A polarisation reconfigurable antenna and communication device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of antenna technology and discloses a polarization-reconfigurable antenna, including a substrate, a feed module, and an antenna module. The substrate has opposing first and second surfaces. The first surface has a feed slot and defines a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. The feed module is disposed on the second surface and coupled to the feed slot. The antenna module includes a first radiating element and several second radiating elements with metal apertures. The first radiating element and the several second radiating elements are all disposed on the first surface and cover the feed slot. The first radiating element and the several second radiating elements respectively form linearly polarized, right-hand circularly polarized, and left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonators in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction. Through this method, this invention can control the polarization state of the antenna module by housing a metal pillar through a metal aperture, thereby eliminating the need for a complex feed module, simplifying the overall antenna structure, and reducing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a polarization reconfigurable antenna and communication device. Background Technology

[0002] As wireless communication systems evolve towards higher integration and multifunctionality, traditional single-function antennas can no longer meet the demands of antenna usage. The proposal and development of polarization-reconfigurable antennas provide an excellent solution.

[0003] Antennas with different polarizations can be applied to various fields. For example, circularly polarized antennas are used in satellite or radar applications due to their anti-interference characteristics, vertically or horizontally polarized antennas are used in consumer electronics, and 45-degree polarized antennas are used in base stations. Therefore, polarization-reconfigurable antennas can switch between different polarization states, making them suitable for a variety of scenarios. Furthermore, polarization-reconfigurable antennas are particularly important for achieving polarization diversity. By using different polarization methods within the same frequency band (such as left-hand circular polarization, right-hand circular polarization, or linear polarization), multipath fading loss can be effectively mitigated, frequency division multiplexing can be achieved, thereby increasing channel capacity, improving link quality, and reducing system size.

[0004] Currently, the overall structure of polarization reconfigurable antennas is complex. For example, since polarization reconfigurable antennas have multiple polarizations, they usually use reconfigurable feed networks to achieve polarization reconfiguration, which leads to the overall structure of polarization reconfigurable antennas being complex.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a polarization reconfigurable antenna that is simple in structure, requires no complex power supply, and is low in cost. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main technical problem solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a polarization reconfigurable antenna and communication device that can simplify the structure and reduce the cost.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this embodiment of the invention is: a polarization reconfigurable antenna, including a substrate, a feeding module, and an antenna module; the substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface has a feeding slot, and the first surface defines a first direction parallel to the first surface, a second direction offset clockwise by a first angle along the first direction, and a third direction offset counterclockwise by a second angle along the first direction; the feeding module is disposed on the second surface and coupled to the feeding slot, the feeding module includes a microstrip line with T-shaped branches, the projection of the branches of the microstrip line on the first surface intersects the feeding slot perpendicularly; the antenna module includes a first radiating element and a plurality of second radiating elements with metal holes, the first radiating element and the plurality of second radiating elements are all disposed on the first surface and cover the feeding slot; the control module includes a plurality of metal pillars, one metal pillar is inserted into a metal hole, and the metal pillar is used to suppress The radiation of the second radiating element is controlled, thereby controlling the polarization state of the antenna module. Specifically, along the first direction, a second radiating element, a first radiating element, and a second radiating element form a linearly polarized dielectric resonator on the same straight line; along the second direction, a second radiating element, a first radiating element, and a second radiating element form a right-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator on the same straight line; and along the third direction, a second radiating element, a first radiating element, and a second radiating element form a left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator on the same straight line. When the antenna module is in a linearly polarized state, several metal pillars are respectively inserted into several metal holes in the second and third directions; when the antenna module is in a right-hand circularly polarized state, several metal pillars are respectively inserted into several metal holes in the first and third directions; and when the antenna module is in a left-hand circularly polarized state, several metal pillars are respectively inserted into several metal holes in the first and second directions.

[0008] Optionally, the end of the second radiating element closest to the first radiating element is arranged in an arc shape.

[0009] Optionally, the first radiating element has several protrusions, one of which is close to the arcuate surface of a second radiating element.

[0010] Optionally, the protrusion can be set as a triangle.

[0011] Optionally, both the first and second angles are 40 degrees.

[0012] Optionally, the microstrip line can be a coplanar waveguide transmission line.

[0013] Optionally, it may also include a number of isolation pillars, all of which are embedded in the substrate and surround the microstrip line.

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a communication device including the above-mentioned polarization reconfigurable antenna.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Unlike the prior art, this invention forms a linearly polarized dielectric resonator along a first direction by having a second radiating element, a first radiating element, and a second radiating element on the same straight line; a right-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator along a second direction by having a second radiating element, a first radiating element, and a second radiating element on the same straight line; and a left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator along a third direction by having a second radiating element, a first radiating element, and a second radiating element on the same straight line. In other words, by having a first radiating element and several second radiating elements forming linearly polarized, right-hand circularly polarized, and left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonators in the first, second, and third directions respectively, the antenna can achieve dielectric resonators with different polarization states. This allows the polarization state of the antenna module to be controlled by housing a metal pillar through a metal hole, eliminating the need for a complex feeding module, effectively simplifying the overall antenna structure and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in specific embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 ;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the metal pillar mounting in the linear polarization working state of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the metal pillar mounting of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in the right-hand circular polarization working state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the metal pillar mounting of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in the left-hand circular polarization working state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an axial ratio bandwidth diagram of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in the embodiment of the present invention when it is at different first or second angles;

[0025] Figure 9 This is an S-parameter diagram of the three polarization operating states of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is an axial ratio bandwidth diagram of the three polarization operating states of the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this embodiment of the invention.

[0027] In the figure: 1 substrate, 10 first surface, 11 second surface, 12 feed gap, 2 feed module, 20 microstrip line, 3 antenna module, 30 first radiating element, 300 protrusion, 31 second radiating element, 310 metal hole, 4 control module, 40 metal pillar, 5 isolation pillar. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., used in this specification indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 10A polarization reconfigurable antenna includes a substrate 1, a feed module 2, and an antenna module 3. The substrate 1 has a first surface 10 and a second surface 11 facing each other. The first surface 10 has a feed gap 12. The first surface 10 defines a first direction parallel to the first surface 10, a second direction offset clockwise by a first angle along the first direction, and a third direction offset counterclockwise by a second angle along the first direction. The feed module 2 is disposed on the second surface 11 and coupled to the feed gap 12. The antenna module 3 includes a first radiating element 30 and a plurality of second radiating elements 31 with metal holes 310. The first radiating element 30 and the plurality of second radiating elements 31 are all disposed on the first surface 10 and cover the feed gap 12. The metal holes 310 of the second radiating elements 31 are used to accommodate metal pillars 40, thereby controlling the radiation of the second radiating elements 31.

[0032] In one embodiment, the overall structure of the antenna described above is as follows: The substrate 1 is rectangular in shape and has a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and an antenna ground. The first metal layer is coated on a first surface 10, the second metal layer is coated on a second surface 11, the antenna ground is disposed on the first surface 10, and the feed slot 12 is a rectangular feed slot 12 that penetrates the antenna ground through the first surface 10. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The feeding module 2 includes a microstrip line 20 with a T-shaped branch. The microstrip line 20 is a coplanar waveguide transmission line. The microstrip line 20 is disposed on the second surface 11. The projection of the T-shaped branch of the microstrip line 20 on the first surface 10 intersects the feeding slot 12 perpendicularly. That is, the projection of the T-shaped branch of the microstrip line 20 on the antenna ground intersects the feeding slot 12 perpendicularly, thereby realizing feeding. The antenna includes a first radiating element 30 and a plurality of second radiating elements 31. Along a first direction, a second radiating element 31, a first radiating element 30, and a second radiating element 31 are arranged on the same straight line, forming a linearly polarized dielectric resonator, thereby enabling the antenna module 3 to radiate a linearly polarized beam. Along a second direction, a second radiating element 31, a first radiating element 30, and a second radiating element 31 are arranged on the same straight line, forming a right-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator, thereby enabling the antenna module 3 to radiate a right-hand circularly polarized beam. Along a third direction, a second radiating element 31, a first radiating element 30, and a second radiating element 31 are arranged on the same straight line, forming a left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator, thereby enabling the antenna module 3 to radiate a left-hand circularly polarized beam. In summary, the first radiating element 30 and the plurality of second radiating elements 31 respectively form linearly polarized, right-hand circularly polarized, and left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonators in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0033] When working, please refer to Figures 5 to 7The polarization state of the antenna module 3 can be controlled by controlling the metal apertures 310 of the second radiating elements 31 in different directions. For example, by controlling the metal apertures 310 of the second radiating elements 31 in the first direction, the antenna module 3 can radiate a linearly polarized beam; by controlling the metal apertures 310 of the second radiating elements 31 in the second direction, the antenna module 3 can radiate a right-hand circularly polarized beam; and by controlling the metal apertures 310 in the third direction, the antenna module 3 can radiate a left-hand circularly polarized beam. It should be noted that, to avoid mutual interference between the three polarization states during radiation, only one polarization state can exist at any given time during operation; that is, the antenna module 3 can only radiate one of the following: a linearly polarized beam, a right-hand circularly polarized beam, or a left-hand circularly polarized beam.

[0034] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 The figure shows the S-parameter results of antenna module 3 under three polarization states. As can be seen from the figure, the operating frequency band of antenna module 3 under the three polarization states all cover 12-15GHz. Therefore, the polarization reconfigurable antenna in this application can be applied to Ku-band WeChat communication.

[0035] For details on how the polarization state of antenna module 3 can be controlled via metal aperture 310, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 7 It also includes a control module 4, which includes several metal pillars 40; one metal pillar 40 is inserted into a metal hole 310, and the metal pillar 40 is used to suppress the radiation of the second radiating element 31, thereby realizing the control of the polarization state of the antenna module 3.

[0036] In one embodiment, a metal hole 310 is disposed at one end of the second radiating element 31 near the first radiating element 30. The metal hole 310 is a cylindrical through hole, and the metal post 40 is a cylindrical post. By inserting the metal post 40 into the metal hole 310 and having the bottom of the metal post 40 abut against the first metal layer coated on the first surface 10, the radiation of the second radiating element 31 can be suppressed, thereby controlling the polarization state of the antenna module 3. Specifically, when the antenna module 3 is in a linearly polarized state, several metal posts 40 are respectively inserted into several metal holes 310 in the second direction and the third direction. At this time, the several metal posts 40 inserted in the second direction and the third direction suppress the radiation of the second radiating element 31 in the second direction and the third direction, respectively. The first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 in the first direction work together to radiate a linearly polarized beam. When the antenna module 3 is in a right-hand circular polarization state, several metal pillars 40 are respectively inserted into several metal holes 310 in the first and third directions. At this time, the metal pillars 40 inserted in the first and third directions suppress the radiation of the second radiating element 31 in the first and third directions, respectively. The first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 in the second direction work together to radiate a right-hand circular polarization beam. When the antenna module 3 is in a left-hand circular polarization state, several metal pillars 40 are respectively inserted into several metal holes 310 in the first and second directions. At this time, the metal pillars 40 inserted in the first and second directions suppress the radiation of the second radiating element 31 in the first and second directions, respectively. The first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 in the third direction work together to radiate a left-hand circular polarization beam.

[0037] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned second radiating element 31, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The end of the second radiating element 31 closest to the first radiating element 30 is arc-shaped.

[0038] In one embodiment, the second radiating element 31 has a first end and a second end. The first end is semi-circular, i.e., has an arc-shaped surface, and the second end is rectangular. Since several second radiating elements 31 are arranged in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, in order to avoid collisions between the first ends of the second radiating elements 31 in different directions, or to avoid contact between the first ends of the second radiating elements 31 and cause an impact, by setting the first end of the second radiating element 31 to be semi-circular, a gap can be generated between the first ends of the second radiating elements 31 in different directions, thereby effectively avoiding collisions or contact between the first ends of the second radiating elements 31 in different directions and causing an impact.

[0039] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned first radiating element 30, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The first radiating element 30 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 300, one of which is close to the arcuate surface of a second radiating element 31.

[0040] In one embodiment, there is one first radiating element 30 and six second radiating elements 31. Therefore, the first radiating element 30 has six protrusions 300 corresponding to the second radiating elements 31. Furthermore, since the six protrusions 300 are distributed in different directions of the first radiating element 30, in order to avoid collisions and conflicts between different protrusions 300, the protrusions 300 are set as triangles, and one corner of the triangular protrusion 300 is spatially close to the arcuate surface of the second radiating element 31. By having the protrusions 300 spatially close to the second radiating element 31, it is beneficial to the overall radiation of the entire antenna module 3, thereby enhancing the overall radiation intensity of the antenna.

[0041] Furthermore, regarding the offset angles of the second and third directions relative to the first direction, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The first angle and the second angle are defined as follows: , The range is 30 degrees ≤ ≤50 degrees, of which, Specifically, it is 40 degrees, meaning both the first and second angles are 40 degrees.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 can be arranged by rotation or offset angle to achieve a circularly polarized beam. That is, the first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 can be arranged in a second direction or a third direction to achieve a circularly polarized beam. By rotating or offsetting different angles, the dielectric resonator formed by the first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 can have different axial ratio bandwidths, that is, the antenna can have different axial ratio bandwidths.

[0043] Please see Figure 8 The illustration shows different The axial ratio bandwidth of the dielectric resonator formed by the first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 is calculated as follows: The y-axis in the diagram represents the antenna's axial ratio. A straight line parallel to the x-axis is drawn at 3dB on the y-axis. The difference between the two intersection points of this line and the axial ratio curve is the axial ratio bandwidth. Specifically, when the rotation angle is 30 degrees, the axial ratio bandwidth of the dielectric resonator is 12.4-13.2 GHz and 14.1-15.1 GHz, i.e., axial ratio bandwidths of 0.8 GHz and 1 GHz. When the rotation angle is 40 degrees, the axial ratio bandwidth is 12.6-15.3 GHz, i.e., axial ratio bandwidth of 2.7 GHz. When the rotation angle is 50 degrees, the axial ratio bandwidth is 12.9-13.8 GHz and 14.8-15.4 GHz, i.e., axial ratio bandwidths of 0.9 GHz and 0.6 GHz. Therefore, in this application, the rotation angle of the dielectric resonator formed by the first radiating element 30 and the second radiating element 31 is 40 degrees, that is, both the first angle and the second angle are 40 degrees. This is beneficial for the dielectric resonator to have a better axial ratio bandwidth, thereby improving the anti-interference capability of the antenna and thus benefiting the use of the antenna.

[0044] For further details, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 It also includes several isolation pillars 5, which are all embedded in the substrate 1 and surround the microstrip line 20. The isolation pillars 5 are all cylindrical metals, which are arranged in a T-shape and embedded in the dielectric layer of the substrate 1 to form a closed cavity and suppress energy leakage.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, a linearly polarized dielectric resonator is formed along a first direction by a second radiating element 31, a first radiating element 30, and a second radiating element 31 on the same straight line; a right-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator is formed along a second direction by a second radiating element 31, a first radiating element 30, and a second radiating element 31 on the same straight line; and a left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator is formed along a third direction by a second radiating element 31, a first radiating element 30, and a third radiating element 31. That is, by forming linearly polarized, right-hand circularly polarized, and left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonators in the first, second, and third directions respectively by the first radiating element 30 and several second radiating elements 31, the antenna can achieve dielectric resonators with different polarization states. The polarization state of the antenna module 3 can be controlled by housing the metal post 40 through the metal hole 310, eliminating the need for a complex feed module 2, effectively simplifying the overall structure of the antenna and reducing costs.

[0046] The present invention also provides an embodiment of a communication device, which includes the above-described polarization reconfigurable antenna. For the specific structure and function of the polarization reconfigurable antenna, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0047] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A polarization-reconfigurable antenna, characterized in that, include: The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first surface has a power feeding gap. The first surface defines a first direction parallel to the first surface, a second direction offset clockwise by a first angle along the first direction, and a third direction offset counterclockwise by a second angle along the first direction. A power supply module is disposed on the second surface and coupled to the power supply gap. The power supply module includes a microstrip line with T-shaped branches. The projection of the branches of the microstrip line on the first surface intersects the power supply gap perpendicularly. The antenna module includes a first radiating element and a plurality of second radiating elements having metal holes. The first radiating element and the plurality of second radiating elements are all disposed on the first surface and cover the feed gap. A control module, comprising a plurality of metal pillars, one of which is inserted into a metal hole, wherein the metal pillar is used to suppress the radiation of the second radiating element, thereby controlling the polarization state of the antenna module; Wherein, along the first direction, a second radiating element, the first radiating element and a second radiating element form a linearly polarized dielectric resonator on the same straight line; along the second direction, a second radiating element, the first radiating element and a second radiating element form a right-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator on the same straight line; and along the third direction, a second radiating element, the first radiating element and a second radiating element form a left-hand circularly polarized dielectric resonator on the same straight line. When the antenna module is in a linear polarization state, the plurality of metal pillars are respectively inserted into the plurality of metal holes in the second direction and the third direction. When the antenna module is in a right-hand circular polarization state, the plurality of metal pillars are respectively inserted into the plurality of metal holes in the first direction and the third direction. When the antenna module is in a left-hand circular polarization state, the plurality of metal pillars are respectively inserted into the plurality of metal holes in the first direction and the second direction.

2. The polarization reconfigurable antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the second radiating element closest to the first radiating element is arranged in an arc shape.

3. The polarization reconfigurable antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first radiating element has a plurality of protrusions, one of which is close to the arcuate surface of the second radiating element.

4. The polarization reconfigurable antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion is designed as a triangle.

5. The polarization reconfigurable antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first angle and the second angle are 40 degrees.

6. The polarization reconfigurable antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstrip line is a coplanar waveguide transmission line.

7. The polarization reconfigurable antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a plurality of isolation pillars, all of which are embedded in the substrate and surround the microstrip line.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes the polarization reconfigurable antenna as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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