Variable gain millimeter wave circularly polarized antenna module

Abstract

The application discloses a variable-gain millimeter wave circularly polarized antenna module, which has four combined modes and comprises a circuit board and four DRA blocks, wherein the circuit board is provided with four rotating shafts; the DRA block is a quarter of a cylinder, the DRA block is rotatably arranged on the circuit board through the rotating shaft, the top surface of the DRA block is provided with a radiation sheet, the DRA block is provided with a feeding column and a plurality of grounding columns, the top end of the grounding column is connected with the radiation sheet, the bottom end of the grounding column is in contact with a ground layer, the circuit board is provided with a through hole for the feeding column to penetrate, the radiation sheet is provided with a first hole for the feeding column to insert, the DRA block is provided with a second hole communicating with the first hole, one end of the feeding column is in contact with a feeding circuit through the first hole, the second hole and the through hole, and the other end of the feeding column is in contact with the radiation sheet; each DRA block corresponds to four through holes, and the four through holes corresponding to the same DRA block are uniformly distributed around the rotating shaft. The millimeter wave circularly polarized antenna module has low development cost and is convenient to use at the user end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module with variable gain. Background Technology

[0002] For 5G millimeter-wave modules, the industry typically chooses to combine the RF chip and the substrate antenna into an AIP (Antenna-in-Package) approach to reduce RF system losses. This approach also offers higher integration and superior performance. 5G millimeter-wave modules use phase shifters integrated into the RF chip to adjust the radiation pattern of the antenna module.

[0003] Circularly polarized antennas have strong anti-interference properties and are widely used in various scenarios such as navigation satellites, radar, and mobile communications.

[0004] Different application scenarios have different requirements for antenna module gain. Generally speaking, the gain of an antenna module cannot be adjusted, and in many cases, an antenna module assembled from a set of components only has a preset gain and radiation pattern. This leads to high development costs for 5G millimeter-wave modules. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module with variable gain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention is to propose a variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module, comprising:

[0007] The circuit board includes a dielectric substrate, a ground layer on the top surface of the dielectric substrate, a feed line and an RF chip on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate, and the RF chip is connected to the feed line; the circuit board has four pivots located at the four apex corners of a virtual rectangle.

[0008] Four DRA blocks, each a quarter-cylinder, are rotatably mounted on the circuit board via a pivot. The DRA blocks are positioned above the ground plane. Each DRA block has a radiating plate on its top surface, which is a right-angled sector shape adapted to the top surface of the DRA block. Each DRA block has a feed post and multiple grounding posts. The top of each grounding post is connected to the radiating plate, and the bottom of each grounding post contacts the ground plane. Multiple grounding posts are arranged along the DRA block. The circuit board has a through hole for the feed post to pass through, the radiating plate has a first hole for the feed post to be inserted, and the DRA block has a second hole connecting the first hole. One end of the feed post passes through the first hole, the second hole, and the through hole to contact and conduct with the feed line, and the other end of the feed post contacts and conducts with the radiating plate. Each DRA block corresponds to four through holes, and the four through holes corresponding to the same DRA block are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft.

[0009] The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module has four combination modes.

[0010] In combination mode one, among the four DRA blocks, the two DRA blocks located on the diagonal of the virtual rectangle are rotated 180° symmetrically; one right-angled side of the DRA block located in the upper left corner is set along the negative X-axis, and the other right-angled side is set along the positive Y-axis, with multiple grounding posts on it arranged along the X-axis; one right-angled side of the DRA block located in the upper right corner is set along the positive X-axis, and the other right-angled side is set along the positive Y-axis, with multiple grounding posts on it arranged along the Y-axis.

[0011] Combination Mode 2: Based on Combination Mode 1, each of the DRA blocks rotates 90° counterclockwise around its own axis of rotation.

[0012] Combination Mode 3: Based on Combination Mode 1, each of the DRA blocks rotates 90° clockwise around its own axis of rotation.

[0013] Combination Mode 4: Based on Combination Mode 1, each of the DRA blocks rotates 180° around its own axis of rotation.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: For manufacturers, the same set of components allows them to assemble four millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna modules with different gains and radiation patterns, thus reducing development costs. For users, by rotating the DRA block and re-inserting the feed post, the arrangement of the four adjustable elements (a combination of the DRA block and the radiating plate) can be controlled, enabling gain adjustment and beam size control of the millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module to meet different user needs and simplify its use. Furthermore, the RF chip in this millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module does not require integrated phase shifters, further reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to another perspective of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (in combination mode 1).

[0019] Figure 4 This is a top view of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (in combination mode 2).

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (in combination mode 3).

[0021] Figure 6 This is a top view of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (in combination mode four).

[0022] Figure 7 The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of Embodiment 1 of the present invention in combination mode 1;

[0023] Figure 8The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of Embodiment 1 of the present invention in combination mode 2;

[0024] Figure 9 The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of Embodiment 1 of the present invention in combination mode three;

[0025] Figure 10 The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of Embodiment 1 of the present invention in combination mode four.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0027] 1. Circuit board; 11. Dielectric substrate; 12. Ground layer; 13. Feeder line;

[0028] 2. DRA block;

[0029] 3. Radio frequency chip;

[0030] 4. Shaft;

[0031] 5. Radiation film;

[0032] 6. Power supply column;

[0033] 7. Grounding post. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture as shown in the attached figure. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0037] Furthermore, if the embodiments of the present invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," such descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0038] Furthermore, if the meaning of "and / or" appears throughout the text, it refers to three parallel solutions. For example, "and / or" includes solution 1, solution 2, and solution 3, which simultaneously satisfy the above conditions. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0039] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 The first embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 A variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module includes a circuit board 1 and four DRA blocks 2. The circuit board 1 includes a dielectric substrate 11, with a ground layer 12 on the top surface and a feed line 13 and an RF chip 3 on the bottom surface. The RF chip 3 is connected to the feed line 13. The circuit board 1 has four pivots 4 located at the four corners of a virtual rectangle. It should be noted that the virtual rectangle does not exist as a physical entity; this concept is introduced only to better illustrate the relative positional relationship of the four pivots 4. In this embodiment, the dielectric constant of the DRA block 2 is 10, and the material of the DRA block 2 is ceramic.

[0042] The DRA block 2 is a quarter-cylinder. The DRA block 2 is rotatably mounted on the circuit board 1 via the rotating shaft 4. The four DRA blocks 2 correspond one-to-one with the four rotating shafts 4. It is easy to understand that the rotating shaft 4 can be either fixed to the DRA block 2 and rotatable relative to the circuit board 1, or it can be fixed to the circuit board 1 and rotatable relative to the DRA block 2. The specific choice can be made according to the processing conditions.

[0043] The DRA block 2 is located above the stratum 12. The top surface of the DRA block 2 is provided with a radiating plate 5. The radiating plate 5 is a right-angled sector that is adapted to the top surface of the DRA block 2, that is, the radius of the radiating plate 5 is equal to the radius of the top surface of the DRA block 2.

[0044] The DRA block 2 is equipped with a feed post 6 and multiple grounding posts 7. The top end of the grounding post 7 is connected to the radiating plate 5, and the bottom end of the grounding post 7 is in contact with the ground layer 12. In actual products, the grounding post 7 and the DRA block 2 can be detachably connected, in which case the DRA block 2 is provided with a socket. Of course, for ease of use, it is also possible for the grounding post 7 to be embedded in the DRA block 2 and not easily detached from the DRA block 2. It should be noted that during the rotation of the DRA block 2, the grounding post 7 slides in contact with the ground layer 12.

[0045] Multiple grounding posts 7 are arranged in a row along a right-angle side of the DRA block 2. The circuit board 1 has a through hole for the feed post 6 to pass through. The radiating plate 5 has a first hole for the feed post 6 to be inserted. The DRA block 2 has a second hole that connects to the first hole. One end of the feed post 6 passes through the first hole, the second hole, and the through hole and contacts the feed line 13 for conduction. The other end of the feed post 6 contacts the radiating plate 5 for conduction. Each DRA block 2 corresponds to four through holes. The four through holes corresponding to the same DRA block 2 are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft 4. That is, among the four through holes corresponding to the same DRA block 2, two adjacent through holes are arranged at a 90° interval.

[0046] The second hole is located away from the rotating shaft 4 and close to the grounding post 7.

[0047] The rotating shaft 4 is located close to the center of the DRA block 2. In this embodiment, the distance from the center line of the rotating shaft 4 to the two right-angled sides of the DRA block 2 is equal.

[0048] The number of grounding posts 7 on each DRA block 2 is greater than or equal to 4. In this embodiment, the number of grounding posts 7 on each DRA block 2 is 6.

[0049] The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module has four combination modes, which are provided for the reader's convenience. Figure 2 The diagram only shows a portion of the feeder line 13. Since the feeder post 6 needs to be in contact with the feeder line 13 for conduction in all four combination modes, the actual product has a greater number of conducting branches in the feeder line 13.

[0050] The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module has four combination modes, as follows:

[0051] Combination Pattern 1 (e.g.) Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown), among the four DRA blocks 2, the two DRA blocks 2 located on the diagonal of the virtual rectangular frame are rotated 180° symmetrically; the right-angled side of the DRA block 2 located in the upper left corner is set along the negative X-axis, and the other right-angled side is set along the positive Y-axis. Its arc surface is located in the second quadrant of the rectangular coordinate system with the center as the origin, and the multiple grounding posts 7 on it are arranged along the X-axis; the right-angled side of the DRA block 2 located in the upper right corner is set along the positive X-axis, and the other right-angled side is set along the positive Y-axis. Its arc surface is located in the first quadrant of the rectangular coordinate system with the center as the origin, and the multiple grounding posts 7 on it are arranged along the Y-axis.

[0052] Combination Pattern Two (e.g.) Figure 4 As shown), based on the first combination mode, each of the DRA blocks 2 rotates 90° counterclockwise around its own pivot 4.

[0053] Combination Mode 3 (such as) Figure 5 As shown), based on the first combination mode, each of the DRA blocks 2 rotates 90° clockwise around its respective pivot 4.

[0054] Combination Pattern Four (such as) Figure 6 As shown), based on the first combination mode, each of the DRA blocks 2 rotates 180° around its respective pivot 4.

[0055] Figure 7 The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module in this embodiment is shown in combination mode one.

[0056] Figure 8 The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module in this embodiment is shown in combination mode two.

[0057] Figure 9 The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module in this embodiment is shown in combination mode three.

[0058] Figure 10 The radiation pattern of the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module in this embodiment is shown in combination mode four.

[0059] When the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of this embodiment is in combination mode one, its gain is 3.6 dB and its beamwidth is 86°.

[0060] When the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of this embodiment is in combination mode two, its gain is 4.8 dB and its beamwidth is 68°.

[0061] When the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of this embodiment is in combination mode three, its gain is 5.3 dB and its beamwidth is 56°.

[0062] When the variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module of this embodiment is in combination mode four, its gain is 7.3 dB and its beamwidth is 40°.

[0063] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module with variable gain, characterized in that: include The circuit board includes a dielectric substrate, a ground layer on the top surface of the dielectric substrate, a feed line and an RF chip on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate, and the RF chip is connected to the feed line; the circuit board has four pivots located at the four apex corners of a virtual rectangle. Four DRA blocks, each a quarter-cylinder, are rotatably mounted on the circuit board via a pivot. The DRA blocks are positioned above the ground plane. Each DRA block has a radiating plate on its top surface, which is a right-angled sector shape adapted to the top surface of the DRA block. Each DRA block has a feed post and multiple grounding posts. The top of each grounding post is connected to the radiating plate, and the bottom of each grounding post contacts the ground plane. Multiple grounding posts are arranged along the DRA block. The circuit board has a through hole for the feed post to pass through, the radiating plate has a first hole for the feed post to be inserted, and the DRA block has a second hole connecting the first hole. One end of the feed post passes through the first hole, the second hole, and the through hole to contact and conduct with the feed line, and the other end of the feed post contacts and conducts with the radiating plate. Each DRA block corresponds to four through holes, and the four through holes corresponding to the same DRA block are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft. The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module has four combination modes. In combination mode one, among the four DRA blocks, the two DRA blocks located on the diagonal of the virtual rectangle are rotated 180° symmetrically; one right-angled side of the DRA block located in the upper left corner is set along the negative X-axis, and the other right-angled side is set along the positive Y-axis, with multiple grounding posts on it arranged along the X-axis; one right-angled side of the DRA block located in the upper right corner is set along the positive X-axis, and the other right-angled side is set along the positive Y-axis, with multiple grounding posts on it arranged along the Y-axis. Combination Mode 2: Based on Combination Mode 1, each of the DRA blocks rotates 90° counterclockwise around its own axis of rotation. Combination Mode 3: Based on Combination Mode 1, each of the DRA blocks rotates 90° clockwise around its own axis of rotation. Combination Mode 4: Based on Combination Mode 1, each of the DRA blocks rotates 180° around its own axis of rotation.

2. The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second hole is located away from the rotating shaft and close to the grounding post.

3. The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shaft is positioned close to the center of the DRA block.

4. The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The center line of the rotating shaft is equidistant from the two right-angled sides of the DRA block.

5. The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of grounding posts on each DRA block is greater than or equal to 4.

6. The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The number of grounding posts on each DRA block is 6.

7. The variable gain millimeter-wave circularly polarized antenna module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dielectric constant of the DRA block is 10.

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