A novel reconfigurable transmissive array antenna with two-dimensional wide-beam scanning capability

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of wireless communication, and discloses a novel reconfigurable transmissive array antenna with two-dimensional wide-beam scanning capability, which comprises two layers of metal radiation units, two layers of F4B dielectric plates, one layer of metal ground, and one layer of bias feed network; the two layers of metal radiation units are respectively arranged on the upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the two layers of F4B dielectric plates, the metal ground is arranged on the lower surface of the first layer of F4B dielectric plate, and the bias feed network is arranged between the metal ground and the second layer of F4B. The reconfigurable transmissive array antenna has the characteristics of reconfiguration, two-dimensional wide-beam scanning, 180 continuous phase, simple design and the like. In addition, the reconfigurable transmissive array antenna has potential application value in radar, microwave imaging and wireless communication systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of wireless communication technology, and particularly relates to a novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of wireless communication systems, in order to meet the stringent requirements of antennas in fields such as long-distance communication, radar detection and imaging, and electronic jamming, it is necessary to develop high-gain antennas with flexible beam scanning capabilities to compensate for propagation losses and simultaneously meet the communication needs of multiple distributed users, thereby improving communication capabilities. There are many methods for implementing beamforming. For example, traditional phased array antennas can achieve beam scanning functionality through a large number of transmit / receive modules, providing excellent radiation performance. However, the large number of phase shifters and RF front-ends leads to high design complexity and high power consumption. In contrast, parabolic antennas do not require a feed network and achieve beam scanning through mechanical rotation, but they suffer from disadvantages such as large size and high profile.

[0003] To overcome the problems caused by the aforementioned antennas, reconfigurable reflective antennas and transmission array antennas have become good candidates for the design of large aperture beam scanning antenna systems in recent years due to their low cost and simple structure.

[0004] By changing the state of active devices integrated in the unit (PIN diodes, MEMS switches, varactor diodes, etc.) through bias circuits, independent control of the electromagnetic wave radiation phase of each unit can be achieved, thereby realizing the effect of dynamic beam scanning.

[0005] Currently, most work focuses on the design of 1-bit reconfigurable transmission arrays. However, due to the limited discrete phase resolution of 1-bit elements, the electromagnetic manipulation freedom of the transmission phase is restricted, reducing the aperture efficiency of the antenna. Therefore, 2-bit reconfigurable transmission array antennas using two PIN diodes and MEMS switches can provide better phase operation capabilities, but the complexity of the corresponding bias circuit and design cost will increase significantly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide-beam scanning capability as follows:

[0008] A novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability includes two layers of metallic radiating elements, two layers of F4B dielectric substrates, a metallic ground layer, and a bias feed network. The two layers of metallic radiating elements are respectively located on the upper and lower surfaces of the two F4B dielectric substrates. The first F4B dielectric substrate is on top of the second F4B dielectric substrate. The metallic ground is located on the lower surface of the first F4B dielectric substrate. The bias feed network is located between the metallic ground layer and the second F4B dielectric substrate.

[0009] Furthermore, an adhesive film is included, through which the metal ground and the bias feed network are fixedly connected.

[0010] Furthermore, the metal ground has a cross-shaped slot.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the metal radiating units includes a metal patch, and the metal patches of the two metal radiating units are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the first F4B dielectric substrate and the lower surface of the second F4B dielectric substrate.

[0012] Furthermore, the metal patch includes two rectangular patches, four V-shaped slots, two metal through holes, and a varactor diode; the four V-shaped slots are respectively disposed at both ends of the two rectangular patches, and the two rectangular patches are connected by the varactor diode.

[0013] Furthermore, it includes two metal tubes, which are connected to the upper and lower metal patches through metal through holes respectively set in the middle of the two rectangular patches. The switching on and off of the varactor diode and its capacitance value are controlled by a bias circuit.

[0014] Furthermore, the structure includes a bias line, wherein the bias circuit is led to the upper surface of the second-layer F4B dielectric substrate through a metal through-hole in the middle of a rectangular patch, and is externally connected to the control circuit board through a pin header.

[0015] Furthermore, the antenna is composed of an array of 16x16 metal radiating elements.

[0016] Furthermore, the spacing between each metal radiating unit is λ / 2, where λ is its operating wavelength.

[0017] Furthermore, the antenna includes a horn feed.

[0018] This invention discloses a novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide-beam scanning capability, which has the following advantages: The antenna consists of a horn feed and a 16x16 transmission array, employing a spatial feeding method to avoid complex feeding network design. By controlling the switching of varactor diodes, the resonant state of the switching elements is changed, altering the current distribution to achieve a continuous 180° phase change. At the operating frequency, the aperture efficiency can reach 24.65%. Furthermore, the antenna of this invention achieves a maximum gain of 22.76 dBi and a sidelobe level of -17.8 dB in both the horizontal and vertical planes within a bandwidth of 11.8 GHz-12.6 GHz, while maintaining the azimuth variation of the scanning gain within 3.3 dBi, demonstrating good stability. Unlike traditional reconfigurable transmission array antennas with discrete phase compensation (one or more phase shifts), this invention uses a second-order parallel bandpass filter model to realize a reconfigurable transmission array antenna element with 180 continuously phase-compensated elements. To address the phase shift characteristics of frequency-selective surfaces, a sandwich structure was constructed consisting of two patches with rectangular slots and a thin intermediate ground plate with cross-shaped slots. Leveraging its high gain and multi-dimensional scanning capabilities, this structure can be applied to indoor smart interconnection and data transmission between multiple users. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1(a) is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the metal radiating unit with added bias lines according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 1(b) is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the metal radiating unit with added bias line according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2(a) shows the relationship between the transmission amplitude and phase of the array unit of the present invention and frequency under the conditions of adding and not adding bias lines;

[0022] Figure 2(b) shows the curves of transmission amplitude and phase of the array unit of the present invention as a function of frequency under different capacitance values;

[0023] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the voltage distribution of the array unit of the present invention under 0° scanning;

[0024] Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the voltage distribution of the array unit of the present invention under a 15° scan;

[0025] Figure 3(c) is a schematic diagram of the voltage distribution of the array unit of the present invention under 30° scanning;

[0026] Figure 3(d) is a schematic diagram of the voltage distribution of the array unit of the present invention under 45° scanning;

[0027] Figure 4 This is the far-field radiation pattern of the beam scanning angle of the transmission array antenna of the present invention, as measured in practice;

[0028] Figure 5 This is the far-field radiation pattern of the transmission array antenna simulation and testing of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 The figure shows the simulation and test results of the gain of the transmission array antenna of the present invention as a function of frequency. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, the following detailed description of a novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), a novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide-beam scanning capability according to the present invention includes two layers of metallic radiating elements 1, two layers of F4B dielectric substrates 2, a layer of metallic ground 3, and a layer of bias feed network 4. The two layers of metallic radiating elements 1 are respectively located on the upper and lower surfaces of the two layers of F4B dielectric substrates 2, with the first layer of F4B dielectric substrate 2 on top of the second layer of F4B dielectric substrate 2. The metallic ground 3 is located on the lower surface of the first layer of F4B dielectric substrate 2, and the bias feed network 4 is located between the metallic ground 3 and the second layer of F4B dielectric substrate 2. The metallic ground 3 and the bias feed network 4 are fixedly connected by an adhesive film 5. The metallic ground 3 has a cross-shaped slot.

[0032] Each of the metal radiating units 1 includes a metal patch 11. The metal patches 11 of the two layers of metal radiating units 1 are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the first layer F4B dielectric substrate 2 and the lower surface of the second layer F4B dielectric substrate 2. The metal patch 11 includes two rectangular patches 111, four V-shaped slots 112, two metal through holes 113 and a varactor diode 114. The four V-shaped slots 112 are respectively disposed at both ends of the two rectangular patches 111. Two metal tubes 115 are connected to the upper and lower metal patches 11 through the metal through holes 113 respectively disposed in the middle of the two rectangular patches 111. The two rectangular patches 111 are connected through the varactor diode 114. The opening and closing and capacitance of the varactor diode 114 can be controlled by the bias circuit, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b). For the structure with added bias line 116, the bias circuit is led to the upper surface of the second layer F4B dielectric substrate 2 through the metal through hole 113 in the middle of the rectangular patch 111, and is externally connected to the control circuit board through the pin header.

[0033] This invention discloses a novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide-beam scanning capability, comprising a horn feed and an array consisting of 16x16 metal radiating elements 1. The spacing between each metal radiating element 1 is λ / 2, where λ is its operating wavelength. The λ / 2 spacing is set to reduce coupling between elements and avoid the generation of grating lobes at large angles. After determining the dielectric constant of the F4B dielectric substrate 2, the dimensions of the metal radiating elements 1 are rationally designed, and the capacitance of the varactor diode is controlled to achieve the current distribution between the two rectangular patches, thus realizing continuous-phase radiation.

[0034] Figure 2(a) shows the response of the transmitted emission amplitude and phase of the metal radiating unit of the present invention to frequency changes under different capacitance values ​​before and after the addition of the bias line. As shown in the figure, the addition of the bias line did not affect the original radiation characteristics of the unit. As shown in Figure 2(b), when the capacitance value is adjusted from 0.2 to 0.5 pF, the operating center frequency of the passband is adjusted from 11.5 GHz to 12.8 GHz, and the corresponding phase compensation range is as high as 190°, while the fluctuation of the transmitted emission amplitude remains within 3 dB.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the voltage distribution of the array unit of the present invention at different scanning angles (0°, 15°, 30° and 45°).

[0036] like Figure 4 The image shows the measured far-field radiation pattern of the transmission array antenna of this invention. Beam scanning of ±50° was achieved. The measured scan angle gain loss is less than 3.3 dBi, demonstrating stable gain performance.

[0037] like Figure 5 The figure shows the simulated and measured far-field radiation patterns of the 0° main beam of the transmission array antenna of this invention. As can be seen from the figure, at the operating frequency, the gain of the 0° main beam can reach 22.76 dBi, and the aperture efficiency corresponding to a sidelobe level of -17.8 dB is 24.65%.

[0038] like Figure 6 The figure shows the results of simulation and measured gain of the 0° main beam of the transmission array antenna of the present invention as a function of frequency. As can be seen from the figure, the simulated and measured gains match well.

[0039] Unlike traditional reconfigurable transmission array antennas with discrete phase compensation (one or more phase shifts), this invention uses a second-order parallel bandpass filter model to realize a reconfigurable transmission array antenna element with 180 consecutive phase compensations. Utilizing its high gain and multi-dimensional scanning characteristics, it can be applied to indoor smart interconnection and data transmission between multiple users.

[0040] It is understood that the present invention has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability, characterized in that, The device comprises two layers of metal radiating units (1), two layers of F4B dielectric substrates (2), a metal ground layer (3), and a bias feed network (4). The two layers of metal radiating units (1) are located on the upper and lower surfaces of the two layers of F4B dielectric substrates (2), respectively. The first layer of F4B dielectric substrates (2) is above the second layer of F4B dielectric substrates (2). The metal ground layer (3) is located on the lower surface of the first layer of F4B dielectric substrates (2). The bias feed network (4) is located between the metal ground layer (3) and the second layer of F4B dielectric substrates (2). The metal ground layer (3) has a cross-shaped slot. Each of the metal radiating units (1) includes a metal patch (11), and the metal patches (11) of the two layers of metal radiating units (1) are respectively disposed on the first layer of F4B dielectric substrates. The upper surface of the board (2) and the lower surface of the second layer F4B dielectric board (2); the metal patch (11) includes two rectangular patches (111), four V-shaped slots (112), two metal through holes (113) and a varactor diode (114); the four V-shaped slots (112) are respectively disposed at both ends of the two rectangular patches (111), and the two rectangular patches (111) are connected by the varactor diode (114); it also includes two metal tubes (115), the two metal tubes (115) are connected to the upper and lower metal patches (11) through the metal through holes (113) respectively disposed in the middle of the two rectangular patches (111), and the opening and closing and capacitance value of the varactor diode (114) are controlled by the bias circuit.

2. The novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal ground (3) and the bias feed network (4) are fixedly connected by the adhesive film (5).

3. The novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The structure includes a bias line (116), the bias circuit is led to the upper surface of the second layer F4B dielectric board (2) through the metal through hole (113) in the middle of the rectangular patch (111), and is externally connected to the control circuit board through the pin header.

4. The novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna is composed of an array of 16x16 metal radiating elements (1).

5. The novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability according to claim 4, characterized in that, The interval between each metal radiation unit (1) is λ / 2, where λ is its operating wavelength.

6. The novel reconfigurable transmission array antenna with two-dimensional wide beam scanning capability according to claim 5, characterized in that, The antenna includes a horn feed.

Images