Lens unit, lens array, and array antenna

Abstract

The application provides a lens, a lens array and an array antenna. The array antenna comprises: a radiator array, the radiator array comprising a plurality of radiator units arranged according to a first array rule, the radiator array having at least a first array direction; and a lens array, the lens array comprising a plurality of lens units arranged according to the first array rule, the plurality of lens units corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of radiator units, each lens unit being configured to adjust the phase of electromagnetic waves emitted by the corresponding radiator unit; wherein, at least along the first array direction, different parts of the lens unit have different phase adjustment amounts for the electromagnetic waves, so that the lens unit can adjust the electromagnetic waves into a planar wave in a first plane. In the application, the radiator units can have a large spacing, so that the structure of the feed network can be simplified while the gain and directivity of the array antenna are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a lens unit, a lens array, and an array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Array antennas are important devices in wireless communication networks. Compared to a single antenna, an array antenna can superimpose the electromagnetic waves radiated by multiple antenna elements, thereby achieving higher gain.

[0003] Miniaturization and integration are the development goals of wireless network equipment. However, with the increasing data transmission rates, the number of antenna elements integrated in array antennas is also increasing. Taking a massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) antenna as an example, the number of integrated antenna elements is typically in the hundreds. As the number of antenna elements increases significantly, the stacking process of the PCB board on which the feed network is located (e.g., the transceiver unit (also known as the "TRX board")) becomes increasingly complex. This not only increases the cost of the array antenna but also hinders its miniaturization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments of this application provide a lens unit, a lens array, and an array antenna. The following describes this application from multiple aspects, and the embodiments and beneficial effects of the following aspects can be referenced each other.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an array antenna, comprising: a radiator array, the radiator array including a plurality of radiator elements arranged according to a first array rule, the first array rule being a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array rule, the radiator array having at least a first array direction; and a lens array, the lens array including a plurality of lens elements arranged according to the first array rule, the plurality of lens elements correspondingly covering the plurality of radiator elements, each lens element being used to adjust the phase of an electromagnetic wave emitted by its corresponding radiator element; wherein, the lens elements are configured such that, at least along the first array direction, each part of the lens element has a different phase adjustment amount for the electromagnetic wave, so that the lens element can adjust the electromagnetic wave into a plane wave in a first plane.

[0006] According to the embodiments of this application, by setting up a lens array, even when the number of radiator elements is reduced (i.e., the feed grid structure is simplified), the array antenna can still be guaranteed to have high gain and good directivity.

[0007] In some implementations, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements along the first array direction is greater than 0.9λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the array antenna.

[0008] According to the embodiments of this application, the radiators have a large spacing between them, which can reduce the number of radiator elements in the array antenna, thereby simplifying the feed network structure, reducing antenna cost, and reducing the size of the array antenna.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lens unit includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first array direction. The first end has a first adjustment amount for electromagnetic waves, and the second end has a second adjustment amount for electromagnetic waves. The lens unit is configured such that, along the first array direction, from the first end to the center of the lens unit, the adjustment amount for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from the first adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount; and from the second end to the center of the lens unit, the adjustment amount for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from the second adjustment amount to the third adjustment amount.

[0010] In some implementations, the first adjustment amount is equal to the second adjustment amount; or, the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount, and the difference between the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount is determined based on the downtilt angle of the array antenna.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lens unit is a dielectric lens, and from the first end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter of the lens unit gradually changes from a first value to a third value; from the second end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to a third value; wherein, the first parameter includes one or more of the following: the thickness of the lens unit; the refractive index of the lens unit; the size of the opening provided on the lens unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lens unit is a metasurface lens, which includes one or more metal layers, each metal layer including multiple metal sheets arranged along a first array direction; from the first end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter of the lens unit gradually changes from a first value to a third value; from the second end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to a third value; wherein, the first parameter includes one or more of the following: the number of metal layers; the spacing between the metal layers; the external dimensions of the metal sheets; and the pattern type of the metal sheets.

[0013] Since metasurface lenses can be fabricated using PCB manufacturing processes (e.g., etching the metal coated on the surface of the dielectric layer to obtain the desired metal layer shape), they are not only easy to manufacture, but also facilitate the miniaturization of lens arrays.

[0014] In some implementations, the metasurface lens integrates electromagnetic wave phase shifting and / or electromagnetic wave filtering functions.

[0015] According to the embodiments of this application, the phase shifter or filter in the feed grid can be moved to the metasurface lens, thereby further simplifying the feed grid structure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lens unit is a combination of a dielectric lens and a metasurface lens.

[0017] In some embodiments, along the first array direction, the electromagnetic wave transmittance at the end of the lens unit is greater than the electromagnetic wave transmittance at the middle of the lens unit.

[0018] According to the embodiments of this application, the amplitude difference of electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiating element can be reduced, thereby further ensuring the gain and directivity of the array antenna.

[0019] In some embodiments, the array antenna also includes a metal reflector capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves, with the metal reflector and the lens array located on opposite sides of the radiator array, respectively.

[0020] In some implementations, the metal reflector serves as the ground plane for the radiator array.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first array rule is a rectangular array rule, and the radiator also has a second array direction perpendicular to the first array direction; wherein, the first plane is parallel to the first array direction and the second array direction; or, the first plane is parallel to the second array direction and forms an angle of 3° to 9° with the first array direction.

[0022] According to the embodiments of this application, the downtilt function of the array antenna can be realized.

[0023] In some implementations, when the array antenna is in operation, the first array direction is vertical and the second array direction is horizontal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements along the second array direction is 0.25λ to 1λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the array antenna.

[0025] In some implementations, the radiating element is a dual-polarized antenna; and / or, the radiating element is a slot antenna, a dipole antenna, a dielectric resonant antenna, or a microstrip antenna.

[0026] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a lens unit for an antenna. The lens unit is a dielectric lens, which extends along a first direction and includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along the first direction. Along the first direction, from the first end of the dielectric lens to its center, a first parameter of the dielectric lens gradually changes from a first value to a third value; from the second end of the dielectric lens to its center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to a third value. The first parameter includes one or more of the following: the thickness of the dielectric lens; the refractive index of the dielectric lens; and the size of the opening provided on the dielectric lens.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a lens unit for an antenna. The lens unit is a metasurface lens, which extends along a first direction and includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along the first direction. The metasurface lens includes one or more metal layers, each metal layer including multiple metal sheets arranged along the first direction. Along the first direction, from the first end of the metasurface lens to the center of the metasurface lens, a first parameter of the metasurface lens gradually changes from a first value to a third value. From the second end of the metasurface lens to the center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to a third value. The first parameter includes one or more of the following: the number of metal layers; the spacing between the metal layers; the external dimensions of the metal sheets; and the pattern type of the metal sheets.

[0028] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a lens array for an antenna, the lens array including a plurality of lens elements arranged according to a first array rule, the first array rule being a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array rule, the lens array having at least a first array direction; the lens element including a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in the first array direction, the first end having a first adjustment amount for electromagnetic waves, and the second end having a second adjustment amount for electromagnetic waves; the lens element is configured such that, along the first array direction, from the first end to the center of the lens element, the adjustment amount of the lens element for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from the first adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount; and from the second end to the center of the lens element, the adjustment amount of the lens element for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from the second adjustment amount to the third adjustment amount.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one of the multiple lens units is a dielectric lens; from the first end of the dielectric lens to the center, a first parameter of the dielectric lens gradually changes from a first value to a third value; from the second end of the dielectric lens to the center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to a third value; wherein, the first parameter includes one or more of the following: the thickness of the dielectric lens; the refractive index of the dielectric lens; the size of the opening provided on the dielectric lens.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one of the multiple lens units is a metasurface lens, which includes one or more metal layers, each metal layer including multiple metal sheets arranged along a first array direction; from a first end of the metasurface lens to the center of the metasurface lens, a first parameter of the metasurface lens gradually changes from a first value to a third value; from a second end of the metasurface lens to the center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to a third value; wherein the first parameter includes one or more of the following: the number of metal layers; the spacing between the metal layers; the external dimensions of the metal sheets; and the pattern type of the metal sheets.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lens unit is a combination of a dielectric lens and a metasurface lens. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 Exemplary application scenarios of the array antenna provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna in the prior art;

[0034] Figure 3a A schematic structural diagram (perspective) of the array antenna provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 3b A schematic structural diagram (sectional view) of the array antenna provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram (top view) of the radiator array provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of radiator element spacing on phase difference provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of radiator element spacing on directivity provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram (top view) of the lens array provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of how the lens unit provided in this application adjusts the phase difference of electromagnetic waves;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of radiator element spacing on amplitude difference in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of adjusting the amplitude difference of electromagnetic waves using a lens unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dipole antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a slot antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dielectric resonant antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 14 These are schematic diagrams of the linear array and ring array configurations provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lens array arranged along a curved surface according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figures 16a-16c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a metasurface lens provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 17 Simulation curves showing the phase difference adjustment of the metasurface lens provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 18 Simulation curves showing the adjustment of amplitude difference by the metasurface lens provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metasurface lens 2 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 20a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metasurface lens three provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 20b A schematic diagram of the metal sheet pattern provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metasurface lens four provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metasurface lens five provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dielectric lens provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dielectric lens two provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dielectric lens three provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dielectric lens four provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metasurface lens six provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metasurface lens seven provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the combination provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 30 A schematic structural diagram (perspective view) of another array antenna provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 31 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of another lens unit for adjusting the phase difference of electromagnetic waves in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 32 A schematic diagram illustrating another lens array configuration provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 33 Here are antenna structure diagrams for some implementation methods;

[0067] Figure 34 Here are antenna structure diagrams for some other implementations;

[0068] Figure 35 This is a diagram of the antenna structure in some other implementations. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Before describing the implementation methods of this application in detail, we will first introduce some terms that may be involved in the implementation methods of this application.

[0070] Antenna radiation pattern: This refers to the graphical representation of the relative field strength (normalized modulus) of the antenna's radiated field as a function of direction at a certain distance from the antenna. An antenna radiation pattern can be represented by planar patterns on two mutually perpendicular planes, such as a horizontal plane pattern and a vertical plane pattern. Antenna radiation patterns typically contain multiple radiating beams. The beam with the highest radiating intensity is called the main lobe, and the remaining beams are called side lobes.

[0071] Antenna gain and directivity: Both are used to characterize the concentration of radiated energy by an antenna. Generally, the narrower the main lobe and the smaller the side lobes of the antenna pattern, the higher the antenna gain and the better the directivity.

[0072] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] This application provides an antenna. Figure 1 An exemplary application scenario of the antenna 1 provided in this application is shown, specifically an application scenario of a cellular network base station. (Reference) Figure 1 Antenna 1 is mounted on the base station tower to transmit data signals to terminal devices within the cell in the form of electromagnetic waves, and / or receive data signals from terminal devices within the cell, thereby achieving the base station's wireless signal coverage function. Figure 1 In the scenario shown, the terminal device communicating with the base station can be a mobile phone, wearable device, self-driving car, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0074] Specifically, antenna 1 is an array antenna, comprising multiple radiating elements (also called "vibrators" or "antenna elements") arranged according to a certain array rule. The radiating elements are connected to a feed network to receive excitation signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) from the feed network (referred to as the "feed"). When a radiating element receives an excitation signal from the feed source, it radiates an electromagnetic wave corresponding to that excitation signal. The electromagnetic waves radiated by each radiating element superimpose and interfere with each other, enabling functions that a single antenna cannot achieve.

[0075] For example, array antennas can be used to improve the gain and directivity of an antenna. A single radiator radiates a limited amount of energy, and the direction of that energy is difficult to concentrate; therefore, the gain and directivity of a single radiator are relatively limited. Array antennas, by superimposing the energy of multiple radiators, can achieve better gain and directivity.

[0076] For example, array antennas can also perform scanning functions. By applying specific excitations to each radiating element, the main lobe of the array antenna can be made to point in a predetermined direction. By varying the excitations applied to each radiating element (e.g., varying the phase of the excitation), the main lobe of the array antenna can be made to point in different directions, thereby achieving the scanning function of the array antenna. For base station antennas in cellular networks, the sector angle of the covered sector is 120°; therefore, base station antennas typically need to have scanning capabilities within a range of ±60° in the horizontal plane.

[0077] According to antenna theory, when the spacing between adjacent radiating elements in an array antenna is approximately 0.5λ (where λ is the antenna's operating wavelength), the energy radiated by the array antenna can be concentrated in the main lobe direction. At this point, the array antenna can achieve higher gain and better directivity. Therefore, in existing technologies, the spacing between radiating elements in an array antenna is typically controlled to be around 0.5λ. In existing technologies, the radiating elements are relatively dense. For the same aperture size (the gain of an array antenna is proportional to its aperture size), a larger number of radiating elements increases the complexity of the PCB board (e.g., a TRX board) where the feed grid is located, and reduces the space available for other components on the TRX board (e.g., phase shifters, filters, amplifiers), thereby increasing the cost and size of the array antenna.

[0078] Take the Massive MIMO (MM) antenna, a key piece of equipment in 5G technology, as an example. Figure 2 An example of an MM antenna 1' in the prior art is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 The MM antenna 1' comprises 32 radiating elements 21' arranged in a rectangular array (specifically an 8×4 two-dimensional array). Along the horizontal array direction ( Figure 2As shown in the X direction), the spacing between adjacent radiator elements 21' is 0.5λ; along the vertical array direction ( Figure 2 As shown in the Y direction, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements 21' is 0.67λ.

[0079] For ease of understanding, Figure 2 In the original design, the number of radiating elements 21' is 8 × 4 = 32. However, in practical applications, to achieve high-capacity data transmission, the number of radiating elements on an MM antenna typically reaches hundreds. This makes the stacking process of the PCB board (e.g., TRX board) on which the feed grid is located overly complex, increasing the cost of the antenna and hindering its miniaturization.

[0080] Therefore, in the array antenna provided by this application, the spacing between adjacent radiating elements is larger than that in the prior art. In this way, without changing the aperture size (i.e., without changing the gain of the array antenna), the number of radiating elements can be reduced, thereby simplifying the structure of the feed grid.

[0081] As the spacing between radiating elements increases, the phase difference becomes a more significant factor to consider. Increased spacing between radiating elements widens the phase difference of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the array antenna. This causes the grating lobes in the array antenna pattern to rise, the main lobe energy to disperse, and the gain and directivity of the array antenna to decrease significantly.

[0082] To eliminate this effect, the array antenna provided in this application further includes a lens array, which comprises multiple lens elements arranged in the same array configuration as the radiator array. Each lens element corresponds to one of the multiple radiator elements, and each lens element is used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave emitted by its corresponding radiator element. The lens elements are configured such that, along at least one array direction, each part of the lens element has a different phase adjustment amount for the electromagnetic wave, thereby modulating the electromagnetic wave emitted by the radiator element into a plane wave. In this way, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the array antenna can have substantially the same phase, thus ensuring the gain and directivity of the array antenna.

[0083] Therefore, the array antenna provided in this application, by setting a lens array, can still ensure that the array antenna has high gain and good directivity even when the number of radiating elements is reduced (i.e., the feed grid structure is simplified).

[0084] Furthermore, regarding the "plane wave" mentioned in this application, it should be noted that, considering factors 1 to 3 below, this application does not strictly require that the plane wave be an electromagnetic wave in which the phase difference between all points in the plane is completely zero (i.e., it does not require that the phase of the electromagnetic wave at all points in the plane is strictly equal); rather, when the phase difference of the electromagnetic wave at all points in a certain plane is less than a certain threshold, the electromagnetic wave is called a plane wave in that plane.

[0085] Factor 1: Array antennas typically operate within a certain frequency range (e.g., 3.4 GHz to 3.8 GHz). When the lens array modulates electromagnetic waves at a certain frequency (e.g., 3.6 GHz) within the operating frequency range to a phase difference of 0 in the plane, it is usually difficult to modulate electromagnetic waves at other frequencies (e.g., 3.4 GHz) to a phase difference of 0 in the plane. Therefore, a certain phase difference in the plane should be allowed for electromagnetic waves.

[0086] Factor 2: Considering the cost of the array antenna, when the spacing between the radiating elements is less than a certain value (e.g., 0.7λ), the phase difference of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the array antenna at various points in the plane is very small (e.g., within 40°). In this case, lens adjustment can be omitted and the electromagnetic waves emitted by the array antenna can be directly regarded as plane waves.

[0087] Factor 3: Due to the manufacturing process of the lens unit, the actual adjustment amount of the lens unit to the phase of the electromagnetic wave is difficult to match the theoretical adjustment amount perfectly. Therefore, a certain phase difference (e.g., 20°) should be allowed in the plane of the electromagnetic wave.

[0088] Considering the above factors, for electromagnetic waves whose phase difference at various points within a plane is less than a certain threshold, this paper refers to such electromagnetic waves as plane waves within that plane. This application does not limit the specific value of this threshold. For example, when the operating frequency range of the array antenna is wide (e.g., a relative bandwidth of 45%), the threshold can be a larger value (e.g., 45°); when the operating frequency range of the array antenna is narrow (e.g., a relative bandwidth of 15%), the threshold can be a smaller value (e.g., 30°).

[0089] Furthermore, the operating spectrum range of the array antenna in this application embodiment is not limited. For example, the array antenna can operate in any spectrum range between 1 GHz and 81 GHz. In some examples, the array antenna operates in the spectrum range of 2G, 3G, or LTE communication networks; in some examples, the array antenna operates in the spectrum range of 5G communication networks (e.g., Sub 6G band (450MHz-6000MHz), millimeter wave band (24250MHz-52600MHz)).

[0090] The following combination Figure 1 The illustrated scenarios depict specific embodiments of this application. It should be noted that... Figure 1The scenarios shown are merely illustrative examples of array antenna applications. The array antenna provided in this application can also be applied to other applications besides... Figure 1 In addition to other scenarios, array antennas can be applied to terminal devices (e.g., mobile phones, PCs, autonomous vehicles), industrial equipment (e.g., loading and unloading equipment in automated docks), and other network equipment besides base stations (e.g., wireless network access equipment in public places such as stadiums and airports).

[0091] Furthermore, according to the antenna reciprocity theorem, the characteristics of a transmitting antenna (an antenna used to transmit electromagnetic waves) also apply to a receiving antenna (an antenna used to receive electromagnetic waves). Therefore, in the following embodiments, only the case of an array antenna as a transmitting antenna is described, and the case of an array antenna as a receiving antenna is not elaborated.

[0092] Example 1

[0093] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is a schematic structural diagram of the array antenna 1 provided in this embodiment, wherein, Figure 3a This is a 3D view of array antenna 1. Figure 3b This is a cross-sectional view of array antenna 1.

[0094] refer to Figure 3a and Figure 3b The array antenna 1 includes a radiator array 10 and a lens array 20. The lens array 20 covers the radiator array 10. When the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator array 10 pass through the lens array 20, the lens array 20 can adjust the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator array 10 into plane waves, thereby ensuring the gain and directivity of the array antenna 1.

[0095] The radiator array 10 includes multiple radiator elements 11, each of which is implemented as a ±45° dual-polarized microstrip patch antenna. The dual-polarized antenna includes two antennas with mutually orthogonal polarization directions, so it can operate simultaneously in transmit / receive full-duplex mode, thereby saving the number of radiator elements 11 in the array antenna 1.

[0096] Each radiator unit 11 is disposed on the upper surface (which is a plane) of the dielectric substrate 30, and the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 30 is attached with a metal ground plane 40 of the radiator unit 11. When the feed grid (not shown) feeds the radiator unit 11, the radiator unit 11 can convert the excitation (e.g., radio frequency excitation) from the feed grid into electromagnetic waves radiated into space.

[0097] Figure 4 This is a top view of the radiator array 10. (Reference) Figure 4The radiator array 10 contains multiple radiator elements 11 arranged according to a rectangular array rule R (as the first array rule). It can be understood that the radiator array 10 includes two mutually perpendicular array directions: one is a row array direction (the X direction in the diagram, as the second array direction), where the number of radiator elements 11 is M = 8; the other is a column array direction (the Y direction in the diagram, as the first array direction), where the number of radiator elements 11 is N = 4 (equivalent to the radiator array 10 being an M×N rectangular array). In this embodiment, the radiator element 11 in the i-th row and j-th column of the rectangular array is denoted as 11. ij ,For example, Figure 4 The radiator unit 11 in the upper right corner is denoted as 11. 18 .

[0098] This embodiment does not limit the specific values ​​of M and N, as long as they are integers greater than or equal to 2. For example, when the array antenna 1 is implemented as an MM antenna, M can be any integer between 10 and 15 (e.g., M = 12), and N can be any integer between 6 and 10 (e.g., N = 8).

[0099] In this embodiment, when the array antenna 1 is installed on the base station tower (refer to...) Figure 1 (As shown in the scenario), the row array direction extends horizontally, and the column array direction extends vertically. Therefore, in this embodiment, the row array direction is also called the horizontal array direction, and the column array direction is also called the vertical array direction.

[0100] refer to Figure 4 Along the horizontal array direction, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements 11 ranges from 0.25λ to 1λ (0.5λ in the figure); along the vertical array direction, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements 11 ranges from 0.9λ to 3λ (2λ in the figure). That is, in the horizontal array direction, the spacing between radiator elements 11 (referred to as "spacing x" in this paper) is basically consistent with the prior art; in the vertical array direction, the spacing between radiator elements 11 (referred to as "spacing y" in this paper) is larger than that of the prior art (from...). Figure 2 The 0.67λ shown is expanded to 2λ). Thus, in Figure 4 On the BB cross section, the phase difference of electromagnetic waves is significantly increased compared to existing technologies.

[0101] Figure 5 for Figure 4 BB cross-sectional view. Figure 5The diagram shows the phase difference of the electromagnetic wave emitted by radiator element 11 on plane Pr after the spacing y is increased to 2λ. The spacing between plane Pr and the plane containing radiator array 10 is 0.5λ (this distance is also the spacing between the incident surface of the lens element and radiator array 10). Point O is the center of the spherical wave emitted by radiator element 11, and point c is a point on plane Pr aligned with point O along the height direction of array antenna 1 (Z direction in the diagram, perpendicular to the X and Y directions). Point a is located to the left of point c, and point b is located to the right of point c. The spacing between points a, b, and c is 1λ; therefore, the spacing between points a and b is exactly the spacing y = 2λ.

[0102] Assuming the phase of point O is 0, and the distance between point c and point O is 0.5λ, then the phase of point c is 180°; while the distance between point a and point c is... Therefore, the phase of point a is 1.12 × 360° = 402°. Thus, the phase difference between point a and point c is 222° (point A's phase leads point c's phase by 222°). Similarly, the phase difference between point b and point c is also 222°.

[0103] If the spacing y = 0.67λ ( Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, within the same plane Pr, the phase difference between point a (or point b) and point c is 37°. That is, when the spacing y of the radiator array 10 increases from 0.67λ to 2λ, the phase difference of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator array 10 within the plane Pr increases from 37° to 222°. This reduces the gain and directivity of the array antenna 1.

[0104] Figure 6 The diagram shows the change in the directivity of array antenna 1 after the spacing y is increased from 0.67λ to 2λ. The horizontal axis represents the directional angle θ, and the vertical axis represents the directivity gain of array antenna 1 (in dBi). Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) Representing the interval y = 0.67λ respectively (e.g. Figure 2 The directional gain of array antenna 1 is shown when the structure is as shown and the spacing y = 2λ. (Comparison) Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) It can be seen that when the spacing y is increased from 0.67λ to 2λ, the directional gain of array antenna 1 decreases from 25.65dBi to 21.81dBi.

[0105] Figure 6 (c) shows the definition of the direction angle θ. (Reference) Figure 6(c) A rectangular coordinate system Oxyz is established with the plane containing the radiator array 10 as the reference. Point O is a point on the plane containing the radiator array 10, the x-axis is parallel to the horizontal array direction, the y-axis is parallel to the vertical array direction, and the z-axis is perpendicular to the plane containing the radiator array 10. For any point P in space, its projection onto the Oxz plane is point P', and the angle between the line connecting point O and P' and the z-axis is the direction angle θ. Additionally, the projection of point P onto the Oxy plane is P'', and the angle between the line connecting point O and P'' and the x-axis is the direction angle ψ. In this embodiment, when the array antenna 1 is in operation, the Oxz plane is a horizontal plane; therefore, the direction angle θ is also called the horizontal plane direction angle θ. The Oxy plane is a vertical plane; therefore, the direction angle ψ is also called the vertical plane direction angle ψ.

[0106] Therefore, in this embodiment, a lens array 20 is provided above the radiator array 10. The lens array 20 is used to adjust the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator array 10. Specifically, when the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator array 10 pass through the lens array 20, the lens array 20 can adjust the electromagnetic waves into plane waves. By setting the lens array 20, the array antenna 1 can still have good directivity even after the spacing y is increased.

[0107] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram (top view) of the lens array 20 in this embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The lens array 20 includes multiple lens units 21, which are arranged according to the same array rule (i.e., rectangular array rule R) as the radiator array 10. Similar to the radiator array 10, in this embodiment, the lens unit 21 in the i-th row and j-th column of the rectangular array is denoted as 21. ij ,For example, Figure 7 The lens unit 21 in the upper right corner is denoted as 21. 18 .

[0108] In this embodiment, multiple lens units 21 are correspondingly positioned to cover multiple radiator units 11. That is, the lens units 21 ij Covering radiator unit 11 ij Above. That is, along the height direction of array antenna 1, lens element 21 ij With radiator unit 11 ij Align them with each other.

[0109] In this embodiment, the distance between the lens array 20 and the radiator array 10 along the height direction of the array antenna 1 is 0.5λ, but this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the distance between the lens array 20 and the radiator array 10 can be any value. It is understood that the smaller the distance between the lens array 20 and the radiator array 10, the more beneficial it is to the miniaturization of the array antenna 1. Optionally, the lens array 20 is located in the near field range of the radiator array 10, for example, the distance between the lens array 20 and the radiator array 10 is 0.1λ to 3λ (e.g., 0.1λ, 1.2λ, 2λ or 3λ).

[0110] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of how lens unit 21 adjusts the phase of electromagnetic waves. (Reference) Figure 8 When the radiator unit 11 radiates electromagnetic waves W, the electromagnetic waves W pass through the lens unit 21. The lens unit 21 can adjust the phase of the electromagnetic waves W to make them plane waves within plane P1 (as the first plane). Plane P1 is parallel to the plane containing the radiator array 10. It can be understood that plane P1 is parallel to both the horizontal and vertical array directions. Based on this, this embodiment does not limit the specific location of plane P1, as long as it is within the range of the emitted wave from lens 21. For example, plane P1 is located within the near-field range of the array antenna 1; for instance, the distance between plane P1 and the radiator array 10 is less than 5λ.

[0111] refer to Figure 8 For ease of understanding, plane P1 coincides with the exit surface Pe of lens unit 21. To modulate the electromagnetic wave W into a plane wave within plane P1, the electromagnetic wave W should have the same phase at all points on the exit surface Pe of lens unit 21. Since the electromagnetic wave W has different phases at different points on the incident surface Pi of lens unit 21 (see reference...),... Figure 5 (The phase at the two ends of the incident surface Pi is 402°, and the phase at the midpoint of the incident surface Pi is 180°). Therefore, along the vertical array direction (Y direction in the figure), the phase adjustment of each part of the lens unit 21 to the electromagnetic wave W is different.

[0112] In this embodiment, the lens unit 21 is configured with a predetermined structure, such that the phase adjustment amount W of the electromagnetic wave at end A of the lens unit 21 is a first adjustment amount, and the phase adjustment amount W of the electromagnetic wave at end B is a second adjustment amount. The first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount are equal. This embodiment is... The value of is not limited. It can be a positive number, a negative number, or 0.

[0113] The structure of lens unit 21 also makes the phase adjustment amount of the electromagnetic wave at the center C of lens unit 21 a third adjustment amount. Since the phase of the end (end A or end B) relative to the center C is 222° ahead, the value of the third adjustment amount is 222°+. It can be understood that the third adjustment amount is the maximum phase adjustment amount of each part of the lens unit 21 for electromagnetic waves.

[0114] The structure of the lens unit 21 can be configured by setting the dielectric lens to a specific thickness, or by setting the metasurface lens to have a specific metal layer structure, etc. For the sake of narrative coherence, the specific implementation of the lens unit 21 will be described later.

[0115] The methods for determining the first adjustment amount, the second adjustment amount, and the third adjustment amount have been described above. However, it can be understood that the phase adjustment amount of any part of the lens unit 21 can be determined by the above methods. Figure 8 Different gray levels represent the phase adjustment amount of different parts of the lens unit 21, with darker gray levels indicating greater phase adjustment. (Reference) Figure 8 From end A of lens unit 21 to center C of lens unit 21, the phase adjustment amount of lens unit 21 for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from a first adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount; from end B of lens unit 21 to center C of lens unit 21, the phase adjustment amount of lens unit 21 for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from a second adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount. In this embodiment, the phase adjustment amount of lens unit 21 for electromagnetic waves is symmetrically distributed relative to the central axis S of lens unit 21.

[0116] Figure 8 The principle of adjusting the phase of electromagnetic wave W by lens unit 21 in the vertical array direction is introduced. In this embodiment, along the horizontal array direction, since the spacing between adjacent radiator units 11 is small, the phase difference of the electromagnetic wave emitted by lens unit 21 in this direction is small (the maximum phase difference of electromagnetic wave in the Pa plane along the horizontal array direction is 21°), and lens unit 21 does not need to adjust the phase difference in the horizontal array direction.

[0117] In this embodiment, each lens unit 21 has the same structure, that is, each lens unit 21 has the same phase adjustment amount for the radiator unit 11. Thus, when the feed grid applies the same phase excitation to each radiator unit 11, the array antenna 1 as a whole can generate a plane wave on the P1 plane. Therefore, even with a large spacing y, the array antenna 1 can still maintain high gain and good directivity.

[0118] In other embodiments, different lens units 21 may have different structures, for example, for lens unit 21 12 ,That The value is 0; for lens unit 21 22 ,That The value is set to 10°. At this time, the array antenna 1 can generate a plane wave on the P1 plane by applying excitations of different phases to the radiator element 11. For example, excitations applied to the radiator element 11... 12 The phase ratio is applied to radiator unit 11 22 The phase lags by 10°.

[0119] in addition, Figure 8 The lens unit 21 shown is only used to illustrate the principle of phase adjustment by the lens unit 21 and does not limit the actual shape of the lens unit 21. For example, in practical applications, the incident surface and / or exit surface of the lens unit 21 can be set as curved surfaces, as long as the electromagnetic wave can be adjusted into a plane wave in the P1 plane.

[0120] To further improve the directivity of the array antenna 1, the lens array 20 can also adjust the amplitude distribution of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator array 10 to reduce the amplitude difference of the electromagnetic waves in plane P1. Here, amplitude is used to characterize the intensity of the electromagnetic wave. Based on this, amplitude can be the amplitude of the electric field strength, the amplitude of the magnetic field strength, or the power of the electromagnetic wave, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0121] Still referencing Figure 8 Since the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator unit 11 can be considered as spherical waves, the distance in space from the location of the radiator unit 11 (i.e., Figure 8 The closer a point is to point O (as shown), the smaller the radius of the corresponding sphere, and the greater the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave at that point. Figure 9 Different gray levels represent the amplitude distribution of electromagnetic waves in the incident plane Pi. The darker the gray level, the greater the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave. It can be understood that when the spacing y increases from 0.67λ to 2λ, the amplitude difference of the electromagnetic wave within the incident plane Pi will increase accordingly, which is detrimental to the gain and directivity of the array antenna 1.

[0122] Figure 10 This illustrates the principle by which lens unit 21 adjusts the amplitude of electromagnetic waves. (Reference) Figure 10 Along the vertical array direction, each part of the lens unit 21 has a different transmittance. Figure 10 The transmittance of lens unit 21 at different positions is represented by different gray levels. The darker the gray level, the lower the transmittance and the higher the reflectance (the sum of transmittance and reflectance at the same position equals 1). That is, the transmittance at the end of lens unit 21 (end A or end B) is greater than the transmittance at the middle of lens unit 21 (e.g., center C).

[0123] In other words, the transmittance distribution of lens unit 21 is opposite to the amplitude distribution of electromagnetic waves. Where the electromagnetic wave amplitude is large, the transmittance of lens unit 21 is small; conversely, where the electromagnetic wave amplitude is small, the transmittance of lens unit 21 is large. Therefore, lens unit 21 can adjust the amplitude distribution of electromagnetic waves to reduce the amplitude difference between them.

[0124] Further, refer to Figure 10 An electromagnetic wave R0 emitted by radiator unit 11, after striking lens unit 21, has a portion (R1) passing through lens unit 21, while the other portion (R2) is reflected by lens unit 21 (first reflection). A metal ground plane 40 is located below the radiator array 10, and the electromagnetic wave (R2) after the first reflection is reflected again by the metal ground plane 40 (secondary reflection). The electromagnetic wave (R3) after the second reflection strikes lens unit 21 again, with a portion (R4) passing through lens unit 21, and the other portion (R5) being reflected again by lens unit 21 (tertiary reflection). This process repeats, resulting in multiple reflections between lens unit 21 and metal ground plane 40 before exiting from the end of lens unit 21. Through these multiple reflections, the energy of the electromagnetic wave is gradually dispersed from the middle to both ends of lens unit 21, further reducing the amplitude difference of the electromagnetic wave (the emitted wave from lens unit 21).

[0125] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the ground plane 40 of the radiator unit 11 is used as a reflector for electromagnetic waves, but this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, a metal reflector for reflecting electromagnetic waves may also be additionally provided below the radiator unit 11.

[0126] In summary, the array antenna 1 and lens array 20 provided in this embodiment can adjust the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radiator array 10 to reduce the phase difference and amplitude difference of the electromagnetic waves in plane P1. Therefore, the array antenna 1 provided in this embodiment can still maintain high gain and good directivity even when the radiator elements 11 have a large spacing.

[0127] In this embodiment, by increasing the spacing y from 0.67λ to 2λ, the number of radiator elements 11 can be reduced to one-third of the original. In other words, this embodiment can significantly reduce the number of radiator elements while maintaining the original gain, thereby simplifying the structure of the PCB board (e.g., TRX board) where the feed grid is located, which is beneficial for reducing the size and cost of the array antenna.

[0128] It should be noted that this embodiment is merely an illustrative example of the technical solution of this application, and those skilled in the art can make other modifications.

[0129] For example, in this embodiment, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements is 0.1λ to 3λ along the horizontal array direction and 0.9λ to 3λ along the vertical array direction, but this application is not limited to this. For example, in the vertical array direction, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements can be basically consistent with the prior art (e.g., spacing y = 0.7λ). In this way, by adding a lens array, the phase difference and amplitude difference of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the array antenna can be further reduced, thereby further improving the gain and directivity of the array antenna.

[0130] For example, in this embodiment, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements is the same along the same array direction, but this application is not limited to this. For example, in some embodiments, the radiator element 11 12 With radiator unit 11 22 The spacing between them is 2λ, and the radiator element is 11. 22 With radiator unit 11 32 The spacing between them is 2.5λ.

[0131] For example, in this embodiment, the lens unit is configured to adjust the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic wave only along the vertical array direction, but this application is not limited to this. For example, the lens unit can also be configured to adjust the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic wave in both the horizontal and vertical array directions. In this embodiment, the spacing between adjacent radiator units along the horizontal array direction can also be set to a large value, for example, 0.9λ or more.

[0132] For example, in this embodiment, when the array antenna is in operation, the row array direction of the radiator array extends horizontally, and the column array direction of the radiator array extends vertically; however, this application is not limited to this. For instance, in other embodiments, the column array direction may form an angle of 4° to 10° with the vertical direction to achieve the downtilt function of the array antenna.

[0133] For example, in this embodiment, a dual-polarized patch antenna is used as an example of a radiating element, but this application is not limited to this. In other examples, the radiating element can be implemented as other types of antenna elements, for example, Figure 11 The dipole antenna shown is Figure 12 The slot antenna shown, Figure 13 The dielectric resonant antenna shown is an example. Furthermore, various types of antenna elements can be implemented in different forms, for example, Figure 13 Three implementations of a dielectric resonant antenna are shown, namely: Figure 13 (a) The rectangular dielectric resonant antenna shown Figure 13 (b) shows a cylindrical dielectric resonant antenna and 13(c) shows a hemispherical dielectric resonant antenna.

[0134] For example, in this embodiment, the radiator array is a rectangular array, but this application is not limited to this. In other examples, the radiator array can be other one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrays, for example, Figure 14 The linear array shown in (a) Figure 14 (b) shows a circular array. It can be understood that a linear array is a one-dimensional array, having only one array direction, i.e. Figure 14 (a) shows the X1 direction; the circular array is a two-dimensional array with two array directions, namely the circumferential array direction ( Figure 14 (b) X2 direction and radial array direction ( Figure 14 (b) Y2 direction shown).

[0135] For example, in this embodiment, both the radiator array and the lens array are arranged along a plane, but this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the radiator array and / or lens array may be arranged along a curved surface. Figure 15 This is an example of a lens array positioned along a curved surface. It should be noted that... Figure 15 In the process, multiple lens units in the lens array cover multiple radiator units in the radiator array one-to-one. When multiple lens units in the lens array are projected onto the surface of the radiator array along the Z direction, the projections of multiple lens units coincide with the projections of multiple radiator units. Therefore, even if the lens array is set along a curved surface, it still has the same array rule as the radiator array (specifically, a rectangular array rule).

[0136] For example, in this embodiment, the number of lens units in the lens array is the same as the number of radiator units in the radiator array, but this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of lens units can be greater than the number of radiator units. For example, the radiator array is an M×N dimensional rectangular array, while the lens array is a (M+2)×N dimensional rectangular array. In this way, the 2nd to (M+1)th rows of the lens array cover the radiator array, while the 1st row and the (M+2)th row are located on both sides of the radiator array along the vertical array direction, so as to adjust the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves at the edge of the radiator array.

[0137] The principle of adjusting the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves using a lens unit has been explained above. The following section introduces exemplary implementations of lens units. Lens units mainly include two different types of implementations: metasurface lenses and dielectric lenses, which will be described separately below.

[0138] First, let's introduce metasurface lenses. A metasurface lens consists of one or more metal layers with a thickness less than the antenna's operating wavelength, separated by a non-conductive dielectric layer (hereinafter referred to as "dielectric layer" in Examples 1 to 5). Each metal layer includes solid metal portions and gaps between the solid portions. The solid portions can be considered as inductive elements, and the gaps as capacitive elements. By changing the distribution of the solid and gap portions, the amplitude and / or phase of the electromagnetic wave can be flexibly adjusted.

[0139] The metal layer can be made of conductive materials such as silver or copper. The dielectric layer can be made of non-conductive materials such as the substrate material of a printed circuit board (PCB) or resin foam. Metasurface lenses can be fabricated using PCB manufacturing processes (e.g., etching the metal coated on the dielectric layer surface to obtain the desired metal layer shape), which is not only convenient to manufacture but also facilitates the miniaturization of lens arrays.

[0140] The following are several examples of methods for setting up metasurface lenses. The examples provide parameters that affect the phase and amplitude adjustment amounts of the metasurface lens. By adjusting one or more parameters provided in each example, the phase adjustment amount can be gradually increased from the first adjustment amount to the third adjustment amount from end A to center C; the phase adjustment amount can be gradually increased from the second adjustment amount to the third adjustment amount from end B to center C; and the electromagnetic wave transmittance at the end of the metasurface lens can be made greater than that at the center. Methods for adjusting these parameters include, for example, numerical simulation and product testing.

[0141] In Examples 1 to 5 below, the metasurface lens is symmetrically arranged with respect to its central axis S in the vertical array direction. This allows the phase and / or amplitude adjustment of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the metasurface lens to be symmetrically distributed relative to the central axis S. In some examples, only the arrangement of the metasurface lens from end A to center C is described; the arrangement from end B to center C can be referenced to the arrangement from end A to center C.

[0142] Example 1: Figure 16a and Figure 16b This is a schematic structural diagram of the metasurface lens 21a provided in this example. Wherein, Figure 16a This is a three-dimensional view of metasurface lens 21a. Figure 16b This is a cross-sectional view of the metasurface lens 21a. (Reference) Figure 16b The metasurface lens 21a includes three metal layers, namely metal layer a1, metal layer a2 and metal layer a3. Metal layer a1 and metal layer a2 are separated by a dielectric layer a4, and metal layer a2 and metal layer a3 are separated by a dielectric layer a5.

[0143] In this example, the three metal layers are configured in the same way. Figure 16c The arrangement of one of the metal layers (metal layer a1) is shown. (Reference) Figure 16c The metal layer comprises multiple solid metal sheets a11, each of which is square. These metal sheets a11 are arranged in two identical rows along a horizontal array direction (X direction in the diagram). Each row includes seven metal sheets a11 of varying sizes spaced apart along a vertical array direction (Y direction in the diagram). The gaps between the metal sheets a11 can serve as voids in the capacitor elements. The closer to the center C of the metasurface lens 21a, the larger the size (size can be area, side length, etc.) of the metal sheet a11.

[0144] Specifically, from end A of metasurface lens 21a to center C of metasurface lens 21a, the size of the metal sheet (as a first parameter) gradually increases from a first value to a third value; from end B of metasurface lens 21a to center C of metasurface lens 21a, the size of the metal sheet gradually increases from a second value to a third value, wherein the first value is equal to the second value, and the third value is greater than the first value. Furthermore, the specific values ​​of the first, second, and third values ​​can be determined based on the phase adjustment amount of metasurface lens 21a (for example, determined through numerical simulation or product testing).

[0145] Figure 17 The simulated phase distribution curves of electromagnetic waves in plane Pa before and after setting metasurface lens 21a are shown. Figure 17 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the coordinates of the measuring point, and the vertical axis represents the phase of the electromagnetic wave. Figure 17 (a) and Figure 17 (b) The phase distribution curves of the electromagnetic wave in plane Pa are shown before and after the metasurface lens 21a is installed. Figure 17 As shown in (a), before the metasurface lens 21a is installed, the phase difference of the electromagnetic wave in plane P1 is 185°; as Figure 17 As shown in (b), after setting the metasurface lens 21a, the phase difference of the electromagnetic wave in plane P1 is reduced to 9.5°. Therefore, by setting the metasurface lens 21a, the phase difference of the electromagnetic wave in plane P1 can be significantly reduced, and the spherical wave emitted by the radiating element can be adjusted to a plane wave, thereby improving the gain and directivity of the antenna.

[0146] Figure 18 The simulation curves of the amplitude distribution of electromagnetic waves in plane P1 before and after setting metasurface lens 21a are shown. Figure 18 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the coordinates of the measuring point (normalized coordinates), and the vertical axis represents the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave electric field strength. Figure 18 (a) and Figure 18(b) Shows the amplitude distribution curves of the electromagnetic wave in plane P1 before and after the metasurface lens 21a is installed. Figure 18 As shown in (a), before the metasurface lens 21a is installed, the amplitude difference of the electromagnetic wave in plane P1 is 16.89 dB; Figure 18 As shown in (b), after setting the metasurface lens 21a, the amplitude difference of the electromagnetic wave in plane P1 is reduced to 4.2 dB. Therefore, by setting the metasurface lens 21a, the amplitude difference of the electromagnetic wave in plane P1 can be significantly reduced, thereby further improving the gain and directivity of the antenna.

[0147] Table 1 shows the gain of array antenna 1 in each scanning direction. As can be seen from Table 1, the gain in each scanning direction exceeds 20 dBi. Specifically, the gain in the 0-degree direction is 25.24 dBi. Figure 2 The array antenna shown has a gain of 25.65 dBi in the 0-degree direction. Therefore, the array antenna provided in this embodiment, by setting the metasurface lens 21a, can still ensure the gain and directivity of the array antenna 1 even when there is a large spacing between the radiating elements 11.

[0148] Table 1. Gain of the array antenna in each scanning direction (operating frequency: 3.4 GHz, ψ = 135°)

[0149] Horizontal direction angle θ 0° 10° 19° 27° 37° 43° 49° Gain / dBi 25.24 24.97 24.39 23.25 22.68 22.00 20.83

[0150] Example 2: This example is based on Example 1. The specific structure of the metal layer differs from that in Example 1.

[0151] Figure 19 A schematic structural diagram of the metal layer b1 provided for this example. (Reference) Figure 19 The metal layer b1 includes multiple (9 shown in the illustration) metal sheets b11, each of which is rectangular in shape. However, the metal sheets can also be circular, triangular, hexagonal, or other shapes; this example does not limit the shape. The closer to the center C of the metal layer b1, the larger the size (size can be area, length, width, etc.) of the metal sheet b11.

[0152] in addition, Figure 19 In the diagram, nine metal sheets b11 are arranged in a row along the vertical array direction (Y direction). However, the metal sheets b11 can also be arranged in other ways, for example, the metal layer 21 includes 15 metal sheets arranged in 3 rows and 5 columns.

[0153] Example 3: This example is based on Examples 1 and 2. This example modifies the pattern on the metal sheet, building upon the previous examples. The hollowed-out portions of the pattern can also serve as the gaps in the capacitor element.

[0154] Figure 20a A schematic structural diagram of the metal layer c1 provided for this example. (Reference) Figure 20a The metal layer c1 comprises multiple (14) square metal sheets c11. These 14 sheets are arranged in 2 rows and 7 columns. Two sheets in the same column have the same pattern type, while sheets in different columns have different pattern types (as a first parameter). For example, the two sheets in the first column are solid triangles (as a first value), the two sheets in the second column are frame-shaped, the two sheets in the third column are cross-shaped, and the two sheets in the fourth column are Jerusalem-shaped (as a third value). Furthermore, the sheet patterns can be set to any other arbitrary pattern as needed. For example, Figure 20b Any one of the 12 patterns shown.

[0155] Furthermore, each metal sheet c11 can be set to different external dimensions as needed, and the pattern detail dimensions of each metal sheet c11 can also be adjusted as needed. For example, for a cross-shaped pattern, the lengths of the horizontal and vertical axes forming the "+" can be different; and the widths of the horizontal and vertical axes can also be different.

[0156] Example 4: This example is based on Examples 1 through 3. This example modifies the number of metal layers (as the first parameter) based on the above examples.

[0157] Generally speaking, the more metal layers there are, the greater the phase modulation of electromagnetic waves by the metasurface lens. Therefore, in this example, along the vertical array direction, more layers are arranged in the middle of the metasurface lens, while fewer layers are arranged at the ends of the metasurface lens.

[0158] Figure 21 A schematic structural diagram (cross-sectional view) of the metasurface lens 21d provided for this example. Reference Figure 21 From end A of metasurface lens 21d to center C of metasurface lens 21d, metasurface lens 21d is divided into three regions, namely region 1 to region 3. In region 1, the number of metal layers is 1 (as the first value); in region 2, the number of metal layers is 2; and in region 3, the number of metal layers is 3 (as the third value).

[0159] However, this application is not limited to this. For example, from the endpoint A of the metasurface lens to the center C of the metasurface lens, the metasurface lens can be divided into 4 regions, with the number of metal layers in each region being 1, 2, 3, and 4 layers respectively; or, the metasurface lens can be divided into as follows: Figure 21 The three regions shown have four metal layers, but region 3 has four metal layers.

[0160] Furthermore, this example does not limit the arrangement of the metal sheets on each metal layer. Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine the shape, size, pattern, quantity, spacing, and arrangement of the metal sheets as needed.

[0161] Example 5: This example is based on Examples 1 through 4. This example modifies the spacing between the metal layers (as the first parameter) based on the above examples.

[0162] Generally speaking, the larger the spacing between adjacent metal layers, the greater the phase modulation of the electromagnetic wave by the lens. Therefore, in this example, along the vertical array direction, the closer to the center of the metasurface lens, the larger the spacing between adjacent metal layers; the closer to the end of the metasurface lens, the smaller the spacing between adjacent metal layers.

[0163] Figure 22 A schematic structural diagram (cross-sectional view) of the metasurface lens 21e provided for this example. Reference Figure 22 From end A of the metasurface lens 21e to center C of the metasurface lens 21e, the metasurface lens 21e is divided into three regions, region 1 to region 3. Each region has three metal layers, and the spacing between adjacent metal layers is different in different regions. Specifically, in region 1, the spacing between adjacent metal layers is d1 (as the first value); in region 2, the spacing between adjacent metal layers is d2; and in region 3, the spacing between adjacent metal layers is d3 (as the third value), where d3 > d2 > d1.

[0164] However, this application is not limited to this. For example, from the end A of the metasurface lens to the center C of the metasurface lens, the metasurface lens is divided into two regions, with metal layer spacings of d1 and d2 in each region, where d2 > d1. In addition, the number of metal layers in each region can be set to different numbers; for example, in region 1, the number of metal layers is 2; and in regions 2 and 3, the number of metal layers is 3.

[0165] Furthermore, this example does not limit the arrangement of metal sheets on each metal layer. Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine various design parameters (e.g., the size, spacing, pattern, and arrangement of the metal sheets).

[0166] In some examples, the metasurface lens also integrates electromagnetic wave phase shifting and / or electromagnetic wave filtering functions. For instance, by placing switching circuits (e.g., PIN diodes) between different metal sheets and / or between different parts of the same metal sheet, electromagnetic wave phase shifting and / or electromagnetic wave filtering functions can be achieved by controlling different on / off states of the switching circuits. In this example, the phase shifter or filter in the TRX board can be moved to the metasurface lens, thereby further simplifying the layout of the TRX board.

[0167] The following describes dielectric lenses. The principle by which dielectric lenses modulate electromagnetic waves is similar to that of optical lenses. Dielectric lenses are made of materials with a refractive index (or dielectric constant) greater than 1 (e.g., polyethylene, resin, glass, etc.). When electromagnetic waves pass through a dielectric lens, the lens slows them down. The greater the slowing effect (e.g., the greater the refractive index and / or lens thickness), the greater the phase adjustment of the electromagnetic wave.

[0168] The following examples provide parameters that affect the phase and amplitude adjustment amounts of a dielectric lens. By adjusting one or more parameters provided in each example, the phase adjustment amount can be gradually increased from a first adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount from end A to center C; the phase adjustment amount can be gradually increased from a second adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount from end B to center C; and the electromagnetic wave transmittance at the end of the dielectric lens can be made greater than that at the center. Methods for adjusting these parameters include, for example, mathematical calculations, numerical simulations, and product testing.

[0169] In Examples 6 to 9 below, the dielectric lens is symmetrically arranged relative to its central axis S in the vertical array direction, so that the phase adjustment and / or amplitude adjustment of the electromagnetic wave from the metasurface lens can be symmetrically distributed relative to the central axis S. In some examples, only the arrangement of the dielectric lens from end A to center C is described; the arrangement from end B to center C can be referred to the arrangement from end A to center C.

[0170] Example 6: Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the dielectric lens 21f provided in this example. (Reference) Figure 23 The dielectric lens 21f is a uniform dielectric lens 21f, and the refractive index (or dielectric constant) is the same at all points on the dielectric lens 21f. However, the dielectric lens 21f has different thicknesses (as a first parameter), and the thickness of the dielectric lens 21f is greater closer to the center of the dielectric lens 21f.

[0171] Specifically, from end A of the medium lens 21f to center C, the thickness of the medium lens 21f gradually increases from d1 (e.g., d1 = 0, as a first value) to d3 (as a third value); from end B of the medium lens 21f to center C, the thickness of the medium lens 21f gradually increases from d2 (e.g., d2 = 0, as a second value) to d3, where d1 = d2 and d3 > d1.

[0172] Figure 23In this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave incident surface of the dielectric lens 21f is a curved surface, and the electromagnetic wave exit surface is a plane, but this application is not limited to this. In other examples, the incident surface of the dielectric lens can be set to a plane, and the exit surface can be set to a curved surface; or, both the incident surface and the exit surface of the dielectric lens can be set to curved surfaces.

[0173] Example 7: This example is based on Example 6. This example adds a through-hole to the dielectric lens, building upon Example 6.

[0174] Figure 24 A schematic structural diagram of the dielectric lens 21g provided for this example. (Reference) Figure 24 The dielectric lens 21g has a regular shape (cubic parallelepiped). Cylindrical through-holes of different diameters are provided at different locations on the dielectric lens 21g. By setting different diameters for the cylindrical holes (as a first parameter), the dielectric lens 21g can be equivalent to different thicknesses. It can be understood that the smaller the diameter of the cylindrical hole, the greater the equivalent thickness of the dielectric lens 21g, and the greater the phase adjustment. Therefore, in this example, the diameter of the cylindrical hole is smaller closer to the center of the dielectric lens 21g.

[0175] Specifically, from end A to center C of the dielectric lens 21g, the diameter of the cylindrical hole gradually decreases from D1 (for example, as a first value) to D3 (as a third value); from end B to center C of the dielectric lens 21g, the diameter of the cylindrical hole gradually decreases from D2 (as a second value) to D3 (as a third value), where D1 = D2 and D3 < D1.

[0176] Example 8: This example is based on Example 7. This example modifies the shape of the opening on the dielectric lens, building upon Example 7.

[0177] Figure 25 A schematic structural diagram of the dielectric lens 21h provided for this example. (Reference) Figure 25 The opening on the dielectric lens 21h is a square prism-shaped hole. However, the opening can also be elliptical cylinder, hexagonal prism, etc., and this example does not limit this. Furthermore, the opening can be a through hole or a blind hole.

[0178] Example 9: This example is based on Examples 6 through 8. This example transforms a uniform medium lens into a non-uniform medium lens, building upon the examples above.

[0179] Figure 26 A schematic structural diagram of the dielectric lens 21i provided for this example. (Reference) Figure 26 The dielectric lens 21i has a regular shape (cubic parallelepiped). Along the Y direction, different parts of the dielectric lens 21i have different refractive indices (or dielectric constants, as the first parameter). Figure 26In this model, different shades of gray represent different refractive indices. The closer to the center C, the greater the refractive index of the dielectric lens 21i, and the greater the phase adjustment of the electromagnetic wave.

[0180] Specifically, from end A to center C of medium lens 21i, the refractive index of medium lens 21i gradually increases from F1 (for example, as a first value) to F3 (as a third value); from end B to midpoint C of medium lens 21i, the refractive index of medium lens 21i gradually increases from F2 (for example, as a second value) to F3, where F1 = F2 and F1 < F3.

[0181] The above examples six through nine illustrate the configuration of the dielectric lens. It should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative of dielectric lens configurations, and those skilled in the art can make other modifications. For instance, along the Y-direction, different positions of the dielectric lens can have different thicknesses and / or equivalent thicknesses, as well as different refractive indices. In other words, those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine one or more parameters of the dielectric lens (e.g., thickness, refractive index, area of ​​the aperture), as long as the phase adjustment amount of the lens unit gradually changes from a first adjustment amount to a second adjustment amount.

[0182] Furthermore, by adjusting the aforementioned structural parameters of the dielectric lens, the transmittance of the dielectric lens can be adjusted so that the transmittance at the end of the lens unit is greater than that in the middle of the lens unit, thereby regulating the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave. This application does not limit the method for adjusting the transmittance of the dielectric lens. For example, a larger opening can be provided at the end of the dielectric lens, and a smaller opening can be provided in the middle of the dielectric lens (e.g., ...). Figure 24 As shown), the transmittance at the end of the lens unit can be greater than that in the middle of the lens unit; also, since the transmittance of a lens unit is related to its refractive index, locations with higher refractive indices typically have lower transmittance. Therefore, when the middle of the lens unit has a higher refractive index than the end of the lens unit (e.g.), Figure 26 (As shown in the structure), the transmittance at the end of the lens unit is greater than the transmittance in the middle of the lens unit.

[0183] The specific implementation methods of metasurface lenses and dielectric lenses have been described above. In the examples above (Examples 1 to 9), the various parts of the lens unit are located at substantially the same height, where the height of the lens unit is the distance between the lens unit and the radiator array in the Z direction. In other examples, the various parts of the lens unit may also be located at different heights. Specific examples are given below.

[0184] Example 10: Reference Figure 26 In this example, the lens unit 21j is distributed along the arc surface, and the height of the end of the lens unit 21j is less than the height of the middle part of the lens unit 21j.

[0185] Example 11: Reference Figure 27 In this example, different parts of the lens unit 21k are staggered along the height direction (Z direction in the figure).

[0186] For the lower-height portion of the lens unit, the electromagnetic wave travels a shorter path from the radiator unit to this portion, resulting in less accumulated phase difference. Therefore, for the lower-height portion of the lens unit, the amount of phase adjustment by the lens unit can be reduced accordingly. Thus, by changing the height of each part of the lens unit, the phase difference of the electromagnetic wave can also be adjusted. Furthermore, in Examples 10 and 11 above, the lens unit can be implemented as a metasurface lens or a dielectric lens. Figure 27 and Figure 28 The image shows a metasurface lens.

[0187] In the examples above, the lens unit is implemented as a single lens (either a metasurface lens or a dielectric lens). In other examples, the lens unit can also be implemented as a combination of a metasurface lens and a dielectric lens. Combining the characteristics of both metasurface and dielectric lenses can achieve advantages that a single lens form cannot, such as achieving a smaller size.

[0188] Figure 28 This is an exemplary structural diagram of a combined lens formed from a metasurface lens and a dielectric lens. (Reference) Figure 28 The lens unit 21m includes a uniform dielectric lens m1, which has multiple openings. These openings are distributed in multiple rows (7 rows) along the Y direction. The six openings (3 rows) in the very center of the dielectric lens m1 each contain multiple layers of metal sheets. These multiple metal sheets together constitute a metasurface lens m2. In other words, this example is equivalent to embedding a metasurface lens m2 within the dielectric lens m1, thus forming a combined lens of the dielectric lens m1 and the metasurface lens m2.

[0189] By embedding a metasurface lens m2 in the middle of the dielectric lens m1, the phase adjustment of the electromagnetic wave by the lens unit 21m can achieve a larger gradient increase from end A to center C within the same volume. In other words, when the gradient of the phase adjustment is a set value (e.g., from end A to center C, the phase adjustment increases from a first adjustment amount to a second adjustment amount), using... Figure 28 The combined lens shown allows the lens unit 21m to have a smaller volume.

[0190] Figure 28This is an exemplary illustration of a combined lens configuration; those skilled in the art can make other modifications. For example, in another example, the dielectric lens is a non-uniform dielectric lens, and the metasurface lens is a plurality of metal sheets with different patterns disposed on the surface of the non-uniform dielectric lens. Those skilled in the art can flexibly combine these as needed, and further details are omitted.

[0191]

Example 2

[0192] This embodiment provides an array antenna. This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, the lens unit is an asymmetric lens, used to achieve the downtilt angle of the array antenna.

[0193] First, we will introduce the function of the downtilt angle of an array antenna. Typically, the base station antenna is at a certain height above the ground, while the user equipment is located on the ground. To improve energy efficiency, it is desirable for the antenna's main lobe to point towards the ground. The angle between the antenna's main lobe direction and the horizontal plane is the antenna's downtilt angle α. This embodiment does not limit the specific value of the downtilt angle α; for example, α = 4°, α = 10°, etc. Generally, the downtilt angle α of an array antenna is within 15°. The following explanation uses α = 6° (this angle is frequently used in practical applications) as an example.

[0194] Figure 30 This is a schematic structural diagram of the array antenna 2 provided in this embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 30 The array antenna 2 includes a radiator array 60 and a lens array 70. The radiator array 60 is configured in the same way as the radiator array 10 in Embodiment 1, so the description in Embodiment 1 is used as a reference and will not be repeated. The lens array 70 includes multiple lens elements 71, and the arrangement of the multiple lens elements 71 is also the same as the arrangement of the lens elements in Embodiment 1, so the description in Embodiment 1 is used as a reference and will not be repeated.

[0195] Unlike Embodiment 1, the lens unit 71 in this embodiment has an asymmetrical structure. The lens unit 71 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0196] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of how lens unit 71 adjusts the phase of electromagnetic waves. (Reference) Figure 31 To achieve a downtilt angle of α = 6°, lens unit 71 needs to adjust the electromagnetic wave emitted by the radiator unit into a plane wave within plane P2 (as the first plane). The angle between the normal to plane P2 and the plane containing the radiator array 60 is equal to the downtilt angle α = 6°. This is equivalent to plane P2 being parallel to the horizontal array direction (X direction in the diagram) and making an angle with the vertical array direction (Y direction in the diagram) equal to the downtilt angle α. For ease of understanding, Figure 31 In the middle, plane P2 intersects with end B of lens unit 71.

[0197] According to the description in Embodiment 1, when the phase at the location of the radiator unit (i.e., point O) is 0, the phase at the left or right end point of the incident surface Pi of the lens unit 71 is 402°, and the phase at the midpoint is 180°. Furthermore, according to... Figure 31 Based on the geometric relationships shown, it can be calculated that, in order to modulate the electromagnetic wave into a plane wave within plane P2, the phase of the left end point of the exit surface Pe of lens unit 71 should lead the right end point by 2 × 360° × sinα = 76°. Therefore, along the vertical array direction (Y direction in the diagram), the phase adjustment amount of each part of lens unit 71 for the electromagnetic wave is different.

[0198] The amount of adjustment of the electromagnetic wave by end A is still referred to as the first adjustment amount, and the amount of adjustment of the electromagnetic wave by end B is referred to as the second adjustment amount. Assume that the phase of the left end point of the exit surface Pe of lens unit 71 is... The phase at the right endpoint is Therefore, the phase adjustment amount (i.e., the first adjustment amount) of the electromagnetic wave at end A of lens unit 71 is: The phase adjustment amount (i.e., the second adjustment amount) of end B for the electromagnetic wave is: in, It can be a positive number, a negative number, or 0.

[0199] The maximum phase adjustment amount of the electromagnetic wave at the center C of lens unit 71 is still referred to as the third adjustment amount. Unlike Embodiment 1, the phase adjustment amount of the electromagnetic wave at the center C of lens unit 71 is... according to Figure 31 As shown in the geometric relationship, the position with the largest phase adjustment is still the center C of lens unit 71.

[0200] The methods for determining the first adjustment amount, the second adjustment amount, and the third adjustment amount have been described above. However, it can be understood that the phase adjustment amount of any part of the lens unit 71 can be determined by the above methods. Figure 31 Different gray levels represent the phase adjustment amount of different parts of lens unit 71, with darker gray levels indicating greater phase adjustment. (Reference) Figure 31 From end A of lens unit 71 to center C of lens unit 71, the phase adjustment amount of lens unit 71 for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from a first adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount; from end B of lens unit 71 to center C of lens unit 71, the phase adjustment amount of lens unit 71 for electromagnetic waves gradually increases from a second adjustment amount to a third adjustment amount. The third adjustment amount is greater than the first adjustment amount, and the first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount.

[0201] refer to Figure 31 It can be understood that, to achieve the downward tilt angle α, the phase adjustment of each part of the lens unit 71 relative to its central axis S is asymmetrically distributed. Overall, Figure 31 In the lens unit 71, the phase adjustment amount to the left of the central axis S is greater than the phase adjustment amount to the right of the central axis S.

[0202] In this embodiment, each lens unit 71 in the lens array 70 has the same structure to simplify the fabrication process of the array antenna 1. Thus, referring to... Figure 32 When the feed grid provides the same phase excitation to adjacent radiator units, the outgoing waves of adjacent lens units 71 have a phase difference. At this point, as long as the feed grid provides an excitation with a phase difference of -76° to the adjacent radiator unit, the outgoing wave of the lens array 70 as a whole can be made into a plane wave.

[0203] Other details not described in this embodiment (e.g., the specific implementation of the lens unit 71, the setting of the transmittance of the lens unit 71, etc.) are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the description in Embodiment 1 can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0204] Compared to other methods of improving the directivity of array antennas, the array antenna provided in this application embodiment allows for a larger spacing between radiating elements and is easily miniaturized. A comparison is then made with three other methods for improving the directivity of array antennas.

[0205] Figure 33 The first method is shown. Specifically, Figure 33 A metasurface lens antenna is provided, in which a metasurface array is loaded above a feed. The metasurface array is designed in two dimensions, implementing metasurface structural units with phase gradient variation characteristics and arranging these unit structures according to the parabolic focusing equation. The assembled metasurface transmission array can convert vertically incident quasi-spherical waves into plane waves, thus obtaining a high-gain antenna. However, in this approach, the size of the metasurface array is relatively large compared to the feed, making it only suitable for single-feed scenarios. The array assembly is complex, unsuitable for array antenna scenarios, and the scanning capability of the array antenna cannot be achieved through the feed.

[0206] Compared to this approach, the lens unit provided in this application embodiment can form a lens array, which is convenient for array assembly. Furthermore, the lens array can be applied to array antennas, which is beneficial for realizing the scanning capability of array antennas.

[0207] Figure 34 The second method is shown. Specifically, Figure 34This is an active antenna composed of a phased array antenna array loaded with a dielectric lens. The feed is a microstrip antenna array with 8–64 microstrip elements in the horizontal direction and 1–8 microstrip elements in the vertical direction. The dielectric lens is a multi-layer concentric circle structure. The beam of this design scans horizontally. In this design, the maximum element spacing along the horizontal direction of the feed is 0.6–0.65 wavelengths, and the maximum element spacing along the vertical direction is 0.85–0.9 wavelengths, making it impossible to achieve an element spacing exceeding one wavelength. Furthermore, this design has a very thick profile, making it unsuitable for low-profile scenarios.

[0208] Compared to this approach, the array antenna provided in this application embodiment can have a larger spacing (more than 0.9 wavelengths) between the radiating elements, which helps to simplify the feed grid structure and reduce the antenna volume.

[0209] Figure 35 The third method is shown. Figure 35 A high-gain, wide-angle scanning phased array antenna is provided, with a phased array antenna as the feed source and a two-dimensional metasurface transmission array loaded on top for adjusting the phase distribution. This design can achieve high gain while maintaining a scanning capability of ±60°. However, the aperture size of the lens array in this design is larger than that of the feed array, and the array spacing is only 0.7 wavelengths.

[0210] Compared to this approach, the array antenna provided in this application embodiment can have a larger spacing (more than 0.9 wavelengths) between the radiating elements, which helps to simplify the feed grid structure and reduce the antenna volume.

Claims

1. An array antenna, characterized in that, include: A radiator array comprising a plurality of radiator elements arranged according to a first array rule, wherein the first array rule is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array rule, and the radiator array has at least a first array direction; A lens array comprising a plurality of lens units arranged according to a first array rule, wherein the plurality of lens units cover the plurality of radiating units in a one-to-one correspondence, and each lens unit is used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave emitted by its corresponding radiating unit. The lens unit is configured such that, at least along the first array direction, each part of the lens unit has a different phase adjustment amount for the electromagnetic wave, so that the lens unit can adjust the electromagnetic wave into a plane wave in the first plane. Along the first array direction, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements is greater than 0.9λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the array antenna.

2. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens unit includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in the first array direction. The adjustment amount of the electromagnetic wave by the first end is a first adjustment amount, and the adjustment amount of the electromagnetic wave by the second end is a second adjustment amount. The lens unit is configured such that, along the first array direction, from the first end to the center of the lens unit, the adjustment amount of the lens unit to the electromagnetic wave gradually increases from the first adjustment amount to the third adjustment amount; and from the second end to the center of the lens unit, the adjustment amount of the lens unit to the electromagnetic wave gradually increases from the second adjustment amount to the third adjustment amount.

3. The array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first adjustment amount is equal to the second adjustment amount; or, The first adjustment amount is greater than the second adjustment amount, and the difference between the first adjustment amount and the second adjustment amount is determined based on the downtilt angle of the array antenna.

4. The array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lens unit is a medium lens. From the first end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter of the lens unit gradually changes from a first value to a third value; from the second end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to the third value. The first parameter includes one or more of the following: the thickness of the lens unit; the refractive index of the lens unit; and the size of the opening provided on the lens unit.

5. The array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lens unit is a metasurface lens, which includes one or more metal layers, and each metal layer includes multiple metal sheets arranged along the first array direction. From the first end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter of the lens unit gradually changes from a first value to a third value; from the second end of the lens unit to the center, the first parameter gradually changes from a second value to the third value. The first parameter includes one or more of the following: the number of metal layers; the spacing between the metal layers; the external dimensions of the metal sheet; and the pattern type of the metal sheet.

6. The array antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The metasurface lens integrates electromagnetic wave phase shifting and / or electromagnetic wave filtering functions.

7. The array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lens unit is a combination of a dielectric lens and a metasurface lens.

8. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the first array direction, the electromagnetic wave transmittance at the end of the lens unit is greater than the electromagnetic wave transmittance at the middle of the lens unit.

9. The array antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that, The array antenna also includes a metal reflector capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves, and the metal reflector and the lens array are located on opposite sides of the radiator array.

10. The array antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that, The metal reflector plate serves as the ground plane for the radiator array.

11. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first array pattern is a rectangular array pattern, and the radiator also has a second array direction perpendicular to the first array direction; Wherein, the first plane is parallel to the first array direction and the second array direction; or, the first plane is parallel to the second array direction and forms an angle of 3° to 9° with the first array direction.

12. The array antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the operating state of the array antenna, the first array direction is vertical and the second array direction is horizontal.

13. The array antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that, Along the second array direction, the spacing between adjacent radiator elements is 0.25λ to 1λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the array antenna.

14. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiating element is a dual-polarized antenna; and / or, the radiating element is a slot antenna, dipole antenna, dielectric resonant antenna, or microstrip antenna.

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