A radio frequency structure, detection device and communication system

Abstract

This application provides a radio frequency (RF) structure, a detection device, and a communication system. The RF structure includes a dielectric layer, a metal layer located on opposite sides of the dielectric layer, and a ground layer. A first slot and a second slot are formed in the metal layer, dividing the metal layer into a ground region and a transmission region. A complementary radiation structure, corresponding to the first end of the first slot and / or the first end of the second slot, is provided within an opening in the ground layer. Signals transmitted to the transmission region can be radiated through the first ends of the first and second slots, thereby exciting the complementary radiation structure to generate signal radiation. This achieves signal transfer between planar transmission and the waveguide structure. The complementary radiation structure has two or more radiating units, enabling signal superposition and complementarity, thus improving the bandwidth of the signal transfer. This RF structure uses a single dielectric layer, simplifying structural design, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, and decreasing volume, making it highly applicable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a radio frequency structure, a detection device, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Microwave transmission has been widely used in existing communication systems and radar systems. Planar transmission lines, with their advantages of low loss, high power capacity, and ease of integration, are used in microwave transmission systems. Examples of planar transmission lines include microstrip lines, coplanar waveguides, and substrate-integrated waveguides. Furthermore, waveguide structures, as structures for directional guidance of electromagnetic waves, are widely used in system integration and testing and measurement. For instance, rectangular waveguides are often used as waveguide interfaces in millimeter-wave and terahertz frequency band instruments. Therefore, how to achieve low-cost transitions from planar transmission lines to waveguides has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a radio frequency structure, a detection device, and a communication system, which are simple in structure, easy to implement, and achieve broadband signal transmission at low cost.

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a radio frequency structure, including: a metal layer, a dielectric layer, and a ground layer, wherein the metal layer and the ground layer are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the dielectric layer;

[0005] The metal layer has a first gap and a second gap. The first end of both the first gap and the first end of the second gap are located within the metal layer, that is, both are positioned at non-edge locations on the metal layer. The second end of both the first gap and the second gap are located at the edge of the metal layer. The first gap and the second gap divide the metal layer into a grounding region and a transmission region located between the first gap and the second gap. The grounding region is electrically connected to the grounding layer.

[0006] An opening is provided on the grounding layer, and a complementary radiating structure is disposed within the opening. The complementary radiating structure is electrically connected to the grounding region. The complementary radiating structure corresponds to a first end of the first slot, and / or, the complementary radiating structure corresponds to a second end of the second slot. Wherein, the complementary radiating structure corresponding to the first end of the first slot means that the first end of the first slot can excite the complementary radiating structure. The complementary radiating structure corresponding to the second end of the second slot means that the second end of the second slot can excite the complementary radiating structure. The positions where the first end of the first slot excites the complementary radiating structure and the positions where the second end of the second slot excites the complementary radiating structure can be the same or different.

[0007] In this way, the signal transmitted to the transmission region of the metal layer can excite the complementary radiation structure upward through the first end of the first gap and the first end of the second gap, thereby causing the complementary radiation structure to radiate the signal outward, such as into the space environment or waveguide structure, thus realizing the transmission of the signal.

[0008] As can be seen, the radio frequency structure provided in this application embodiment realizes the transmission or radiation of broadband signals through a slot-excited complementary radiation structure. The radio frequency structure is simple, easy to implement, and achieves broadband signal transmission at low cost.

[0009] This RF structure can be used directly as an antenna. Alternatively, it can be used directly as a transition structure; for example, when connected to a waveguide structure, it can facilitate the transition of signals between planar transmission and the waveguide structure.

[0010] This RF structure achieves broadband signal transmission or radiation through a slot-excited complementary radiation structure, eliminating the need for additional metal components. This simplifies the structure and number of dielectric layers, reducing the cost and fabrication complexity of the transition between the RF and waveguide structures. It also effectively reduces the size of the RF structure, thus expanding its applicability.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first gap is a curved gap, and / or the second gap is a curved gap. This allows for flexible design of the metal layer gaps as needed.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first gap is an L-shaped gap, and / or the second gap is an L-shaped gap. L-shaped gaps are easy to implement in engineering.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the extension direction of the second end of the first slit is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first end of the first slit, and / or, the extension direction of the second end of the second slit is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first end of the second slit. This is beneficial for improving the excitation effect on the complementary radiation structure.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first gap and / or the second gap are straight gaps. Straight gaps are simple to engineer and have low processing costs.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first slit has multiple first ends, and / or the second slit has multiple first ends. This helps to better excite the complementary radiation structure and improve the excitation effect on the complementary radiation structure.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the shape of the first slit is the same as the shape of the second slit, which facilitates processing and production.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the complementary radiating structure includes multiple patch units with a third gap between adjacent patch units.

[0018] In this way, the patch unit can form a radiating unit, and the third gap can form a radiating unit. The two radiating units form a complementary radiating structure to achieve signal superposition and complementarity, thereby widening the signal transmission bandwidth.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the complementary radiation structure is an electromagnetic dipole. That is, the patch units form an electric dipole, and the third gap between the patch units forms a magnetic dipole. In this way, the electric dipole and the magnetic dipole in the electromagnetic dipole can generate different resonant frequencies, thereby improving the operating bandwidth of the radio frequency structure.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the patch unit can be a regular or irregular shape. For example, the patch unit can be one or a combination of rectangles, circles, ellipses, or polygons.

[0021] In one possible implementation, a first grounding hole is provided on the dielectric layer, and the grounding layer and the grounding area are electrically connected through the first grounding hole.

[0022] In one possible implementation, a second grounding hole is also provided on the dielectric layer, and the patch unit is electrically connected to the grounding area through the second grounding hole.

[0023] A second aspect of this application provides a detection device, including a waveguide antenna and any of the above-described radio frequency structures, wherein the waveguide antenna is connected to the radio frequency structure.

[0024] By including a radio frequency (RF) structure, which can excite a complementary radiation structure on the ground plane to radiate signals through the first end of the first gap and the first end of the second gap on the metal layer, the signal can be transferred between planar transmission and waveguide structure. The complementary radiation structure can realize the superposition and complementarity of signals, improve the bandwidth of signal transfer, and help improve the detection performance of the detection device.

[0025] Meanwhile, this RF structure uses a single dielectric layer and does not introduce additional metal structural components, which simplifies the structural design, reduces the processing complexity and cost, and reduces the volume of the RF structure, thus helping to improve the integration of the detection device.

[0026] A third aspect of this application provides a communication system including a waveguide structure and any of the above-described radio frequency structures, wherein the waveguide structure is connected to the radio frequency structure.

[0027] By incorporating a radio frequency (RF) structure, which can excite a complementary radiation structure on the ground plane to radiate signals through the first end of the first gap and the first end of the second gap on the metal layer, signal transfer between planar transmission and the waveguide structure can be achieved. The complementary radiation structure enables signal superposition and complementarity, increasing the bandwidth of signal transfer and thus improving the transmission performance of the communication system. Simultaneously, this RF structure has the advantages of simple structure, low manufacturing cost and complexity, and small size, which helps to improve the integration of the communication system.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the waveguide structure includes a cavity that contacts the ground plane of the radio frequency structure, and the port of the cavity is disposed opposite to the complementary radiating structure of the radio frequency structure, the complementary radiating structure being located within the projection area of ​​the port of the cavity on the ground plane.

[0029] This ensures that the radiation signal generated by the complementary radiation structure can enter the cavity of the radio frequency structure, thus guaranteeing the signal transfer and transmission.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the port on the grounding layer is located within the projection area of ​​the cavity's port on the grounding layer.

[0031] This allows signals radiated through the gap between the patch unit and the port sidewall to also enter the cavity of the waveguide structure, facilitating signal transfer and transmission and helping to improve the bandwidth of the transferred signal.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the waveguide structure includes at least a rectangular waveguide.

[0033] A fourth aspect of this application provides a terminal that includes the detection device provided in the second aspect above. Optionally, the terminal is a vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 A perspective view of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application from a first-view perspective;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a split structure of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a grounding layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 A front perspective view of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application from a second perspective;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dielectric layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 7 A front perspective view of another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 8 A front perspective view of yet another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 9 A front perspective view of yet another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 10 A front perspective view of yet another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 11 A front perspective view of yet another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a metal layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of an assembly of a radio frequency structure and a waveguide structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 18 This application provides a schematic diagram of a partially disassembled assembly of a radio frequency structure and a waveguide structure.

[0052] Figure 19 The image shows a simulation result of the millimeter-wave transition performance of a radio frequency structure provided in this application embodiment.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0054] 10 - Radio frequency structure; 11 - Metal layer; 11a - Transmission area;

[0055] 11b - Grounding area; 111 - First gap; 112 - Second gap;

[0056] 12-Dielectric layer; 121-First grounding hole; 122-Second grounding hole;

[0057] 13-Grounding layer; 131-Port; 132-Complementary radiating structure

[0058] 132a - Patch unit; 132b - Third gap; 14 - Connection port;

[0059] 20 - Waveguide structure; 21 - Cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is for the purpose of explaining specific embodiments of this application only, and is not intended to limit this application.

[0061] The radio frequency (RF) structure in this embodiment is used to implement the switching of planar transmission signals. This RF structure can be used as a switching structure between two devices, such as switching a planar transmission signal from a planar transmission line to a waveguide structure. The waveguide structure can be a waveguide antenna or a waveguide interface of a communication device. Alternatively, the RF structure can also be used as a radiating structure, such as radiating signals into the environment as an antenna. Specifically, the following description uses the example of using this RF structure to switch planar transmission signals to a waveguide structure, such as a waveguide antenna or a standard waveguide connection port of a device.

[0062] Microwave transmission has gradually become an important means of signal transmission in communication and radar systems. Waveguide structures, such as rectangular waveguides and circular waveguides, are widely used in communication and radar systems due to their advantages such as low loss, high power capacity, and good electromagnetic shielding characteristics. For example, rectangular waveguides are the standard waveguide interface for most couplers, detectors, isolators, attenuators, and slotted lines. In addition, many instruments and equipment in the millimeter-wave and terahertz frequency bands also use rectangular waveguides as waveguide interfaces.

[0063] Planar transmission lines are a common feeder type in microwave transmission systems, used as signal bridges between devices. Planar transmission lines, such as microstrip lines, coplanar waveguides, and substrate-integrated waveguides, offer advantages such as low loss, high power capacity, and ease of integration, and are widely used in highly integrated communication and radar systems. Therefore, the transition between planar transmission lines and waveguide structures plays a crucial role in device testing and system integration to achieve signal connectivity and transmission. To ensure good transition performance and high-capacity signal transmission, the transition between planar transmission lines and waveguide structures typically requires a large bandwidth.

[0064] To broaden the bandwidth of signal transfer between planar transmission lines and waveguide structures, two common methods exist. One is to increase the dielectric structure of the planar transmission line, thereby introducing multiple radiating elements or adding resonant points to achieve bandwidth expansion. For example, one existing planar transmission line-waveguide transfer structure targets the transfer between a substrate integrated waveguide and a rectangular waveguide. This structure ensures the substrate integrated waveguide has at least three dielectric layers stacked sequentially: a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a third dielectric layer. A transmission line is positioned on the first surface of the first dielectric layer. A first slot is formed in the first dielectric layer, and a second slot is formed in the second dielectric layer opposite to the first slot. A patch antenna is positioned on the third dielectric layer opposite to the second slot. The rectangular waveguide contacts the third dielectric layer, and the patch antenna is connected to the cavity of the rectangular waveguide. The microwave signal transmitted on the transmission line can sequentially pass through the first and second slots to excite the patch antenna, causing it to radiate and transmit the signal to the rectangular waveguide, completing the signal transfer. The first slot, the second slot, and the patch antenna form three resonant points, thereby widening the bandwidth of the signal transfer between the substrate integrated waveguide and the rectangular waveguide.

[0065] However, the addition of multilayer dielectric structures increases the cost and processing complexity of the transition between planar transmission lines and waveguide structures. It also increases the size of the planar transmission line, which limits the production and application scenarios of planar transmission line transition structures.

[0066] Another approach involves introducing metal structural components. These additional metal structural components, which incorporate inductive or capacitive modules, allow for the tuning of the original radiating units, resulting in a larger impedance bandwidth and enabling high-bandwidth switching between planar transmission lines and waveguide structures.

[0067] Similarly, the introduction of metal structural components increases the complexity of the transition structure design, greatly increases the overall system volume of the planar transmission line and waveguide structure connection, reduces the integration of communication and radar systems, and also limits the application scenarios of planar transmission line and waveguide structure transitions.

[0068] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a radio frequency (RF) structure, a detection device, and a communication system. The RF structure is used for signal switching. The RF structure includes a dielectric layer and a metal layer and a ground layer located on opposite sides of the dielectric layer. A first slot and a second slot are formed in the metal layer. A complementary radiation structure is disposed within the opening in the ground layer. The complementary radiation structure corresponds to the first end of the first slot, and / or the first end of the second slot. Signals transmitted to the transmission area of ​​the metal layer can be transmitted through the first end of the first slot and / or the first end of the second slot, thereby stimulating the complementary radiation structure to radiate signals outwards, such as into the environment or a waveguide structure, thus achieving signal transmission. This also effectively reduces the size of the RF structure and improves its applicability.

[0069] As can be seen, the radio frequency (RF) structure provided in this application embodiment achieves broadband signal transmission or radiation through a slot-excited complementary radiation structure. This RF structure is simple in structure, easy to implement, and achieves broadband signal transmission at low cost. This RF structure can be directly used as an antenna. Optionally, this RF structure can be directly used as a transition structure. For example, when this RF structure is connected to a waveguide structure, it can achieve signal transition between planar transmission and the waveguide structure.

[0070] Optionally, the complementary radiation structure is an electromagnetic dipole.

[0071] Optionally, the complementary radiating structure or grounding region can be connected to the grounding layer via a grounding via to ground the complementary radiating structure or grounding region. For example, the grounding via is a metallized through-hole within the dielectric layer.

[0072] The radio frequency structure can be used in detection devices, specifically radar or sensors. Radar can include, but is not limited to, millimeter-wave radar, microwave radar, terahertz radar, etc.

[0073] Taking radar as an example, the detection device can include a waveguide antenna and the radio frequency (RF) structure provided in this application. The RF terminal of the radar can be connected to the RF structure, and the RF structure can be connected to the waveguide antenna, so that the signal can be transmitted from the chip at the RF terminal to the RF structure, and then transferred by the RF structure to the waveguide antenna, whereby the waveguide antenna radiates the signal to achieve the radar function. The RF structure provided in this application can also be applied to a communication system, which can be a radar system or other systems that use electromagnetic waves for signal transmission.

[0074] The radio frequency (RF) structure provided in this application can be used to connect devices in a communication system, thereby enabling signal transmission between devices. For example, a first device (which may be a radar or other device) has this RF structure. The input and output terminals of the first device are in the form of planar transmission lines, and the input and output terminals of the second device are in the form of waveguide structure interfaces. The RF structure can be used to realize the conversion from the planar transmission line of the first device to the waveguide structure. Signals can be transmitted from the first device to the second device through the RF structure, thus realizing the transmission of signals between the two devices.

[0075] Optionally, the detection device or communication system provided in this application can be applied to a terminal, which can be a robot, smart wearable device, smart home device, other smart device, or vehicle. For example, the terminal can be a car, truck, motorcycle, bus, ship, airplane, helicopter, lawnmower, recreational vehicle, amusement park autonomous vehicle, construction equipment, tram, golf cart, train, handcart, aircraft, drone, slow transport vehicle, or mobile platform, or other carriers or vehicles. The embodiments in this application are not particularly limited.

[0076] The RF structure provided in this application can also be applied to a test system, enabling the device to be connected to a test instrument for testing the signal transmission performance of the device.

[0077] Taking a radar testing system as an example, radar performance needs to be tested using a radar tester. When the input and output of this tester are waveguide structure interfaces, the radar's radio frequency (RF) end can be connected to the RF structure provided in this application. Through the connection between the RF structure and the waveguide structure, the connection and signal transmission between the radar and the tester are realized, thereby enabling the detection of radar performance. Optionally, the radar tester can be any of the following: a signal source, a power meter, a spectrum analyzer, or a vector network analyzer. The waveguide structure can be a hollow metal waveguide structure with a cavity, such as a rectangular waveguide or a circular waveguide, and its shape can also be various other shapes. The waveguide structure includes at least a cavity, and the end openings form ports to allow signal radiation to enter the waveguide structure.

[0078] The radio frequency structure provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application from a first-view perspective. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] See Figure 1As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application provides a radio frequency structure 10, which includes three layers: a metal layer 11, a dielectric layer 12, and a ground layer 13. The metal layer 11 and the ground layer 13 are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the dielectric layer 12. The ground layer 13 may also be formed of a metal plate.

[0081] Optionally, the RF structure 10 is a printed circuit board (PCB), that is, the metal layer 11 and the ground layer 13 are two copper-clad metal layers of the PCB, and the dielectric layer 12 is the dielectric substrate of the PCB.

[0082] Optionally, the dielectric layer 12 can be a ceramic dielectric layer, an epoxy resin dielectric layer, a polyphenylene ether resin dielectric layer, or a fluorinated resin dielectric layer, or other dielectric layers.

[0083] Combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a first slit 111 and a second slit 112 are formed in the metal layer 11. The first end 111a of the first slit 111 and the first end 112a of the second slit 112 are both located within the metal layer 11, meaning that the first end 111a of the first slit 111 and the first end 112a of the second slit 112 are both enclosed inside the metal layer 11. The second end 111b of the first slit 111 and the second end 112b of the second slit 112 are both located at the edge of the metal layer 11, meaning that the first end 111a of the first slit 111 and the first end 112a of the second slit 112 are both open at the edge of the metal layer 11.

[0084] In other words, the second end 111b of the first gap 111 and the second end 112b of the second gap 112 both extend to the outer edge of one side of the metal layer 11, and there is a certain gap between the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112 and the outer edge of the other side of the metal layer 11, so that neither the first end 111a of the first gap 111 nor the first end 112a of the second gap 112 penetrates the outer edge of the metal layer 11.

[0085] In this embodiment of the application, the first end 111a and the second end 111b of the first gap 111 are the two ends of the first gap 111. Optionally, the two ends of the first gap 111 can have a certain length; for example, the first end 111a of the first gap 111 has a gap length of 10 mm. The first end 112a and the second end 112b of the second gap 112 are the two ends of the second gap 112. Optionally, the two ends of the second gap 112 can have a certain length; for example, the second end 112b of the second gap 112 has a gap length of 0.6 mm. The extending directions of the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112 can be the same or different, and the extending directions of the second end 111b of the first gap 111 and the second end 112b of the second gap 112 can be the same or different.

[0086] It should be noted that the metal layer 11 may have at least one set of first gaps 111 and second gaps 112. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Taking the metal layer 11 as an example, it has a set of two slots, namely a first slot 111 and a second slot 112. See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first gap 111 and the second gap 112 can divide the metal layer 11 into a grounding region 11b and a transmission region 11a.

[0087] The transmission area 11a is the area located between the first gap 111 and the second gap 112. The remaining area of ​​the metal layer 11 is the grounding area 11b. The grounding area 11b is electrically connected to the grounding layer 13 and is used for grounding.

[0088] During testing of the RF structure 10, or in a system integrating the RF structure 10, the RF structure 10 may also have a connection port 14. The connection port 14 is positioned near the second end 111b of the first gap 111 and the second end 112b of the second gap 112, allowing signals to enter or exit the RF structure 10 through the connection port 14. If the RF structure 10 is used in a radar device, a communication system including radar, or a test system, the radar's RF end can be connected to the connection port 14, allowing signals from the RF end to be transmitted to the RF structure 10 through the connection port 14. Figure 2 The connection port 14 is a simulated port shape; this application does not limit the shape of the connection port 14. Continuing with... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a through-hole 131 is provided on the grounding layer 13, and a complementary radiation structure is provided within the through-hole 131. In this embodiment, the complementary radiation structure is described using an electromagnetic dipole 132 as an example. The electromagnetic dipole 132 includes an electric dipole and a magnetic dipole, both of which are structures capable of radiating or receiving microwave signals into space. In the electromagnetic dipole composed of an electric dipole and a magnetic dipole, the electric dipole serves as one type of radiation unit, and the magnetic dipole serves as another type of radiation unit. The two types of radiation units can generate complementary and superimposed radiation signals, thereby forming the complementary radiation structure 132.

[0089] The electromagnetic dipole 132 corresponds to the first end 111a of the first slit 111, and / or the electromagnetic dipole 132 corresponds to the first end 112a of the second slit 112, so that the signal can excite the electromagnetic dipole 132 through the electromagnetic dipole at the first end 111a and / or the first end 112a.

[0090] After the signal enters the transmission region 11a from the connection port 14, it is transmitted to the end of the transmission region 11a (i.e., the first end 111a of the first slit 111 and the first end 112a of the second slit 112). The signal can then excite the electromagnetic dipole 132 from the end of the transmission region 11a. Alternatively, the signal can excite the electromagnetic dipole 132 from the first end 111a of the first slit 111 and / or the first end 112a of the second slit 112.

[0091] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a grounding layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application from a second perspective. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dielectric layer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Specifically, the electromagnetic dipole 132 may include multiple patch units 132a, with a third gap 132b between adjacent patch units. In this embodiment, ... Figure 4 The electromagnetic dipole 132 shown includes four patch units as an example for illustration.

[0093] See Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the four patch units of the electromagnetic dipole 132 are patch unit 132a1, patch unit 132a2, patch unit 132a3, and patch unit 132a4. The gap between patch unit 132a1 and patch unit 132a2 is the third gap 132b1, the gap between patch unit 132a3 and patch unit 132a4 is the third gap 132b2, the gap between patch unit 132a1 and patch unit 132a3 is the third gap 132b3, and the gap between patch unit 132a2 and patch unit 132a4 is the third gap 132b4.

[0094] In this configuration, patch units 132a1 and 132a2 form one electric dipole arm of the electromagnetic dipole 132, and patch units 132a3 and 132a4 form the other electric dipole arm of the electromagnetic dipole 132. The two electric dipole arms together form an electric dipole. Third slits 132b1 and 132b2 form one magnetic dipole arm of the electromagnetic dipole 132, and third slits 132b3 and 132b4 form the other magnetic dipole arm of the electromagnetic dipole 132. The two magnetic dipole arms together form a magnetic dipole.

[0095] As can be seen, the electric dipole and magnetic dipole in the electromagnetic dipole 132 can operate in different frequency bands, realizing signal superposition and complementarity, thereby giving the radio frequency structure provided in this application broadband characteristics.

[0096] In other words, when a signal is transmitted from the connection port 14 to the transmission area 11a, it will excite the electromagnetic dipole 132 to generate signal radiation through the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112, thereby realizing the switching or transmission of the signal.

[0097] That is, the electromagnetic dipole 132 is excited through the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112. Both types of radiating units (electric dipole and magnetic dipole) of the electromagnetic dipole 132 can radiate signals outward. Moreover, the electric dipole and the magnetic dipole have different operating frequency bands, which can realize the superposition and complementarity of signals, thereby realizing the broadband radio frequency structure provided in this application.

[0098] This radio frequency (RF) structure 10 can achieve broadband signal transmission or radiation by exciting an electromagnetic dipole through a gap, without introducing additional metal structural components. This simplifies the structure and number of dielectric layers, reducing the cost and manufacturing complexity of the RF structure 10. It also effectively reduces the size of the RF structure 10. The RF structure 10 is highly scalable, allowing for flexible design of the gap, electromagnetic dipole, and number of dielectric layers according to actual needs.

[0099] Optional, such as Figure 5As shown, patch unit 132a1 and patch unit 132a2 can be arranged corresponding to the first end 112a of the second gap 112, and patch unit 132a3 and patch unit 132a4 can be arranged corresponding to the first end 111a of the first gap 111.

[0100] Optionally, the electromagnetic dipole 132 can be connected to the ground layer 13 through the second grounding hole 122. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 6 The patch unit 132a is connected to the ground layer 13 through the second grounding hole 122 to ground the electromagnetic dipole 132. For example, the second grounding hole 122 is a metallized via within the dielectric layer 12. Optionally, the grounding region 11b can be connected to the ground layer 13 through the first grounding hole 121 to ground the grounding region 11b. For example, the first grounding hole 121 is a metallized via within the dielectric layer 12.

[0101] One surface mount unit 132a can be electrically connected to the grounding region 11b through a second grounding hole 122. Alternatively, two or more adjacent surface mount units 132a can be electrically connected to the grounding region 11b through a single grounding hole. Alternatively, one surface mount unit 132a can be electrically connected to the grounding region 11b through two or more second grounding holes 122.

[0102] Optionally, the width of the third gap between two adjacent patch units 132a, such as third gap 132b1, third gap 132b2, third gap 132b3 or third gap 132b4, is, for example, one-eighth of the center wavelength of the RF structure, one magnetic dipole arm, that is, the sum of the lengths of third gap 132b1 and third gap 132b2, is one-quarter of the wavelength, and the sum of the lengths of third gap 132b3 and third gap 132b4 is one-quarter of the wavelength.

[0103] Optionally, the width of the third gap between two adjacent patch units 132a can be the same or different. For example, the gap widths of third gaps 132b1, 132b2, 132b3, or 132b4 can all be the same. Alternatively, the widths of third gaps 132b1 and 132b2 can be the same, the widths of third gaps 132b3 and 132b4 can be the same, and the widths of third gaps 132b1 and 132b3 can be different.

[0104] Optionally, the extension direction of at least one of the first end 111a of the first slit 111 and the first end 112a of the second slit 112 on the metal layer 11 can be consistent with the extension direction of at least one of the third slits 132b1, 132b2, 132b3 or 132b4. This can improve the excitation effect of the first end 111a and / or the first end 112a on the electromagnetic dipole 132, which is beneficial to signal transmission and further improves the operating bandwidth of the radio frequency structure.

[0105] Optionally, when the signal is radiated from the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112 to the electromagnetic dipole 132, that is, when it is transmitted to the patch unit 132a and the third gap 132b between the patch units, in addition to exciting the electromagnetic dipole 132 to radiate, the signal can also radiate from the gap formed between the patch unit 132a and the side wall of the port 131, thereby further improving the radiation or transmission efficiency of the radio frequency structure.

[0106] Figure 7 A front perspective view of another radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0107] Optionally, the shape of the patch unit in the electromagnetic dipole 132 can be, in addition to being as follows: Figure 5 In addition to the rectangle shown, it can also be like... Figure 7 The shape shown is an ellipse.

[0108] Alternatively, the shape of the patch unit 132a can also be one of the following shapes, or a combination of several shapes: triangle, trapezoid, circle, or other polygons. The shape of the patch unit can also be other regular shapes, or it can be an irregular shape. This application does not limit the shape of the patch unit.

[0109] Optionally, in addition to the electromagnetic dipole shown above, the complementary radiation structure of the radio frequency structure provided in this application can also be the following forms of complementary radiation structure, please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 8 to 11 This is a schematic diagram of the complementary radiation structure provided in this application.

[0110] Figure 8 This is a front perspective view of another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0111] In one possible implementation, see Figure 8As shown, the complementary radiation structure can be composed of a pair of patch units 132a, that is, only a pair of patch units 132a are provided in the opening 131. The two patch units 132a are arranged side by side. The extension direction of the two patch units 132a can be consistent with the extension direction of the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112. There is a third gap 132b between the two patch units 132a. That is, the third gap 132b is consistent with the extension direction of the first end 111a and the first end 112a. The two ends of the patch unit 132a can extend to the positions corresponding to the first end 111a and the first end 112a, respectively.

[0112] Two patch units 132a can function as radiating units operating in the first frequency band. A third gap 132b located between the two patch units 132a can also function as a radiating unit operating in the second frequency band. The two radiating units operate in different frequency bands, forming a complementary radiating structure 132, achieving signal superposition and complementarity, thereby realizing the broadband nature of the radio frequency structure provided in this embodiment.

[0113] Optionally, the complementary radiation structure can be connected to ground layer 13 via a grounding via. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The patch unit 132a can be connected to the ground layer 13 through the second grounding hole 122 to achieve grounding of the complementary radiation structure. For example, the second grounding hole 122 is a metallized via within the dielectric layer 12. Optionally, the grounding region 11b can be connected to the ground layer 13 through the first grounding hole 121 to achieve grounding of the grounding region 11b. For example, the first grounding hole 121 is a metallized via within the dielectric layer 12.

[0114] Figure 9 This is a front perspective view of another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0115] See Figure 9 As shown, when the complementary radiation structure 132 is composed of a pair of patch units 132a, the two patch units 132a are arranged side by side, and the extension direction of the two patch units 132a can be at an angle to the extension direction of the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112, such as perpendicular.

[0116] The pair of patch units 132a are specifically patch unit 132a1 and patch unit 132a2. Patch unit 132a1 can correspond to the first end 111a of the first gap 111, and patch unit 132a2 can correspond to the first end 112a of the second gap 112. That is, the two patch units 132a are respectively disposed above the first end 111a and the first end 112a.

[0117] Similarly, there is a third gap 132b between the two patch units 132a. The two patch units 132a can operate as a radiating unit in the first frequency band, and the third gap 132b can operate as a radiating unit in the second frequency band. The two radiating units operate in different frequency bands to form a complementary radiating structure 132, which can also realize the superposition and complementarity of signals, thereby realizing the broadband of the radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0118] The grounding description of the complementary radiation structure 132 is the same as described above. Figures 1 to 8 As previously mentioned, this will not be repeated here.

[0119] Figure 10 This is a front perspective view of another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0120] See Figure 10 As shown, when the complementary radiation structure 132 is composed of a pair of patch units 132a, the extension direction of the patch unit 132a can be consistent with the extension direction of the first end 111a of the first gap 111 and the first end 112a of the second gap 112. The two patch units 132a can correspond to the first end 111a and the first end 112a respectively.

[0121] In this embodiment, patch unit 132a2 can be disposed on one side of the first end 112a of the second slot 112, as shown on the left side in the figure. Patch unit 132a1 can be disposed on one side of the first end 111a of the first slot 111, as shown on the right side in the figure. A third slot 132b is provided between the two patch units 132a. Similarly, the two patch units 132a can operate as a radiating unit in the first frequency band, and the third slot 132b can operate as a radiating unit in the second frequency band. The two radiating units operate in different frequency bands, forming a complementary radiating structure 132, which can also realize signal superposition and complementarity, thereby achieving broadband of the radio frequency structure provided in this application embodiment.

[0122] The two patch units 132a can be located on the same side, such as to the left or right of the first end 112a and the first end 111a respectively; or the two patch units 132a can be located on different sides, such as... Figure 10 In the first end 112a, patch unit 132a2 is located to the left of patch unit 132a1, and patch unit 132a1 is located to the right of patch unit 111a.

[0123] The grounding description of the complementary radiation structure 132 is the same as described above. Figures 1 to 8 As previously mentioned, this will not be repeated here.

[0124] Figure 11 This is a front perspective view of another radio frequency structure provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0125] In one possible implementation, see Figure 11 As shown, the complementary radiation structure 132 can be composed of four patch units 132a, which can be arranged sequentially in one direction (such as along the direction extending from the first end 112a and the first end 111a).

[0126] The four patch units 132a, arranged from top to bottom, are patch unit 132a1, patch unit 132a2, patch unit 132a3, and patch unit 132a4. Patch units 132a1 and 132a2 form a group, with a third gap 132b1 between them. Patch units 132a3 and 132a4 form a group, with a third gap 132b2 between them. Two patch units 132a can function as a radiating unit operating in the first frequency band, and the two third gaps 132b can function as a radiating unit operating in the second frequency band. The two types of radiating units operate in different frequency bands, forming a complementary radiating structure 132, achieving signal superposition and complementarity.

[0127] Specifically, patch units 132a1 and 132a2 can be aligned with the first end 112a of the second gap 112, and patch units 132a3 and 132a4 can be aligned with the first end 111a of the first gap 111.

[0128] Optionally, the complementary radiation structure can be connected to the ground layer 13 via the second grounding hole 122. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 6 and Figure 10 The patch unit 132a can be connected to the ground layer 13 through the second grounding hole 122 to achieve grounding of the complementary radiation structure. For example, the second grounding hole 122 is a metallized via within the dielectric layer 12. Optionally, the grounding region 11b can be connected to the ground layer 13 through the first grounding hole 121 to achieve grounding of the grounding region 11b. For example, the first grounding hole 121 is a metallized via within the dielectric layer 12.

[0129] In addition to the complementary radiation structure, the radio frequency structure provided in this application can be flexibly designed, and the first slot 111 and the second slot 112 on the metal layer of the radio frequency structure can also be flexibly designed. For example, please refer to... Figures 12 to 16 .

[0130] In this embodiment of the application, the shapes of the first gap 111 and the second gap 112 can be regular or irregular.

[0131] Optionally, the shape of the first slit 111 can be the same as the shape of the second slit 112, which is convenient for processing and can be easily realized in production.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the first gap 111 and the second gap 112 can be straight gaps, which facilitates processing and shaping.

[0133] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a metal layer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0134] See Figure 12 As shown, in another possible implementation, the first slit 111 can be a curved slit, and the second slit 112 can also be a curved slit. This would make the first end 111a of the first slit 111 and the first end 112a of the second slit 112 arc-shaped, facilitating signal radiation. Optionally, the first slit 111 and the second slit 112 can be slits of different curved shapes. For example, the first slit 111 could be an arc-shaped slit, and the second slit 112 a sawtooth-shaped slit.

[0135] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0136] See Figure 13 As shown, in another possible implementation, the extension direction of the second end 111b of the first slit 111 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first end 111a of the first slit 111. This is beneficial for the signal to radiate from the first end 111a of the first slit 111 to excite the complementary radiation structure 132, thereby improving the excitation effect on the complementary radiation structure 132.

[0137] The first end 111a of the first gap 111 can be a straight gap, and the second end 111b of the first gap 111 can be a straight gap, so as to facilitate the perpendicular design of the extension direction of the two. The remaining part of the first gap 111 can be a straight gap, or it can be a regular or irregular shape such as a curve or arc.

[0138] Correspondingly, the extension direction of the second end 112b of the second slit 112 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first end 112a of the second slit 112. Optionally, the slit shapes of the first slit 111 and the second slit 112 can be the same or different.

[0139] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0140] See Figure 14As shown, in another possible implementation, the first slit 111 is an L-shaped slit, and the second slit 112 can also be an L-shaped slit. That is, the extension directions of the first end 111a and the second end 111b of the first slit 111 are perpendicular, and the remaining part of the first slit 111 is a regular straight slit. This makes it more conducive to the radiation of signals from the first end 111a and the first end 112a to excite the complementary radiation structure 132, improving the excitation effect on the complementary radiation structure 132 and helping to increase the bandwidth of the transferred signal. Moreover, the L-shaped slit is easy to implement in engineering and production.

[0141] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another metal layer structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0142] The first slit 111 may have multiple first ends 111a, that is, the end of the first slit 111 away from the connection port 14 may extend into multiple ends. This helps more signals to radiate from the first ends 111a and excite the complementary radiation structure 132, thereby improving the excitation effect on the complementary radiation structure 132 and thus facilitating the radiation and transfer of signals.

[0143] Among them, see Figure 15 As shown, multiple first ends 111a can be spaced out, or, see [reference] Figure 16 As shown, multiple first ends 111a can also be formed by extending from the same position of the first gap 111 in different directions. That is, one end of multiple first ends 111a is located at the same position of the first gap 111, and the other ends of multiple first ends 111a extend in different directions respectively. When the end of the first gap 111 away from the connection port 14 is shaped like a claw.

[0144] Accordingly, see Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the second slit 112 may also have multiple first ends 112a.

[0145] The following section uses the application of the radio frequency structure 10 in a communication system, such as a radar system, to realize the transition connection with the waveguide structure 20 as an example to illustrate the application of the radio frequency structure 10.

[0146] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly of a radio frequency structure and a waveguide structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a partially disassembled assembly of a radio frequency structure and a waveguide structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0147] See Figure 17As shown, taking the waveguide structure 20 as a rectangular waveguide and the complementary radiation structure as an electromagnetic dipole 132 as an example, in the radar system, the waveguide structure 20 is connected to the radio frequency structure 10, so that the signal can be transferred from the radio frequency structure 10 to the waveguide structure 20, realizing the transfer of signal between planar transmission and the waveguide structure 20.

[0148] Specifically, when the waveguide structure 20 is assembled and connected with the radio frequency structure 10, the waveguide structure 20 and the radio frequency structure 10 are fixed, so that the waveguide structure 20 can contact the ground layer 13 of the radio frequency structure 10, that is, the cavity 21 of the waveguide structure 20 is in contact with the ground layer 13 of the radio frequency structure 10.

[0149] In this configuration, the port of cavity 21 is positioned opposite to the electromagnetic dipole 132 on the ground layer 13, and the electromagnetic dipole 132 is located within the projection area of ​​the port of cavity 21 onto the ground layer 13. The excited electromagnetic dipole 132 radiates a signal, which can then enter the cavity 21 of the waveguide structure 20 through the port, thereby enabling signal transfer between the radio frequency structure 10 and the waveguide structure 20.

[0150] Combine Figure 18 As shown, the microwave signal transmitted to the transmission region 11a is radiated through the first ends 111a and 112a and excites the electromagnetic dipole 132. The electromagnetic dipole 132 radiates the signal, thus radiating the signal into the cavity 21 of the waveguide structure 20, completing the signal transfer between the radio frequency structure 10 and the waveguide structure 20, that is, realizing the transfer of the planar transmitted signal to the waveguide structure 20. Conversely, the transfer of the microwave signal from the waveguide structure 20 to the radio frequency structure 10 can be achieved through the reverse path.

[0151] Thus, the complementary radiation structure 132 can be excited to radiate signals through the first end 111a of the first slit 111 and the first end 112a of the second slit, thereby completing the transition between the radio frequency structure 10 and the waveguide structure 20. The electromagnetic dipole 132 can achieve superposition and complementarity of radiated signals, improve the bandwidth of signal transition, and ensure the transmission performance of the radar system. The radio frequency structure 10 uses a single-layer dielectric layer and does not introduce additional metal structural components, which has a simple structure, small size, and low processing cost and complexity, which helps to improve the integration of the radar system.

[0152] Among them, combined Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, when the RF structure 10 is connected and fixed to the waveguide structure 20, the port 131 on the ground layer 13 can be located in the projection area of ​​the cavity 21 port on the ground layer 13. Since the signal can also be radiated from the gap between the patch unit 132a and the side wall of the port 131, the port 131 is located in the projection area of ​​the ground layer 13 on the cavity 21 port. This allows the signal radiated through the gap between the patch unit 132a and the side wall of the port 131 to also enter the cavity 21 of the waveguide structure 20, which facilitates signal transfer and transmission and helps to improve signal transmission efficiency.

[0153] Figure 19 This image shows a simulation of the millimeter-wave transition performance of a radio frequency structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, it shows... Figure 5 The effect diagram is obtained by simulating the radio frequency structure in the image.

[0154] See Figure 19 As shown, the radio frequency structure 10 provided in this application embodiment has an operating bandwidth (-10dB impedance bandwidth) of 22.84% (69.92GHz-87.95GHz). The radio frequency structure 10 adopts a single-layer dielectric layer and does not introduce additional metal structural components. While ensuring a wide switching bandwidth, it has the advantages of simple structure, small size, and low production and use cost. It has a wide range of applications and helps to reduce the integration of communication systems and radar systems.

[0155] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0156] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0157] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although the embodiments of this application have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A radio frequency structure, characterized in that, include: A metal layer, a dielectric layer, and a ground layer are provided, wherein the metal layer and the ground layer are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the dielectric layer; The metal layer has a first gap and a second gap, the first end of the first gap and the first end of the second gap are both located in the metal layer, the second end of the first gap and the second end of the second gap are located at the edge of the metal layer, the first gap and the second gap divide the metal layer into a grounding region and a transmission region located between the first gap and the second gap, and the grounding region is electrically connected to the grounding layer; An opening is provided on the grounding layer, and a complementary radiation structure is provided inside the opening. The complementary radiation structure is electrically connected to the grounding area. The complementary radiation structure corresponds to the first end of the first gap, and / or the complementary radiation structure corresponds to the first end of the second gap.

2. The radio frequency structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gap is a curved gap, and / or the second gap is a curved gap.

3. The radio frequency structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first gap is an L-shaped gap, and / or the second gap is an L-shaped gap.

4. The radio frequency structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The extension direction of the second end of the first slit is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first end of the first slit, and / or, The extension direction of the second end of the second gap is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first end of the second gap.

5. The radio frequency structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gap and / or the second gap are straight gaps.

6. The radio frequency structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first slit has a plurality of first ends, and / or the second slit has a plurality of first ends.

7. The radio frequency structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The shape of the first gap is the same as the shape of the second gap.

8. The radio frequency structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The complementary radiation structure includes multiple patch units, with a third gap between adjacent patch units.

9. The radio frequency structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The complementary radiation structure is an electromagnetic dipole.

10. The radio frequency structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shape of the patch unit includes one or a combination of rectangle, circle, and ellipse.

11. The radio frequency structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The dielectric layer is provided with a first grounding hole and a second grounding hole; The grounding layer and the grounding area are electrically connected through the first grounding hole, and the patch unit is electrically connected to the grounding area through the second grounding hole.

12. A detection device, characterized in that, It includes a waveguide antenna and the radio frequency structure according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the waveguide antenna is connected to the radio frequency structure.

13. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a waveguide structure and the radio frequency structure according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the waveguide structure is connected to the radio frequency structure.

14. The communication system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The waveguide structure includes a cavity that is in contact with the ground plane of the radio frequency structure, and the port of the cavity is disposed opposite to the complementary radiation structure of the radio frequency structure, wherein the complementary radiation structure is located in the projection area of ​​the port of the cavity on the ground plane.

15. The communication system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The opening on the grounding layer is located within the projection area of ​​the cavity's port on the grounding layer.

16. The communication system according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The waveguide structure includes at least a rectangular waveguide.

17. A terminal, characterized in that, Includes the detection device described in claim 12.

18. The terminal according to claim 17, characterized in that, The terminal is a vehicle.

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