Antennas and communication equipment

Abstract

This application provides an antenna and a communication device, relating to the field of communication technology. The antenna includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a metal thin film. The first and second electrode layers are disposed opposite to each other. The metal thin film is located on the side of the second electrode layer facing the first electrode layer and at least partially surrounds the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer, the second electrode layer, and the metal thin film form an accommodating space, with the metal thin film serving as at least a partial sidewall of the accommodating space. A dielectric layer fills the accommodating space. The first and second electrode layers are used to provide a driving signal to the dielectric layer. The electric field formed between the first and second electrode layers is used to provide a driving signal to the dielectric layer, thereby changing the charge retention capability of the material included in the dielectric layer, compensating for the phase difference in the antenna, increasing the radiation frequency of the resonant antenna, and making the electromagnetic field distribution in the resonant cavity more uniform, thereby improving the antenna gain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to an antenna and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, traditional microstrip patch antennas have been extensively studied and widely used due to their advantages such as low profile, light weight, and ease of fabrication. However, microstrip patch antennas typically suffer from high ohmic losses at high frequencies and large geometric dimensions at low frequencies, thus limiting their development and application. Dielectric resonator antennas have attracted widespread attention due to their high radiation efficiency, flexible excitation methods, small size, ability to excite multiple modes, and high power. Traditional dielectric resonator antennas are mainly filled with an immutable dielectric medium; therefore, each antenna possesses only one characteristic. Consequently, existing antenna technologies cannot realize dielectric resonators or achieve continuous tunability of phase or frequency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an antenna and a communication device for simultaneously realizing a dielectric resonator and achieving continuous tunability of phase or frequency.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an antenna, including a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a metal thin film. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are disposed opposite to each other. The metal thin film is located on the side of the second electrode layer facing the first electrode layer, and the metal thin film at least partially surrounds the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer, the second electrode layer, and the metal thin film form an accommodating space, and the metal thin film is at least a partial sidewall of the accommodating space.

[0005] A dielectric layer fills the accommodating space;

[0006] The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are used to provide driving signals to the dielectric layer.

[0007] Secondly, this application provides a communication device that includes the aforementioned antenna.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the antenna and communication device provided by the present invention achieves at least the following beneficial effects:

[0009] This application provides an antenna and a communication device. By disposing of a dielectric layer within an accommodating space formed by a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a metal thin film, an electrical signal is applied to the first and second electrode layers. The electric field formed between the first and second electrode layers is used to provide a driving signal to the dielectric layer, thereby changing the charge retention capability of the material included in the dielectric layer, compensating for the phase difference in the antenna, increasing the radiation frequency of the resonant antenna, and making the electromagnetic field distribution in the resonant cavity more uniform, thereby improving the antenna gain.

[0010] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the technical effects described above at the same time.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0013] Figure 1 The image shown is a top view of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of AA';

[0015] Figure 3 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 The image shown is a top view of the first electrode layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 5 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 A BB' cross-sectional view;

[0018] Figure 6 The image shown is a top view of a second electrode layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 7 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 8 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 A CC' cross-sectional view;

[0021] Figure 9 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 10 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 An enlarged view of a thin metal film;

[0023] Figure 11 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of PP;

[0024] Figure 12 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 13 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of EE';

[0026] Figure 14 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 Another CC' cross-sectional view;

[0027] Figure 15 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 Another EE' cross-sectional view;

[0028] Figure 16 The diagram shown is an exploded view of a first substrate and a third substrate integrally fabricated according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 17 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 Another EE' cross-sectional view;

[0030] Figure 18 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0032] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0033] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0034] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0035] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0036] In existing technologies, traditional microstrip patch antennas have been extensively studied and widely used due to their advantages such as low profile, light weight, and ease of fabrication. However, microstrip patch antennas typically suffer from high ohmic losses at high frequencies and large geometric dimensions at low frequencies, thus limiting their development and application. Dielectric resonator antennas have attracted widespread attention due to their high radiation efficiency, flexible excitation methods, small size, ability to excite multiple modes, and high power. Traditional dielectric resonator antennas are mainly filled with an immutable dielectric medium; therefore, each antenna possesses only one characteristic. Consequently, existing antenna technologies cannot realize dielectric resonators or achieve continuous tunability of phase or frequency.

[0037] Furthermore, the metal thickness of the microstrip line in a typical microstrip antenna needs to be 3 to 5 times the skin depth. Since the skin depth is inversely proportional to the microwave frequency, the higher the frequency, the smaller the metal layer thickness, and the larger the metal line resistance, resulting in higher loss resistance. According to the antenna radiation efficiency formula, the smaller the metal layer thickness, the lower the antenna radiation efficiency.

[0038] In view of this, the present invention provides an antenna and a communication device for simultaneously realizing a dielectric resonator and achieving continuous tunability of phase or frequency.

[0039] Figure 1 The image shown is a top view of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of AA'. Figure 3 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figures 1-3 This application provides an antenna 100, including a first electrode layer 10, a second electrode layer 20, and a metal thin film 30. The first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 are disposed opposite to each other. The metal thin film 30 is located on the side of the second electrode layer 20 facing the first electrode layer 10, and the metal thin film 30 at least partially surrounds the second electrode layer 20. The first electrode layer 10, the second electrode layer 20, and the metal thin film 30 form an accommodating space, and the metal thin film 30 is at least a partial sidewall of the accommodating space.

[0040] Dielectric layer 40 fills the accommodating space;

[0041] The first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 are used to provide driving signals to the dielectric layer 40.

[0042] Specifically, this application provides an antenna 100, the antenna 100 having a structure comprising at least a first electrode layer 10, a second electrode layer 20, a metal thin film 30, and a dielectric layer 40. The first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 are disposed opposite to each other. The size relationship between the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 is not limited here, and users can adjust them according to their needs. Furthermore, this application provides that the metal thin film 30 is located on the side of the second electrode layer 20 facing the first electrode layer 10, and the metal thin film 30 extends along the thickness direction of the first electrode layer 10, so that the first electrode layer 10, the second electrode layer 20, and the metal thin film 30 can form an accommodating space. The metal thin film 30 exists as at least part of the sidewall of the accommodating space, and the dielectric layer 40 is filled in this accommodating space.

[0043] The first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 are disposed opposite to each other. When different voltages are applied to the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20, an electric field will be generated between the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20. The electric field can be used to provide a driving signal to the dielectric layer 40, thereby changing the ability of the material included in the dielectric layer 40 to retain charge, compensating for the phase difference in the antenna 100, increasing the radiation frequency of the resonant antenna 100, making the electromagnetic field distribution in the resonant cavity more uniform, thereby increasing the gain of the antenna 100.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 3 It should be added that the antenna 100 may further include electrode guide lines 101. When the size of the first electrode layer 10 is relatively small and cannot directly receive electrical signals from outside the antenna 100 structure, the external electrical signals can be transmitted to the first electrode layer 10 through the electrode guide lines 101. In addition, when the area of ​​the first electrode layer 10 is relatively large, the first electrode layer 10 can also be directly electrically connected to the external electrical signals, eliminating the need for electrode guide lines 101.

[0045] The electrode lead 101 can be fabricated by vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering, electrochemical plating, etc., and is generally made of metal material to meet the requirements of electrical signal transmission. Then, a passivation layer (not shown) is formed by coating or vapor deposition. The passivation layer is disposed between the electrode lead 101 and the first electrode layer 10. The material of the passivation layer can be silicon nitride or silicon dioxide. The electrical connection between the electrode lead 101 and the first electrode layer 10 is achieved by drilling holes in the passivation layer.

[0046] Figure 4 The image shown is a top view of the first electrode layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of BB', in combination with Figures 1-3 Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , optionally, the first electrode layer 10 includes a first electrode 11, and the first electrode layer 10 further includes a first through groove 12;

[0047] In the thickness direction of the first electrode layer 10, the first through groove 12 penetrates through the first electrode 11, and the first electrode 11 surrounds the first through groove 12.

[0048] Specifically, a setting manner of the first electrode layer 10 provided in the present application is that the first electrode layer 10 includes a first electrode 11 and a first through groove 12 that penetrates through the first electrode 11 in the thickness direction of the first electrode layer 10, and the first electrode 11 surrounds the first through groove 12; the first electrode 11 including the first through groove 12 here can be used as the feed source of the antenna 100.

[0049] It should be noted that the first through groove 12 provided in the present application presents a "U" shape, which is only an optional embodiment provided in the present application, but the present application does not limit the specific shape of the first through groove 12. For example, the shape of the first through groove 12 can also present an H shape, a circular shape or a rectangular shape, etc.

[0050] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the first through groove 12 is distributed at the middle position of the first electrode 11, which can enhance the aesthetic degree and enhance the user experience; however, the present application does not limit the specific setting position of the first through groove 12 in the first electrode 11, and the user can adjust its setting position according to actual needs.

[0051] It should be added that part of the material of the first electrode layer 10 can be eliminated by exposure or etching, etc. to form the first through groove 12; but the present application is not limited thereto, and the user can also select other methods according to needs to manufacture the first electrode layer 10 including the first through groove 12.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 1-3 , optionally, the second electrode layer 20 includes a second electrode 21, and the second electrode 21 is a planar electrode.

[0053] Specifically, a setting manner of the second electrode layer 20 provided in the present application is that the second electrode 21 included in the second electrode layer 20 is a planar electrode, and this planar electrode is disposed opposite to the first electrode 11 and is jointly used to drive the materials included in the dielectric layer 40, so as to change the change in the charge holding ability of the materials included in the dielectric layer 40, and is used to compensate the phase difference in the antenna 100, so that the electromagnetic field distribution in the resonance cavity of the corresponding resonant antenna 100 is more uniform, thereby improving the gain of the antenna 100.

[0054] Figure 6The image shown is a top view of a second electrode layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Please refer to the image for details. Figures 1-3 Reference Figure 6 Optionally, the second electrode layer 20 includes a second electrode 21, which includes a plurality of spaced sub-electrode blocks 211.

[0055] Specifically, this application also provides a configuration of the second electrode layer 20, wherein the second electrode 21 included in the second electrode layer 20 is formed by a plurality of spaced sub-electrode blocks 211. The sub-electrode blocks 211 can be rectangular, and the plurality of sub-electrode blocks 211 are arranged in an array, and the gap between two adjacent sub-electrode blocks 211 can be the same; that is, in addition to the above-mentioned large metal surface design, the second electrode 21 can also be... Figure 6 The design of the leaky wave antenna shown is such that, due to the different reflection paths of electromagnetic waves, a phase difference is formed, thereby achieving the phase shifting function.

[0056] It should be added that, Figure 6 The shown leaky antenna (including multiple sub-electrode blocks 211) is rectangular, which is only one of the possible structures for the leaky antenna. The structure of the leaky antenna can also be set to a square or other shapes according to the requirements.

[0057] It should also be noted that this application does not specifically limit the type of electromagnetic wave transmitted through antenna 100, but is at least applicable to the electromagnetic wave fields of millimeter wave and optical wave bands.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1-3 Optionally, the first electrode layer 10 includes a first electrode 11, and the second electrode layer 20 includes a second electrode 21;

[0059] Along the thickness direction of the first electrode layer 10, the orthographic projection of the first electrode 11 lies within the orthographic projection of the second electrode 21.

[0060] Specifically, this application provides an antenna 100 in an optional configuration where the area enclosed by the second electrode 21 included in the second electrode layer 20 is larger than the area enclosed by the first electrode 11 included in the first electrode layer 10. Specifically, it can be configured such that, along the thickness direction of the first electrode layer 10, the orthographic projection of the first electrode 11 is located within the orthographic projection of the second electrode 21.

[0061] Figure 7 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 A CC' cross-sectional view, please refer to Figures 1-3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 Furthermore, this application may also provide an optional setting method, such as... Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the area enclosed by the second electrode 21 included in the second electrode layer 20 is almost the same as the area enclosed by the first electrode 11 included in the first electrode layer 10. Specifically, it can be configured such that the orthographic projection of the first electrode 11 and the orthographic projection of the second electrode 21 almost completely overlap along the thickness direction of the first electrode layer 10.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 1-3 Optionally, the metal thin film 30 surrounds the dielectric layer 40;

[0063] Along the thickness direction perpendicular to the first electrode layer 10, there is a leakage gap with a width of D between the second electrode 21 and the metal thin film 30.

[0064] Antenna 100 is used to transmit or receive electrical signal waves with a wavelength of K, where D = 1 / 2 * K or D = K.

[0065] Specifically, this application provides an optional arrangement of the metal thin film 30 in the antenna 100, in which the metal thin film 30 is arranged around the dielectric layer 40, that is, the metal thin film 30 will be arranged in a ring structure; the ring structure of the metal thin film 30 exists as the resonant cavity sidewall of the antenna 100, and when the area of ​​the second electrode 21 is relatively large, this application provides an optional arrangement in which, along the thickness direction perpendicular to the first electrode layer 10, in the orthogonal projection of the second electrode 21 in the plane where the first electrode layer 10 is located, and in the orthogonal projection of the metal thin film 30 in the plane where the first electrode layer 10 is located, a certain gap space needs to be left between the second electrode 21 and the metal thin film 30. This gap space is specifically a leakage gap. By leaving this leakage gap, electromagnetic wave signals can be incident and emitted, such as satisfying the requirement that electromagnetic waves radiate from inside the antenna 100 to the outside through the leakage gap.

[0066] In order to meet the working principle of the slot antenna 100, this application also provides an optional setting method in which the width of the leakage gap in the antenna 100 is equal to the wavelength of the electrical signal wave (electromagnetic wave) used by the antenna 100 to transmit or receive the signal wave (electromagnetic wave), or the width of the leakage gap in the antenna 100 is set to be equal to half the wavelength of the electrical signal wave (electromagnetic wave) used by the antenna 100 to transmit or receive the signal wave (electromagnetic wave).

[0067] Figure 9 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 An enlarged view of a thin metal film. Figure 11 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of PP', optionally, the metal film 30 partially surrounds the dielectric layer 40; wherein the metal film 30 includes a first metal film 31 and a second metal film 32 disposed opposite to each other;

[0068] Along the direction surrounding the dielectric layer 40, a leakage gap is included between the first metal thin film 31 and the second metal thin film 32.

[0069] Specifically, this application also provides an optional configuration method where the metal film 30 is not a ring structure. Taking the antenna 100 as a rectangular structure as an example, the metal film 30 can include a first metal film 31 and a second metal film 32 arranged opposite to each other. Specifically, the first metal film 31 and the second metal film 32 can be arranged on the left and right sides or the top and bottom sides of the dielectric layer 40. When the first metal film 31 and the second metal film 32 are arranged on the left and right sides of the dielectric layer 40, electromagnetic waves can be emitted and received from opposite directions where the metal film 30 is not arranged. For example, electromagnetic waves can be received from one side of the resonant cavity sidewall without the metal film and emitted from the other side. Here, the portions of the electromagnetic wave emission and reception without the metal film 30 can all exist as leakage gaps. Figure 9 , Figure 10 The area without a metal film in the top and bottom directions (30 mm) is the leakage gap. For example... Figure 11 As shown, when the metal film 30 in the antenna 100 includes only the first metal film 31 and the second metal film 32 arranged opposite to each other, a leakage gap may not be reserved between the second electrode 21 and the metal film 30.

[0070] Figure 12 The image shown is another top view of the antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 Please refer to one of the EE' cross-sectional diagrams. Figure 12 and Figure 13 Optionally, the dielectric layer 40 includes liquid crystal molecules 41 or lithium niobate;

[0071] The driving signal is used to drive the liquid crystal molecules 41 to deflect; or,

[0072] The driving signal is used to change the dielectric constant of lithium niobate.

[0073] Specifically, regarding the dielectric layer 40 included in the antenna 100 provided in this application, this application provides an optional configuration method in which the dielectric layer 40 is filled with liquid crystal molecules 41. After a bias voltage (driving signal) is applied to the relatively disposed first electrode layer 10 and second electrode layer 20, an electric field is formed between the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20. The electric field drives the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 41, thereby adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic wave signal passing through the antenna 100. Specifically, when a bias voltage is input to the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20, the bias voltage forms an electric field that controls the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 41. During transmission, the electromagnetic wave signal changes phase due to the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 41, and is correspondingly converted into another electromagnetic wave signal with a different phase. At this time, the incident electromagnetic wave signal and the outgoing electromagnetic wave signal are different signals. If no bias voltage is input to the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20, the electromagnetic wave signal will not shift phase after passing through the antenna 100, so at this time the incident electromagnetic wave signal and the outgoing electromagnetic wave signal are the same. It should be explained that the electric field drives the liquid crystal molecule 41 to deflect, which specifically changes the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal molecule 41 through the electric field, thereby achieving the adjustment of the electromagnetic wave frequency.

[0074] Furthermore, regarding the dielectric layer 40 included in the antenna 100 provided in this application, this application also provides an optional configuration in which the dielectric layer 40 is filled with lithium niobate (not shown). After a bias voltage (driving signal) is applied to the opposing first electrode layer 10 and second electrode layer 20, an electric field can be formed between the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20. The electric field can change the dielectric constant of lithium niobate, thereby achieving the adjustment of the electromagnetic wave frequency. Specifically, just as the electric field changes the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal molecules 41 to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave, the electric field changing the dielectric constant of lithium niobate can also be used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave signal.

[0075] It should be noted that the liquid crystal molecule 41 or lithium niobate provided in this application are only two optional settings provided in this application. This application is not limited to these, and users can also choose the type of electrical tuning material according to actual design requirements.

[0076] It should also be added that, according to the principle of the resonant antenna 100, the resonant frequency is directly proportional to the dielectric constant of the material included in the dielectric layer 40. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic wave can be selected by changing the dielectric constant of the material included in the dielectric layer 40. Based on this, this application uses the electric field formed between the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 to adjust the dielectric constant of the material included in the dielectric layer 40.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 12 , Figure 13 Optionally, it also includes a first substrate 61 and a second substrate 62;

[0078] The first electrode layer 10 is formed on the surface of the first substrate 61 facing the second substrate 62, and the second electrode layer 20 is formed on the surface of the second substrate 62 facing the first substrate 61.

[0079] Specifically, the antenna 100 may further include a first substrate 61 and a second substrate 62. A first electrode layer 10 may be formed on the surface of the first substrate 61, and a second electrode layer 20 may be formed on the surface of the second substrate 62. Both the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 are located between the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62.

[0080] The first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 can be made of rigid materials such as glass and ceramics, or they can be made of flexible materials such as polyimide (PI) substrates and liquid crystal polymers (LCP). Since these materials do not absorb electromagnetic wave signals, meaning they have low signal loss in the electromagnetic wave frequency band, they help reduce signal loss and significantly reduce the loss of electromagnetic wave signals during transmission.

[0081] Alternatively, a printed circuit board (PCB) can be used as the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 of the antenna 100. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the PCB are lower than those of the glass substrate commonly used in the antenna 100. Lower dielectric loss is beneficial to improving the performance of the antenna 100 in ultra-high frequency applications. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the materials used to manufacture the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62. In specific implementations, the materials used to manufacture the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, glass, high-frequency circuit boards, silicon wafers, or other solid-state flat substrates that meet the requirements of low high-frequency differential loss and stable dielectric constant can be selected.

[0082] The first electrode layer 10, dielectric layer 40, and second electrode layer 20, disposed between the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62, are the core components of the antenna 100. For example, when the dielectric layer 40 includes liquid crystal molecules 41, a bias voltage can be input into the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20. The electric field formed between the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 drives the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 41, thereby adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic wave signal passing through the antenna 100. Whether the electromagnetic wave signal incident on the antenna 100 is the same as the emitted electromagnetic wave signal is related to the bias voltage applied to the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20. Specifically, a bias voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20. This bias voltage creates an electric field that controls the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 41. During transmission, the electromagnetic wave signal changes phase due to the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 41, and is converted into another electromagnetic wave signal with a different phase. At this time, the incident electromagnetic wave signal and the emitted electromagnetic wave signal are different signals. If no bias voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20, the electromagnetic wave signal will not shift phase after passing through the antenna 100. Therefore, the incident electromagnetic wave signal and the emitted electromagnetic wave signal are the same. Whether the incident electromagnetic wave signal and the emitted electromagnetic wave signal are the same is not limited in this application and can be determined based on the provided bias voltage.

[0083] In other words, when a bias voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20, the electric field formed between the first electrode layer 10 and the second electrode layer 20 is used to change the dielectric constant of the material (electrically tuned material) filling the dielectric layer 40, thereby achieving the modulation of the electromagnetic wave signal passing through the antenna 100. The above-mentioned modulation of the electromagnetic wave signal specifically refers to the modulation of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave signal.

[0084] Figure 14 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 Another CC' cross-sectional view, Figure 15 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 For another EE' cross-sectional view, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 12-15 Optionally, it also includes a third electrode layer 70, which is formed on the surface of the first substrate 61 on the side opposite to the first electrode layer 10;

[0085] The third electrode layer 70 includes a third electrode 71, which is grounded.

[0086] Specifically, this application also provides an antenna 100 with an optional configuration structure, which includes a dielectric layer 40, a first electrode layer 10, a second electrode layer 20, a first substrate 61, and a second substrate 62, and further includes a third electrode layer 70. The third electrode layer 70 can be formed on the surface of the first substrate 61 facing away from the first electrode layer 10. The third electrode 71 included in the third electrode layer 70 can be optionally grounded to be used as a grounding electrode.

[0087] The third electrode 71 can be a planar electrode, or it can be a comb-shaped electrode, etc. One alternative embodiment provided in this application is that the planar third electrode 71 is configured to cover the first substrate 61. Alternatively, the area of ​​the third electrode 71 can be set to be slightly larger than the area of ​​the first substrate 61, thus covering the first substrate 61. With this configuration, when the electromagnetic wave signal is reflected by the second electrode layer 20 and emitted to the surface of the third electrode layer 70, this portion of the electromagnetic wave signal can be further reflected back into the antenna 100 structure by the third electrode layer 70. In other words, the presence of the third electrode layer 70 can be used to lock in electromagnetic waves, reduce electromagnetic wave signal loss, and thereby improve the gain of the antenna 100.

[0088] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 12-15 Optionally, the first electrode layer 10 includes a first electrode 11, and the second electrode layer 20 includes a second electrode 21;

[0089] The first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, and the third electrode 71 are all fabricated by at least one of magnetron sputtering, electrochemical plating, and vapor deposition.

[0090] Specifically, the first electrode 11 can be formed on the surface of the first substrate 61 facing the second substrate 62, the second electrode 21 can be formed on the surface of the second substrate 62 facing the first substrate 61, and the third electrode 71 can be formed on the surface of the first substrate 61 away from the first electrode 11. That is, the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, and the third electrode 71 are all disposed on the surface of the substrate (the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62). Based on this, this application provides an optional manufacturing method in which at least one of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, and the third electrode 71 can be manufactured by at least one of magnetron sputtering, electrochemical plating, and vapor deposition.

[0091] Of course, the method for manufacturing the electrodes (first electrode 11, second electrode 21, and third electrode) provided in this application is only an optional embodiment provided in this application, but this application is not limited thereto, and users can also choose other methods to manufacture electrodes according to their needs.

[0092] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 12-15 Optionally, the first electrode layer 10 includes a first electrode 11, and the second electrode layer 20 includes a second electrode 21;

[0093] The sheet resistance of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, the third electrode 71, and the metal thin film 30 is all RS, and RS≤0.001Ω.

[0094] Specifically, the first electrode 11 can be formed on the surface of the first substrate 61 facing the second substrate 62, the second electrode 21 can be formed on the surface of the second substrate 62 facing the first substrate 61, and the third electrode 71 can be formed on the surface of the first substrate 61 away from the first electrode 11. That is, the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, and the third electrode 71 are all disposed on the surface of the substrate (the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62), and the metal thin film 30 is disposed on the surface of the third substrate 63. Based on this, this application provides an optional embodiment in which any of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, the third electrode 71, and the metal thin film 30 can be made of a metal with low sheet resistance, such as copper or gold. This application provides that the sheet resistance of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, the third electrode 71, and the metal thin film 30 is less than or equal to 0.001Ω.

[0095] In addition, any one of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 21, the third electrode 71, and the metal thin film 30 may be selected from molybdenum, gold, silver, copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel, or an alloy, wherein the alloy may be copper, nickel, nickel-copper-titanium, or indium-zinc oxide; the user may select the metal material according to the requirements.

[0096] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 12-15 Optionally, it also includes a third substrate 63 and a sealant 50;

[0097] A metal thin film 30 is formed on the surface of the third substrate 63 facing the dielectric layer 40, and a sealant 50 is at least filled between the third substrate 63 and the second substrate 62. Optionally, the thickness of the sealant 50 is L along the thickness direction of the first substrate 61.

[0098] Antenna 100 is used to transmit or receive electrical signal waves with wavelength K and L < K.

[0099] Specifically, this application also provides an antenna 100 with an optional structure including a first substrate 61, a second substrate 62, and a third substrate 63 located between the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62, with a sealing adhesive 50 between the third substrate 63 and the second substrate 62. The third substrate 63 and the first substrate 61 can be integrally fabricated. The first substrate 61, the second substrate 62, the third substrate 63, and the sealing adhesive 50 in the antenna 100 can form a closed accommodating cavity. The first electrode layer 10, the second electrode layer 20, the dielectric layer 40, and the metal thin film 30 are all located within this closed accommodating cavity. Specifically, the metal thin film 30 can be prepared on the surface of the third substrate 63 facing the inside of the accommodating cavity, the first electrode layer 10 can be prepared on the surface of the first substrate 61 facing the inside of the accommodating cavity, and the second electrode layer 20 can be prepared on the surface of the second substrate 62 facing the inside of the accommodating cavity.

[0100] The metal thin film 30 can be grown on the surface of the third substrate 63 by additive electrochemical deposition to form the sidewall of the resonant cavity.

[0101] Based on the antenna 100 with the above structure, this application also provides an optional setting method in which the thickness of the sealing adhesive 50 along the thickness direction of the first electrode layer 10 is less than a center wavelength, that is, the thickness of the sealing adhesive 50 is less than the wavelength of the antenna 100 used to transmit or receive electrical signal waves, so as to ensure the resonant frequency adjustment range of the antenna 100.

[0102] Figure 16 The diagram shown is an exploded view of a first substrate and a third substrate integrally fabricated according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to the diagram for further details. Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 12-15 Reference Figure 16 It should be added that the fabrication of the first substrate 61 and the third substrate 63 can be achieved by providing a substrate structure 06 and removing part of the material of the substrate structure 06 through laser etching or wet etching, thereby forming an integral structure of the first substrate 61 and the third substrate 63, that is, realizing the integrated fabrication of the first substrate 61 and the third substrate 63. The third substrate 63 can also be used to support the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62 to resist external impacts and prevent collapse, thereby maintaining the gap between the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 62.

[0103] It should also be noted that the resonant cavity formed by the first substrate 61, the second substrate 62, the third substrate 63, and the sealing adhesive 50 can be a cube, a cuboid, a columnar body, or other structures. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this comparison.

[0104] It should also be noted that the radiation method of the patch antenna 100 in this application is only one type of antenna 100 radiation. Other resonant antennas 100 can also refer to the above embodiments and use the principle of adjustable dielectric constant of the medium under the action of electromagnetic field to perform phase compensation or frequency adjustment.

[0105] It should also be noted that this application provides an embodiment of one resonant cavity in the antenna 100. When the antenna 100 includes multiple resonant cavities arranged in an array, the structure of the other resonant cavities can also refer to the above embodiment provided in this application.

[0106] Furthermore, it should be noted that the antenna 100 structure includes components such as the first substrate 61, the second substrate 62, the third substrate 63, the sealing adhesive 50, the first electrode layer 10, the second electrode layer 20, the metal thin film 30, the dielectric layer 40, and the third electrode layer 70. This is merely one possible embodiment provided in this application; however, this application is not limited thereto. Figures 1-3 As shown, the second substrate 62 can also be removed and the second electrode layer 20 reused as the second substrate 62, and / or the first substrate 61 and the third electrode layer 70 can be removed and the first electrode layer 10 reused as the first substrate 61 and the third electrode layer 70. That is, this application does not limit the second substrate 62, the first substrate 61 and the third electrode layer 70 in the antenna 100 to be removed at the same time. Only one or any two of them can be removed. When at least one of the second substrate 62, the first substrate 61 and the third electrode layer 70 is removed, other film layers can also be used to replace it. This application does not make specific limitations on the materials that can replace any of these three film layers. Users can choose the film layer material that can replace any of the second substrate 62, the first substrate 61 and the third electrode layer 70 according to actual needs, as long as the normal use of the antenna 100 can be guaranteed.

[0107] It should also be noted that the size and position of the sealing adhesive 50 in the accompanying drawings provided in this application are only optional settings provided in this application. Users can also increase the width of the sealing adhesive 50 as needed, for example, by setting the sealing adhesive 50 to contact the second electrode layer 20. That is, as long as the normal use of the antenna 100 can be guaranteed, users can move the specific setting position of the sealing adhesive 50 and adjust the width, thickness, etc. of the sealing adhesive 50.

[0108] It should also be added that when the first substrate 61, the second substrate 62, and the third electrode layer 70 are all removed, any driving electrode used for filling material in the driving dielectric layer 40 can be reused as the third electrode. That is, either the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 21 can be selected and reused as the third electrode. This application does not make any specific limitations, and users can make the appropriate selection according to their actual needs.

[0109] It should also be noted that a wiring groove (not shown) may be provided on the third substrate 63 for laying the electrode guide wires 101 in the antenna 100.

[0110] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 12-15 Optionally, the thickness of the dielectric layer 40 is H along the thickness direction of the first substrate 61;

[0111] Antenna 100 is used to transmit or receive electrical signal waves with a wavelength of K, where H = 1 / 2 * K or H = n * K; where n ≥ 1 and n is a positive integer.

[0112] Specifically, this application provides an optional configuration method in which the thickness of the dielectric layer 40 is set to be equal to 1 / 2 or an integer multiple of the wavelength of the electrical signal wave used by the antenna 100 to transmit or receive, thereby satisfying the normal reception or transmission of electromagnetic waves by the antenna 100.

[0113] Figure 17 The image shown is provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 Another EE' cross-sectional view, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 12-15 , refer to Figure 17 Optionally, it also includes a first alignment layer 81 and a second alignment layer 82;

[0114] The first alignment layer 81 is formed on the side surface of the first electrode layer 10 facing the second electrode layer 20, and the second alignment layer 82 is formed on the side surface of the second electrode layer 20 facing the first electrode layer 10.

[0115] Specifically, this application also provides an optional configuration in which the antenna 100 includes an alignment film, for example, a first alignment layer 81 and a second alignment layer 82, wherein the first alignment layer 81 may be formed on the surface of the first electrode layer 10 and is the side surface of the first electrode layer 10 facing the second electrode layer 20, and the second alignment layer 82 may be formed on the surface of the second electrode layer 20 and is the side surface of the second electrode layer 20 facing the first electrode layer 10.

[0116] For example, when the dielectric layer 40 is filled with liquid crystal molecules 41, the first alignment layer 81 and the second alignment layer 82 can be used to assist the normal deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 41.

[0117] It should also be noted that this application provides an embodiment of one resonant cavity in the antenna 100. When the antenna 100 includes multiple resonant cavities arranged in an array, the structure of the other resonant cavities can also refer to the above embodiment provided in this application.

[0118] Figure 18The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Please refer to the diagram for further details. Figures 1-17 Reference Figure 18 Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a communication device 200, which includes an antenna 100, which is any type of antenna 100 provided in this application.

[0119] It should be noted that the embodiments of the communication device 200 provided in this application can refer to the embodiments of the antenna 100 described above, and will not be repeated here. The communication device 200 provided in this application can be a mobile phone, computer, laptop computer, in-vehicle electronic device, wearable product, or other products and components.

[0120] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the antenna and communication device provided by the present invention achieve at least the following beneficial effects:

[0121] This application provides an antenna and a communication device. By disposing of a dielectric layer within an accommodating space formed by a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a metal thin film, an electrical signal is applied to the first and second electrode layers. The electric field formed between the first and second electrode layers is used to provide a driving signal to the dielectric layer, thereby changing the charge retention capability of the material included in the dielectric layer, compensating for the phase difference in the antenna, increasing the radiation frequency of the resonant antenna, and making the electromagnetic field distribution in the resonant cavity more uniform, thereby improving the antenna gain.

[0122] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized by The antenna comprises a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a metal film, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are oppositely arranged, the metal film is located on a side of the second electrode layer facing the first electrode layer, and the metal film at least partially surrounds the second electrode layer; the first electrode layer, the second electrode layer, and the metal film form a containing space, and the metal film is at least part of the side wall of the containing space; A dielectric layer filled in the containing space; The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are used to provide a driving signal to the dielectric layer; Further comprising a first substrate and a second substrate; The first electrode layer is formed on a side surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate, and the second electrode layer is formed on a side surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate; Further comprising a third electrode layer formed on a side surface of the first substrate away from the first electrode layer; The third electrode layer comprises a third electrode, and the third electrode is grounded; Along the thickness direction of the second electrode layer, the orthographic projection of the first electrode is located in the orthographic projection of the third electrode; Further comprising a third substrate and a sealing frame glue; The metal film is formed on a side surface of the third substrate facing the dielectric layer, and the sealing frame glue is at least filled between the third substrate and the second substrate; Along the thickness direction of the first substrate, the thickness of the sealing frame glue is L; The antenna is used to emit or receive an electric signal wave, the wavelength of the electric signal wave is K, and L < K.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode layer comprises a first electrode, and the first electrode layer further comprises a first through slot; Along the thickness direction of the first electrode layer, the first through slot penetrates the first electrode, and the first electrode surrounds the first through slot.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The second electrode layer comprises a second electrode, and the second electrode is a planar electrode.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The second electrode layer comprises a second electrode, and the second electrode comprises a plurality of spaced sub-electrode blocks.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode layer comprises a first electrode, and the second electrode layer comprises a second electrode; Along the thickness direction of the first electrode layer, the orthographic projection of the first electrode is located in the orthographic projection of the second electrode.

6. The antenna of claim 5, wherein: The metal film surrounds the dielectric layer; Along the thickness direction perpendicular to the first electrode layer, a leakage gap with a width of D is formed between the second electrode and the metal film; The antenna is used to emit or receive an electric signal wave, the wavelength of the electric signal wave is K, and D = 1 / 2*K or D = K.

7. The antenna of claim 1, wherein: The metal film partially surrounds the dielectric layer; wherein the metal film comprises a first metal film and a second metal film arranged oppositely; Along the direction surrounding the dielectric layer, a leakage gap is formed between the first metal film and the second metal film.

8. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The dielectric layer comprises liquid crystal molecules or lithium niobate; The driving signal is used to drive the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer to change.

9. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode layer comprises a first electrode, and the second electrode layer comprises a second electrode; The first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode are made by at least one of magnetron sputtering, electrochemical plating and evaporation.

10. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode layer comprises a first electrode, and the second electrode layer comprises a second electrode. The sheet resistance of the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode and the metal thin film is RS, and RS≤0.001Ω.

11. The antenna of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the dielectric layer along the thickness direction of the first substrate is H. The antenna is used for transmitting or receiving an electric signal wave, and the wavelength of the electric signal wave is K, H=1 / 2*K, or H=n*K, wherein n≥1 and n is a positive integer.

12. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a first alignment layer and a second alignment layer. The first alignment layer is formed on a side surface of the first electrode layer facing the second electrode layer, and the second alignment layer is formed on a side surface of the second electrode layer facing the first electrode layer.

13. A communication device, characterized by An antenna as claimed in any one of claims 1-12.

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