Array antenna and communication device

Abstract

The application relates to an array antenna and a communication device, the array antenna comprising a reflecting plate, a radiation unit and a decoupling unit, the radiation unit being arranged on the reflecting plate, the decoupling unit also being arranged on the reflecting plate and being located at the side of the radiation unit; wherein the decoupling unit comprises a metasurface with a band-pass characteristic and phase discontinuity. The array antenna provided by the application changes the phase of the electromagnetic wave of a target frequency band generated by the radiation unit by using the band-pass characteristic and phase discontinuity of the metasurface in the decoupling unit, and then changes the propagation direction of the electromagnetic wave based on the change of the phase of the electromagnetic wave, so that the electromagnetic wave reflected by the decoupling unit cannot propagate to the radiation unit itself, and the electromagnetic wave refracted by the decoupling unit cannot propagate to the adjacent radiation unit, the decoupling of the antenna array is realized, the interference is reduced, the isolation is improved, the antenna index and the radiation pattern of the array antenna are optimized, and the communication efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, developers are committed to providing high-quality and high-speed communication services and alleviating the shortage of radio frequency spectrum resources. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology has become a key technology for solving this problem.

[0003] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology refers to the use of multiple transmit and receive antennas at both the transmitter and receiver ends, enabling signals to be transmitted and received through multiple antennas at both ends, thereby achieving high-speed data transmission and significantly improving channel capacity.

[0004] However, the rapid increase in the number of antennas exacerbates the mutual coupling problem between antennas, leading to poorer antenna isolation and pattern distortion, which in turn deteriorates antenna performance and affects communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an array antenna and a communication device to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an array antenna, comprising:

[0007] Reflector;

[0008] Radiation element, the radiation element is disposed on the reflector plate;

[0009] A decoupling component is disposed on the reflector and located to the side of the radiating element; wherein the decoupling component includes a metasurface with bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuity.

[0010] In one embodiment, the metasurface includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of metasurface units disposed on the dielectric substrate and arranged periodically.

[0011] In one embodiment, the size of the metasurface unit is related to the target frequency band of the electromagnetic wave affected.

[0012] In one embodiment, the size of the metasurface unit is negatively correlated with the target frequency band.

[0013] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent metasurface units is related to the amount of phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the metasurface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent metasurface units is negatively correlated with the amount of phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the metasurface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the metasurface unit includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer, with the first metal layer surrounding the periphery of the second metal layer.

[0016] In one embodiment, the distance between the first metal layer and the second metal layer is related to the amount of phase change of the affected electromagnetic wave.

[0017] In one embodiment, the distance between the first metal layer and the second metal layer is negatively correlated with the amount of phase change of the affected electromagnetic wave.

[0018] In one embodiment, the array antenna includes multiple radiating elements, each of which is provided with a decoupling component.

[0019] In one embodiment, the decoupling component further includes a metal baffle that is connected to the metasurface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the metal baffle and the metasurface are joined together in the vertical direction, with the metal baffle located below the metasurface.

[0021] In one embodiment, the radiating element is a dual-polarized antenna vibrator, which includes a bent radiating arm and a feeding structure; the bent radiating arm is connected to the feeding structure.

[0022] Secondly, this application also provides a communication device including the array antenna of any of the above.

[0023] In the aforementioned array antenna and communication device, the provided array antenna includes a reflector, a radiating element, and a decoupling element. The radiating element is disposed on the reflector, and the decoupling element is also disposed on the reflector, with the decoupling element located to the side of the radiating element. The decoupling element includes a metasurface with bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuities. The array antenna provided in this application utilizes the bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuities of the metasurface in the decoupling element to change the phase of the electromagnetic waves generated by the radiating element. This change in phase alters the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves, preventing electromagnetic waves reflected by the decoupling element from propagating to the radiating element itself, and preventing electromagnetic waves refracted by the decoupling element from propagating to adjacent radiating elements. This achieves decoupling of the antenna array, reduces interference, improves isolation, optimizes the antenna specifications and radiation pattern of the array antenna, and improves the communication efficiency based on this array antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting this application in any way. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments and corresponding drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the array antenna structure in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the metasurface structure in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a metasurface unit in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a metasurface unit with different structures in one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the metasurface structure in another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the metasurface structure in another embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the array antenna structure in another embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a top view of the array antenna in one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 Here is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of the array antenna in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram comparing the isolation between adjacent units before and after the loading of the metal baffle and the metasurface in the mid-array antenna;

[0035] Figures 11-12 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram comparing the radiation patterns of adjacent elements before and after the loading of a metal baffle and a metasurface in a medium-array antenna.

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram comparing the voltage standing wave ratios of adjacent units before and after the antenna-loaded metal baffle and the metasurface.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 100 - Reflector

[0039] 200 – Radiation element; 210 – Bending radiation arm; 220 – Feeding structure

[0040] 221 - Feeder plate; 222 - Insulating fastener; 223 - Metal casing

[0041] 300 – Decoupling component; 310 – Metasurface; 320 – Metal baffle

[0042] 311—Dielectric substrate; 312—Metasurface unit

[0043] 3121 – First metal layer; 3122 – Second metal layer Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0045] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component. Furthermore, a connection can be used for fixing, coupling, or communication.

[0046] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical or equivalent elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. Additionally, the terms "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom," etc., do not constitute absolute spatial limitations but are relative concepts.

[0047] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, developers are committed to providing high-quality and high-speed communication services and alleviating the shortage of radio frequency spectrum resources. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology has become a key technology for solving this problem.

[0048] Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology refers to the use of multiple transmit and receive antennas at both the transmitter and receiver ends, enabling signals to be transmitted and received through multiple antennas at both ends, thereby achieving high-speed data transmission and significantly improving channel capacity.

[0049] However, the rapid increase in the number of antennas exacerbates the mutual coupling problem between antennas, leading to poorer antenna isolation and pattern distortion, which in turn deteriorates antenna performance and affects communication efficiency.

[0050] Based on this, this application provides an array antenna, such as Figure 1 As shown, the array antenna includes a reflector 100, a radiating element 200, and a decoupling component 300. The radiating element 200 is disposed on the reflector 100, and the decoupling component 300 is also disposed on the reflector 100. The decoupling component 300 is located to the side of the radiating element 200. The decoupling component 300 may be located on at least one side of the radiating element 200.

[0051] The decoupling component 300 includes a metasurface 310 with bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuity. The bandpass characteristic means that electromagnetic waves can pass through it, i.e., it has transmissivity; the phase discontinuity means that the reflected or transmitted electromagnetic waves do not maintain the original phase change pattern during propagation, but instead undergo a phase abrupt change.

[0052] The reflector 100, a metal reflector, is electrically connected to and grounded by the radiating element 200. It reflects inwardly radiated electromagnetic waves outward to improve the directional radiation of the antenna and provides overall support for the antenna. The radiating element 200 radiates electromagnetic waves. The metasurface 310 in the decoupling component 300 has bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuities. These characteristics can be used to change the phase of the electromagnetic waves in the target frequency band, thereby changing the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves in the target frequency band.

[0053] Optionally, to improve the decoupling effect, the metasurface 310 can be vertically arranged between two adjacent radiating units 200 to achieve effective isolation between the radiating units 200. Alternatively, multiple metasurfaces 310 can be arranged side-by-side vertically between two adjacent radiating units 200 to further improve the decoupling effect.

[0054] Optionally, the array antenna includes multiple radiating elements 200. These radiating elements 200 can be base station antennas, co-frequency antennas forming a co-frequency array, or hetero-frequency antennas forming a hetero-frequency array. The radiating elements 200 can be arranged in a parallel uniform array or in an interlaced grid array. The vertical spacing between adjacent radiating elements 200 is set to 0.65 wavelengths of the center frequency, or it can be set to 0.55 wavelengths of the center frequency. The radiating elements 200 can also be antenna elements in various forms such as PCBs, sheet metal, and patch panels. In this embodiment, there are no specific limitations on the setting parameters of the radiating elements; as long as the design requirements are met, it is acceptable.

[0055] It should be noted that the metasurface 310 has a certain influence on the phase of the electromagnetic waves generated by the radiation unit 200, but the influence is greatest on the electromagnetic waves of the target frequency band, which is determined by the specifications of the radiation unit 200 and the metasurface 310.

[0056] The fundamental reason for the decoupling of the antenna array provided in this application is that the decoupling component 300 changes the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves generated by the radiating element 200, so that the reflected electromagnetic waves will not propagate to the radiating element 200 itself, and the refracted electromagnetic waves will not propagate to the adjacent radiating element 200, thereby achieving decoupling of the antenna array, reducing interference, and correspondingly improving isolation.

[0057] The metasurface 310 in the decoupling component 300 is a metasurface structure that can generate a phase gradient. It is an artificial layered material with a thickness much smaller than the wavelength, possessing bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuity. It allows incident electromagnetic waves to pass through and causes a phase abrupt change, which affects the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves reflected or transmitted through the metasurface 310 is changed.

[0058] Metasurface 310 is based on the generalized Snell's Law, where electromagnetic waves undergo anomalous reflection and refraction, significantly altering their propagation direction. Furthermore, the reflection and incident angles of electromagnetic waves incident on metasurface 310 can be arbitrarily controlled based on the phase abrupt changes generated on the surface. In other words, when electromagnetic waves are incident on metasurface 310, they undergo reflection and refraction. Changing the structural parameters of metasurface 310 alters the degree of phase abrupt changes, thereby controlling the reflection and refraction angles to achieve different decoupling effects. This ensures that reflected electromagnetic waves do not propagate to the radiating unit 200 itself, and refracted electromagnetic waves do not propagate to adjacent radiating units 200.

[0059] In this embodiment, the provided array antenna includes a reflector, a radiating element, and a decoupling component. Both the radiating element and the decoupling component are disposed on the reflector, which is located to the side of the radiating element. The decoupling component includes a metasurface with bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuities. The array antenna provided in this application utilizes the bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuities of the metasurface to change the phase of the electromagnetic waves in the target frequency band generated by the radiating element. This change in phase alters the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves, preventing electromagnetic waves reflected by the decoupling component from propagating to the radiating element itself, and preventing electromagnetic waves refracted by the decoupling component from propagating to adjacent radiating elements. This achieves decoupling of the antenna array, reduces interference, improves isolation, optimizes the antenna specifications and radiation pattern of the array antenna, and improves the communication efficiency based on this array antenna.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the metasurface structure shown includes a dielectric substrate 311 and a plurality of metasurface units 312 disposed on the dielectric substrate 311 and arranged periodically.

[0061] Optionally, the metasurface units 312 can be disposed on any side of the dielectric substrate 311, or on both sides of the dielectric substrate 311. Each metasurface unit 312 includes a metal layer, which can be strip-shaped, sheet-shaped, ring-shaped, or have regular shapes such as circles, rectangles, rhombuses, triangles, crosses, etc., or it can be an irregular shape. Multiple metasurface units 312 can be arranged in a multi-row, multi-column array, or in a single-row / single-column array. In this embodiment, the structure and material of the metasurface 310, as well as the shape and array arrangement of a single metasurface unit 312, are not specifically limited, as long as the design requirements are met.

[0062] Optionally, the dielectric substrate 311 is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), and the metal layer in the metasurface unit 312 is copper foil. The specific forming process of the metasurface 310 can be to coat copper on a whole PCB and then etch the copper layer to form a metal layer, thereby obtaining a metasurface 310 including multiple metasurface units 312.

[0063] Optionally, the size of the metasurface element 312 is related to the target frequency band of the electromagnetic wave it affects; that is, the size of the metasurface element 312 is related to the target frequency band of the electromagnetic wave it primarily affects. When designing the array antenna, the size of the metasurface element 312 can be adjusted to change the target frequency band of the electromagnetic wave it affects.

[0064] The size of the metasurface unit 312 is used to characterize the overall size of the metasurface unit 312, and can be the thickness, length, width or volume of the metasurface unit 312.

[0065] Specifically, within a certain range of variation, the size of the metasurface unit 312 is negatively correlated with the target frequency band. That is, within a certain range of variation, the larger the size of the metasurface unit 312, the lower the target frequency band mainly affected by the entire metasurface 310; conversely, the smaller the size of the metasurface unit 312, the higher the target frequency band mainly affected by the entire metasurface 310.

[0066] In this embodiment, the decoupling achieved by the metasurface has little impact on the antenna impedance, avoiding subsequent antenna impedance adjustments and reducing the complexity of use. At the same time, the metasurface structure is simple, the processing technology is mature, the production cost is low, and it is easy to achieve large-scale production.

[0067] In addition to adjusting the target frequency band affected by changes in the size of the metasurface unit 312, it is also possible to adjust the degree of influence of changes in the distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312 on electromagnetic waves in the target frequency band. The distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312 is related to the amount of phase change in the electromagnetic waves affected by the metasurface 310.

[0068] The distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312 is essentially the distance between the metal layers in the two adjacent metasurface units 312.

[0069] Specifically, within a certain range of variation, the distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312 is negatively correlated with the phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the metasurface 310. That is, within a certain range of variation, the greater the distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312, the smaller the phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the entire metasurface 310; conversely, the smaller the distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312, the greater the phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the entire metasurface 310.

[0070] In one embodiment, the metal layer in the metasurface unit 312 can be designed to further improve the decoupling effect of the array antenna. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the metal layer in the metasurface unit 312 includes a first metal layer 3121 and a second metal layer 3122, and the first metal layer 3121 surrounds the periphery of the second metal layer 3122.

[0071] Optionally, the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122 are disposed on the same side of the dielectric substrate 311.

[0072] For example, in such Figure 3 In the metasurface unit shown, the first metal layer 3121 is a rectangular metal frame, and the second metal layer 3122 is a rhomboid metal sheet located inside the rectangular metal frame.

[0073] Optionally, the metasurface unit 312 can be as follows: Figure 4 The metasurface unit a shown has a first metal layer 3121 that is a rectangular metal frame and a second metal layer 3122 that is a circular metal sheet; it can be as follows: Figure 4 The metasurface unit b shown has a first metal layer 3121 that is a rectangular metal frame, and a second metal layer 3122 that is also a rectangular metal frame; it can be as follows: Figure 4 The metasurface unit c shown has a first metal layer 3121 that is a cross-shaped metal frame and a second metal layer 3122 that is a cross-shaped metal sheet; it can also be as follows: Figure 4 The metasurface unit d shown has a first metal layer 3121 that is a rectangular metal frame and a second metal layer 3122 that is a rectangular metal sheet; it can also be as follows: Figure 4 The metasurface unit e shown has a first metal layer 3121 that is a rectangular metal frame and a second metal layer 3122 that is a rhomboid metal frame. In this embodiment, there are no specific restrictions on the shape and form of the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122 in the metasurface unit, as long as the design requirements are met.

[0074] Alternatively, metasurface 310 can be as follows: Figure 5 The metasurface shown is formed by a mixed arrangement of metasurface units 312 with various different structures. It can also be as follows: Figure 6 The metasurface 310 shown is formed by metasurface units 312 of the same structure but different sizes. It can also be as follows: Figure 2 The diagram shows a metasurface 310 formed by metasurface units 312 of the same structure and size. In this embodiment, there are no specific restrictions on the structure and size of the metasurface units 312 forming the metasurface 310, as long as the design requirements are met.

[0075] For the metasurface unit 312 including the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122, the influence of the change in the distance between the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122 on the electromagnetic waves in the target frequency band can be adjusted. The distance between the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122 is related to the amount of phase change of the affected electromagnetic waves.

[0076] Specifically, the distance between the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122 is negatively correlated with the phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by it. That is, within a certain range of variation, the greater the distance between the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122, the smaller the phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the entire metasurface 310; conversely, the smaller the distance between the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122, the greater the phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the entire metasurface 310.

[0077] To achieve multi-directional influence on the electromagnetic waves generated by the radiation unit 200, in one embodiment, such as Figure 7As shown, the array antenna includes multiple radiating elements 200, each of which is equipped with a decoupling component 300. Some radiating elements 200 have decoupling components 300 around their perimeter to surround them in four directions (front, back, left, and right), thus altering the propagation of the electromagnetic waves generated by the radiating element 200 in these four directions. Some radiating elements 200 may have a decoupling component 300 on one side, depending on the specific requirements. This allows for the acquisition of the desired electromagnetic boundary and reduces interference to the radiating element 200 itself and adjacent radiating elements 200.

[0078] To further improve the decoupling effect of the array antenna, in an optional embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the decoupling component 300 also includes a metal baffle 320. The metal baffle 320 is connected to the metasurface 310.

[0079] Optionally, the decoupling component 300 is located at the midline position between two adjacent radiating elements 200.

[0080] The metal baffle 320 can block some of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiating element 200 from coupling to the adjacent radiating element 200, thereby reducing the coupling degree, improving the antenna pattern, and improving the decoupling effect of the entire array antenna.

[0081] Optionally, the metal baffle 320 can be spliced ​​and connected to the metasurface 310, or it can be suspended from the metasurface 310; the metal baffle 320 can be vertically positioned above the metasurface 310, or the metasurface 310 can be positioned above the metal baffle 320. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the metal baffle 320 and the metasurface 310 are vertically joined together, with the metal baffle 320 located below the metasurface 310. In this embodiment, there are no specific restrictions on the combination and placement of the metal baffle 320 and the metasurface 310, and the total height of the metal baffle 320 and the metasurface 310 can also be determined according to design requirements.

[0082] In one embodiment, the radiating element 200 in the array antenna is a dual-polarized antenna vibrator, including interconnected bent radiating arms and a feeding structure.

[0083] Optionally, the aforementioned dual-polarized antenna element can be a balun-fed dual-polarized antenna element, which features wide bandwidth and small aperture, and can operate in the 1.7-2.2 GHz range. Figure 8 As shown, the balun-fed dual-polarized antenna element includes a bent radiating arm 210 and an electrical structure 220. The bent radiating arm 210 is connected to the feeding structure 220.

[0084] Please continue reading. Figure 8The aforementioned power supply structure 220 is a balun power supply structure, including a power supply plate 221, an insulating fixing component 222, and a metal casing 223. Figure 7 (As shown in the diagram). Among them, the feed plate 221 is fixed to the insulating fastener 222 and electrically connected to the power feed line, and the bent radiating arm 210 is electrically connected to the metal shell 223 and grounded.

[0085] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the reflector 100 supports the balun-fed dual-polarized antenna element (i.e., radiating element 200) and decoupling component 300, providing support for the entire array antenna and acting as a common ground. The metal housing 223 of the dual-polarized antenna element is welded to or screwed onto the reflector 100 for feeding and fixing, and the metal baffle 320 is electrically connected to the reflector 100 by welding or screwing.

[0086] The bent radiating arm 210 and the metal shell 223 can be integrally formed. The feed piece 221 and the metal shell 223 form a balun structure to couple and feed the vibrator, thus widening the antenna bandwidth. The bent radiating arm 210 realizes the requirement for lateral miniaturization of the antenna design. The resulting array antenna has broadband decoupling characteristics.

[0087] In summary, this application, based on the generalized Snell's theorem, utilizes the principles of electromagnetic wave refraction and reflection to generate a phase abrupt change by loading a metasurface. This allows for the manipulation of the electromagnetic wave's reflection and refraction angles, thereby altering its propagation direction. Ultimately, this reduces the mutual coupling of the array antenna, improves antenna isolation, optimizes antenna specifications and radiation patterns, and enhances the communication efficiency of communication devices based on this array antenna. It is particularly suitable for MIMO array antennas with high miniaturization requirements.

[0088] Figure 7 An exemplary 4x4 array antenna is provided, comprising multiple Figure 3 The simulation results for the array antenna formed by the metasurface unit shown in the figure are as follows:

[0089] Figure 9 It shows Figure 3 The S-parameter diagram of the metasurface unit shows that S(1,1) < -12dB and S(2,1) > 1dB, thus concluding that the proposed metasurface is a transmissive metasurface.

[0090] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1The comparison chart shows the port polarization isolation of the intermediate array antenna with and without the metal baffle and metasurface. Without the metal baffle and metasurface, i.e., without obstruction between adjacent radiating elements, the isolation between port 3 and port 5 is 14.5dB. After adding the metal baffle, the isolation in the 1.9GHz-2.2GHz range is improved by 3-4dB, but the isolation at 1.7GHz remains unchanged and deteriorates further at 1.6GHz. This is because as the frequency decreases, the electrical length represented by the same array spacing becomes smaller, resulting in degradation. With the metal baffle and metasurface added, the overall isolation within the frequency band decreases by 5-7dB compared to the unobstructed case.

[0091] Figure 11 and Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 The comparison diagrams show the main polarization and cross-polarization at Port 4 of the array antenna with and without a metal baffle and metasurface. Without the metal baffle and metasurface (i.e., no obstruction between adjacent radiating elements), the main polarization beam at Port 4 exhibits distortion due to strong mutual coupling, with the maximum radiation direction deviating from 0° and the beamwidth being relatively narrow; the cross-polarization at Port 4 is also excessive. With the metal baffle, the main polarization beamwidth and gain are improved, but the back lobe becomes somewhat excessive; the cross-polarization at Port 4 is slightly improved, but not significantly. With the metal baffle and metasurface, the main polarization beamwidth at Port 4 is further improved, the back lobe decreases, and the cross-polarization is significantly reduced.

[0092] Figure 13 It shows Figure 1 The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the array antenna changes with or without the addition of a metal baffle and metasurface at Port 4. After adding the metal baffle and metasurface, the VSWR decreases to some extent due to the improvement of the mutual coupling problem. It can be concluded that the addition of the metasurface does not affect the VSWR of the array and may even improve it.

[0093] In one embodiment, this application also provides a communication device including an array antenna.

[0094] Among them, see Figures 1 to 8 The array antenna includes:

[0095] Reflector 100;

[0096] Radiation unit 200, the radiation unit 200 is disposed on the reflector 100;

[0097] A decoupling component 300 is disposed on the reflector 100 and located to the side of the radiating unit 200; wherein, the decoupling component 300 includes a metasurface 310 having bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuity.

[0098] In one embodiment, the metasurface 310 includes a dielectric substrate 311 and a plurality of metasurface units 312 disposed on the dielectric substrate 311 and arranged periodically.

[0099] In one embodiment, the size of the metasurface unit 312 is related to the target frequency band of the electromagnetic wave affected.

[0100] In one embodiment, the size of the metasurface unit 312 is negatively correlated with the target frequency band.

[0101] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312 is related to the amount of phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the metasurface 310.

[0102] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent metasurface units 312 is negatively correlated with the amount of phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the metasurface 310.

[0103] In one embodiment, the metasurface unit 312 includes a first metal layer 3121 and a second metal layer 3122, with the first metal layer 3121 surrounding the periphery of the second metal layer 3122.

[0104] In one embodiment, the distance between the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122 is related to the amount of phase change of the affected electromagnetic wave.

[0105] In one embodiment, the distance between the first metal layer 3121 and the second metal layer 3122 is negatively correlated with the amount of phase change of the affected electromagnetic wave.

[0106] In one embodiment, the array antenna includes a plurality of radiating elements 200, each of which is provided with a decoupling component 300.

[0107] In one embodiment, the decoupling component 300 further includes a metal baffle 320 connected to the metasurface 310.

[0108] In one embodiment, the metal baffle 320 and the metasurface 310 are joined together in the vertical direction, with the metal baffle 320 located below the metasurface 310.

[0109] In one embodiment, the radiating element 200 is a dual-polarized antenna vibrator, which includes a bent radiating arm 210 and a feeding structure 220; the bent radiating arm 210 is connected to the feeding structure 220.

[0110] In one embodiment, the array antenna further includes a reflector 300, which is electrically connected to and grounded by the radiating element 200.

[0111] In this embodiment, the structure of the array antenna, as well as the setting parameters and functions of the corresponding structure, are the same as in the aforementioned embodiment of the array antenna, and will not be repeated here.

[0112] The above description, in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various substitutions or modifications can be made to these described embodiments without departing from the concept of this application, and all such substitutions or modifications should be considered within the scope of protection of this application. In the description of this specification, the reference to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "preferred embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described; however, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification.

[0113] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An array antenna, characterized in that, The array antenna includes: Reflector; A radiation unit, wherein the radiation unit is disposed on the reflector plate; A decoupling component is disposed on the reflector and located to the side of the radiating element; wherein the decoupling component includes a metasurface having bandpass characteristics and phase discontinuity; the decoupling component is used to change the propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves generated by the radiating element so that the reflected electromagnetic waves do not propagate to the radiating element itself, and the refracted electromagnetic waves do not propagate to adjacent radiating elements. The metasurface includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of metasurface units disposed on the dielectric substrate and arranged periodically; each metasurface unit includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first metal layer surrounds the periphery of the second metal layer; The metasurface is formed by a mixed arrangement of metasurface units with multiple different structures; or, the metasurface is formed by metasurface units with the same structure but different sizes; or, the metasurface is formed by metasurface units with the same structure and size.

2. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the metasurface unit is related to the target frequency band of the electromagnetic wave it affects.

3. The array antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The size of the metasurface unit is negatively correlated with the target frequency band.

4. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent metasurface units is related to the amount of phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the metasurface.

5. The array antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent metasurface units is negatively correlated with the phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected by the metasurface.

6. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first metal layer and the second metal layer is related to the amount of phase change of the electromagnetic wave affected.

7. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first metal layer and the second metal layer is negatively correlated with the phase change of the affected electromagnetic wave.

8. The array antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array antenna includes multiple radiating elements, and each radiating element is provided with the decoupling component.

9. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The decoupling component also includes a metal baffle that is connected to the metasurface.

10. The array antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that, The metal baffle and the metasurface are joined together in the vertical direction, with the metal baffle located below the metasurface.

11. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The radiating element is a dual-polarized antenna vibrator, which includes a bent radiating arm and a feeding structure; the bent radiating arm is connected to the feeding structure.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The array antenna includes any one of claims 1 to 11 above.

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