Circularly polarized antenna element and array thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, providing a circularly polarized antenna element and its array. The circularly polarized antenna element includes a support structure, a radiating module, a feeding module, and a current perturbation structure. The radiating module is mounted on the support structure and has two feed points. The feeding module is also mounted on the support structure and is coupled and / or electrically connected to the radiating module through the two feed points, enabling the radiating module to emit circularly polarized waves. One end of the current perturbation structure is grounded, and the other end is coupled to the radiating module, grounding at least a portion of the unbalanced current in the radiating module. The two orthogonal signals generated by the feeding module are transmitted to the radiating module through the two feed points, enabling the radiating module to emit circularly polarized waves and achieve communication functionality. Simultaneously, the grounded current perturbation structure adjusts the magnitude and direction of the unbalanced ground current in the radiating module, balancing the current magnitude in various directions and positions of the radiating module, thus improving its wide beam angular-to-axial ratio performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a circularly polarized antenna element and its array. Background Technology

[0002] Circular polarization refers to the phenomenon where the electric and magnetic fields of an electromagnetic wave generated by an antenna rotate continuously while maintaining their orthogonality as the wave propagates through space. When using a circularly polarized antenna for transmission, if a linearly polarized antenna is used as the receiving antenna, a signal level can be received regardless of the direction of linear polarization. This avoids the situation where a signal level cannot be received when linear polarizations are orthogonal. Circularly polarized antennas also offer a wide beam-to-axis ratio and low feed loss. These characteristics make them widely used in wireless communication, radar monitoring, and satellite communication.

[0003] The performance requirements for large-scan-angle circularly polarized antennas are becoming increasingly stringent. Within the same physical dimensions, antenna performance is limited by the theoretical limits of the electromagnetic field. Circularly polarized antenna elements with low feed loss and high pattern performance have become a way to improve the performance of large-scan-angle antenna arrays. However, existing two-feed circularly polarized antenna schemes suffer from wide beam-to-axis ratio degradation, failing to meet the axial ratio requirements for large-scan-angle circularly polarized antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circularly polarized antenna element and its array, aiming to solve the technical problem that the wide beam angular-axis ratio performance of existing two-feed circularly polarized antenna elements needs to be improved.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a circularly polarized antenna element, the circularly polarized antenna element comprising:

[0006] Support structure;

[0007] A radiation module, which is mounted on the support structure, has two feed points;

[0008] A power supply module is installed on the support structure, and the power supply module is coupled and / or electrically connected to the radiation module through two feed points, so that the radiation module emits circularly polarized waves;

[0009] A current perturbation structure is provided, with one end grounded and the other end coupled to the radiation module to adjust the unbalanced ground current of the radiation module.

[0010] In one embodiment, the radiation module includes a first substrate and a radiator. The first substrate is mounted on the support structure. The first substrate has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the first substrate. The radiator is disposed on the first surface and has two feed points. The power supply module is coupled or electrically connected to the two feed points respectively.

[0011] In one embodiment, the power supply module is located on the side of the second surface away from the first surface, and the first substrate has two first openings corresponding to the two feed points, the first openings penetrating the first substrate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second surface is provided with coupling plates corresponding to the two first openings, and the coupling plates are electrically connected to the power supply module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first opening in the thickness direction of the first substrate falls within the orthographic projection of the coupling sheet in the thickness direction of the first substrate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the current perturbation structure includes a grounded conductive element and a first coupling structure. The first coupling structure is disposed on the first surface and coupled to the radiator. One end of the grounded conductive element is electrically connected to the first coupling structure, and the other end of the grounded conductive element is grounded.

[0015] In one embodiment, the current perturbation structure further includes a second coupling structure disposed on the second surface. The first substrate has a second opening corresponding to the position of the second coupling structure, so that the grounding conductive element passes through the second opening and is electrically connected to the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first coupling structure is located at the geometric center of the radiator in the orthographic projection of the thickness direction of the first substrate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the power supply module includes a second substrate and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is disposed on the second substrate and includes a microstrip bridge. The microstrip bridge is used to generate two orthogonal signals with equal amplitude and a 90° phase difference, and sends them to the two feed points respectively.

[0018] In one embodiment, the support structure is a reflective cavity with an opening at the top, the radiation module is installed at the opening, and the power supply module is installed inside the reflective cavity.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a circularly polarized antenna array, which includes a plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements as described in any of the above claims. The plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements are divided into N groups, and the N groups of circularly polarized antenna elements are spaced apart along a first direction. Each group of circularly polarized antenna elements is spaced apart around the first direction.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a circularly polarized antenna element and its array. The feeding module generates two orthogonal signals, which are transmitted to the radiating module through two feed points, respectively, so that the radiating module emits circularly polarized waves to achieve communication function. At the same time, the grounded current perturbation structure is coupled with the radiating module, which can adjust the magnitude and direction of the unbalanced ground current of the radiating module, thereby balancing the current magnitude in various directions and positions of the radiating module, improving the wide beam angle-to-axis ratio performance, solving the technical problem that the wide beam angle-to-axis ratio performance of existing two-feed circularly polarized antenna elements needs to be improved, and the structure is simple and highly manufacturable. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circularly polarized antenna unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a circularly polarized antenna element in the image;

[0024] Figure 3 An exploded view of a circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a wide beam angular axial ratio performance diagram of the circularly polarized antenna element in the embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a VSWR bandwidth diagram of the circularly polarized antenna element in the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a frontal projection view of the circularly polarized antenna element in the embodiment along the thickness direction of the first substrate;

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the circularly polarized antenna unit provided in the embodiment, omitting the first substrate and the radiator;

[0029] Figure 8A schematic diagram of the circularly polarized antenna element provided in the embodiment, omitting the supporting structure;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the circularly polarized antenna array in the embodiment.

[0031] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0032] 10. Circularly polarized antenna element; 20. Mounting bracket;

[0033] 100. Supporting structure; 110. Reflecting cavity; 111. Opening; 120. Connecting column;

[0034] 200, Radiation module; 201, Feed point; 210, First substrate; 211, First surface; 212, Second surface; 213, First opening; 214, Second opening; 215, Lug; 220, Radiator; 221, Third opening; 222, Fourth opening; 230, Coupling piece;

[0035] 300, Power supply module; 310, Second substrate; 320, Power supply circuit; 330, Probe; 340, Insulating sleeve;

[0036] 400. Current perturbation structure; 410. Grounding conductive element; 420. First coupling structure; 430. Second coupling structure;

[0037] 500. Fasteners. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly 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 invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] The axial ratio is the ratio of the orthogonal components of the electric field. A circularly polarized field consists of two orthogonal electric field components of equal amplitude. For example, if the amplitudes of the electric field components are unequal or nearly equal, the result is an ellipticly polarized field. The axial ratio is calculated by dividing the first electric field along the first direction by the logarithm of the second electric field orthogonal to the first electric field. The axial ratio is an important performance indicator of a circularly polarized antenna, representing the purity of circular polarization. A bandwidth with an axial ratio not exceeding 3 dB is defined as the circularly polarized bandwidth of the antenna. It is an important indicator for measuring the difference in signal gain of antenna element 10 in different directions.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The present application provides a circularly polarized antenna element 10 (hereinafter referred to as "antenna element 10"), which includes a support structure 100, a radiation module 200, a feed module 300 and a current perturbation structure 400.

[0044] A radiating module 200 is mounted on the support structure 100 and has two feed points 201. A power supply module 300 is mounted on the support structure 100 and is coupled and / or electrically connected to the radiating module 200 through the two feed points 201 to enable the radiating module 200 to emit circularly polarized waves. One end of a current perturbation structure 400 is grounded, and the other end of the current perturbation structure 400 is coupled to the radiating module 200 to adjust the unbalanced ground current of the radiating module 200.

[0045] The feed module 300 generates two orthogonal signals, which are directly electrically connected to or coupled to the radiation module 200 through two feed points 201. The radiation module 200 then emits circularly polarized waves to achieve communication. Simultaneously, the grounded current perturbation structure 400 is coupled to the radiation module 200, adjusting the magnitude and direction of the unbalanced grounding current in the radiation module 200. This balances the current magnitude in various directions and positions of the radiation module 200, improving its wide beam angular-to-axial ratio performance (see [reference]). Figure 4 This invention solves the technical problem that the wide beam angular ratio performance of the existing antenna element 10 with two feed points 201 needs to be improved, and has a simple structure and high manufacturability.

[0046] Traditional two-feed point 201 schemes can only achieve an axial ratio below 3dB within the -40° to +40° range. To improve wide-beam-angle axial ratio performance, a four-feed point 201 scheme is typically used. However, the four-feed point 201 scheme requires two stages of feeding, leading to feeding losses and a more complex structure. Figure 4 The antenna element 10 of the two-feed-point 201 scheme provided in this application has an axial ratio of less than 3dB in the horizontal axis, which is between -60° and +60°. It only requires two feed points 201 and one feeding stage to improve the wide beam axial ratio performance and achieve the same wide beam axial ratio performance as the four-feed-point 201 scheme. Moreover, compared with the four-feed-point 201 scheme, it has a simpler structure, higher productivity, higher stability, lower feeding loss and higher gain.

[0047] In some embodiments, combined with Figures 1 to 3 The support structure 100 is a reflective cavity 110, and the feed module 300 is installed inside the reflective cavity 110. Thus, the support structure 100 is a cavity structure, protecting the feed module 300 located inside the reflective cavity 110. Simultaneously, the feed module 300, being located inside the reflective cavity 110, does not occupy external space. This reduces the amount of external space occupied by the antenna element 10, effectively decreasing its size and facilitating the miniaturization of electronic devices using the antenna element 10. It also facilitates the installation, transportation, and storage of the antenna element 10.

[0048] Optionally, the top of the reflective cavity 110 has an opening 111, and the radiation module 200 is installed at the opening 111. The radiation module 200 is exposed outside the reflective cavity 110, and can emit circularly polarized waves outward without obstruction, which is beneficial to improving the forward radiation performance of the antenna element 10.

[0049] Specifically, one side of the reflective cavity 110 is open to form an opening 111, maximizing the area of ​​the opening 111 and increasing the contact area between the radiation module 200 and the external space. For example, combined with Figure 3The reflective cavity 110 is cylindrical in shape, and the top of the reflective cavity 110 is open to form an opening 111.

[0050] It is understood that in other embodiments, the opening 111 of the reflective cavity 110 may be located partially on one side and not occupy the entire side, or the opening 111 of the reflective cavity 110 may be located on both sides of the reflective cavity 110. The shape of the reflective cavity 110 may be a cuboid, a frustum of a cone, or a truncated pyramid. The shape of the opening 111 may be circular, polygonal, elliptical, or irregular.

[0051] Specifically, the reflector 110 is a metal cavity that can reflect signals that have not been emitted by the radiator 220, thereby further improving its radiation efficiency, effectively reducing the back lobe energy of the antenna, and further enhancing the forward radiation performance of the antenna element 10.

[0052] For example, the reflective cavity 110 can be made of steel, copper, iron, or aluminum.

[0053] It is understood that in other embodiments, the reflective cavity 110 may also be a plastic cavity or a ceramic cavity.

[0054] It is understandable that the support structure 100 can be a cavity structure, a plate structure, or a bracket structure, etc. The support structure 100 is used to provide support for the radiation module 200, the power supply module 300, and the current perturbation structure 400. For example, if the support structure 100 is a plate structure, the radiation module 200 is installed on the top of the plate structure, and the power supply module 300 and the current perturbation structure 400 are installed on opposite sides of the plate structure.

[0055] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the radiation module 200 onto the opening 111 can be greater than, equal to or less than, the area of ​​the opening 111, and can cover the entire opening 111 or a portion of the opening 111.

[0056] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3The radiating module 200 includes a first substrate 210 and a radiator 220. The first substrate 210 is mounted on the support structure 100 and has a first surface 211 and a second surface 212 disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the first substrate 210. The radiator 220 is disposed on the first surface 211 and has two feed points 201. The feeding module 300 is coupled or electrically connected to the two feed points 201 respectively. In other words, the two orthogonal signals generated by the feeding module 300 are directly transmitted or coupled to the two feed points 201. The two feed points 201 can transmit directly or be coupled to the radiator 220, which then radiates the two orthogonal signals outward. The radiator 220 is located on the first surface 211 and has a large area, which can improve the forward radiation performance of the antenna element 10.

[0057] Optionally, the radiator 220 is printed on the first surface 211, which improves manufacturability. That is, the first substrate 210 is a printed circuit board, and the radiator 220 is formed on the first substrate 210 by pattern transfer. It is understood that in other embodiments, the radiator 220 can be fixed to the first surface 211 by means of bonding or welding.

[0058] Optionally, the outer diameter of the radiator 220 is half the wavelength of the medium.

[0059] Optionally, the first substrate 210 is mounted on the reflective cavity 110 and covers the opening 111 of the reflective cavity 110. The first surface 211 faces the outside of the reflective cavity 110, so that the radiator 220 can radiate circularly polarized waves outward without obstruction, and the second surface 212 faces the inside of the reflective cavity 110.

[0060] Specifically, the first substrate 210 is bonded, welded, or mounted to the reflective cavity 110 by fasteners 500.

[0061] In one possible embodiment, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3The dimensions of the first substrate 210 are adapted to the dimensions of the opening 111 of the reflective cavity 110, and the first substrate 210 is fixed to the reflective cavity 110 by fasteners 500. Specifically, the support structure 100 also includes a connecting post 120 disposed on the outer side wall of the reflective cavity 110. The first substrate has a lug 215 corresponding to the connecting post 120, and the fastener 500 passes through the lug 215 and the connecting post 120 to fix the first substrate 210 to the reflective cavity 110. The connecting post 120 is located outside the reflective cavity 110 and does not occupy the internal space of the reflective cavity 110. The fastener 500 will not interfere with the internal signal transmission of the reflective cavity 110. Optionally, the reflective cavity 110 and the connecting post 120 are integrally formed. Optionally, the number of connecting posts 120 can be one or more, and the multiple connecting posts 120 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the reflective cavity 110. For example, in Figure 1 In the specific embodiment shown, a plurality of connecting posts 120 are evenly spaced around the thickness direction of the first substrate 210, and correspondingly, a plurality of lugs 215 are evenly spaced around the thickness direction of the first substrate 210.

[0062] In one embodiment, combined with Figure 3 The feed module 300 is located on the side of the second surface 212 away from the first surface 211. The first substrate 210 has two first openings 213 corresponding to the two feed points 201, and the first openings 213 penetrate the first substrate 210. That is, the feed module 300 and the radiator 220 are located on opposite sides of the first substrate 210. The first substrate 210 is made with openings, so that the feed module 300 is connected to the feed point 201 in a coupling manner through the first openings 213, thereby expanding the VSWR bandwidth of the antenna element 10.

[0063] Specifically, the second surface 212 is provided with coupling plates 230 corresponding to the two first openings 213, and the coupling plates 230 are electrically connected to the feed module 300. Thus, the feed module 300 is electrically connected to the coupling plates 230, and the coupling plates 230 are coupled to the feed point 201, increasing the coupling stage and further expanding the VSWR bandwidth. Combined with... Figure 5 The antenna element 10 provided in this application achieves broadband matching in the frequency range of 2.07GHz to 2.67GHz, with an absolute bandwidth of nearly 600MHz.

[0064] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the feed point 201 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210 covers the orthographic projection of the first opening 213 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210 to improve the coupling strength. Optionally, both the feed point 201 and the first opening 213 are circular, and further, the diameters of the feed point 201 and the first opening 213 are equal.

[0065] It is understood that in other embodiments, the orthographic projection of the feed point 201 may cover the entire orthographic projection of the first opening 213, or it may cover a portion of the orthographic projection of the first opening 213. The outer diameter of the feed point 201 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the diameter of the first opening 213.

[0066] Specifically, the diameter of the feed point 201 is 1.0mm to 1.6mm, and can be selected as 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm or 1.6mm. The diameter of the first opening 213 is 1.0mm to 1.6mm, and can be selected as 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm or 1.6mm.

[0067] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the first opening 213 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210 falls within the orthographic projection of the coupling piece 230 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210, thereby increasing the coupling strength between the coupling piece 230 and the feed point 201. Optionally, the diameter of the coupling piece 230 is 1mm to 4mm larger than the diameter of the first opening 213, specifically 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, or 4mm. Optionally, the diameter of the coupling piece 230 is 2mm to 5mm, specifically 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, or 5mm.

[0068] In one possible example, the feed point 201 is coupled to the radiator 220, increasing the coupling level. The feed can be optionally attached to the first substrate 210 as a patch. The radiator 220 has a third opening 221, and the feed point 201 is located in the third opening 221, with a gap between the feed point 201 and the wall of the third opening 221. The size of the gap can be selected from 0.5 mm to 1 mm, specifically 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1 mm. Optionally, the diameter of the third opening 221 is 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, specifically 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm.

[0069] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the third opening 221 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210 falls within the orthographic projection of the coupling piece 230 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210 to improve the coupling strength. In other words, the diameter of the coupling piece 230 is larger than the aperture of the third opening 221. Optionally, the diameter of the coupling piece 230 is 1 mm to 2 mm larger than the aperture of the third opening 221, specifically 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm, or 2 mm.

[0070] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 6 The radiator 220 is approximately half the wavelength of the medium.

[0071] Optionally, the outer diameter of the radiator 220 is 40mm to 60mm. Specifically, the outer diameter of the radiator 220 is 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm or 60mm.

[0072] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 6 The radiator 220 is circular in shape, and the two feed points 201 are not located at the geometric center of the radiator 220, i.e., not at the center of the circle. Specifically, impedance matching between the power supply module 300 and the radiator 220 can be achieved by adjusting the positions of the two feed points 201. For example, the angle A formed by the lines connecting the centers of the two feed points 201 and the center of the circle of the radiator 220 can be adjusted to 90°.

[0073] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 7 The power supply module 300 includes a second substrate 310 and a power supply circuit 320. The power supply circuit 320 is disposed on the second substrate 310 and includes a microstrip bridge. The microstrip bridge generates two orthogonal signals with equal amplitude and a 90° phase difference, and sends them to two feed points 201 respectively. By using the microstrip bridge in the power supply circuit 320 to generate two orthogonal signals and transmit them to the radiation module 200, circularly polarized waves are emitted outward. Thus, the microstrip bridge can ensure that the phase difference between the signals to be fed to the corresponding two feed points 201 is 90° to support circularly polarized waves and achieve synchronous operation of left and right circular polarization. It is understood that in other embodiments, the power supply circuit 320 may also employ a balun to generate the two orthogonal signals.

[0074] Specifically, the power supply module 300 further includes two probes 330. One end of each probe 330 is electrically connected to or coupled to the corresponding feed point 201, and the other end of the probe 330 is connected to the power supply circuit 320, realizing the transmission of electrical signals between the power supply circuit 320 and the feed point 201. Optionally, the power supply module 300 also includes two insulating sleeves 340, which correspond one-to-one with the two probes 330. The insulating sleeves 340 are sleeved on the corresponding probes 330 and are located between the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 310. The insulating sleeves 340 are used to ensure stable transmission of electrical signals by the probes 330.

[0075] Optionally, the probe 330 is electrically connected to the coupling plate 230, and the coupling plate 230 located on the second surface 212 couples and feeds the electrical signal to the feed point 201 located on the first surface 211, and then emits it through the radiator 220.

[0076] Optionally, the power supply circuit 320 is printed on the second substrate 310. The second substrate 310 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the reflective cavity 110.

[0077] In this application, the current perturbation structure 400 is used to make minor phase adjustments to the two transmitted orthogonal signals in order to obtain better radiation performance.

[0078] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 8 The current perturbation structure 400 includes a grounding conductive element 410 and a first coupling structure 420. The first coupling structure 420 is disposed on the first surface 211 and coupled to the radiator 220. One end of the grounding conductive element 410 is electrically connected to the first coupling structure 420, and the other end of the grounding conductive element 410 is grounded. Thus, the first coupling structure 420, also located on the first surface 211, is coupled to the radiator 220. The grounding of the first coupling structure 420 can adjust the unbalanced grounding current of the radiator 220, making the grounding current at various locations of the radiator 220 nearly balanced.

[0079] Specifically, the current perturbation structure 400 is used to generate a ground current in the opposite direction to the excitation current after being subjected to the excitation current of the radiation module 200, thereby balancing the ground current of the radiation module 200.

[0080] Optionally, the grounding conductive element 410 can be a metal rod, metal wire, or metal sheet. Generally, a metal rod is chosen because it can support the radiating module 200 and has low resistance, allowing the first coupling structure 420 to quickly generate a grounding current.

[0081] Specifically, in the orthographic projection of the first substrate 210 along its thickness direction, the first coupling structure 420 is located at the geometric center of the radiator 220. In other words, the current perturbation structure 400 is located at the center point of the azimuth plane of the entire antenna element 10, increasing the current loop and facilitating rapid adjustment of the coupled ground current at various positions at the center of the radiator 220.

[0082] Specifically, the current perturbation structure 400 also includes a second coupling structure 430, which is disposed on the second surface 212. The first substrate 210 has a second opening 214 corresponding to the position of the second coupling structure 430, so that the grounding conductive element 410 can pass through the second opening 214 and be electrically connected to the first coupling structure 420 and the second coupling structure 430 respectively. The second coupling structure 430 adds a new grounding current coupling path, which facilitates the rapid adjustment of the magnitude of the grounding current coupled at different positions of the center of the radiator 220, so that the grounding current at all points on the entire radiator 220 is in a near-balanced state in real time, and the wide beam angular-to-axial ratio performance is rapidly improved.

[0083] Optionally, the first coupling structure 420 is circular and can be fixed to the first surface 211 in the form of a patch. The first coupling structure 420 covers the orthographic projection of the second opening 214 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210, thereby improving the coupling strength. For example, the diameter of the first coupling structure 420 is equal to the aperture of the second opening 214. Of course, in other embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first coupling structure 420 can cover the entire orthographic projection of the second opening 214, or it can cover only a portion of the orthographic projection of the second opening 214, and the diameter of the first coupling structure 420 can be greater than or equal to the aperture of the second opening 214.

[0084] Specifically, the diameter of the first coupling structure 420 is 2mm to 4mm, and the specific value can be 2mm, 3mm or 4mm. The diameter of the second opening 214 is 2mm to 4mm, and the specific value can be 2mm, 3mm or 4mm.

[0085] In one possible example, the radiator 220 has a fourth opening 222, and a first coupling structure 420 is located in the fourth opening 222, with a gap between the first coupling structure 420 and the wall of the fourth opening 222. The size of the gap can be selected from 1 mm to 1.5 mm, specifically 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, or 1.3 mm. Optionally, the diameter of the fourth opening 222 is 4 mm to 5 mm, specifically 4 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.5 mm, or 4.8 mm.

[0086] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the first coupling structure 420 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210 falls within the orthographic projection of the second coupling structure 430 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210, thereby increasing the coupling strength between the second coupling structure 430 and the first coupling structure 420. Optionally, the diameter of the second coupling structure 430 is 1 mm to 2 mm larger than the diameter of the first coupling structure 420, specifically 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0087] Optionally, the diameter of the second coupling structure 430 is 4mm to 5mm, specifically 4mm, 4.2mm, 4.5mm or 4.8mm.

[0088] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the fourth opening 222 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210 falls within the orthographic projection of the second coupling structure 430 in the thickness direction of the first substrate 210, thereby improving the coupling strength. Optionally, the diameter of the second coupling structure 430 is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm larger than the aperture of the third opening 221, specifically 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm.

[0089] In one possible example, the outer diameters of the first coupling structure 420 and the second coupling structure 430 are matched with the grounding current of the radiator 220 to balance the grounding current at various locations at the center of the radiator 220. For example, by means of simulation, based on the operating frequency and bandwidth requirements, the outer diameters of the first coupling structure 420 and the second coupling structure 430 are optimized until the current at various locations at the center of the radiator 220 is balanced, thereby obtaining the outer diameters of the first coupling structure 420 and the second coupling structure 430.

[0090] Optionally, one end of the grounding conductive element 410 is fixed to the bottom of the reflective cavity 110, and the other end of the grounding conductive element 410 passes through the interior of the reflective cavity 110 into the second opening 214, and is electrically connected to the first coupling structure 420 located on the first surface 211 and the second coupling structure 430 located on the second surface 212, thereby grounding the first coupling structure 420 and the second coupling structure 430.

[0091] Optionally, the outer diameter of the grounding conductive element 410 is 1mm to 2mm, and the specific values ​​can be 1mm, 1.5mm, 1.8mm and 2mm.

[0092] In addition, combined Figure 9 This application provides a circularly polarized antenna array, which includes a plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements 10 as described above. The plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements 10 are divided into N groups, and the N groups of circularly polarized antenna elements 10 are spaced apart along a first direction. Each group of circularly polarized antenna elements 10 is spaced apart around the first direction. In this way, the positions of each circularly polarized antenna element 10 are different and staggered, which can realize a conformal antenna array pattern with omnidirectional and high beam angular-to-axial ratio performance.

[0093] Specifically, N can take the value of 2, 3, 4, or a positive integer greater than 4. Each group of circularly polarized antenna elements 10 can be distributed at 360° intervals around the first direction, or at 90°, 180°, or 270° intervals around the first direction; the specific distribution angle is not limited. Each group of circularly polarized antenna elements 10 can be evenly or non-uniformly distributed around the first direction. The orthographic projections of two adjacent groups of circularly polarized antenna elements 10 in the first direction can be staggered or overlap.

[0094] For example, combining Figure 9The circularly polarized antenna array also includes a mounting base 20, on which multiple circularly polarized antenna elements 10 are mounted. The multiple circularly polarized antenna elements 10 are divided into three groups, which are spaced apart from bottom to top, with each group spaced apart along the vertical direction. Specifically, the bottom group has eight circularly polarized antenna elements 10, evenly spaced along the vertical direction at 360° intervals, with an angle of 45° between adjacent elements. The middle group has six circularly polarized antenna elements 10, evenly spaced along the vertical direction at 360° intervals, with an angle of 60° between adjacent elements. The top group has four circularly polarized antenna elements 10, evenly spaced along the vertical direction at 360° intervals, with an angle of 90° between adjacent elements. Thus, the circularly polarized antenna array can achieve a conformal antenna array pattern with an omnidirectional 90° elevation axis ratio of <3dB.

[0095] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circularly polarized antenna element, characterized in that, The circularly polarized antenna element includes: Support structure; A radiation module, which is mounted on the support structure, has two feed points; A power supply module is installed on the support structure, and the power supply module is coupled and / or electrically connected to the radiation module through two feed points, so that the radiation module emits circularly polarized waves; A current perturbation structure, one end of which is grounded and the other end of which is coupled to the radiation module to adjust the unbalanced grounding current of the radiation module; The radiation module includes a first substrate and a radiator. The first substrate is mounted on the support structure. The first substrate has a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the first substrate. The radiator is disposed on the first surface and has two feed points. The power supply module is coupled or electrically connected to the two feed points respectively. The current perturbation structure includes a grounded conductive element and a first coupling structure. The first coupling structure is disposed on the first surface and coupled to the radiator. One end of the grounded conductive element is electrically connected to the first coupling structure, and the other end of the grounded conductive element is grounded. The current perturbation structure further includes a second coupling structure disposed on the second surface. The first substrate has a second opening corresponding to the position of the second coupling structure, so that the grounding conductive element passes through the second opening and is electrically connected to the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure respectively; the second coupling structure adds a new grounding current coupling path. In the orthographic projection of the first substrate along its thickness direction, the first coupling structure is located at the geometric center of the radiator; The radiator has a fourth opening, the first coupling structure is located in the fourth opening, and there is a gap between the first coupling structure and the wall of the fourth opening.

2. The circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply module is located on the side of the second surface away from the first surface, and the first substrate has two first openings corresponding to the two feed points, with the first openings penetrating the first substrate.

3. The circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second surface is provided with coupling plates corresponding to the two first openings, and the coupling plates are electrically connected to the power supply module.

4. The circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 3, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the first opening in the thickness direction of the first substrate falls within the orthographic projection of the coupling sheet in the thickness direction of the first substrate.

5. The circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply module includes a second substrate and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is disposed on the second substrate and includes a microstrip bridge. The microstrip bridge is used to generate two orthogonal signals with equal amplitude and a 90° phase difference, and sends them to the two feed points respectively.

6. The circularly polarized antenna element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The supporting structure is a reflective cavity with an opening at the top. The radiation module is installed at the opening, and the power supply module is installed inside the reflective cavity.

7. A circularly polarized antenna array, characterized in that: The circularly polarized antenna array includes a plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements are divided into N groups, and the N groups of circularly polarized antenna elements are spaced apart along a first direction. Each group of circularly polarized antenna elements is spaced apart around the first direction.

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