyethylene terephthalate substrate, a triallyl cyanurate substrate, and a polyimide transparent flexible substrate with a thickness of 10-500 microns. Specifically, the third substrate 25 and the second substrate 21 can be made of high-purity quartz glass with extremely low dielectric loss. Compared with ordinary glass substrates, the third substrate 25 and the second substrate 21 using quartz glass can effectively reduce the loss of microwaves, so that the phase shift unit has low power consumption and high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0120] In some embodiments, the loading electrode 22 , the branch structure 242 , the main structure 241 , and the base electrode 26 may be made of metals such as aluminum, silver, gold, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, or iron.

[0121] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 23 are positive liquid crystal molecules or negative liquid crystal molecules. It should be noted that when the liquid crystal molecules are positive liquid crystal molecules, the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the second electrode in the specific embodiment of the present invention is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 45 degrees. When the liquid crystal molecules are negative liquid crystal molecules, the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules and the second electrode in the specific embodiment of the present invention is greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees, which ensures that after the liquid crystal molecules are deflected, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23 is changed to achieve the purpose of phase shift.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first overlapping region at least partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of a portion of the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 close to the fifth end P5 on the first substrate 311 .

[0123] By applying voltage to the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 and the loading electrode 22, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 23 can be deflected, and its dielectric constant can be changed, so as to achieve the purpose of phase shifting of the microwave signal. In this embodiment, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 23 can be 3-8um, which can make the response speed of the phase shift unit faster.

[0124] The coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 is used to transmit microwave signals. In some embodiments, for the first phase shift unit N1 , the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 outputs microwave signals at the fourth end P4 .

[0125] like Figure 5 As shown, the line connecting the first end P1 and the third end P3 of each first power divider is the first line, and the line connecting the second end P2 and the third end P3 of each first power divider is the second line. The length difference between the first line and the second line is an odd multiple of the half wavelength of the microwave signal, so that the microwave signal output by the second phase shifter can be phase-shifted by 180° and then merged with the microwave signal output by the first phase shifter into one output. In this embodiment, the microwave signal output by the first phase shifter and the microwave signal output by the second phase shifter have an output phase difference of 180° through the first power divider, which can improve the isolation between adjacent phase shifters. In this way, there is no need to set the spacing between adjacent phase shifters too large. While meeting the requirements of antenna mirror feeding, the layout of the phase shifter can be completed in a very small space, which can greatly utilize the internal space of the antenna and reduce the volume of the antenna.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first power divider can be set in the same layer and material as the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24, so that the first power divider and the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 can be formed simultaneously through a one-time composition process, which can simplify the antenna manufacturing process, shorten the antenna manufacturing time, and reduce the antenna manufacturing cost.

[0127] In some embodiments, a first insulating layer is provided between the loading electrode 22 and the second substrate 21, and a second insulating layer is provided on the side of the loading electrode 22 away from the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer may be made of silicon nitride or silicon oxide, with a thickness of about 150 nm, and is used to buffer the stress generated during the processing of the loading electrode 22 to avoid stress concentration causing the second substrate 21 to break; the second insulating layer may be made of silicon nitride or silicon oxide, with a thickness of about 50 nm, and is used to protect the loading electrode 22.

[0128] In order to further improve the isolation between adjacent phase shifting units, Figure 5 As shown, the antenna of this embodiment further includes: a first resistor G connected to both the first routing line and the second routing line. The first resistor can be made of at least one high-resistance thin film material selected from ITO, ZnO:Al and ZnO:B, and can be prepared by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating and the like. The first resistor can be arranged in the same layer as the first power divider.

[0129] Due to the introduction of the power division transmission unit, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24 of adjacent phase shifting units are connected together, and the potential is kept consistent; in order to ensure that different phase shifting units have different phase shifting capabilities, the present embodiment adopts a reverse voltage application method, such as Figure 5 As shown, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24 of all phase shifting units are connected together through the line L1, that is, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines of all phase shifting units are electrically connected through the same signal line, and the same voltage value, for example, 0.1V, can be applied to all coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24; however, the loading electrodes 22 of different phase shifting units are independent and insulated from each other, and each phase shifting unit is powered separately through the line L2. This voltage application method can avoid the problem that when the CPW transmission line is set to be grounded, it becomes equipotential with the actual ground electrode, thereby affecting the transmission of the RF signal.

[0130] In this embodiment, Figure 4d As shown, the power division transmission unit also includes:

[0131] At least one second power divider 37, each of the second power dividers 37 includes a sixth terminal P6 and multiple seventh terminals P7, each of the seventh terminals P7 is connected to the third terminal P3 of one of the first power dividers. The second power divider can combine the microwave signals output by the M first power dividers into N microwave signals, and output the N microwave signals to the waveguide, where M can be an integer greater than 1, and N can be less than M. The above connection is a coupling connection.

[0132] With the development of radio frequency and microwave technology, miniaturization has become an important development trend, which requires the integration of microwave circuits to be improved as much as possible. Therefore, microwave multilayer board technology is the key to solving this problem, so as to achieve miniaturization, low cost and high performance of microwave circuits. However, the problem brought about by this is that the routing of microwave lines is more complicated, and microwave signals need to be transmitted between different transmission lines. Among them, the signal shielding effect of metal can be used to achieve signal isolation of different layers of transmission lines.

[0133] In addition, when the signal propagates between transmission lines of different layers, it is necessary to introduce a suitable transition structure, which needs to be well matched to avoid the influence of signal reflection and excitation of high-order modes, so that the signal can be transmitted to another layer of transmission line with minimal loss. Therefore, it is particularly important to study the transition structure between transmission lines.

[0134] Generally, there are two types of transition structures between transmission lines: one is the vertical metal via method, which achieves signal interconnection by drilling holes in the dielectric substrate and metalizing the vias. This structure is equivalent to physically connecting transmission lines on different layers. Through size optimization, a smaller transmission loss can be obtained, but the process requirements are high. The other is electromagnetic coupling, which achieves energy transmission between transmission lines on different layers through microwave spatial coupling. Electromagnetic coupling has lower process requirements, but coupling between transmission lines on different layers usually causes greater transmission losses.

[0135] For microwave devices on glass substrates, such as phase shifters, antennas, filters, etc., metal vias are not suitable for energy transmission between transmission lines on different layers due to the immaturity of glass drilling technology and the fragility of glass.

[0136] To solve the above problems, Figure 4a As shown, the power division transmission unit of this embodiment includes a first PCB, a second PCB and a third PCB stacked in sequence, the first PCB includes a sixth substrate 34, the second PCB includes a fifth substrate 36, the third PCB includes a fourth substrate 38, a back reflection layer 33 and a third reference electrode 35 are arranged on both sides of the sixth substrate 34, a second power divider 37 and a third reference electrode 35 are arranged on both sides of the fifth substrate 36, a second power divider 37 and a second reference electrode 39 are arranged on both sides of the fourth substrate 38, and the second reference electrode 39 is arranged on the side of the third substrate 25 away from the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24. The microwave signals output by the M first power dividers can be combined into N microwave signals through the second power divider.

[0137] like Figure 4a As shown, in some embodiments, the power division transmission unit further includes:

[0138] A support frame 32, wherein the support frame 32 is disposed on a side of the back reflection layer 33 away from the sixth substrate 34;

[0139] The waveguide 31 is arranged on a side of the support frame 32 away from the sixth substrate 34. The waveguide 31 is connected to the sixth ends P6 of N second power dividers, where N is a positive integer. The waveguide 31 can combine the N microwave signals into one microwave signal and output it.

[0140] For example, the thickness of each of the above-mentioned electrodes may be 0.1μm to 100μm, but is not limited to this; generally, the thickness of each electrode may be 18μm or 35μm; in this embodiment, the thickness of each electrode may be designed to be greater than or equal to 0.1μm, which can reduce the processing difficulty and cost on the one hand, and ensure the shielding performance of each electrode on the other hand; by designing the thickness of each electrode to be less than or equal to 100μm, it can be avoided that the electrode thickness is too large and the power division transmission unit is too thick, that is, it can facilitate the realization of the lightness and miniaturization of the power division transmission unit, thereby expanding the scope of application of the power division transmission unit; but not limited to this, the thickness of each electrode may also be within other numerical ranges, depending on specific needs.

[0141] The thickness of each substrate can be 0.1mm to 10mm. In the present embodiment, by designing the thickness of each substrate to be greater than or equal to 0.1mm, on the one hand, the processing difficulty and cost can be reduced, and on the other hand, the supporting strength of each substrate can be ensured. By designing the thickness of each substrate to be less than or equal to 10mm, it is also possible to avoid the situation where the power division transmission unit is too thick due to the thickness of each substrate being too large, that is, it is easy to realize the lightweight and miniaturization of the power division transmission unit, thereby expanding the application scope of the power division transmission unit. However, the thickness of each substrate may also be within other numerical ranges, depending on specific needs.

[0142] Among them, the first reference electrode 310, the second reference electrode 39 and the third reference electrode 35 can be used as a shielding structure; the third reference electrode 35 can shield the interference signal below the third reference electrode 35; the second reference electrode 39 can shield the interference signal above the second reference electrode 39.

[0143] In order to achieve signal coupling, the first reference electrode 310, the second reference electrode 39 and the third reference electrode 35 need to be grooved, and the grooves penetrate the electrodes in the thickness direction to form via holes.

[0144] Figure 4f 39 is a schematic plan view of a second reference electrode 39, wherein the second reference electrode 39 is provided with at least one third via hole 3901 (generally referred to as a coupling gap); Figure 4c As shown, the first reference electrode 310 is provided with at least one second via hole 3102 (generally referred to as a coupling gap); the second via hole 3102 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the third via hole 3901;

[0145] The orthographic projection of each second via hole 3102 on the third substrate 25 has a second overlapping area with the orthographic projection of one third via hole 3901 on the third substrate 25 , and the second overlapping area at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of one third end P3 on the third substrate 25 .

[0146] Figure 4e : is a plan view of the third reference electrode 35, the third reference electrode 35 is provided with at least one fourth via hole 3501 (generally referred to as a coupling gap), the fourth via hole 3501 is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the third via hole 3901; the orthographic projection of each of the fourth via holes 3501 on the fifth substrate 36 has a third overlapping region with the orthographic projection of one of the third via holes 3901 on the fifth substrate 36, and the third overlapping region at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of one of the seventh ends P7 on the fifth substrate 36. In this way, energy can be radiated and coupled from the third end P3 of the first power divider to the seventh end P7 of the second power divider 37.

[0147] It should be understood that in order to improve the coupling efficiency between the first power divider and the second power divider, the third end P3 of the first power divider and the seventh end P7 of the second power divider in this embodiment should be disconnected, that is, not connected to other conductive structures on the same layer, so as to reduce energy transfer between the same layers, so that more energy can be radiated and coupled to transmission structures on different layers through the vias of the third reference electrode 35 and the second reference electrode 39.

[0148] In order to obtain a better coupling effect, the third reference electrode 35 and the second reference electrode 39 are symmetrical, and the size and position of the via holes on the third reference electrode 35 and the second reference electrode 39 are the same. The same position means that the orthographic projection of the via hole 3501 on the third reference electrode 35 on the fifth substrate 36 and the orthographic projection of the via hole 3901 on the second reference electrode 39 on the fifth substrate 36 completely overlap. The orthographic projection of the second power divider 37 on the fifth substrate 36 can pass through the center of the orthographic projection of the via hole 3501 on the third reference electrode 35 on the fifth substrate 36. This design can not only make the energy radiated to both sides by the first power divider and the second power divider 37 basically the same, but also reduce the processing cost. That is, the via holes of the third reference electrode 35 and the second reference electrode 39 can be processed using the same mask plate.

[0149] The shapes of the via holes of the first reference electrode 310, the second reference electrode 39 and the third reference electrode 35 can all be circular or rectangular for easy processing; but not limited thereto, they can also be other shapes, depending on the specific situation. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the size of the via holes of the first reference electrode 310, the second reference electrode 39 and the third reference electrode 35, and the size of the via holes of the first reference electrode 310, the second reference electrode 39 and the third reference electrode 35 can be determined according to the operating frequency of the power division transmission unit, the thickness of each substrate and the dielectric constant.

[0150] Optionally, in this embodiment, the width of the third end P3 of the first power divider may be the same as the width of the via hole of the second reference electrode 39, and the width of the seventh end P7 of the second power divider may be the same as the width of the via hole of the third reference electrode 35. It should be noted that the width mentioned here is the dimension in the first direction X.

[0151] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the third end P3 of the first power divider on the fifth substrate 36 completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of the via hole of the second reference electrode 39 on the fifth substrate 36 in the first direction X; that is, the orthographic projection of the third end P3 of the first power divider on the fifth substrate 36 is the first orthographic projection, and the orthographic projection of the via hole of the second reference electrode 39 on the fifth substrate 36 is the second orthographic projection, and the two opposite boundaries of the first orthographic projection in the first direction X overlap with the two opposite boundaries of the second orthographic projection in the first direction X respectively. The orthographic projection of the seventh end P7 of the second power divider on the fifth substrate 36 completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of the via hole of the second reference electrode 39 on the fifth substrate 36 in the first direction X; that is, the orthographic projection of the seventh end P7 of the second power divider on the fifth substrate 36 is the third orthographic projection, and the orthographic projection of the via hole of the second reference electrode 39 on the fifth substrate 36 is the second orthographic projection, and the two opposite boundaries of the third orthographic projection in the first direction X overlap with the two opposite boundaries of the second orthographic projection in the first direction X respectively; such a design can ensure that the coupling area between the first power divider and the second power divider 37 is large enough, thereby improving the coupling efficiency and reducing the transmission loss.

[0152] The phase-shifted microwave signal is transmitted to the second power divider 37 via the first power divider. The sixth end P6 of the second power divider 37 can be connected to the waveguide 31 through the metal connector 313 to output N microwave signals to the waveguide 31. Transmitting the microwave signal through the metal connector 313 can reduce the loss of the microwave signal. The waveguide 31 can specifically adopt an aluminum waveguide. A metal support frame 32 is provided between the waveguide 31 and the second power divider 37 so that a certain distance is maintained between the waveguide 31 and the second power divider. Among them, since the waveguide 31 and the second power divider need to be connected through a joint, a certain distance needs to be maintained between the waveguide 31 and the second power divider, and the space occupied by the joint is reserved. Among them, the back reflection layer 33 can be an integrated structure with the metal support frame 32.

[0153] In this embodiment, in order to reduce the loss of voltage signals and microwave signals, the CPW transmission lines, routings, and electrodes can be made of at least one of the following low-resistance, low-loss metals: copper, gold, and silver, and can be prepared by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating, and the like.

[0154] The substrate in the antenna unit, the phase shift unit and / or the power division transmission unit can be made of an insulating substrate such as a polytetrafluoroethylene glass fiber pressboard, a phenolic paper laminate, a phenolic glass cloth laminate, or a hard substrate with low microwave loss such as quartz or glass, and the thickness can be 100 microns to 10 millimeters.

[0155] Figure 6 and Figure 7The performance diagram of the first power divider of the disclosed embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 . The first power divider has an input port (1) and two output ports (2 and 3). S11, S22 and S33 respectively represent the reflection and input ratio of the three ports. The more negative the value, the smaller the reflection, that is, the more energy is fed into the wiring. S21 and S31 represent the energy loss value from port 1 to port 2 and from port 1 to port 3. If there is no energy loss at all, the value is 0dB. The more negative the value, the greater the energy loss. S32 represents the isolation between port 2 and port 3, which means the mutual crosstalk capability of the energy of the two ports. The more negative the value, the smaller the crosstalk. Cang21 represents the difference between the phase of port 2 and the phase of port 1 after energy is fed into port 1. Cang31 represents the difference between the phase of port 3 and the phase of port 1 after energy is fed into port 1. Because the power divider with an output phase difference of 180 degrees is used in this embodiment, it is hoped that the difference between the values ​​of Cang21 and Cang31 is 180 degrees.

[0156] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for driving an antenna, which is applied to the antenna as described above, and the driving method includes:

[0157] Receiving microwave signals respectively through the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit of each group of antenna units;

[0158] The first phase shift unit is used to adjust the phase of the microwave signal received by the first antenna unit; the second phase shift unit is used to adjust the phase of the microwave signal received by the second antenna unit;

[0159] combining the microwave signal adjusted by the second phase shift unit and the microwave signal adjusted by the first phase shift unit into one channel through the first power divider;

[0160] and / or,

[0161] Splitting the microwave signal into two paths through the first power divider, and transmitting the two paths to the first phase shift unit and the second phase shift unit respectively;

[0162] Performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal transmitted to the first phase shift unit by using the first phase shift unit, and performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal transmitted to the second phase shift unit by using the second phase shift unit;

[0163] The microwave signal adjusted by the first phase shift unit is transmitted through the first antenna unit, and the microwave signal adjusted by the second phase shift unit is transmitted through the second wire unit.

[0164] In this embodiment, when the antenna receives a signal, the radiation patch 312 of the antenna unit transmits the received microwave signal to the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 of the phase shift unit by spatial coupling, and the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 transmits the microwave signal; by applying voltage to the coplanar waveguide transmission line 24 and the loading electrode 22, the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 23 can be deflected and its dielectric constant can be changed, thereby achieving the purpose of phase shifting the microwave signal.

[0165] like Figure 5 As shown, the routing line connecting the first end P1 and the third end P3 of each first power divider is a first routing line, and the routing line connecting the second end P2 and the third end P3 of each first power divider is a second routing line. The length difference between the first routing line and the second routing line is an odd multiple of half the wavelength of the microwave signal, so that the microwave signal output by the second phase shifting unit can be phase-shifted by 180° and then merged with the microwave signal output by the first phase shifting unit into one output.

[0166] Due to the introduction of the power division transmission unit, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24 of adjacent phase shifting units are connected together, and the potential is kept consistent; in order to ensure that different phase shifting units have different phase shifting capabilities, the present embodiment adopts a reverse voltage application method, such as Figure 5 As shown, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24 of all phase shifting units are connected together through the line L1, that is, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines of all phase shifting units are electrically connected through the same signal line, and the same voltage value, for example, 0.1V, can be applied to all coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24; however, the loading electrodes 22 of different phase shifting units are independent and insulated from each other, and each phase shifting unit is powered separately through the line L2. This voltage application method can avoid the problem that when the CPW transmission line is set to be grounded, it becomes equipotential with the actual ground electrode, thereby affecting the transmission of the RF signal.

[0167] In this embodiment, the microwave signal output by the first phase shift unit and the microwave signal output by the second phase shift unit have an output phase difference of 180° through the first power divider, which can improve the isolation between adjacent phase shift units. In this way, there is no need to set the spacing between adjacent phase shift units too large. While meeting the demand for antenna image feeding, the layout of the phase shift unit can be completed in a very small space, and the internal space of the antenna can be greatly utilized. The antenna coupling structure, the liquid crystal phase shift unit, and the power division transmission unit are arranged in a very small space. On this basis, a reverse input voltage is introduced. By setting the transmission line part in the CPW to a fixed voltage, a variable voltage is applied to the electrode of each phase shift unit, thereby realizing voltage control. The antenna structure and voltage control scheme can greatly facilitate the layout and piezoelectric control of antennas based on CPW transmission lines or other types of transmission lines.

[0168] In addition, in this embodiment, when the antenna transmits a signal, the microwave signal is divided into two paths through the first power divider and transmitted to the first phase shift unit and the second phase shift unit respectively; the microwave signal transmitted to the first phase shift unit is phase-adjusted through the first phase shift unit, and the microwave signal transmitted to the second phase shift unit is phase-adjusted through the second phase shift unit; the microwave signal adjusted by the first phase shift unit is transmitted through the first antenna unit, and the microwave signal adjusted by the second phase shift unit is transmitted through the second wire unit. Figure 5 As shown, the routing line connecting the first end P1 and the third end P3 of each first power divider is a first routing line, and the routing line connecting the second end P2 and the third end P3 of each first power divider is a second routing line. The length difference between the first routing line and the second routing line is an odd multiple of half the wavelength of the microwave signal, so that one of the microwave signals can be phase-shifted by 180° and then transmitted to the second phase shift unit.

[0169] Due to the introduction of the power division transmission unit, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24 of adjacent phase shifting units are connected together, and the potential is kept consistent; in order to ensure that different phase shifting units have different phase shifting capabilities, the present embodiment adopts a reverse voltage application method, such as Figure 5 As shown, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24 of all phase shifting units are connected together through the line L1, that is, the coplanar waveguide transmission lines of all phase shifting units are electrically connected through the same signal line, and the same voltage value, for example, 0.1V, can be applied to all coplanar waveguide transmission lines 24; however, the loading electrodes 22 of different phase shifting units are independent and insulated from each other, and each phase shifting unit is powered separately through the line L2. This voltage application method can avoid the problem that when the CPW transmission line is set to be grounded, it becomes equipotential with the actual ground electrode, thereby affecting the transmission of the RF signal.

[0170] In this embodiment, the microwave signal transmitted to the first phase shift unit and the microwave signal transmitted to the second phase shift unit have a phase difference of 180° through the first power divider, which can improve the isolation between adjacent phase shift units. In this way, there is no need to set the spacing between adjacent phase shift units too large. While meeting the demand for antenna image feeding, the layout of the phase shift unit can be completed in a very small space, and the internal space of the antenna can be greatly utilized. The antenna coupling structure, the liquid crystal phase shift unit, and the power division transmission unit are arranged in a very small space. On this basis, a reverse input voltage is introduced. By setting the transmission line part in the CPW to a fixed voltage, a variable voltage is applied to the electrode of each phase shift unit, thereby realizing voltage control. The antenna structure and voltage control scheme can greatly facilitate the layout and piezoelectric control of antennas based on CPW transmission lines or other types of transmission lines.

[0171] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an antenna system, including the antenna described above. The antenna system of this embodiment can be applied in a communication device.

[0172] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an antenna, comprising:

[0173] forming at least one group of antenna elements;

[0174] Forming at least one group of phase shifting units, each group of the phase shifting units being arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, for performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal;

[0175] forming a component transmission unit;

[0176] Wherein, each group of the antenna units includes a first sub-antenna unit and a second sub-antenna unit, and each group of the phase shifting units includes a first phase shifting unit connected to the first sub-antenna unit and a second phase shifting unit connected to the second sub-antenna unit;

[0177] The power division transmission unit includes at least one first power divider, each of the first power dividers includes a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the first phase shifting unit, the second end is connected to the second phase shifting unit, and the phase difference between the microwave signal transmitted from the first end to the third end and the microwave signal transmitted from the second end to the third end is a preset value.

[0178] In this embodiment, the phase shift unit receives the microwave signal input by the corresponding group of antenna units, and performs phase adjustment on the microwave signal. The power division transmission unit includes a first power divider, which is respectively connected to the first phase shift unit and the second phase shift unit. The microwave signal output by the second phase shift unit is phase-shifted by a preset value and then merged with the microwave signal output by the first phase shift unit. The first power divider is used to make the phase difference between the microwave signal output by the first phase shift unit and the microwave signal output by the second phase shift unit a preset value, so that the isolation between adjacent phase shift units can be improved. While meeting the requirements of antenna mirror feeding, the layout of the phase shift unit can be completed in a very small space, which can greatly utilize the internal space of the antenna and reduce the volume of the antenna.

[0179] In some embodiments, forming the antenna unit includes:

[0180] providing a first substrate;

[0181] forming a radiation patch array on one side of the first substrate;

[0182] A first reference electrode is formed on the other side of the first substrate.

[0183] Among them, the first substrate can be made of at least one of the following: polytetrafluoroethylene glass fiber pressboard, phenolic paper laminate, phenolic glass cloth laminate, quartz, glass, and a metal layer is formed on the substrate, and the metal layer is patterned to form a radiation patch array.

[0184] In some embodiments, forming a phase shift unit includes:

[0185] providing a second substrate and a third substrate;

[0186] forming a coplanar waveguide transmission line on the third substrate;

[0187] forming a loading electrode on the second substrate;

[0188] Aligning the third substrate and the second substrate, wherein the coplanar waveguide transmission line and the electrode are located between the third substrate and the second substrate;

[0189] A liquid crystal layer is filled between the third substrate and the second substrate.

[0190] In some embodiments, when combining the antenna unit with the phase shift unit, the antenna unit and the phase shift unit may be combined by a bonding process.

[0191] In some embodiments, when the antenna unit, the phase shift unit and the power division transmission unit are bonded together, precise alignment between the units can be achieved through a box alignment device or a positioning bonding device, and then the units can be glued together using OCA optical glue or other ultraviolet glue.

[0192] In the various method embodiments of the present disclosure, the serial numbers of the steps cannot be used to limit the sequence of the steps. For ordinary technicians in this field, without paying any creative work, changes to the sequence of the steps are also within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0193] It should be noted that each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the embodiments, since they are basically similar to the product embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the product embodiments.

[0194] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present disclosure should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word cover the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0195] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” or “under” another element, it can be “directly on” or “under” the other element or intervening elements may be present.

[0196] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0197] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure, which should be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that: include: at least one set of antenna elements; At least one group of phase shifting units, each group of phase shifting units being arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, and being used for performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal; and, a power division transmission unit; Wherein, each group of the antenna units includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, and each group of the phase shifting units includes a first phase shifting unit connected to the first antenna unit and a second phase shifting unit connected to the second antenna unit; The power division transmission unit includes at least one first power divider, each of the first power dividers includes a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the first phase shift unit, the second end is connected to the second phase shift unit, and the phase difference between the microwave signal transmitted from the first end to the third end and the microwave signal transmitted from the second end to the third end is a preset value; Each antenna unit includes: first base; A first reference electrode disposed on one side of the first substrate, wherein the first reference electrode is provided with a first via hole; A radiation patch is disposed on a side of the first substrate away from the first reference electrode, wherein an orthographic projection of the radiation patch on the first substrate and an orthographic projection of the first via hole on the first substrate have a first overlapping area; Each phase shift unit includes: A second substrate and a third substrate are arranged opposite to each other; The second substrate is arranged on a side of the first reference electrode away from the first substrate; a coplanar waveguide transmission line located on a side of the third substrate facing the second substrate; a loading electrode located on a side of the second substrate facing the third substrate; a liquid crystal layer located between the second substrate and the third substrate; The coplanar waveguide transmission line includes a fourth end connected to the first power divider and a fifth end connected to the antenna unit.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that The routing line connecting the first end and the third end of each first power divider is a first routing line, and the routing line connecting the second end and the third end of each first power divider is a second routing line. The length difference between the first routing line and the second routing line is an odd multiple of half the wavelength of the microwave signal.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: A first resistor connected to both the first wiring and the second wiring.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first overlapping region at least partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of a portion of the coplanar waveguide transmission line close to the fifth end on the first substrate.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that The first power divider and the coplanar waveguide transmission line are arranged in the same layer and with the same material.

6. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that A first insulating layer is arranged between the loading electrode and the second substrate, and a second insulating layer is arranged on a side of the loading electrode away from the first insulating layer.

7. The antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that The coplanar waveguide transmission lines of all phase shifting units are electrically connected through the same signal line, and the loading electrodes of different phase shifting units are insulated from each other.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: The power division transmission unit also includes: At least one second power divider, each of the second power dividers comprises a sixth end and a plurality of seventh ends, and each of the seventh ends is connected to the third end of one of the first power dividers.

9. The antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that The power division transmission unit also includes: A second reference electrode is disposed on a side of the third substrate away from the coplanar waveguide transmission line.

10. The antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first reference electrode is provided with at least one second via hole; The second reference electrode is provided with at least one third via hole; The second via holes are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the third via holes; The orthographic projection of each of the second via holes on the third substrate has a second overlapping region with the orthographic projection of one of the third via holes on the third substrate, and the second overlapping region at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of one of the third ends on the third substrate.

11. The antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that: The power division transmission unit also includes: a fourth substrate, the fourth substrate being disposed between the second reference electrode and the second power divider; a fifth substrate, the fifth substrate being arranged on a side of the second power divider away from the fourth substrate; A third reference electrode is disposed on a side of the fifth substrate away from the second power divider.

12. The antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that The third reference electrode is provided with at least one fourth via hole; The fourth via holes are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the third via holes; The orthographic projection of each of the fourth via holes on the fifth substrate has a third overlapping region with the orthographic projection of one of the third via holes on the fifth substrate, and the third overlapping region at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of one of the seventh ends on the fifth substrate.

13. The antenna according to claim 12, characterized in that: The power division transmission unit also includes: a sixth substrate, the sixth substrate being arranged on a side of the third reference electrode away from the fifth substrate; A back reflection layer is arranged on a side of the sixth substrate away from the third reference electrode.

14. The antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that The power division transmission unit also includes: A support frame, the support frame is arranged on a side of the back reflection layer away from the sixth substrate; A waveguide is arranged on a side of the support frame away from the sixth substrate.

15. The antenna according to claim 14, characterized in that The waveguide is connected to the sixth end via a connector.

16. An antenna system, characterized in that: Comprising the antenna according to any one of claims 1-15.

17. A method for manufacturing an antenna, characterized in that: Used to make an antenna as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising: forming at least one group of antenna elements; Forming at least one group of phase shifting units, each group of the phase shifting units being arranged corresponding to a group of antenna units, for performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal; forming a component transmission unit; Wherein, each group of the antenna units includes a first sub-antenna unit and a second sub-antenna unit, and each group of the phase shifting units includes a first phase shifting unit connected to the first sub-antenna unit and a second phase shifting unit connected to the second sub-antenna unit; The power division transmission unit includes at least one first power divider, each of the first power dividers includes a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the first phase shifting unit, the second end is connected to the second phase shifting unit, and the phase difference between the microwave signal transmitted from the first end to the third end and the microwave signal transmitted from the second end to the third end is a preset value.

18. The method for manufacturing an antenna according to claim 17, characterized in that: Forming the antenna unit includes: providing a first substrate; forming a radiation patch array on one side of the first substrate; A first reference electrode is formed on the other side of the first substrate.

19. The method for manufacturing an antenna according to claim 17, characterized in that: The phase shift unit comprises: providing a second substrate and a third substrate; forming a coplanar waveguide transmission line on the third substrate; forming a loading electrode on the second substrate; Aligning the third substrate and the second substrate, wherein the coplanar waveguide transmission line and the loading electrode are located between the third substrate and the second substrate; A liquid crystal layer is filled between the third substrate and the second substrate.

20. The antenna manufacturing method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the antenna unit is combined with the phase shift unit through a bonding process.

21. A method for driving an antenna, characterized in that: Applied to the antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the driving method comprises: Receiving microwave signals respectively through the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit of each group of antenna units; The first phase shift unit is used to adjust the phase of the microwave signal received by the first antenna unit; the second phase shift unit is used to adjust the phase of the microwave signal received by the second antenna unit; combining the microwave signal adjusted by the second phase shift unit and the microwave signal adjusted by the first phase shift unit into one channel through the first power divider; and / or, Splitting the microwave signal into two paths through the first power divider, and transmitting the two paths to the first phase shift unit and the second phase shift unit respectively; Performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal transmitted to the first phase shift unit by using the first phase shift unit, and performing phase adjustment on the microwave signal transmitted to the second phase shift unit by using the second phase shift unit; The microwave signal adjusted by the first phase shift unit is transmitted through the first antenna unit, and the microwave signal adjusted by the second phase shift unit is transmitted through the second antenna unit.

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