A signal decoupling device, antenna device and communication device

Abstract

The application provides a signal decoupling device, an antenna device and a communication device. The signal decoupling device comprises a first dielectric layer and a decoupling layer. The decoupling layer comprises a decoupling surface, and a plurality of metal units are arranged on the decoupling surface. The metal units are used for transmitting a first electromagnetic signal and reflecting a second electromagnetic signal to form a reflected signal for canceling direct coupling signals between two adjacent antenna units. The first dielectric layer is used for dispersing the second electromagnetic signal to obtain a larger decoupling frequency bandwidth. In the above technical solution, the metal units on the decoupling layer are used for transmitting part of the signals of the antenna units and reflecting part of the signals, so that the reflected signals are used for canceling the direct coupling signals between the adjacent antenna units, thereby reducing the coupling between the antenna units. In addition, the dispersion effect of the signals when passing through the first dielectric layer is used to improve the frequency bandwidth of the reflected signals, so that a larger decoupling frequency bandwidth can be achieved, and the decoupling effect is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a signal decoupling device, an antenna device, and a communication equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology, base stations and terminal equipment have gradually evolved from 4G, 5G to 6G, bringing about two major development trends.

[0003] On the one hand, the improvement in communication quality and transmission rate will lead to a surge in demand for channel capacity and spectral efficiency, and more precise beamforming technology also places higher requirements on the size of antenna arrays. Therefore, the number of antenna elements is growing exponentially, and Massive MIMO systems will become an important technology in the Sub-10GHz band.

[0004] On the other hand, with the development of miniaturization and integration, more and more transceivers and antenna units will be integrated into increasingly smaller devices. The physical distance between antenna units will be greatly compressed, resulting in extremely strong electromagnetic interference between antenna units, which will seriously degrade the performance of MIMO systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a signal decoupling device, an antenna device, and a communication device to improve the decoupling effect of the signal decoupling device and enhance its performance.

[0006] Firstly, a signal decoupling device is provided for decoupling antenna elements of an antenna array. The device includes a first dielectric layer and a decoupling layer. The decoupling layer includes a decoupling surface, on which multiple metal elements are disposed. These metal elements transmit a first electromagnetic signal and reflect a second electromagnetic signal. The reflected second electromagnetic signal serves to cancel the direct coupling signal between two adjacent antenna elements, thereby canceling the direct coupling between adjacent antenna elements. The first dielectric layer is located on the side of the decoupling layer closest to the antenna elements and is used to disperse the second electromagnetic signal. In this technical solution, the second electromagnetic signal reflected by the metal elements on the decoupling layer cancels the direct coupling signal between adjacent antenna elements, thereby reducing the coupling between antenna elements. Furthermore, the dispersion effect of the first dielectric layer on the second electromagnetic signal increases the bandwidth of the reflected signal, thus achieving a larger decoupling bandwidth and improving the decoupling effect.

[0007] In one specific implementation, the first dielectric layer is also used to reflect the third electromagnetic signal. The first dielectric layer creates a dispersion effect on the third electromagnetic signal, thereby improving the decoupling bandwidth.

[0008] In one specific implementation, the first dielectric layer includes a first material layer and a second material layer; the dielectric constant of the first material layer is greater than that of the second material layer; the dielectric constants of the first material layer and the second material layer are different; the first material layer and the second material layer are arranged in the same layer.

[0009] In one specific implementation, the dielectric constant of the first material layer is greater than that of the second material layer; wherein the first and second material layers are periodically arranged, and the first material layer is stacked with the metal unit. By employing a periodic arrangement, the second electromagnetic signal corresponding to each antenna unit can pass through material layers with different dielectric constants.

[0010] In one specific implementation, the first dielectric layer further includes a first gap disposed in at least one of the first material layer and the second material layer; the first gap is filled with a first air layer; the dielectric constant of the first air layer is lower than the dielectric constant of the first material layer and the dielectric constant of the second material layer. By adding the first air layer, the number of material layers with different dielectric constants in the first dielectric layer is increased, further improving the dispersion effect on the reflected signal.

[0011] In one specific implementation, the first slit may be disposed in either the first material layer or the second material layer; or the first slit may be disposed in both the first material layer and the second material layer. This allows for different configurations to disperse the reflected signal.

[0012] In a specific feasible implementation, when the antenna element is a dual-polarized antenna element, the metal element includes two cross-shaped metal strips; the two metal strips correspond one-to-one with the two polarized elements of the antenna element to reflect a portion of the signal from each polarized element.

[0013] In one specific implementation, the metal unit further includes four metal plates arranged in an array; the two metal strips are located in the gaps between the four metal plates to improve the reflection effect of the signal transmitted by the antenna unit through the four metal plates.

[0014] In one specific implementation, the signal decoupling device further includes a second dielectric layer; the second dielectric layer is spaced apart from the decoupling layer, and the second dielectric layer and the metal unit of the decoupling surface form an oscillation cavity. By cooperating with the decoupling layer, a portion of the first electromagnetic signal is continuously reflected to cancel the coupling signal between two non-adjacent antenna units.

[0015] In one specific implementation, the second dielectric layer comprises at least two material layers; the at least two material layers have different dielectric constants; and the at least two material layers are disposed in the same layer. By employing two material layers with different dielectric constants to reflect part of the first electromagnetic signal, dispersion of part of the first electromagnetic signal is achieved. This results in a larger decoupling bandwidth and improved decoupling effect.

[0016] In one specific implementation, the first dielectric layer includes a third material layer and a fourth material layer; the dielectric constant of the third material layer is greater than that of the fourth material layer; wherein the third and fourth material layers are periodically arranged, and the third material layer is stacked in a one-to-one correspondence with the metal unit. By employing a periodic arrangement, the reflected signal corresponding to each antenna unit can pass through material layers with different dielectric constants.

[0017] In one specific implementation, the second dielectric layer further includes a second gap disposed in at least one of the third and fourth material layers; the second gap is filled with a second air layer; the dielectric constant of the second air layer is lower than the dielectric constants of the third and fourth material layers. By adding the second air layer, the number of material layers with different dielectric constants in the second dielectric layer is increased, further improving the dispersion effect on the reflected signal.

[0018] In one specific implementation, the signal decoupling device further includes a third dielectric layer; the third dielectric layer is stacked with the second dielectric layer, and the third dielectric layer is located on the side of the second dielectric layer opposite to the decoupling layer;

[0019] The third dielectric layer is used to form an oscillation cavity with the metal unit of the decoupling surface. The third dielectric layer further increases the propagation distance of the first electromagnetic signal of the continuous reflection portion, thereby canceling the direct coupling between distant antenna units and improving the decoupling effect.

[0020] In one specific implementation, the third dielectric layer comprises at least two material layers; the at least two material layers have different dielectric constants; and the arrangement direction of the at least two material layers is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the second dielectric layer and the decoupling layer. By employing two material layers with different dielectric constants to reflect part of the first electromagnetic signal, dispersion of part of the first electromagnetic signal is achieved. This results in a larger decoupling bandwidth and improved decoupling effect.

[0021] In one specific implementation, the third dielectric layer includes a fifth material layer and a sixth material layer; the dielectric constant of the fifth material layer is greater than that of the sixth material layer; wherein the fifth material layer and the sixth material layer are periodically arranged, and the fifth material layer is stacked in a one-to-one correspondence with the metal unit.

[0022] In one specific implementation, the fifth material layer is provided with a third gap; the sixth material layer is a third air layer filling the third gap.

[0023] In one specific implementation, a filler layer is further included between the decoupling layer and the second dielectric layer to form a solid structure that secures the second dielectric layer.

[0024] Secondly, a signal decoupling device is provided, comprising multiple layers of artificial dielectric layers stacked together; adjacent artificial dielectric layers are spaced apart; and each artificial dielectric layer is used to transmit a fourth electromagnetic signal and reflect a fifth electromagnetic signal. In the above technical solution, by employing multiple layers of artificial dielectric layers to form multiple fifth electromagnetic signals, which are respectively used to cancel the coupling signals between adjacent antenna elements, the decoupling effect is improved.

[0025] In one specific implementation, each artificial dielectric layer includes a dielectric substrate and metal layers periodically arranged on the dielectric substrate. Reflected signals are formed through the metal layers.

[0026] In one specific implementation, the artificial dielectric layer closest to the antenna element is provided with a perforated structure. The perforated structure avoids the introduction of "harmful" additional reflected signals (amplitude and phase not meeting decoupling requirements) and reintroduces "beneficial" additional reflected signals (amplitude and phase meeting decoupling requirements).

[0027] Thirdly, an antenna device is provided, comprising a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array, and a signal decoupling device as described in any of the preceding claims. The signal decoupling device reduces the coupling effect between the antenna elements, thereby improving the performance of the antenna elements.

[0028] In one specific implementation, the vertical distance between the decoupling surface and the radiating surface of the antenna element is between λ / 10 and λ / 4; λ is the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency band of the antenna element. This ensures that the amplitude and phase of the reflected signal generated by the decoupling layer meet the decoupling requirements.

[0029] In one specific implementation, the vertical distance between the surface of the third dielectric layer facing away from the second dielectric layer and the radiating surface of the antenna element is less than λ / 2. This ensures that the amplitude and phase of the signals reflected by the third dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer meet the decoupling requirements.

[0030] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a base station and a signal decoupling device disposed on the base station. The signal decoupling device reduces the coupling effect between antenna elements, thereby improving the performance of the antenna elements. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna array in the prior art;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the decoupling layer of the signal decoupling device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first dielectric layer of the signal decoupling device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structural block diagram of the antenna device.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second dielectric layer of the signal decoupling device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third dielectric layer of the signal decoupling device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 10 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram comparing the isolation of the antenna device before and after decoupling.

[0041] Figures 12-15 This refers to the channel capacity of the antenna array before and after decoupling in different frequency bands.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another antenna device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first artificial medium layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] First, let's talk about coupling. In this application embodiment, coupling specifically refers to the mutual interference between two antenna elements or any two antenna elements in an array. Generally, the smaller the spacing between antenna arrays, the more obvious the coupling. When the coupling is too high, it will affect the MIMO performance.

[0045] Massive MIMO: A massive MIMO system that requires a large-scale antenna array to implement.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The illustration shows an antenna array in a prior art MIMO system, which includes multiple antenna elements 1 arranged in a dense array. When the antenna elements 1 are operating, coupling can occur between adjacent antenna elements 1, thus affecting the performance of the antenna array. Therefore, this application provides a signal decoupling device to eliminate the coupling between adjacent antenna elements 1, which will be described in detail below with reference to specific drawings and embodiments.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the antenna device provided in this embodiment is shown. The antenna device includes three parts: a ground plane 30, an antenna element 20, and a signal decoupling device 10. This antenna device can be applied in the scenario of a base station antenna element. The antenna element 20 is a base station antenna element, the ground plane 30 is a reflector of the base station antenna element, and the signal decoupling device 10 is located directly above the radiation normal of the antenna element 20 (perpendicular to the ground plane 30). The signal emitted by the antenna element 20 passes through the signal decoupling device 10 and is emitted out. As an optional approach, the signal decoupling device 10 can be conformally fitted to the antenna radome, or the signal decoupling device 10 can be fixed to the ground plane 30 by a support structure to be relatively fixed to the antenna element 20.

[0048] The signal decoupling device 10 is located above the antenna array. The size of the signal decoupling device 10 depends on the size of the antenna array. When used in conjunction with the antenna array, the signal decoupling device 10 should be able to cover the array surface of the antenna array to ensure that the signals emitted by the radiating elements of each antenna element can pass through the signal decoupling device 10.

[0049] For ease of description of the signal decoupling device 10, a first direction is defined, which is perpendicular to the array surface of the antenna element, or can be understood as a direction perpendicular to the ground plane 30 surface of the antenna element. The signal decoupling device 10 includes a first dielectric layer 12 and a decoupling layer 11 stacked along the first direction, wherein the first dielectric layer 12 is located on the side of the decoupling layer 11 facing the antenna element.

[0050] Please refer to the above. Figure 3 , Figure 3A schematic diagram of the decoupling layer 11 of the signal decoupling device is shown. The decoupling layer 11 includes a decoupling surface 111 and a plurality of metal units 112 disposed on the decoupling surface 111. The metal units 112 may be formed directly on the decoupling surface 111 by a printing process, or by other processes, which are not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0051] Multiple metal units 112 are arranged in an array on the decoupling surface 111, with gaps between adjacent metal units 112. Figure 3 The multiple metal elements 112 shown are arranged in a two-dimensional periodic pattern, corresponding to the arrangement of antenna elements in an antenna array. Each metal element 112 corresponds one-to-one with each antenna element, and each metal element 112 is positioned directly above its corresponding antenna element. The gaps between the metal elements 112 correspond to the gaps between the antenna elements. It should be understood that in Figure 3 The diagram only illustrates the relationship between the metal unit 112 and the decoupling surface 111. The number and arrangement of the metal units 112 are merely an example. Figure 2 When corresponding to the antenna elements shown, the metal element 112 can be adjusted according to... Figure 2 The arrangement of the antenna elements shown should be adjusted accordingly.

[0052] Each metal element 112 can transmit a first electromagnetic signal and reflect a second electromagnetic signal. The first electromagnetic signal is a portion of the signal emitted by the antenna element corresponding to the metal element 112, and the second electromagnetic signal is another portion of the signal emitted by the corresponding antenna element. For example, when the decoupling layer 11 cooperates with the antenna element, the decoupling layer 11 covers the antenna array surface to ensure that a portion of the signal emitted by each antenna element passes through the metal element 112 and is partially reflected to adjacent antenna elements. The second electromagnetic signal reflected by the metal element 112 is used to cancel the direct coupling signal between adjacent antenna elements, thereby reducing the coupling between adjacent antenna elements. It should be understood that when there is a one-to-one correspondence between the metal element 112 and the corresponding antenna element, the size of the metal element 112 can be greater than, equal to, or smaller than the array area of ​​the radiating element of the antenna element; no specific limitation is made in this embodiment.

[0053] When the antenna element is a dual-polarized antenna element, the metal element 112 includes two metal strips 1121 arranged in a cross shape, with each metal strip 1121 corresponding to one of the two polarized elements of the antenna element. For example, one metal strip 1121 can be used to reflect part of the signal emitted by one polarized element, and the other metal strip 1121 can be used to reflect part of the signal emitted by the other polarized element. This allows signals from the two polarization directions of the antenna element to be reflected separately by the two metal strips 1121, reducing coupling between adjacent antenna elements. When the antenna element is a single-polarized antenna element, the metal element 112 may contain only one metal strip corresponding to the radiating element of that antenna element, and this metal strip can reflect the signal emitted by the radiating element of the antenna element.

[0054] As an optional configuration, the metal element 112 also includes four metal plates 1122 arranged in an array. When the two metal strips 1121 are arranged in a cross shape, the area where the metal element 112 is located is divided into four regions, with the four metal plates 1122 corresponding to each of the four regions, and gaps between the metal plates 1122 and the adjacent metal strips 1121. The arrangement of four metal plates 1122 increases the reflective area of ​​the metal element 112, thus allowing more signals to be reflected to adjacent antenna elements.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first dielectric layer 12 is shown. The first dielectric layer 12 includes at least two material layers for transmitting reflected signals, and the dielectric constants of the different material layers are different. For example, the first dielectric layer 12 is a pure dielectric structure, comprising a first material layer 121 and a second material layer 122, wherein the dielectric constant of the first material layer 121 is greater than that of the second material layer 122. For instance, the second material layer 122 may be an FR-4 dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4; the first material layer 121 may be a Rogers TMM 10 dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant of 9.2. The first dielectric layer 12 uses a mosaic and mixing of the above two material layers to obtain a hybrid material layer with a new dielectric constant. Similarly, the arrangement of the two material layers in the first dielectric layer 12 is only a specific example illustrating the arrangement pattern of the two material layers and is not consistent with [other methods]. Figure 2 Antenna elements or Figure 3 The decoupling layer corresponds to this. After the arrangement of the antenna elements is determined, the first material layer 121 and the second material layer 122 can be arranged according to the arrangement rules of the antenna elements.

[0056] There are multiple first material layers 121 and second material layers 122, which are alternately arranged and spliced ​​to form a first dielectric layer 12. The first material layers 121 and 122 are arranged in the same layer, forming a two-dimensional periodic arrangement. Each first material layer 121 is stacked one-to-one with a metal unit, and each first material layer 121 is located below its corresponding metal unit. Each second material layer 122 corresponds one-to-one with the gaps between metal units and is stacked with these gaps. It should be understood that, in addition to the above arrangement, the second material layer 122 can also be stacked one-to-one with the metal units, and the gaps between the first material layer 121 and the metal units can also be stacked one-to-one.

[0057] It should be understood that regardless of whether the first material layer 121 or the second material layer 122 is used to stack with the metal unit, the size of the material layer stacked with the metal unit can be greater than, less than, or equal to the size of the corresponding metal unit.

[0058] As an optional embodiment, the first dielectric layer 12 further includes a first gap 123 disposed in at least one of the first material layers 121 and 122; the first gap 123 is filled with a first air layer; the dielectric constant of the first air layer is lower than the dielectric constant of the first material layer 121 and the dielectric constant of the second material layer 122. For example, periodic slots are made in the first material layer 121 and the second material layer 122 to form an X-shaped first gap 123, which is filled with air, thereby allowing the first dielectric layer 12 to incorporate the dielectric constant of air.

[0059] It should be understood that, in addition to the X-shaped gap described above, the first gap 123 may also be in other shapes, such as a circle, a straight line, or other types of shapes.

[0060] The location of the first gap 123 is not specifically limited in this embodiment. It can be placed only in the first material layer 121, only in the second material layer 122, or, as in the example described above, in both the first and second material layers 121. Furthermore, when the first gap 123 is placed in the first material layer 121, it can be placed in all or part of the first material layer 121; similarly, when the second gap is placed in the second material layer 122, it can be placed only in part or all of the second material layer 122. Thus, by adjusting the size and shape of the first gap 123, the duty cycle can be changed, thereby optimizing an equivalent dielectric substrate with good decoupling effect.

[0061] When the metal element reflects the signal emitted by the antenna element, the resulting second electromagnetic signal passes through the first dielectric layer 12. Since the second electromagnetic signal is also an electromagnetic wave, and electromagnetic waves of different frequencies can pass through material layers with different dielectric constants when passing through different media, using materials with different dielectric constants (first material layer 121, second material layer 122, and first air layer) in the first dielectric layer 12 can create a dispersion effect on the second electromagnetic signal, thus giving the second electromagnetic signal transmitted to adjacent antenna elements a wider frequency band. Decoupling can be achieved within this wider frequency band.

[0062] Furthermore, the first dielectric layer 12 also reflects a third electromagnetic signal, which is a portion of the signal emitted by the antenna element reflected by the first dielectric layer 12, forming a signal used to cancel out the direct coupling signal between two adjacent antenna elements. When electromagnetic waves propagate to different dielectric surfaces, the difference between the dielectric constants of different materials and the dielectric constant of air results in different wave impedance discontinuities between the different media and air, thus forming a dispersive third electromagnetic signal. The aforementioned wave impedance discontinuity refers to a wave impedance discontinuity between air and the first medium; air also produces a wave impedance discontinuity with the second medium. These two wave impedance discontinuities are different. The third electromagnetic signal also has a wide frequency band, therefore, decoupling from the direct coupling signal between adjacent antenna elements can be achieved over a wide frequency band.

[0063] In addition to using two or three different dielectric constants as in the example above, the first dielectric layer 12 can also use four or five different dielectric constants, thereby dispersing the reflected signal into signals of more frequency bands.

[0064] To facilitate understanding of the working principle of the signal decoupling device provided in the embodiments of this application, it will be described below in conjunction with specific accompanying drawings.

[0065] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The block diagram of the antenna device is shown. (Reference) Figure 5 The straight line with the wire end shown means that the signal emitted by each antenna element will be coupled with the signal of the adjacent antenna element. In this application, the coupling between two antenna elements is referred to as direct coupling, and the signal directly coupled between two antenna elements is named direct coupling signal 200.

[0066] To facilitate the description of the decoupling effect of the signal decoupling device 10, we will take two adjacent first antenna elements 21 and second antenna elements 22 in the antenna array as examples.

[0067] The first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22 are disposed on the floor 30, and the distance between the radiating surface (the surface that transmits signals) of the first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22 and the ground is H2. For example, H2 can be λ / 4. λ is the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency band of the antenna element.

[0068] The decoupling layer 11 is located above the antenna elements. The first electromagnetic signal emitted by the antenna elements can pass through the decoupling layer 11, and the second electromagnetic signal is reflected to adjacent antenna elements, thus canceling direct coupling between adjacent antenna elements. (Reference) Figure 5 The arrowed lines in the diagram represent the propagation state of the signal emitted by the first antenna element 21 as it passes through the first dielectric layer 12 and the decoupling layer 11. When the signal emitted by the first antenna element 21 passes through the decoupling layer 11, part of the signal continues to propagate along the transmission direction after passing through the decoupling layer 11, while the other part of the signal is reflected by the decoupling layer 11 to form a second electromagnetic signal 100, which then propagates to the second antenna element 22.

[0069] The second electromagnetic signal 100 will indirectly couple with the second antenna element 22. If the indirect coupling signal between the first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22 and the direct coupling signal 200 can satisfy the equal amplitude and phase inversion condition, they can cancel each other out, thereby achieving decoupling. When the relative positions of the first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22 are fixed, the amplitude and phase of the direct coupling signal 200 can be obtained. Therefore, in order to achieve the ideal decoupling effect, it is necessary to reasonably adjust the amplitude and phase of the indirect coupling. The amplitude of the indirect coupling signal is mainly determined by the shape of the metal element 112, and the phase of the indirect coupling is mainly determined by the height difference between the metal element 112 and the antenna array surface. For example, in the embodiment of this application, the metal element 112 adopts a strip-shaped metal strip that matches the polarization oscillator of the first antenna element 21, so that the amplitude of the second electromagnetic signal 100 formed by reflection is approximately the same as or the same as the amplitude of the direct coupling signal 200. When setting the metal unit 112, the height H1 of the metal unit 112 and the antenna array surface is between λ / 10 and λ / 4 to ensure that the phase of the indirect coupling signal is opposite to the phase of the direct coupling signal 200. This allows the indirect coupling signal and the direct coupling signal 200 to be transmitted to the adjacent antenna unit with equal amplitude and opposite phase, so that the two signals can cancel each other out and achieve the decoupling effect.

[0070] The height difference between the metal element 112 and the antenna array surface can be further reduced to λ / 10 to λ / 8. For example, the height difference between the metal element 112 and the antenna array surface can be different height differences such as λ / 10, λ / 9, and λ / 8.

[0071] The indirect coupling generated by the decoupling layer 11 is metal reflection, resulting in a narrow effective decoupling bandwidth. Therefore, the second electromagnetic signal 100 is dispersed through the first dielectric layer 12. When the second electromagnetic signal 100 passes through different material layers of the first dielectric layer 12, the different dielectric constants of the different material layers result in signals of different frequencies (dispersion). This allows the signal transmitted to the second antenna unit 22 to have a wider frequency band, enabling decoupling to be achieved within a wider frequency band.

[0072] In addition, the first dielectric layer 12 can also reflect part of the signal emitted by the first antenna element 21 to form the third electromagnetic signal 300. When the signal emitted by the first antenna element 21 is reflected by different material layers of the first dielectric layer 12, dispersion will also occur during reflection due to the different dielectric constants of the different materials. This results in the reflected third electromagnetic signal 300 having a wider frequency band. Therefore, decoupling from the direct coupling signal 200 between the first antenna element 21 and the second antenna element 22 can be achieved within a wider frequency band.

[0073] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating another application scenario of the signal decoupling device 10 is shown. When antenna elements are densely arranged in an antenna array, the second electromagnetic signal 100 generated by the signal decoupling device 10 will be reflected by the second antenna element 22 and the decoupling layer 11 to form a sixth electromagnetic signal 400. When the sixth electromagnetic signal 400 is transmitted to the third antenna element 23, it will cause coupling between the first antenna element 21 and the third antenna element 23. To resolve the coupling between non-adjacent antenna elements (first antenna element 21 and third antenna element 23), Figure 6 The signal decoupling device 10 shown is in Figure 2 The signal decoupling device 10 shown is supplemented by a second dielectric layer 13. The second dielectric layer 13 is spaced apart from the decoupling layer 11 by a certain distance. The second dielectric layer 13 is located on the side of the decoupling layer 11 that is away from the antenna element.

[0074] Please refer to the above. Figure 7 The second dielectric layer 13 comprises at least two material layers for transmitting reflected signals, and the dielectric constants of the different material layers are different. For example, the second dielectric layer 13 is a pure dielectric structure, comprising a third material layer 131 and a fourth material layer 132, wherein the dielectric constant of the third material layer 131 is greater than that of the fourth material layer 132. For instance, the fourth material layer 132 may be an FR-4 dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4; and the third material layer 131 may be a Rogers TMM 10 dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant of 9.2. The second dielectric layer 13 uses a mosaic of these two material layers to obtain a hybrid material layer with a new dielectric constant.

[0075] There are multiple third material layers 131 and fourth material layers 132, which are alternately arranged and spliced ​​to form the second dielectric layer 13. The third material layers 131 and fourth material layers 132 are arranged in the same layer, thus forming a two-dimensional periodic arrangement. Specifically, each third material layer 131 is stacked one-to-one with a metal unit 112, and each third material layer 131 is located below its corresponding metal unit 112. The gaps between the fourth material layers 132 and the metal units 112 are also stacked one-to-one. It should be understood that, in addition to the above arrangement, the fourth material layer 132 can also be stacked one-to-one with the metal unit 112, and the gaps between the third material layers 131 and the metal units 112 can also be stacked one-to-one.

[0076] It should be understood that regardless of whether a third material layer 131 or a fourth material layer 132 is used to stack with the metal unit 112, the size of the material layer stacked with the metal unit 112 can be greater than, less than, or equal to the size of the corresponding metal unit 112.

[0077] As an optional embodiment, the second dielectric layer 13 further includes a second slit 133 disposed in at least one of the third material layer 131 and the fourth material layer 132; the second slit 133 is filled with a second air layer; the dielectric constant of the second air layer is lower than the dielectric constant of the third material layer 131 and the fourth material layer 132. For example, periodic slots are made in the third material layer 131 and the fourth material layer 132 to form an X-shaped second slit 133, which is filled with air, thereby allowing the second dielectric layer 13 to incorporate the dielectric constant of air.

[0078] It should be understood that, in addition to the X-shaped gap mentioned above, the second gap 133 can also be other shapes, such as circular, straight, or other types of shapes.

[0079] The location of the second gap 133 is not specifically limited in this embodiment. It can be placed only in the third material layer 131, only in the fourth material layer 132, or, as in the above example, in both the third and fourth material layers 131. Furthermore, when the second gap 133 is placed in the third material layer 131, it can be placed in all or part of the third material layer 131; similarly, when the second gap 133 is placed in the fourth material layer 132, it can be placed only in part or all of the fourth material layer 132. Thus, by adjusting the size and shape of the second gap 133, the duty cycle can be changed, thereby optimizing the equivalent dielectric substrate with good decoupling effect.

[0080] In addition to using two or three different dielectric constants as in the example above, the second dielectric layer 13 can also use four or five different dielectric constants, thereby dispersing the reflected signal into signals of more frequency bands.

[0081] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The metal unit 112 transmits the first electromagnetic signal 600. The second dielectric layer 13 and the metal unit 112 on the decoupling surface form an oscillating cavity. When electromagnetic waves propagate to different dielectric surfaces, the difference between the dielectric constants of different materials and the dielectric constant of air results in different wave impedance discontinuities between the different media and air, thus forming a dispersive reflected signal. The aforementioned wave impedance discontinuity refers to a wave impedance discontinuity between air and the third material layer 131; a wave impedance discontinuity also occurs between air and the fourth material layer 132. These two wave impedance discontinuities are different. The reflected portion of the first electromagnetic signal 600 also has a relatively wide frequency band. The reflected portion of the electromagnetic wave oscillates in the semi-open resonant cavity formed by the decoupling layer 11 and the second dielectric layer 13, transforming into a laterally propagating guided wave 500, thereby preventing propagation to adjacent antenna elements (second antenna element 22). Furthermore, when the guided wave 500 propagates to the gap between the metal elements 112 corresponding to the second antenna element 22 and the third antenna element 23, a portion of the guided wave 500 can propagate to the third antenna element 23 through the gap between the metal elements 112. To ensure that the signal of the guided wave 500 propagating to the third antenna element 23 can cancel out the sixth electromagnetic signal 400, the vertical distance H3 between the second dielectric layer 13 and the antenna array surface is less than or equal to λ / 2. This ensures that the phase of the guided wave 500 propagating to the third antenna element 23 is opposite to the phase of the sixth electromagnetic signal 400, and their amplitudes are approximately equal or completely equal. Thus, decoupling between the first antenna element 21 and the third antenna can be achieved through the mutual cancellation between the guided wave 500 and the sixth electromagnetic signal 400. For example, the vertical distance between the second dielectric layer 13 and the antenna array surface can be different distances such as λ / 2, λ / 3, and λ2 / 5.

[0082] Combination Figure 6 As shown in the schematic diagram, the signal decoupling device 10 not only achieves the decoupling effect between two adjacent antenna elements (first antenna element 21 and second antenna element 22) through the decoupling layer 11 and the first dielectric layer 12, but also forms an oscillation in a semi-open resonant cavity through the cooperation of the decoupling layer 11 and the second dielectric layer 13, which is converted into a laterally propagating guided wave 500. The guided wave 500 decouples two non-adjacent antenna elements (first antenna element 21 and third antenna element 23), thereby improving the performance of the antenna array.

[0083] Continue to refer to Figure 6 When the second dielectric layer 13 and the decoupling layer 11 are spaced apart, there is a distance between them. To facilitate the fixing of the second dielectric layer 13, a filler layer (not shown in the figure) is provided between the decoupling layer 11 and the second dielectric layer 13 to form a solid structure to fix the second dielectric layer 13. For example, the filler layer can be made of foam material. The influence of foam material on antenna performance is negligible. In this embodiment, it is only used for good support to facilitate the integrated encapsulation of the dielectric material layer of the signal decoupling device 10.

[0084] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another signal decoupling device application scenario is shown. Figure 8 The signal decoupling device shown is relative to Figure 6 The signal decoupling device includes a third dielectric layer 14. The third dielectric layer 14 is spaced apart from the decoupling layer 11, and is located on the side of the decoupling layer 11 away from the antenna element. The third dielectric layer 14 is stacked with the second dielectric layer 13 and fixed on the side of the second dielectric layer 14 away from the decoupling layer 11.

[0085] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the third dielectric layer is shown. The third dielectric layer 14 includes at least two material layers for transmitting reflected signals; the dielectric constants of the at least two material layers are different; and the arrangement direction of the at least two material layers is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the second dielectric layer 13 and the decoupling layer 11.

[0086] The third dielectric layer 14 includes a fifth material layer 141 and a sixth material layer 142; the dielectric constant of the fifth material layer 141 is greater than that of the sixth material layer 142; wherein the fifth material layer 141 and the sixth material layer 142 are arranged periodically, and the fifth material layer 141 is stacked in a one-to-one correspondence with the metal unit 112. For example, the fifth material layer 141 is an FR-4 dielectric substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4.

[0087] As an optional embodiment, the third dielectric layer 14 further includes a third gap disposed in the fifth material layer 141; the third gap is filled with a third air layer; the third air layer serves as a sixth material layer 142, and the dielectric constant of the third air layer is less than the dielectric constant of the fifth material layer 141 and the dielectric constant of the fourth material layer. For example, periodic slots are made in the fifth material layer 141 to form X-shaped third gaps, which are filled with air, thereby allowing the third dielectric layer 14 to incorporate the dielectric constant of air.

[0088] It should be understood that, in addition to the X-shaped gap mentioned above, the third gap can also be other shapes, such as circular, straight, or other types of shapes.

[0089] In addition to using two or three different dielectric constants as in the example above, the third dielectric layer 14 can also use four or five different dielectric constants, thereby dispersing the reflected signal into signals of more frequency bands.

[0090] The function of the third dielectric layer 14 is similar to that of the second dielectric layer 13. When the third dielectric layer 14 is stacked with the second dielectric layer 12, the first electromagnetic signal 600 can be reflected by the second dielectric layer 13 and the third dielectric layer 14, thereby forming different reflected waves to improve the coupling between two non-adjacent antenna elements. When the third dielectric layer 14 is set, the vertical distance between the third dielectric layer 14 and the antenna array surface is H4. For example, H4 is less than or equal to λ / 2.

[0091] To facilitate understanding of the decoupling effect of the signal decoupling device provided in the embodiments of this application, it is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Reference) Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The comparison of isolation before and after decoupling is shown, combined with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The simulation results show that, after adding the signal decoupling device, the coupling between antenna elements is reduced by more than 10dB, and the isolation is generally better than 25dB. (Reference) Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 The channel capacity of the antenna array before and after decoupling in different frequency bands is given. Figures 12-15 As can be seen, the channel capacity after decoupling is improved across the entire 6GHz-8GHz frequency band, and is closer to the theoretical peak value. The simulation results show that after adding a signal decoupling device to the antenna array, the isolation is improved, and the channel capacity is significantly increased, thereby improving the performance of the antenna array.

[0092] This application also provides an antenna device comprising a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array, and a signal decoupling device as described above. See details for further information. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8Specific details will not be elaborated here. When setting up the signal decoupling device, the vertical distance between the decoupling surface and the radiating surface of the antenna element should be between λ / 10 and λ / 4; λ is the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency band of the antenna element. The vertical distance between the surface of the third dielectric layer facing away from the second dielectric layer and the radiating surface of the antenna element is less than λ / 2, so that the amplitude and phase of the signals reflected by the third and second dielectric layers meet the decoupling requirements. See reference for details. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 The relevant descriptions in the document will not be repeated here.

[0093] refer to Figure 16 This application also provides a signal decoupling device for decoupling antenna elements of an antenna array. For ease of description, a first antenna element 1001 and a second antenna element 1002 are used as examples. The first antenna element 1001 and the second antenna element 1002 can be directly coupled (Route 1) or coupled through reflected signals from the ground plane 4000 (Route 2). To reduce coupling between adjacent antenna elements, this application provides a signal decoupling device to decouple two adjacent antenna elements.

[0094] The signal decoupling device includes multiple artificial dielectric layers; wherein the stacking direction of the multiple artificial dielectric layers is perpendicular to the array surface of the antenna array; there is a gap between adjacent artificial dielectric layers; each artificial dielectric layer is used to transmit a fourth electromagnetic signal and reflect a fifth electromagnetic signal, wherein the fourth electromagnetic signal is part of the signal transmitted by the antenna element, and the fifth electromagnetic signal is another part of the signal transmitted by the antenna element, forming a reflected signal for canceling the coupling signal between adjacent antenna elements. For example, the signal decoupling device includes a first artificial dielectric layer 2000 and a second artificial dielectric layer 3000 stacked together, with a gap between the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 and the second artificial dielectric layer 3000; the second artificial dielectric layer 3000 is located on the side of the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 facing away from the antenna element. Both artificial dielectric layers are used to reflect the signal transmitted by the first antenna element 1001 to cancel the coupling signal between the first antenna element 1001 and the second antenna element 1002.

[0095] Please refer to the above. Figure 17 , Figure 17A schematic diagram of the structure of the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 is shown. An artificial dielectric layer (ADL) is a metal-mixed material layer composed of periodically arranged metal layers on a dielectric substrate with the same dielectric constant. The first artificial dielectric layer 2000 includes a dielectric substrate and metal layers periodically arranged on the dielectric substrate. For example, the metal layers can be rod-shaped or rhomboid metal patches. The dielectric constants of the dielectric substrate and the metal layers are different. By adjusting the periodic arrangement of the metal layers and the size of the metal patches, the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 can have different dielectric constants, thereby enabling the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 to obtain an effective dielectric constant much larger than that of the main substrate (a simple dielectric substrate) over an extremely wide frequency range.

[0096] Effective cancellation can be achieved by optimizing the dielectric constant of the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 and its longitudinal height relative to the antenna. The dielectric constant of the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 affects the reflection coefficient of the signal, thereby changing the amplitude of the reflected signal. The longitudinal height of the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 relative to the antenna element affects the phase of the reflected signal (while also considering that the phase of the secondary reflected wave is not opposite to the phase of the emitted wave). Therefore, by adjusting the dielectric constant of the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 and its longitudinal distance from the first antenna element 1001 and the second antenna element 1002, the signal reflected by the first artificial dielectric layer 2000 can cancel the signal coupled between the first antenna element 1001 and the second antenna element 1002.

[0097] The structure of the second artificial dielectric layer 3000 is similar to that of the first artificial dielectric layer 2000, and will not be described in detail here.

[0098] When two artificial dielectric layers (first artificial dielectric layer 2000) are used, the first artificial dielectric layer transmits part of the signal emitted by the antenna element and reflects another part of the signal emitted by the antenna element, forming a reflected signal (Route3) to cancel the first coupling signal between adjacent antenna elements; the second artificial dielectric layer transmits part of the signal that passes through the first artificial dielectric layer and reflects another part of the signal that passes through the first artificial dielectric layer, forming a reflected signal (Route4) to cancel the second coupling signal between the ground layers of adjacent antenna elements.

[0099] As can be seen from the above description, the signal decoupling device provided in this application embodiment utilizes two artificial dielectric layers (ADL) to introduce an additional electromagnetic wave reflection path (Route 3 and Route 4) between the antennas. When the introduced reflected signal and the coupled signal between the antenna elements (signals carried by Route 1 and Route 12) are out of phase and have essentially the same amplitude, they will cancel each other out, thereby achieving a better decoupling effect.

[0100] In one specific feasible implementation, the artificial dielectric layer closest to the antenna element (first artificial dielectric layer 2000) has a perforated structure. Perforating certain portions of the artificial dielectric layer avoids introducing "harmful" additional reflected signals at the corresponding portions (perforated locations). The perforation method, used in conjunction with the second artificial dielectric layer 2000, can maximize benefits and minimize harm, avoiding the introduction of "harmful" additional reflected signals (amplitude and phase not meeting decoupling requirements) while reintroducing "beneficial" additional reflected signals (amplitude and phase meeting decoupling requirements). The specific shape and location of the perforated structure can be obtained through simulation and will not be elaborated further here.

[0101] It should be understood that the signal decoupling device provided in this application embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned two artificial dielectric layers, but can also employ multiple artificial dielectric layers. Multiple artificial dielectric layers can be used to introduce multiple additional electromagnetic wave reflection paths (such as Route N+1 to 2N) between antenna elements. When the introduced reflected signals and the coupled signals between antenna elements (such as signals carried by Route 1 to N) have opposite phases and substantially the same amplitude, cancellation will occur, thereby achieving a better decoupling effect.

[0102] As can be seen from the above examples of the signal decoupling device embodiments of this application, this invention addresses the complex electromagnetic environment and diverse types of coupled signals in antenna arrays by designing a decoupling structure composed of multiple layers of artificial dielectric layers, achieving broadband dual-polarization decoupling of the antenna array. An isolation of 25 dB is achieved with a spacing of 0.37λ. Compared with other existing antenna decoupling technologies, this decoupling structure has the following characteristics: significant decoupling effect; due to the introduction of reflected signals from the artificial dielectric layers, specific types of coupling can be directly canceled. Furthermore, the artificial dielectric layers are easy to place directly above the antenna, and can even be conformally designed with the radome or implemented using the radome itself.

[0103] This application also provides a communication device, which includes a base station and a signal decoupling device disposed on the base station. The signal decoupling device reduces the coupling effect between antenna elements, thereby improving the performance of the antenna elements.

[0104] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A signal decoupling device, characterized in that, The signal decoupling device includes: a first dielectric layer and a decoupling layer; wherein... The decoupling layer includes a decoupling surface, and a plurality of metal units are disposed on the decoupling surface; the metal units are used to transmit a first electromagnetic signal and reflect a second electromagnetic signal. The first dielectric layer is used to disperse the second electromagnetic signal; The first dielectric layer is located on the side of the decoupling layer opposite to the metal unit.

2. The signal decoupling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first dielectric layer is also used to reflect the third electromagnetic signal.

3. The signal decoupling device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first dielectric layer includes a first material layer and a second material layer; the dielectric constants of the first material layer and the second material layer are different; the first material layer and the second material layer are arranged in the same layer.

4. The signal decoupling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The dielectric constant of the first material layer is greater than the dielectric constant of the second material layer; wherein, The first material layer and the second material layer are arranged periodically, and the first material layer is stacked with the metal unit.

5. The signal decoupling device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, In the first material layer and the second material layer, at least one material layer is provided with a first gap, and the first gap is filled with a first air layer; the dielectric constant of the first air layer is less than the dielectric constant of the first material layer, and the dielectric constant of the first air layer is less than the dielectric constant of the second material layer.

6. The signal decoupling device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The signal decoupling device further includes a second dielectric layer; The second dielectric layer is spaced apart from the decoupling layer; The second dielectric layer and the metal unit of the decoupling surface form an oscillating cavity.

7. The signal decoupling device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The signal decoupling device further includes a third dielectric layer; The third dielectric layer is stacked with the second dielectric layer, and the third dielectric layer is located on the side of the second dielectric layer that is away from the decoupling layer; The third dielectric layer is used to form an oscillation cavity with the metal unit of the decoupled surface.

8. The signal decoupling device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a filling layer disposed between the decoupling layer and the second dielectric layer.

9. An antenna device, characterized in that, It includes multiple antenna elements arranged in an array, and a signal decoupling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The antenna device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The vertical distance between the decoupling surface and the radiating surface of the antenna element is between λ / 10 and λ / 4. λ is the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency band of the antenna element.

11. The antenna device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The signal decoupling device further includes a second dielectric layer; the second dielectric layer is spaced apart from the decoupling layer; the second dielectric layer and the metal unit of the decoupling surface form an oscillation cavity; The signal decoupling device further includes a third dielectric layer; the third dielectric layer is stacked with the second dielectric layer, and the third dielectric layer is located on the side of the second dielectric layer opposite to the decoupling layer; The third dielectric layer is used to form an oscillation cavity with the metal unit of the decoupling surface; The vertical distance between the surface of the third dielectric layer facing away from the second dielectric layer and the radiating surface of the antenna element is less than λ / 2.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a base station, and a signal decoupling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, which is installed on the base station.

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