Dual polarized antenna element for generating millimeter wave frequency radiation

Abstract

A dual polarized antenna element (1) comprising a radiator layer (1a) and a resonator layer (1b). The radiator layer (1a) comprises a planar antenna radiator (2) comprising an open loop (3a) enclosing a dielectric region (6) and having end portions (3b, 3c) spaced by a first dielectric gap (5) (i.e. shaped as the letter Omega Ω) and two second radiator portions (4a, 4b) extending from the end portions (3b, 3c). The resonator layer (1b) comprises a central resonator (7) overlapping the dielectric region (6) and two offset resonator arrangements (8a, 8b). Each offset resonator arrangement (8a, 8b) at least partially overlaps one of the second radiator portions (4a, 4b), each offset resonator arrangement (8a, 8b) comprising at least one sub-resonator (9, 10). A feed arrangement (11) is at least partially arranged in the radiator layer (1a) or in an additional feed layer (1c).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a dual polarized Multiple In Multiple Out (MIMO) antenna element for generating millimeter wave frequency radiation, an antenna device comprising at least one such antenna element, and an electronic device comprising said antenna device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The millimeter wave frequency band is considered to have a frequency range of 10 GHz and above, up to 300 GHz, and is used for point-to-point communication, inter-satellite links, and point-to-multipoint communication, among others. The millimeter wave frequency band is also used for various 5G systems.

[0003] For achieving stable communication in all directions and in a directional manner, a full-coverage dual polarized MIMO millimeter wave antenna can be used for handheld devices such as smartphones. Dual polarization means that the antenna radiates two polarizations, such as vertical and horizontal polarization, in a single direction, for example in an end-fire direction. “Horizontal” can mean “parallel to the display surface”, and “vertical” can mean “perpendicular to the display surface”.

[0004] At the same time, design requirements include devices with curved designs, with a smooth metal frame and a large display, with a very small gap between the two. The frame preferably has no visible openings. These requirements contradict the need for full coverage, so it is difficult to achieve in the same device.

[0005] In one known solution, the antenna module has a dielectric back cover with square corners, and the antenna module is positioned more towards the back cover so that the metal frame of the device does not shadow the antenna. This still requires a cutout in the frame, because any parasitic modes generated at high frequencies would greatly reduce the radiation performance, thus negatively affecting the efficiency of the antenna. In addition, due to the thickness of the antenna module and the required placement, the battery size and placement are limited, because a relatively long few millimeters distance is required between the antenna module and the frame.

[0006] In another known solution, a dual-band patch array is used. The dual-band patch array does not work well when arranged adjacent to a conductive frame. The dual-band patch array arranged with ±45° polarization faces problems including that the coupling hole does not work well enough, because these holes are best suited for vertical polarization radiation beams. In addition, the reflector does not work well enough, because the reflector is best suited for horizontal polarization radiation beams. Furthermore, the high frequency band efficiency is reduced due to the reflection of the metal frame. The dual-band patch array is arranged with polarizations parallel and perpendicular to the metal frame, i.e. vertical and horizontal polarization, and faces problems including reduced antenna gain for horizontal polarization and reduced high frequency band efficiency due to electromagnetic field reflection of the metal frame.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution to provide good performance and directivity for electronic devices with metal frames and curved displays. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present application to provide an improved dual-polarized MIMO multi-band antenna element for generating millimeter-wave frequency radiation. The above and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a dual-polarized antenna element for generating millimeter-wave frequency radiation is provided, wherein the antenna element comprises a radiator layer comprising a planar antenna radiator for generating a radiated field, the radiator layer extending in a first principal plane. The planar antenna radiator comprises a first radiator portion comprising an open loop with a symmetry axis parallel to the first principal plane, the end portions of the open loop being spaced by a first dielectric gap, the open loop enclosing a dielectric region, and two second radiator portions, wherein one of the two second radiator portions extends in the first principal plane from each end portion of the open loop in a direction away from the first dielectric gap. A resonator layer extends in a second principal plane parallel to the first principal plane, the resonator layer comprising a central resonator and two offset resonator arrangements. The central resonator overlaps the dielectric region and shares the symmetry axis with the first radiator portion. One of the offset resonator arrangements at least partially overlaps one of the second radiator portions, each offset resonator arrangement comprising at least one sub-resonator. A feed arrangement is at least partially arranged in the radiator layer or an additional feed layer, the feed layer extending in a third principal plane parallel to the first and second principal planes.

[0010] This technical solution can form a first polarized multi-band electromagnetic radiation and a second polarized multi-band electromagnetic radiation, which helps to increase the beamforming gain in high frequency bands by up to 10 dB. At the same time, the efficiency can be increased by up to 6 dB. In addition, the volume and height of the antenna element can be reduced, so that it can fit in a smaller area between, for example, a conductive frame and a dielectric cover.

[0011] In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the offset resonator arrangements comprise at least two pairs of sub-resonators, facilitating adaptation to a plurality of frequency bands used.

[0012] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sub-resonators comprise a first sub-resonator and a second sub-resonator, the first sub-resonator having a smaller surface area than the second sub-resonator and being spaced from the second sub-resonator by a second dielectric gap, facilitating tuning of the radiation frequency. The sub-resonators improve high and low frequency performance. The first sub-resonator is configured to radiate the second polarization at a high frequency band, and the second sub-resonator is configured to radiate the first polarization and the second polarization simultaneously at a low frequency band.

[0013] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the second sub-resonator has an irregular shape such that a width of the second sub-resonator decreases as the second sub-resonator extends in a direction away from the first dielectric gap, such that a lowest resonant frequency for the first polarization and the second polarization can be adapted.

[0014] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the sub-resonators are arranged symmetrically with respect to the symmetry axis, facilitating decoupling of the first polarization and the second polarization and enhancing isolation between polarization-fed ports.

[0015] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first radiator portion has a U-shape, and the second radiator portion coaxially protrudes from opposite ends of the U-shape in opposite directions away from the U-shape, improving bandwidth and efficiency of the second polarization.

[0016] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the antenna radiator has a substantially omega (Ω) shape, improving bandwidth and efficiency of the second polarization.

[0017] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the antenna element is configured to realize a radiation pattern having a first polarization extending parallel to the symmetry axis and a second polarization extending perpendicular to the symmetry axis, improving millimeter wave full coverage.

[0018] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the feeding arrangement comprises a common mode feed for exciting the first polarization and a differential mode feed for exciting the second polarization, facilitating dual-polarized beamforming and thereby improving MIMO communication performance.

[0019] In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the common mode feed is electromagnetically coupled to the first radiator portion at the symmetry axis, and the common mode feed extends at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the symmetry axis, providing an unbalanced feed topology for the first polarization beamforming.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the differential-mode feed is electromagnetically coupled to the second radiator portion via a bridging first dielectric gap. The differential-mode feed extends at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, providing a stable, balanced feed topology and enhancing isolation from the common-mode feed.

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the common-mode feed and the differential-mode feed include feed probes extending along the axis of the main feed probe, wherein each feed probe is electrically connected to a coupling element extending within the radiator layer and / or the additional feed layer, providing reliable but spatially efficient coupling. The common-mode feed and the differential-mode feed are used to generate mutually orthogonal electromagnetic radiation of the first polarization and the second polarization, respectively.

[0022] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the differential-mode feed probe includes a plurality of feed probe portions stacked in the direction of the main feed probe axis, at least one of the feed probe portions being offset in at least one direction transverse to the main feed probe axis, providing port isolation between the common-mode feed and the differential-mode feed, thereby achieving mutually orthogonal electromagnetic radiation of the first polarization and the second polarization.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the differential mode feed further includes a ground probe extending along the axis of the main ground probe and parallel to the feed probe, wherein the ground probe includes a plurality of ground probe portions stacked in the direction of the axis of the main ground probe, at least one of the ground probe portions being offset in at least one direction transverse to the axis of the main ground probe, providing a conversion of the balanced differential mode feed from the RF integrated circuit to the second radiator portion of the antenna vibrator to an unbalanced feed.

[0024] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the electromagnetic coupling is capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, or a combination thereof; impedance matching facilitates operation of the multi-band antenna.

[0025] According to a second aspect, an antenna device is provided that includes at least one antenna element as described above, and further includes a substrate and conductive elements spaced by a dielectric spacer, wherein the antenna element is arranged within the dielectric spacer, a feeding device for the antenna element is used to transmit a signal to a planar antenna radiator of the antenna element, and the dielectric spacer facilitates the transmission of millimeter-wave frequency radiation.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the substrate includes at least one of the radiator layer, the resonator layer, and the additional feed layer of the antenna vibrator, thereby forming part of the antenna device using the substrate structure.

[0027] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the antenna device further includes a grounding wall extending near the periphery of the antenna element, wherein the grounding wall extends in a direction perpendicular to the first principal plane of the antenna element, and the grounding wall is used to suppress surface waves, thus facilitating the separation, i.e., isolation, of adjacent antenna elements.

[0028] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the antenna element is an end-fire antenna element that overlaps with or is part of the substrate, and is used to generate a radiation field having a main beam direction that spans the dielectric spacing, facilitating full beamforming coverage of the device including the antenna assembly.

[0029] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the antenna device is an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements are aligned in a direction parallel to the first principal plane and perpendicular to the principal beam direction, providing an antenna device that is as efficient and reliable as possible, as well as dual-polarized beamforming and beam scanning.

[0030] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, each planar antenna radiator extends such that the first main plane is at least partially parallel to the conductive element, which helps to achieve an arrangement that occupies as little space as possible.

[0031] According to a third aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising a display panel, a back cover, a frame element at least partially disposed between the display panel and the back cover, and an antenna device according to the above, wherein the frame element is a conductive element of the antenna device, the antenna device being used to emit radiation having a first polarization and a second polarization, the radiation propagating toward and through the frame element.

[0032] This device features highly efficient, full-coverage beamforming. The antenna elements of the antenna device can be arranged relatively close to the conductive elements of the device, freeing up space within the device for batteries, etc. Furthermore, the antenna device can be used with highly curved display panels.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first polarized radiation has vertical polarization and the second polarized radiation has horizontal polarization, for propagating parallel to the main plane of the display panel to facilitate dual-polarized MIMO communication.

[0034] In yet another possible implementation of the third aspect, the substrate of the antenna device is a flexible printed circuit board surrounded by the display panel, the back cover, and the frame elements, forming part of the antenna device using existing structures.

[0035] In another possible implementation of the third aspect, the antenna device is covered by the display panel, the back cover, and the frame element so that it is invisible to the naked eye, which facilitates the propagation of radiation through the device while at least partially protecting the antenna device from external influences.

[0036] These and other aspects will be apparent in the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0037] In the following detailed sections of the invention, aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of an apparatus provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of an apparatus provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a planar antenna element provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4a A partial cross-sectional view of an antenna device provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4b A partial perspective view of an antenna device provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 A partial perspective view of an antenna element provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 A partial perspective view of an antenna device provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 A top view of an antenna element provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 A partial perspective view of an antenna element provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9a A top view of an antenna element provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9b It shows Figure 9a The bottom perspective of the example shown;

[0049] Figure 10Top and bottom perspective views of a portion of an antenna element provided as an example of an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An apparatus 20 is shown, which, according to an embodiment of the invention, can be a handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet, including a display panel 21, a back cover 22, a frame element at least partially disposed between the display panel 21 and the back cover 22, and an antenna device 15, which will be described in more detail below. The frame element can be a metal frame, and the back cover 22 can be a dielectric element made of glass and / or plastic.

[0051] like Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the antenna assembly 15 includes at least one antenna element 1, which will be described in more detail below, a substrate 16, and conductive elements 17 spaced apart by dielectric spacers 18. The antenna element 1 is arranged within the dielectric spacers 18, and a feeding device 11 for the antenna element 1 is used to transmit signals to the planar antenna radiator 2 of the antenna element 1. The conductive elements 17 may be the frame elements described above.

[0052] Antenna element 1 can be used to operate in multiple frequency bands. The antenna element can be used to operate in the low frequency band, i.e., the 24 GHz to 29.5 GHz band, and in the high frequency band, i.e., the 37 GHz to 43.5 GHz band.

[0053] Figure 5 and Figure 7 to Figure 9bA dual-polarized antenna element 1 for generating millimeter-wave frequency radiation is shown. The antenna element 1 includes a radiator layer 1a, which includes a planar antenna radiator 2 for generating a radiation field. The radiator layer 1a extends in a first principal plane PL1. The planar antenna radiator 2 includes a first radiator portion 3, which includes an open ring 3a having an axis of symmetry A1 parallel to the first principal plane PL1. The ends 3b and 3c of the open ring 3a are spaced by a first dielectric gap 5, and the open ring 3a surrounds a dielectric region 6. It also includes two second radiator portions 4a and 4b, one of which extends from each end 3b or 3c of the open ring 3a in the first principal plane PL1. Extending in a direction away from the first dielectric gap 5, the resonator layer 1b extends in a second principal plane PL2 parallel to the first principal plane PL1. The resonator layer 1b includes a central resonator 7 and two offset resonator devices 8a and 8b. The central resonator 7 overlaps with the dielectric region 6 and shares an axis of symmetry A1 with the first radiator portion 3. One of the offset resonator devices 8a and 8b at least partially overlaps with one of the second radiator portions 4a and 4b. Each offset resonator device 8a and 8b includes at least one sub-resonator 9 and 10. A feeding device 11 is at least partially arranged in the radiator layer 1a or an additional feeding layer 1c. The feeding layer 1c extends in a third principal plane PL3 parallel to the first principal plane PL1 and the second principal plane PL2. The first principal plane PL1, the second principal plane PL2, and the third principal plane PL3 are as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the dual-polarized antenna element 1 includes a radiator layer 1a extending in a first main plane PL1, a resonator layer 1b extending in a second main plane PL2 parallel to the first main plane PL1, and optionally, a feed layer 1c extending in a third main plane PL3 parallel to the first main plane PL1 and the second main plane PL2.

[0055] The radiator layer 1a includes a planar antenna radiator 2 for generating a radiation field. The antenna element 1 can be used to realize a radiation pattern having a first polarization with the electric field vector extending parallel to the axis of symmetry A1 and a second polarization with the electric field vector extending perpendicular to the axis of symmetry A1.

[0056] like Figure 5 to Figure 10 The planar antenna radiator 2 shown includes a first radiator portion 3 and two second radiator portions 4a and 4b.

[0057] The first radiator portion 3 includes an open ring 3a having an axis of symmetry A1 parallel to the first principal plane PL1, such as Figure 6As shown. The ends 3b and 3c of the open ring 3a are separated by the first dielectric gap 5, and the open ring 3a surrounds the dielectric region 6. The first radiator portion 2 forms an open annular shape, which defines the internal slot, i.e., the dielectric region 6.

[0058] One of the two second radiator portions 4a and 4b extends from each end 3b and 3c of the open ring 3a in the first main plane PL1 in a direction away from the first dielectric gap 5. That is, the first radiator portion 3 and the two second radiator portions 4a and 4b are a single integral component, for example, made of sheet material.

[0059] The first radiator portion 3 may have a U-shape, and the second radiator portions 4a and 4b may optionally protrude coaxially from opposite ends of the U-shape in the opposite direction away from the U-shape. In other words, the planar antenna radiator 2 may be substantially shaped like the letter omega Ω.

[0060] Resonator layer 1b includes a center resonator 7 and two offset resonator devices 8a and 8b, as shown below. Figure 7 to Figure 9b As shown in the image.

[0061] The central resonator 7 overlaps with the dielectric region 6 and shares the axis of symmetry A1 with the first radiator portion 3, meaning the axis of symmetry of the central resonator 7 is coaxial with the axis of symmetry of the dielectric region 6. The central resonator 7 forms a first polarized slot coupling element for tuning high-frequency performance, specifically, in the 37 GHz to 43.5 GHz frequency band, this first polarized slot coupling element is coupled through a slot to the edge of the internal slot formed by the open ring 3a.

[0062] One of the offset resonator arrangements 8a and 8b overlaps at least partially with one of the second radiator portions 4a and 4b, such that the offset resonator arrangements 8a and 8b are at least partially aligned with the second radiator portions 4a and 4b and offset relative to the axis of symmetry A1 and the dielectric region 6. Each offset resonator arrangement 8a and 8b may include at least one sub-resonator 9 and 10, optionally at least one pair of sub-resonators 9 and 10. The offset resonator arrangements 8a and 8b may include at least one additional pair of sub-resonators (not shown). The sub-resonator pairs 9 and 10 may be arranged symmetrically relative to the axis of symmetry A1. The offset resonator arrangements 8a and 8b form edge resonator elements coupled to the second polarized antenna portion, i.e., the planar antenna radiator 2, and are used to tune low-frequency performance, i.e., in the 24 GHz to 29.5 GHz band. The offset resonator arrangements 8a and 8b are dipole coupled to the ends 3b and 3c of the first radiator portion 3.

[0063] Sub-resonators 9 and 10 may include first sub-resonators 9a and 10a and second sub-resonators 9b and 10b, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 to Figure 9bAs shown in the diagram, the first sub-resonators 9a and 10a may have a smaller surface area than the second sub-resonators 9b and 10b, and may be spaced apart from the second sub-resonators 9b and 10b by a second dielectric gap 12. The first sub-resonators 9a and 10a and the second sub-resonators 9b and 10b may be considered as edge resonators.

[0064] like Figure 7 and Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown, the second sub-resonators 9b and 10b can have irregular shapes such that the width of the second sub-resonators 9b and 10b decreases as they extend away from the first dielectric gap 5. The shapes of the sub-resonators 9b and 10b can be adapted to define the lowest resonant frequency of the second polarization.

[0065] The power supply device 11 is at least partially arranged in the radiator layer 1a (not shown) or the power supply layer 1c.

[0066] The power supply device 11 may include a common-mode feed 13 for exciting the first polarization and a differential-mode feed 14 for exciting the second polarization, such as Figure 8 to Figure 10 As shown in the image.

[0067] The common-mode feed 13 can be electromagnetically coupled to the first radiator portion 3 at the axis of symmetry A1, and the common-mode feed 13 can extend at least partially in the direction D1 perpendicular to the axis of symmetry A1, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The common-mode feed 13 provides an unbalanced feed topology for the first polarization beamforming. The common-mode feed 13 is used to excite a common-mode surface current on the surface of the first radiator portion 3 for the first polarization.

[0068] Differential mode feed 14 can be electromagnetically coupled to the second radiator sections 4a and 4b via bridging the first dielectric gap 5, such as... Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, the differential-mode feed 14 can extend at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry A1, providing a stable, balanced feed topology and enhancing isolation from the common-mode feed 13. The differential-mode feed 14 is used to excite a differential-mode surface current on the surface of the first radiator portion 3 for second polarization.

[0069] Electromagnetic coupling can be capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The common-mode feed 13 and the differential-mode feed 14 may each include a feed probe extending along the axis A2 of the main feed probe, such as... Figure 9a to Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the feed probe can be electrically connected to a coupling element extending within the radiator layer 1a and / or the additional feed layer 1c.

[0071] The differential mode feed 14 may include a plurality of feed probe portions 14a, 14b stacked in the direction of the main feed probe axis A2, such that at least one of the feed probe portions 14a, 14b is offset in at least one direction transverse to the main feed probe axis A2, such as... Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown.

[0072] The differential mode feed 14 may also include a grounding probe 14c extending along the axis A3 of the main grounding probe and parallel to the feed probe, such as Figure 10 As shown. Similar to the power supply probe, the grounding probe may include a plurality of grounding probe portions stacked along the direction of the main grounding probe axis A3, such that at least one of the grounding probe portions is offset in at least one direction transverse to the main grounding probe axis A3.

[0073] The grounding probe 14c and the feed probes 14a and 14b may include balanced twisted-pair feed lines arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry A1. The twisted-pair feed lines may also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the main feed probe axis A2.

[0074] As described above, the antenna device 15 includes at least one antenna element 1, a substrate 16, and a conductive element 17, which are spaced apart by a dielectric spacer 18. The antenna element 1 is arranged within the dielectric spacer 18, and a feeding device 11 of the antenna element 1 is used to transmit signals to the planar antenna radiator 2 of the antenna element 1. Each planar antenna radiator 2 may extend such that a first principal plane PL1 is at least partially parallel to the conductive element 17.

[0075] The substrate 16 may include at least one of the radiator layer 1a, the resonator layer 1b, and the additional feed layer 1c of the antenna element 1.

[0076] Antenna device 15 may also include grounding wall 19, such as Figure 6 As shown, grounding wall 19 extends near the periphery of antenna element 1. Grounding wall 19 extends in a direction D1 perpendicular to the first principal plane PL1 of antenna element 1. Grounding wall is used to suppress surface waves and provide isolation between adjacent antenna elements.

[0077] Antenna element 1 can be an end-fire antenna element 1 overlapping with substrate 16 or a portion of substrate 16, and can be used to generate a radiation field having a main beam direction D0 passing through dielectric space 18, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4b As shown in the image.

[0078] Antenna device 15 may include Figure 4a and Figure 4bThe antenna array shown consists of multiple antenna elements 1, which are aligned in a direction D2 that is parallel to the first main plane PL1 and perpendicular to the main beam direction D0.

[0079] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device 20 shown includes the aforementioned display panel 21, back cover 22, a frame element at least partially disposed between the display panel 21 and the back cover 22, and the antenna device 15 according to the above description. The frame element is a conductive element 17 of the antenna device 15. The substrate 16 of the antenna device 15 is a flexible printed circuit surrounded by the display panel 21, back cover 22, and frame element 17. Furthermore, the antenna device 15 can be covered by the display panel 21, back cover 22, and frame element 17, making it invisible to the naked eye.

[0080] The antenna device 15 is used to emit radiation with a first polarization and a second polarization, which propagates toward the frame element and passes through the frame element into the open space. The first polarized radiation may have vertical polarization, the second polarized radiation may have horizontal polarization, and can be used to propagate parallel to the main plane of the display panel 21.

[0081] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, through practice of the subject matter and study of the accompanying drawings, the invention, and the appended claims, will be able to understand and obtain other variations of the disclosed embodiments. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" does not exclude multiple elements or steps. The mere fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used in advantageous implementations.

[0082] Reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings (e.g., cross shading, component arrangements, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered part of the entire written description of the invention. Since the particular drawings are intended for the reader, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down,” as well as their adjective and adverbial derivatives (e.g., “horizontal,” “right,” “up,” etc.), used in the specification, refer only to the orientation of the illustrated structure. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of extension or rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

1. A dual-polarized antenna element (1) for generating millimeter-wave frequency radiation, characterized in that, The antenna element (1) includes: - A radiator layer (1a) includes a planar antenna radiator (2) for generating a radiation field, wherein the radiator layer (1a) extends in a first principal plane (PL1). The planar antenna radiator (2) includes: --The first radiator portion (3) includes an open ring (3a) having an axis of symmetry (A1) parallel to the first principal plane (PL1), the ends (3b, 3c) of the open ring (3a) being spaced by a first dielectric gap (5), and the open ring (3a) surrounding a dielectric region (6); the antenna element (1) is used to realize a first polarization extending parallel to the axis of symmetry (A1); --Two second radiator portions (4a, 4b), wherein one of the two second radiator portions (4a, 4b) extends in the first principal plane (PL1) from each end (3b, 3c) of the opening ring (3a) in a direction away from the first dielectric gap (5); - The resonator layer (1b) extends in a second principal plane (PL2) parallel to the first principal plane (PL1). The resonator layer (1b) includes a center resonator (7) and two offset resonator devices (8a, 8b). The central resonator (7) overlaps with the dielectric region (6) and shares the axis of symmetry (A1) with the first radiator portion (3). The central resonator 7 forms a first polarized slot coupling element. One of the offset resonator devices (8a, 8b) overlaps at least partially with one of the second radiator portions (4a, 4b), and each offset resonator device (8a, 8b) includes at least one sub-resonator (9, 10). - A power supply device (11) is arranged at least partially in the radiator layer (1a) or an additional power supply layer (1c) extending in a third principal plane (PL3) parallel to the first principal plane (PL1) and the second principal plane (PL2). The power supply device (11) includes a common-mode feed (13) for stimulating the first polarization, which is electromagnetically coupled to the first radiator portion (3) at the axis of symmetry (A1).

2. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-resonators (9, 10) include a first sub-resonator (9a, 10a) and a second sub-resonator (9b, 10b), wherein the first sub-resonator (9a, 10a) has a smaller surface area than the second sub-resonator (9b, 10b) and is spaced apart from the second sub-resonator (9b, 10b) by a second dielectric gap (12).

3. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second sub-resonator (9b, 10b) has an irregular shape, such that the width of the second sub-resonator (9b, 10b) decreases as the second sub-resonator (9b, 10b) extends away from the first dielectric gap (5).

4. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The antenna element (1) is used to realize a second polarization radiation pattern that extends perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (A1).

5. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power supply device (11) includes a differential mode power supply (14) for exciting the second polarization.

6. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The common-mode feed (13) extends at least partially in a direction (D1) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (A1).

7. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The differential mode feed (14) is electromagnetically coupled to the second radiator portion (4a, 4b) by bridging the first dielectric gap (5).

8. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The common-mode feed (13) and the differential-mode feed (14) include feed probes extending along the axis (A2) of the main feed probe, wherein the feed probes are electrically connected to coupling elements extending within the radiator layer (1a) and / or the additional feed layer (1c).

9. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The differential mode feed (14) includes a plurality of feed probe portions (14a, 14b) stacked in the direction of the main feed probe axis (A2), at least one of the feed probe portions (14a, 14b) being offset in at least one direction transverse to the main feed probe axis (A2).

10. The dual-polarized antenna element (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The differential mode feed (14) also includes a grounding probe (14c) that extends along the axis of the main grounding probe (A3) and is parallel to the feed probe. The grounding probe includes a plurality of grounding probe portions stacked in the direction of the main grounding probe axis (A3), at least one of the grounding probe portions being offset in at least one direction transverse to the main grounding probe axis (A3).

11. An antenna device (15) comprising at least one antenna element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It also includes a substrate (16) and a conductive element (17) spaced by dielectric spacers (18), wherein the antenna element (1) is arranged within the dielectric spacers (18), and the feeding device (11) of the antenna element (1) is used to transmit signals to the planar antenna radiator (2) of the antenna element (1).

12. The antenna device (15) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The antenna device (15) further includes a grounding wall (19) extending near the periphery of the antenna element (1), wherein the grounding wall (19) extends along a direction (D1) perpendicular to the first principal plane (PL1) of the antenna element (1).

13. The antenna device (15) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The antenna element (1) is an end-fire antenna element (1) that overlaps with or is part of the substrate (16) and is used to generate a radiation field having a main beam direction (D0) that spans the dielectric spacing (18).

14. The antenna device (15) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The antenna device (15) is an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements (1), wherein the antenna elements (1) are aligned in a direction (D2) that is parallel to the first main plane (PL1) and perpendicular to the main beam direction (D0).

15. An apparatus (20), characterized in that, It includes a display panel (21), a back cover (22), a frame element at least partially disposed between the display panel (21) and the back cover (22), and an antenna device (15) according to any one of claims 11 to 14. The frame element is the conductive element (17) of the antenna device (15). The antenna device (15) is used to emit radiation having a first polarization and a second polarization, the radiation propagating toward and through the frame element.

16. The apparatus (20) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The substrate (16) of the antenna device (15) is a flexible printed circuit surrounded by the display panel (21), the back cover (22) and the frame element.

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