Antenna unit, antenna array, communication device and base station

Abstract

The application provides an antenna unit, an antenna array, a communication device and a base station. The antenna unit comprises a radiation layer, a feeding layer and a phase-shifting layer arranged in layers, the feeding line of the feeding layer and the phase-shifting line of the phase-shifting layer are both microstrip line structures, the antenna unit further comprises a plurality of switches, part of the switches are distributed on the radiation layer and electrically connected to the radiation patch, part of the switches are distributed on the feeding layer and electrically connected to the feeding line, and part of the switches are distributed on the phase-shifting layer and electrically connected to the phase-shifting line, the phase-shifting circuit and the feeding circuit are used for transmitting electromagnetic wave signals, by controlling the plurality of switches, the reconstruction of the radiation patch is realized, so as to switch the first linear polarization, the second linear polarization, the left-handed circular polarization and the right-handed circular polarization of the antenna unit, and the polarization direction of the first linear polarization and the polarization direction of the second linear polarization are perpendicular to each other. The antenna unit has at least 2bit phase-shifting capability. In the case of maintaining the antenna performance, the antenna unit has the advantages of low profile and high integration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radio frequency communication technology, and in particular to an antenna element, antenna array, communication equipment, and base station. Background Technology

[0002] Adjustable antennas, as a core component of multifunctional adaptive wireless communication systems, have always been a research hotspot. With the evolution of frequency bands towards U6G and even millimeter waves, wireless communication faces problems such as increased path loss and penetration loss, leading to limited coverage. Large-array antennas are one of the main methods to improve coverage. However, due to limitations in array size and cost, the number of digital channels in the system cannot be increased indefinitely, making the evolution to multi-channel large-array antennas difficult. Under the premise of limited channels, while meeting the horizontal beam scanning range, the vertical beam scanning range of the antenna is reduced, failing to meet the coverage requirements of urban buildings.

[0003] Current research on tunable antennas mainly focuses on single-polarization and 1-bit phase shifting, with very little research on multi-polarization or full-polarization. From a phase resolution perspective, 1-bit phase shifting also faces challenges such as the inability to suppress image sidelobes and significant gain loss. Tunable antennas with both full-polarization control and multi-bit phase shifting are rarely studied, primarily because it's difficult to simultaneously guarantee antenna performance under various switching states, resulting in complex design mechanisms. Furthermore, achieving the required functionality with as few circuit components as possible, and realizing a high degree of integration between the electronically controlled switch and the antenna element within a limited size, is a major research challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an antenna element, an antenna array, a communication device, and a base station. The antenna element can achieve full polarization switching and 2-bit phase shift, and has the advantages of low profile and high integration while maintaining antenna performance.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an antenna unit, including a radiating layer, a feeding layer, and a phase-shifting layer stacked together. The radiating layer includes a radiating patch, the feeding layer includes a feeding line, and the phase-shifting layer includes a phase-shifting line. Both the feeding line and the phase-shifting line are microstrip line structures. The antenna unit also includes multiple switches. Some of the switches are distributed in the radiating layer and electrically connected to the radiating patch, some of the switches are distributed in the feeding layer and electrically connected to the feeding line, and some of the switches are distributed in the phase-shifting layer and electrically connected to the phase-shifting line. The phase-shifting circuit and the feeding circuit are used to transmit electromagnetic wave signals. By controlling the multiple switches, the radiating patch is reconfigured to switch the antenna unit's first linear polarization, second linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization, and right-hand circular polarization. The polarization directions of the first linear polarization and the second linear polarization are perpendicular to each other. The antenna unit has at least a 2-bit phase-shifting capability.

[0006] The antenna unit provided in this application integrates the radiating patch, the feed line, and the phase shifting line inside the antenna unit by stacking the radiating layer, the feed layer, and the phase shifting layer. By setting the switch, an antenna architecture with full polarization switching and 2-bit phase shifting function is constructed. The stacked architecture allows the antenna unit to have the advantage of low profile.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the antenna element includes a substrate, which is a multilayer dielectric structure, with the radiating layer, the feed layer, and the phase-shifting layer distributed on different dielectric layers. This solution, by placing the radiating layer, feed layer, and phase-shifting layer on multiple dielectric layers, uses the dielectric layers as carriers of the functional layers of the antenna element. Utilizing microstrip line fabrication technology, it not only facilitates manufacturing but also allows for the mass production of multiple antenna elements simultaneously on a single substrate, which are then diced to form multiple individual antenna elements. This solution is advantageous for achieving a low profile antenna element.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the side length of the substrate is less than or equal to 0.5 times the wavelength. Specifically, the side length of the substrate is 0.5 times the wavelength. By limiting the upper limit of the side length of the substrate, this solution allows antenna elements to be set within a limited area on the substrate. Combined with the advantage of the low profile of the antenna elements, the antenna elements provided by this solution can achieve structural miniaturization.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the number of radiating patches is one, and the interior of the radiating patch has a gap. The edges of the gap are a first long side and a second long side arranged opposite each other. The switch disposed on the radiating layer is located in the gap and electrically connected between the first long side and the second long side. By controlling the switch in the gap, the switching between linear polarization and circular polarization of the antenna element is realized. The linear polarization includes the first linear polarization and the second linear polarization, and the circular polarization includes left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization. This solution provides a specific design scheme for the radiating layer. By setting a gap on a radiating patch and placing a switch in the gap, the switching between linear polarization and circular polarization operating modes of the antenna element is realized. This design scheme has the advantage of simplifying the design of the radiating layer.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the radiating patch includes four input points, two of which are located on the side of the first long side away from the second long side, and the other two are located on the side of the second long side away from the first long side. All four input points are electrically connected to the feed line. This solution achieves the switching between linear and circular polarization of the antenna element by setting the positional relationship between the four input points and the slot.

[0011] In one possible implementation, two switches are disposed on the radiating layer. The direction of the line connecting the two switches in the gap is a first direction, and a second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. In the second direction, two input points are distributed on both sides of one of the switches, and the other two input points are distributed on both sides of the other switch. This solution, through the positional relationship between the two switches and four input points in the gap, makes the radiating patch structurally symmetrical, which helps to ensure the polarization direction of the antenna and allows the antenna's radiation efficiency to better meet the usage requirements.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the length of the slot is the extension dimension of the first long side, the width of the slot is the perpendicular distance between the first and second long sides, the length of the slot is 0.25 times the wavelength, and the width of the slot is 0.03 times the wavelength. The length of the slot affects the operating bandwidth of the antenna element, and the ratio of length to width affects the purity of circularly polarized radiation. This solution, by limiting the values ​​of the slot length and width, ensures that the operating bandwidth of the antenna element meets the requirements, and that the antenna element has good circularly polarized radiation purity.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the slot is a straight strip, with both the first and second long sides being straight lines. The straight strip design of the antenna slot provided in this solution not only simplifies the structure but also facilitates optimization of antenna circular polarization switching.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the extension direction of the slot is either the polarization direction of the first linear polarization or the polarization direction of the second linear polarization. For example, the substrate is square, and the direction of the slot extension is the direction of the diagonal of the substrate. This solution, by limiting the extension direction of the slot to the diagonal direction, facilitates the realization of circular polarization of the antenna and makes it easier to switch between circular polarizations.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the slots are symmetrically distributed, with the center of symmetry of the slots being the center of the radiating patch. This solution, by restricting the slots to a symmetrical distribution and ensuring the center of symmetry is the center of the radiating patch, makes the overall radiating patch structure symmetrical, which helps to guarantee the radiation performance of the antenna in all polarization directions.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the outer contour of the radiating patch extends in the X direction by 0.25 times the wavelength, and the outer contour of the radiating patch extends in the Y direction by 0.25 times the wavelength. This solution limits the operating frequency of the antenna element by restricting the dimensions of the radiating patch in the X and Y directions.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the radiating patch is square, and the slit extends in the direction of the diagonal of the radiating patch.

[0018] Specifically, both the radiating patch and the substrate are square, with their centers coinciding. The center of the outer edge of the radiating patch in the X direction coincides with the center of the outer edge of the substrate in the X direction, and the center of the outer edge of the radiating patch in the Y direction coincides with the center of the outer edge of the substrate in the Y direction. The X direction is perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the antenna element includes an input port, the phase-shifting line includes an input terminal and an output terminal, the input port and the input terminal are electrically connected, the output terminal is located in the central region of the phase-shifting layer, and the feed layer is electrically connected between the output terminal and the radiating patch. The antenna element provided by this solution is a single-channel electromagnetic signal, meaning the electromagnetic signal enters the phase-shifting layer of the antenna element only through one input port. By designing the input and output terminals of the phase-shifting layer, the phase-shifting line and the radiating patch of the antenna element can be integrated onto a single substrate. This facilitates the integration of more functions within a limited space and helps achieve a low profile antenna.

[0020] In one possible implementation, two switches are disposed on the phase-shifting layer and distributed within the phase-shifting line. By controlling the two switches on the phase-shifting layer, phase shift switching between 0 degrees and 90 degrees is achieved. This solution, by setting two switches on the phase-shifting line and controlling the switches to achieve phase shift switching, is easy to operate and has low design cost.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the phase-shifting circuit constitutes a reflective phase shifter based on a 90-degree bridge. This solution provides a reflective phase shifter based on a 90-degree bridge, which, combined with the design of the radiating layer, enables phase switching of the antenna element, allowing the antenna element to achieve multiple phase switching within a limited size and space, and under the condition of a low-profile structural design.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the two switches on the phase-shifting layer are in the same state, either both on or both off. This design, where both switches on the phase-shifting layer are simultaneously on and off, maintains the consistency of the signal output from the phase-shifting layer, thereby ensuring the radiation efficiency of the antenna element. If one switch is on and the other is off, some electromagnetic energy will leak out.

[0023] In one possible implementation, by controlling the switch of the feed layer and the switch of the radiating layer, the feed position of the radiating layer can be rotated 90 degrees around the center position of the radiating patch, thereby switching the first linear polarization, second linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization, and right-hand circular polarization of the antenna element. By controlling the switch of the feed layer, the antenna element can also achieve a 180-degree change in radiation phase while maintaining the same polarization state.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the feed line includes one feed entry point and four feed points. The feed entry point is electrically connected to the phase-shifting line and is used to receive signals transmitted by the phase-shifting line. The four feed points are respectively used to feed the radiating patch. The number of switches on the feed layer is four, and one switch is provided on the feed line between each feed point and the feed entry point. This solution provides a specific feed line design scheme. Through a one-input, four-output feed line, using four switches, the four input points on the radiating patch are fed, thereby achieving full polarization switching and 2-bit phase shift capability of the antenna.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the four feed points on the feed line are designated as a first feed point, a second feed point, a third feed point, and a fourth feed point. The feed line includes a first line, a second line, a third line, and a fourth line. The first line is electrically connected between the feed entry point and the first feed point. The second line is electrically connected between the feed entry point and the second feed point. The third line is electrically connected between the feed entry point and the third feed point. The fourth line is electrically connected between the feed entry point and the fourth feed point. Four switches on the feed layer are correspondingly arranged on the first line, the second line, the third line, and the fourth line. The first line, the second line, the third line, and the fourth line are all straight. The extension direction of the first line and the third line is a third direction, and the extension direction of the second line and the fourth line is a fourth direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the fourth direction. This solution defines a specific power supply line design, which transmits the signal from the power input point to the four power supply points through four straight strip lines, similar to a one-input, four-output power divider circuit design, and has the advantages of low profile and small size.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the feed layer further includes four switch control lines. These four control lines are distributed around the four feed points and electrically connected to each of the four feed points. These control lines are used to energize the four switches on the feed layer. This solution achieves polarization switching of the radiating patch by setting four switch control lines to control the four switches on the feed layer. The switch control lines can be arranged on the substrate in the form of striplines, which also has the advantage of low profile and is easily integrated with other lines such as the antenna element's feed lines on a single substrate, facilitating antenna miniaturization design.

[0027] In one possible implementation, each of the switch control lines includes an isolation stub and a power supply stub. The power supply stub supplies power to the switch, and the isolation stub is connected to the power supply stub and is used to isolate electromagnetic signals and DC control signals. Four isolation stubs are distributed around the four feed points and spaced apart along the circumference, with each isolation stub located between two adjacent power supply stubs. This solution defines a specific structure for the switch control line. Power supply stubs supply power to each switch, and isolation stubs isolate DC control signals and electromagnetic signals. On the one hand, it utilizes the space around the feed lines to design the switch control line, saving space. On the other hand, the isolation stubs prevent mutual interference between DC control signals and electromagnetic signals. Therefore, this solution can achieve the arrangement of the line within a limited space while ensuring the quality and efficiency of signal transmission and the radiation performance of the antenna.

[0028] In one possible implementation, each isolation stub is fan-shaped, and each isolation stub includes a pointed tip and an arc-shaped end disposed opposite each other. The pointed tip is connected to the power supply stub, and the arc-shaped end faces the adjacent power supply stub. Specifically, the side length of the isolation stub is the side length of the fan shape, that is, the radius between the pointed tip and the arc-shaped end. The side length of the isolation stub can be 1 / 4 wavelength of a microstrip line. This solution provides a specific implementation scheme, namely, using a fan-shaped isolation stub structure to isolate DC control signals and electromagnetic signals.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the radiating patch includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern, both of which are dipole-shaped. The first sub-pattern extends in a third direction, and the second sub-pattern extends in a fourth direction, with the third direction perpendicular to the fourth direction. The antenna element has two input ports. The feed layer receives signals input through the input ports and transmits the signals to the phase-shifting layer, which then transmits the signals to both the first and second sub-patterns. This solution provides a specific design architecture for the radiating patch. By using two dipole-shaped sub-patterns extending in different directions to construct the two linear polarization directions of the antenna element, and by combining the feed layer and phase-shifting layer with the radiating layer, the antenna element achieves full polarization switching and 2-bit phase shifting capability.

[0030] In one possible implementation, both the first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern are rectangular structures extending with equal width. This solution restricts the two sub-patterns to rectangular strips extending with equal width, which helps to ensure impedance consistency of the antenna elements, reduce energy reflection, and ensure the radiation efficiency of the antenna.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the radiating patch includes two first parasitic patches and two second parasitic patches. The two first parasitic patches are located at both ends of the length direction of the first sub-pattern, and the two second parasitic patches are located at both ends of the length direction of the second sub-pattern. Four switches are disposed on the radiating layer. Switches are provided between each first parasitic patch and each first sub-pattern, and between each second parasitic patch and each second sub-pattern. By controlling the switches, coupling between the first sub-pattern and the first parasitic patch, and coupling between the second sub-pattern and the second parasitic patch, a 180-degree phase shift is achieved. This solution, by setting two first parasitic patches and two second parasitic patches, and by setting the first parasitic patches and the first sub-patterns and the switches between them, and by setting the second parasitic patches and the second sub-patterns and the switches between them, changes the current direction by switching the switches on and off, achieving a 180-degree phase shift. This design architecture utilizes the space at both ends of the first and second sub-patterns to house the parasitic patches, offering the advantage of space saving.

[0032] In one possible implementation, along the third direction, the total length formed by the two first parasitic patches and the first sub-pattern is 0.3 times the wavelength; and / or, along the fourth direction, the total length formed by the two second parasitic patches and the second sub-pattern is 0.3 times the wavelength. This solution ensures the antenna's operating frequency by limiting the partial lengths of the parasitic patches and sub-patterns.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the two switches disposed between the first parasitic patch and the first sub-patch are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the center position along the length direction of the first sub-patch; and / or, the two switches disposed between the second parasitic patch and the second sub-patch are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the center position along the length direction of the second sub-patch. This symmetrical switch distribution architecture ensures that the polarization directions of the antenna element meet the design requirements, avoids energy reflection caused by structural asymmetry, and guarantees the radiation efficiency of the antenna element.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first parasitic patch and the first sub-pattern have the same width, and / or the second parasitic patch and the second sub-pattern have the same width. This scheme, through its equal-width design, helps ensure impedance consistency of the radiating patches, avoids energy reflection caused by unequal-width patch structures, allows for effective radiation of electromagnetic energy, reduces signal interference, and ensures the radiation efficiency of the antenna element.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first sub-pattern has an input point located at its center along its length, and / or the second sub-pattern has an input point located at its center along its length. Both the input points on the first and second sub-patterns are electrically connected to the phase-shifting line. Positioning the input point at the center of the sub-patterns allows the first and second sub-patterns to form a dipole antenna architecture, enabling the radiating patch to excite an effective radiation mode.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the phase-shifting circuit includes a first sub-circuit and a second sub-circuit, which are independent of each other. The first sub-circuit is used to receive the signal transmitted by the feed layer and transmit the signal to the first sub-patch, and the second sub-circuit is used to receive the signal transmitted by the feed layer and transmit the signal to the second sub-patch. This solution provides a specific phase-shifting circuit scheme in which the electromagnetic signal is phase-shifted by the independent first and second sub-circuit and then transmitted to the first and second sub-patch respectively, forming two channels of electromagnetic signal paths.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first sub-line and / or the second sub-line constitute a reflective phase shifter based on a 90-degree bridge.

[0038] In one possible implementation, four switches are disposed on the phase-shifting layer. Two switches are provided on both the first and second sub-lines. By controlling the two switches on the first sub-line and / or the two switches on the second sub-line, phase shift switching between 0 degrees and 90 degrees is achieved. This solution achieves phase shift switching between 0 degrees and 90 degrees for the antenna element by controlling four switches on the phase-shifting layer. The phase-shifting circuit has a simple structural design and is easy to control.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the phase-shifting layer is square, and the first and second sub-lines are symmetrically distributed with the diagonal of the square as the center of symmetry. The square phase-shifting layer architecture and the symmetrically distributed first and second sub-lines help ensure signal transmission efficiency and avoid energy reflection and signal radiation efficiency reduction caused by structural asymmetry.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first sub-circuit includes a first center patch, a first input stub, a first phase-shifting stub, a second phase-shifting stub, and a first power supply location. The first center patch includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side constituting at least a portion of the outer contour of the first center patch. The first side and the third side are opposite to each other and parallel to each other, the second side and the fourth side are opposite to each other and parallel to each other, and the first side is perpendicular to the second side. The first input stub is connected to the first side, the first phase-shifting stub is connected to the second side, the second phase-shifting stub is connected to the third side, and the first power supply location is located on the periphery of the fourth side. A switch is provided on both the first phase-shifting stub and the second phase-shifting stub. This solution provides a specific design scheme for the first sub-circuit. By setting up each stub and switch, a phase-shifting circuit can be set up within a limited area, which has the advantage of saving space.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first input stub is connected to the midpoint of the first side, the first phase-shifting stub is connected to the midpoint of the second side, the second phase-shifting stub is connected to the midpoint of the third side, and the first feed position is located outside the midpoint of the fourth side. This scheme ensures the overall central symmetry of the first sub-circuit by connecting each stub to the center of the first central patch, which is beneficial for achieving high-efficiency radiation of the dipole antenna.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first input branch, the first phase-shifting branch, and the second phase-shifting branch are all elongated, with the first input branch perpendicular to the first side, the first phase-shifting branch perpendicular to the second side, and the second phase-shifting branch perpendicular to the third side.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the interior of the first center patch has slot lines that are rotationally symmetrical about the center of the first center patch. The slot lines are used to adjust impedance and operating frequency band.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the slot line includes four sub-slot lines, each located on a diagonal line of the first central patch, and each sub-slot line extends in a finger-like manner.

[0045] This application utilizes the design of slot lines in the first center patch to construct a 3dB bridge architecture, achieving a 90-degree phase shift through bridge reflection. The slot lines help save space, allowing the 3dB bridge architecture to be constructed within a smaller size range. Compared to conventional bridge structures, the solution provided by this application can reduce the size by 30%, meeting the size requirements of half-wavelength arrays while allowing two independent first and second sub-lines to be set within a single antenna element.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the length of the sub-slit line in each slit line can be 0.25 wavelengths, and the width of the sub-slit line can be 0.03 wavelengths.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the phase-shifting layer includes a first sub-power supply line connected to the first phase-shifting stub for controlling the switch on the first phase-shifting stub to control the on / off state of the switch. The first sub-power supply line includes a power supply stub and an isolation stub connected to the power supply stub for isolating electromagnetic signals and DC control signals.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the isolation stub includes a pointed tip and an arcuate end disposed opposite to each other, the pointed tip being connected to the power supply stub, and the arcuate end facing the first central patch.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the feed line includes a first input stub, a second input stub, a bus line, a first output stub, and a second output stub. The first input stub, second input stub, first output stub, and second output stub are all connected to the bus line and are distributed at equal angular intervals around the bus line. The end of the first input stub furthest from the bus line is connected to one of the input ports, and the end of the second input stub furthest from the bus line is connected to the other input port. The end of the first output stub furthest from the bus line is connected to the phase-shifting line, and the end of the second output stub furthest from the bus line is also connected to the phase-shifting line. In another possible implementation, two switches are disposed on the feed layer and distributed on the bus line. One switch is located between the first input stub and the second input stub, and the other switch is located between the first output stub and the second output stub.

[0050] This solution provides a specific design architecture for a power supply line that can achieve polarization switching to form a reconfigurable 3dB bridge architecture. By switching two switches, it can achieve both shoot-through and bridge functions, and achieve a dual-channel architecture through the first input stub and the second input stub.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the two switches on the power supply layer are in the same state, either both on or both off.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the total number of switches in the antenna unit is 10. By controlling the two input ports and the 10 switches, the full polarization 2-bit switching of the antenna unit can be achieved.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the antenna unit has a total of 8 switches, and the antenna unit includes an input port. By controlling the input port and the 8 switches, the full polarization 2-bit switching of the antenna unit can be achieved.

[0054] Secondly, this application provides an antenna array, including a reflector and a plurality of antenna elements provided in any possible embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the antenna elements are arranged on the reflector. The antenna array provided in this application, due to the use of the aforementioned antenna elements, not only has the advantages of low profile and small size, but also achieves full polarization switching and 2-bit phase shift.

[0055] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device including a feeding network and an antenna element provided in any possible embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the feeding network is used to feed a signal to the antenna element. Because the communication device provided in this application uses the aforementioned antenna element, the radio frequency transceiver system architecture of the communication device can be designed more simply. Since the phase-shifting lines are already placed on the substrate of the antenna element, the phase-shifting requirements in the feeding network can be reduced, thus simplifying the overall feeding system.

[0056] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, including a feeding network and an antenna array provided in the second aspect, wherein the feeding network is used to feed signals to the antenna array. Because the communication device provided in this application uses the aforementioned antenna array, the communication device can be miniaturized. Furthermore, since each antenna element in the antenna array already has a phase-shifting line, the feeding network of the communication device does not need to be equipped with a phase-shifting line, simplifying the overall feeding system.

[0057] Fifthly, this application provides a base station, including a radio frequency processing unit and the antenna array described in the second aspect, wherein the radio frequency processing unit is electrically connected to the antenna array. The base station provided by this application, due to the use of the aforementioned antenna array, simplifies the design of the base station's feed network, eliminating the need for a phase-shifting circuit.

[0058] In summary, this application solves the problem that antenna full polarization (first linear polarization, second linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization, and right-hand circular polarization) radiation and array analog phase shift cannot be simultaneously achieved; solves the problem that active devices for antenna polarization switching and phase shift control cannot be reused; solves the problem that the non-conformal design of the antenna radiating layer and feed layer makes integration difficult; and solves the problem that fully polarized radiating antennas can only operate in a single channel. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system architecture applicable to the antenna unit, antenna array, communication equipment, or base station provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 2 For example Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an application scenario for the antenna equipped on the base station shown;

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a specific design architecture with an antenna array, representing one possible embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 5 A perspective view of the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application from another direction;

[0064] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the positional and connection relationships of some functional layers of the antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing multiple functional layers with the ground layer removed, retaining only the radiation layer, feed layer, and phase-shifting layer;

[0066] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the radiating layer in the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the feed layer in the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the feed layer in the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the feed layer in the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 12 An exploded perspective view of the radiating layer, the feeding layer and the first dielectric layer of the substrate in the antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 13 This is a planar schematic diagram of the phase-shifting layer in the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application, wherein the phase shifting layer is disposed on the seventh dielectric layer;

[0073] Figure 15 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the phase-shifting layer and the ground layers on both sides of the phase-shifting layer in the antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the substrate in the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 17 S11 diagram of the antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 18 The image shows the 2-bit phase shift curve of the antenna element under left-hand circular polarization.

[0077] Figure 19 The image shows the 2-bit phase shift curve of the antenna element under right-hand circular polarization.

[0078] Figure 20 This is a 2-bit phase shift curve of the antenna element under the first linear polarization.

[0079] Figure 21 This is a 2-bit phase-shift curve of the antenna element under second linear polarization.

[0080] Figure 22 The radiation pattern of the antenna element under left-hand circular polarization;

[0081] Figure 23 The radiation pattern of the antenna element under the first linear polarization;

[0082] Figure 24 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the antenna unit provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 25 A perspective view of the antenna element provided in the second embodiment of this application from another direction;

[0084] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional and connection relationships between the main functional layers in the second embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 27 In order to be in Figure 26 Based on this, schematic diagrams of control circuits for controlling switches on the radiation layer and control circuits for controlling switches on the phase-shifting layer have been added;

[0086] Figure 28 A schematic diagram of the radiating layer and the control circuitry used to control the switches on the radiating layer;

[0087] Figure 29 for Figure 27 A schematic diagram of the phase-shifting layer in the illustrated embodiment;

[0088] Figure 30 A schematic diagram of a first sub-circuit provided for one implementation;

[0089] Figure 31 A schematic diagram of a feeder line provided for one embodiment;

[0090] Figure 32 A schematic diagram of a feeder line provided for one embodiment;

[0091] Figure 33 and Figure 34 The graphs shown are the active S-parameters and 2-bit phase shift capability of channel one of the antenna element.

[0092] Figure 35 and Figure 36 The graphs shown are the active S-parameters and 2-bit phase shift capability of channel two of the antenna element.

[0093] Figure 37 , Figure 38 and Figure 39 Curves representing the performance of the polarization reconfiguration bridge;

[0094] Figure 40 and Figure 41 These represent the far-field radiation performance of channel one and channel two, respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0095] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] Figure 1 This illustration shows a scenario diagram of a system architecture applicable to the antenna unit, antenna array, communication device, or base station provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, this system architecture can include base stations and terminals. Wireless communication can be achieved between the base stations and terminals.

[0097] A base station, also known as an access network device, can be located in a base station bubsystem (BBS), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN). It is used to provide cell coverage for signal transmission, enabling communication between terminal devices and the wireless network. Specifically, a base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. In other embodiments, the base station may also be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, g node (gNodeB or gNB) in a new radio (NR) system, access network equipment in a future evolved network, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0098] Base stations are equipped with antennas to transmit signals in space. The antenna provided in this application is a fully polarized phase-shifting antenna that receives signals transmitted through a digital channel via an antenna array. It can achieve circular polarization (including left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization) and linear polarization (including X polarization and Y polarization), and can achieve 2-bit phase shift (i.e., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees phase shift).

[0099] Figure 1 The terminals in the system architecture shown can be: mobile terminals (e.g., drones) that are set up in the air and have the need for increased sensing coverage and recognition rate; residential areas or buildings with communication coverage needs; and mobile terminals (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, etc.) with high-precision positioning needs.

[0100] Figure 2 Demonstrated as Figure 1 The diagram shows an application scenario of the antenna equipped on the base station. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of the antenna array 10, the mast 20, and the antenna support 30. The antenna array 10 is located within the radome 40. The radome 40 possesses excellent electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics in terms of electrical performance and can withstand the effects of harsh external environments in terms of mechanical performance, thus protecting the antenna system from external environmental influences. The radome 40 can be mounted on the mast 20 or a tower via the antenna support 30 to facilitate signal reception or transmission by the antenna array 10.

[0101] Additionally, the base station may also include a radio frequency processing unit 50 and a baseband processing unit 60. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the baseband processing unit 60 can be connected to the antenna array 10 via the radio frequency processing unit 50. In some embodiments, the radio frequency processing unit 50 may also be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU), and the baseband processing unit 60 may also be referred to as a baseband unit (BBU).

[0102] In one possible embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the radio frequency processing unit 50 can be connected to the antenna array 10, and the baseband processing unit 60 is located at the far end of the antenna array 10. In this case, the radio frequency processing unit 50 and the antenna array 10 can be collectively referred to as an active antenna unit (AAU). It should be noted that... Figure 2 This is just one example of the positional relationship between the radio frequency processing unit 50 and the antenna array 10. In other embodiments, the radio frequency processing unit 50 and the baseband processing unit 60 may also be located at the far end of the antenna array 10. The radio frequency processing unit 50 and the baseband processing unit 60 can be connected via a transmission line 70.

[0103] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a specific design architecture with antenna array 10, representing a possible embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the antenna array 10 may include antenna elements 101 and reflectors 102. Antenna elements 101, also known as antenna vibrators or dipoles, effectively radiate or receive antenna signals. Different antenna elements 101 may have the same or different frequencies. Reflectors 102, also known as base plates, antenna panels, or metal reflective surfaces, reflect and focus received signals onto a receiving point. Antenna elements 101 are typically placed on one side of reflectors 102, which not only greatly enhances signal reception or transmission capabilities but also blocks and shields interference signals from the back side of reflectors 102 (in this application, the back side of reflectors 102 refers to the side opposite to where antenna elements 101 are located).

[0104] In antenna array 10, feed network 3 is located between antenna array 10 and the power amplifier of radio frequency processing unit 50. Feed network 3 can provide specific power and phase to antenna array 10. For example, feed network can include a power divider (or combiner) that can be used in either forward or reverse direction to split a signal into multiple signals or combine multiple signals into one. Feed network 3 can also include a filter to filter out interference signals. For electrically tunable antennas, feed network 3 can also include a transmission component to achieve different radiation beam directions and a phase shifter to change the maximum direction of signal radiation. In some cases, the phase shifter also functions as a power divider (or combiner), in which case the power divider (or combiner) can be omitted from the feed network. In some embodiments, feed network 3 can also include a calibration network to obtain the required calibration signal. The different components included in feed network 3 can be connected via transmission lines and connectors. It should be noted that the power divider (or combiner) can be located inside or outside the radome 40, and the connection relationships between the different components mentioned above are not unique. Figure 3 Only one possible arrangement of the components and their connection methods is shown.

[0105] In summary, in one embodiment, this application provides a base station, which includes a radio frequency (RF) processing unit and an antenna array. The RF processing unit is electrically connected to the antenna array and is used to process RF signals transmitted and received by the antenna array. In another embodiment, this application provides a communication device, which can be another type of device besides a base station. The communication device includes a feed network and an antenna array, with the feed network used to feed signals into the antenna array. In yet another embodiment, this application provides a communication device, which includes an antenna element and a feed network, with the feed network used to feed signals into the antenna element.

[0106] This application provides an antenna element comprising a radiating layer, a feeding layer, and a phase-shifting layer stacked together. The radiating layer includes a radiating patch, the feeding layer includes a feeding line, and the phase-shifting layer includes a phase-shifting line. Both the feeding line and the phase-shifting line are microstrip line structures. The antenna element also includes multiple switches. Some of the switches are distributed in the radiating layer and electrically connected to the radiating patch, some are distributed in the feeding layer and electrically connected to the feeding line, and some are distributed in the phase-shifting layer and electrically connected to the phase-shifting line. The phase-shifting circuit and the feeding circuit are used to transmit electromagnetic wave signals. By controlling the multiple switches, the radiating patch is reconfigured to switch the antenna element's first linear polarization, second linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization, and right-hand circular polarization. The antenna element has at least a 2-bit phase-shifting capability. In one embodiment, the first linear polarization is X-polarization, and the second linear polarization is Y-polarization. In another embodiment, the first linear polarization is +45 degrees, and the second linear polarization is -45 degrees.

[0107] In one specific embodiment, the antenna element includes a substrate, which is a multilayer dielectric structure, with the radiating layer, the feed layer, and the phase-shifting layer distributed on different dielectric layers. In another specific embodiment, the side length of the substrate is less than or equal to 0.5 times the wavelength. For base station antennas, multiple antenna elements constitute an antenna array. In the array formation process, 0.5 times the wavelength is a common standard for base station antennas. To meet the 120° (±60°) cellular networking requirements of base station antenna arrays, the spacing between elements in the array cannot exceed 0.5 wavelengths. The specific calculation formula is as follows: Antenna spacing < operating wavelength / (sin(theta) + 1), where theta represents the maximum scanning angle of the antenna element. In one embodiment, the substrate can be square, a design that facilitates arrays based on multiple antenna elements.

[0108] To clearly describe the specific structure of the antenna element, this application provides two specific embodiments. Figures 4 to 23 The antenna element provided in the first embodiment Figures 24 to 41 The antenna element provided is for the second embodiment. However, this application is not limited to these two embodiments, and may include any specific solution falling within the scope of the design concept of this application.

[0109] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an antenna element provided in the first embodiment of this application from another direction. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional and connection relationships of some functional layers (radiating layer, feeding layer, phase-shifting layer, and grounding layers located on both sides of the phase-shifting layer) of the antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown Figure 6 The diagram shown is a partial representation of multiple functional layers, with the ground layer removed and only the radiation layer, feed layer, and phase-shifting layer retained. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional and connection relationships between the radiation layer, the feed layer, and the phase-shifting layer.

[0110] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The antenna unit 101 includes a substrate 010 and a functional layer disposed on the substrate 010. (See attached image) Figure 4 The substrate 010 has a multilayer dielectric layer architecture, which can be understood as a multilayer circuit board structure. The top and bottom surfaces of the substrate 010 can be square, or it can be understood that each dielectric layer that makes up the substrate is square. The square substrate facilitates the arraying of antenna elements. The side length of the substrate 010 is 0.5 times the wavelength.

[0111] In one specific implementation, Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 010 includes eight dielectric layers, which, from top to bottom, are a first dielectric layer 011, a second dielectric layer 012, a third dielectric layer 013, a fourth dielectric layer 014, a fifth dielectric layer 015, a sixth dielectric layer 016, a seventh dielectric layer 017, and an eighth dielectric layer 018. Each dielectric layer may have a different thickness. In one embodiment, the first dielectric layer 011, the third dielectric layer 013, the fifth dielectric layer 015, the sixth dielectric layer 016, and the eighth dielectric layer 018 have a larger thickness, while the second dielectric layer 012, the fourth dielectric layer 014, and the seventh dielectric layer 017 have a smaller thickness. The thinner dielectric layers can be used to construct functional layers such as feed lines, phase-shifting lines, and control circuits.

[0112] Figure 4 Only the functional layer located on the surface of substrate 010, namely the radiating layer L1, is shown; the other functional layers are located in the middle layers of substrate 010. Specifically, the functional layers are structures that implement antenna element feeding, phase shifting, current transmission, and resonance generation for radiation. See also... Figure 6 The functional layers may include a radiating layer L1, a feeding layer L2, a phase-shifting layer L3, grounding layers L4 and L5, and electrical connection structures between different layers (such as conductive pillars, conductive holes, conductive lines, etc.). In one embodiment, the feeding lines on the feeding layer L2 are disposed on the surface of the second dielectric layer 012, the phase-shifting lines on the phase-shifting layer L3 are disposed on the surface of the seventh dielectric layer 017, and a control circuit, such as a circuit for controlling the switches on the antenna element, may be disposed on the fourth dielectric layer 014.

[0113] See Figure 5 The antenna unit 101 has an input port P1, which is used to electrically connect to a feed network or feed circuit, for example, by connecting to the input port P1 via a coaxial cable, so as to input electromagnetic wave signals to the antenna unit 101. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the input port P1 of the antenna unit 101 is located at the bottom of the eighth dielectric layer 018, that is, the outer surface of the eighth dielectric layer 018. Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the location of input port P1. The diagram does not specify the exact number of radiating patches 020 in the radiating layer L1 of the input port structure. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, the radiating patch 020 is square and located at the center of the substrate 010, meaning the center of the radiating patch 020 coincides with the center of the radiating layer L1 of the substrate 010. The side length of the radiating patch 020 extends in the same direction as the side length of the radiating layer L1 of the substrate 010. The extension directions of two adjacent sides of the outer contour of the radiating patch 020 are the X and Y directions, respectively. In one specific embodiment, the radiating patch features can be configured with a specific structure for the input port P1 according to specific requirements. The antenna unit provided in this application can employ different feeding methods at the location of the input port P1, such as coaxial feeding, probe feeding, etc. In other embodiments, the input port P1 of the antenna unit 101 can also be located on the side of the substrate 010, i.e., at the edge of the dielectric layer. This solution is not limited to the input port P1 being located at the edge of a specific layer; the input port P1 can be located at the edge of any dielectric layer on the side of the substrate 010, designed according to specific requirements.

[0114] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The antenna element provided in the embodiment shown is a single-channel and fully polarized antenna element, that is, the antenna element has one feed channel, which can be understood as the number of input ports P1 used for feeding signals is one, and the antenna element is fully polarized by exciting the radiating patch through one channel signal.

[0115] See Figure 6 In this embodiment, the radiation layer L1 includes a radiation patch 020, the power supply layer L2 includes a power supply line 030, and the phase shifting layer L3 includes a phase shifting line 040.

[0116] In one embodiment, the outer contour of the radiating patch 020 extends in the X direction by a dimension of 0.25 times the wavelength, and the outer contour of the radiating patch extends in the Y direction by a dimension of 0.25 times the wavelength.

[0117] In one embodiment, the formula for calculating the side length of the radiating patch 020 is:

[0118]

[0119] Where W represents the side length of the radiating patch 020, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, f0 is the operating frequency, and ε r It is the phase permittivity.

[0120] See Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The radiating patch 020 has a slot 201 inside. In one embodiment, the slot 201 is straight, and the extension direction (i.e., the length direction) of the slot 201 can be a first direction A1, and the width direction of the slot 201 can be a second direction A2. The extension direction of the slot 201 determines the polarization state of the antenna element. In a specific embodiment, the slot is formed by setting a slot in the diagonal direction to achieve circular polarization of the antenna element.

[0121] In other embodiments, the slit 201 can also be arc-shaped, curved, wavy, etc. The edges of the slit 201 are a first long side 2011 and a second long side 2012 arranged opposite each other. In one embodiment, both the first long side 2011 and the second long side 2012 are straight lines. The length 201L of the slit 201 is the extension dimension of the first long side 2011. The first long side 2011 and the second long side 2012 can be parallel to each other, and their extension directions are the same. The width 201W of the slit 201 is the vertical distance between the first long side 2011 and the second long side 2012. The length 201L of the slit 201 is 0.25 times the wavelength, and the width 201W of the slit 201 is 0.03 times the wavelength. The slit 201 is a straight strip, and both the first long side 2011 and the second long side 2012 are straight lines.

[0122] In one embodiment, the length of the slot 201 affects the operating bandwidth of the antenna element, and the ratio of the length of the slot 201 to the width of the slot 201 affects the purity of the circularly polarized radiation of the antenna element.

[0123] like Figure 8 As shown, the radiating patch 020 is a square patch, and the extension directions of two adjacent sides of its outer edge are the X and Y directions, respectively. The extension direction of the slot 201 is the diagonal direction of the radiating patch 020, that is, the angle between the first direction A1 and the X direction is 45 degrees, and the angle between the second direction A2 and the Y direction is 45 degrees. The extension direction of the slot 201 is the polarization direction of the first linear polarization of the antenna element, or the polarization direction of the second linear polarization of the antenna element. That is, the polarization directions of the two linear polarizations of the antenna element provided in this application are the +45 degree polarization direction and the -45 degree polarization direction, respectively.

[0124] The antenna unit 101 provided in this application has multiple switches SW. This application provides a slot 201 on the radiating patch 020, and a switch SW is positioned at the slot 201. The switch SW, located on the radiating layer L1, is situated within the slot 201 and electrically connected between the first long side 2011 and the second long side 2012. By controlling the switch SW in the slot 201, the antenna unit 101 can switch between linear polarization and circular polarization. The linear polarization includes X-polarization and Y-polarization, and the circular polarization includes left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization.

[0125] Specifically, two switches SW are installed on the radiation layer L1, namely switch SW1 and switch SW2. The direction of the line connecting switch SW1 and switch SW2 (the direction of the line connecting their midpoints) is the first direction A1.

[0126] In one embodiment, the slit 201 has a uniform width and is symmetrical. The slit 201, together with the devices disposed within it, forms a symmetrically distributed architecture, with the center of symmetry of the radiating patch 020 being the center O. That is, switches SW1 and SW2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center O of the radiating patch 020 along the first direction A1.

[0127] The radiating patch 020 includes four input points B1, B2, B3, and B4. Two input points B1 and B2 are located on the side of the first long side 2011 away from the second long side 2012, and the other two input points B3 and B4 are located on the side of the second long side 2012 away from the first long side 2011. All four input points B1, B2, B3, and B4 are electrically connected to the feed line of the antenna element. In the second direction A2, two input points B1 and B3 are distributed on both sides of one of the switches SW1, and the other two input points B2 and B4 are distributed on both sides of the other switch SW2. In the first direction A1, two input points B1 and B3 are located near switch SW1, and two input points B2 and B4 are located near switch SW2.

[0128] In one embodiment, the line connecting input point B1 and input point B4 extends in the X direction, and the line connecting input point B3 and input point B2 extends in the Y direction.

[0129] In one embodiment, switch SW1 is located on the line connecting input point B1 and input point B3, or switch SW1, input point B1, and input point B3 form the three vertices of an obtuse triangle. Similarly, switch SW2 is located on the line connecting input point B2 and input point B4, or switch SW2, input point B2, and input point B4 form the three vertices of an obtuse triangle.

[0130] The antenna unit may also include control lines, which may be disposed on the radiating layer L1 or on other dielectric layers of the substrate. The control lines are used to electrically connect switches SW1 and SW2, and control the switching of switches SW1 and SW2. When the control lines have current, they supply power to switches SW1 and SW2, causing switches SW1 and SW2 to be turned on. Conversely, when the current in the control lines is turned off, switches SW1 and SW2 are turned off.

[0131] In one specific implementation, the two switches SW1 and SW2 on the radiation patch 020 are both on or off simultaneously, meaning that both are either both on or both off.

[0132] Figure 9 As shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic of the feed line 030 in the feed layer L2 of the illustrated embodiment. The feed layer L2 has four switches SW, namely switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6.

[0133] This application, by controlling the switches SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6 of the feed layer L2 and the switches SW1, SW2 of the radiating layer L1, can rotate the feed position of the radiating layer L1 by 90 degrees around the center position of the radiating patch 020, thereby switching the first linear polarization, second linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization, and right-hand circular polarization of the antenna element 101. By controlling the switches SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6 of the feed layer L2, the antenna element 101 can also achieve a 180-degree change in radiation phase while maintaining the same polarization state.

[0134] The feeder line 030 includes one feeder entry point 300 and four feeder points 301, 302, 303, and 304. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the power input point 300 is electrically connected to the phase-shifting line 040 on the phase-shifting layer L3, and is used to receive the signal transmitted by the phase-shifting line 040. The four power input points 301, 302, 303, and 304 are respectively used to power the radiating patch 020. Specifically, the power input point 300 and the phase-shifting line 040 can be electrically connected through conductive pillars, which can be understood as metal vias passing through the power input layer L2 and the phase-shifting layer L3. Similarly, the four power input points 301, 302, 303, and 304 can also be electrically connected to the radiating patch 020 through conductive pillars, that is, through four metal vias correspondingly arranged between each power input point 301, 302, 303, and 304 and the radiating patch 020.

[0135] like Figure 9As shown, there are four switches SW on the power supply layer L2. One switch SW is installed on the power supply line 030 between each power supply point 301, 302, 303, 304 and the power supply entry point 300.

[0136] The four feed points on the feed line 030 are a first feed point 301, a second feed point 302, a third feed point 303, and a fourth feed point 304. The feed line 030 includes a first line 305, a second line 306, a third line 307, and a fourth line 308. The first line 305 is electrically connected between the feed entry point 300 and the first feed point 301. The second line 306 is electrically connected between the feed entry point 300 and the second feed point 302. The third line 307 is electrically connected between the feed entry point 300 and the third feed point 303. The fourth line 308 is electrically connected between the feed entry point 300 and the fourth feed point 304. It can also be understood that the first line 305, the second line 306, the third line 307 and the fourth line 308 intersect at the power input point 300. The first power input point 301 is formed on the first line 305, the second power input point 302 is formed on the second line 306, the third power input point 303 is formed on the third line 307, and the fourth power input point 304 is formed on the fourth line 308.

[0137] It can also be understood as: such as Figure 9 As shown, the power supply line 030 includes a central patch, namely the patch at the intersection of the first line 305, the second line 306, the third line 307, and the fourth line 308, with an outer contour in the shape of a cross. The power supply entry point 300 is located at the center of this central patch. Four rectangular patches and four switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 are distributed around the central patch, and the four rectangular patches and four switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The four switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 are respectively connected between each rectangular patch and the central patch. Each rectangular patch and its corresponding part of the central patch constitute the first line 305, the second line 306, the third line 307, and the fourth line 308, respectively. The first power supply point 301, the second power supply point 302, the third power supply point 303, and the fourth power supply point 304 are respectively located on the four rectangular patches.

[0138] The four switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 on the feed layer L2 are correspondingly arranged on the first line 305, the second line 306, the third line 307, and the fourth line 308. It can be understood that the first line 305 comprises two parts: one part connects to the feed entry point 300, and the other part connects to the first feed point 301. These two parts are electrically connected via switch SW3. In one embodiment, the first line 305, the second line 306, the third line 307, and the fourth line 308 are all straight lines. The extension direction of the first line 305 and the fourth line 308 is a third direction A3, and the extension direction of the second line 306 and the third line 307 is a fourth direction A4. The third direction A3 is perpendicular to the fourth direction A4.

[0139] In one implementation, Figure 9 The third party shown is A3 and Figure 8 The X-direction shown is the same direction. Figure 9 The fourth direction A4 and shown Figure 8 The Y direction shown is the same. Of course, in other embodiments, the third direction A3 and the X direction can be different, and the fourth direction A4 can also be different from the Y direction.

[0140] See Figure 10 The power supply layer L2 also includes four switch control lines 031. The four switch control lines 031 are distributed around the four power supply points (i.e., the first power supply point 301, the second power supply point 302, the third power supply point 303, and the fourth power supply point 304) and are electrically connected to the four power supply points (the first power supply point 301, the second power supply point 302, the third power supply point 303, and the fourth power supply point 304) respectively. The four switch control lines 031 are used to energize the four switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 on the power supply layer L2.

[0141] Each of the aforementioned switch control lines 031 includes an isolation branch 311 and a power supply branch 312. The power supply branch 312 is used to supply power to the switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6. The isolation branch 311 is connected to the power supply branch 312 and is used to isolate electromagnetic signals and DC control signals. The four isolation branches 311 are distributed around the four feed points (i.e., the first feed point 301, the second feed point 302, the third feed point 303, and the fourth feed point 304) and are arranged at intervals along the circumference. Each isolation branch 311 is located between two adjacent power supply branches 312. The power supply stub 312 is linear, with one end connected to the first line 305 (or the second line 306, the third line 307, or the fourth line 308). The power supply stub 312 has a bent shape along its extension path; for example, it may include an L-shaped transmission line, and / or other shapes such as a serpentine transmission line. The end of the power supply stub 312 away from the feed line 030 may be located at the edge of the substrate or within the substrate, but close to the edge. Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the end of the power supply branch 312 away from the feed line 030 is located between the edge of the substrate and the feed line 030, which is located at the center of the substrate.

[0142] Each of the isolation stubs 311 is fan-shaped and includes a pointed tip 3111 and an arc-shaped end 3112 disposed opposite to each other. The pointed tip 3111 is connected to the power supply stub 312, and the arc-shaped end 3112 faces the adjacent power supply stub 312. The isolation stub 311 is used to isolate electromagnetic signals and DC control signals to prevent mutual interference between them. The electromagnetic signal is the signal transmitted by the feeder line 030, and the DC control signal is the signal transmitted from the power supply stub 312 to the switch. The side length of the isolation stub 311 is the line connecting one end of the arc-shaped end 3112 and the pointed tip 3111. In one embodiment, the side length of the isolation stub 311 is 1 / 4 wavelength.

[0143] In one embodiment, the four switch control lines 031 and the feed lines 030 on the feed layer L2 are located on the same layer of the substrate, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the switch control circuit 031 is located on the same layer as the feeder circuit 030, and the two are directly connected by a microstrip line to form an electrical connection.

[0144] In one embodiment, the four switch control lines 031 and the feed lines 030 on the feed layer L2 are located on different layers of the substrate. For example... Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 The switch control line 031 is represented by a dashed line, and the feeder line 030 is represented by a solid line. This can be understood as follows: Figure 11The dielectric layer on the substrate shown is the surface of the dielectric layer where the feed line 030 is located. The switch control line 031 is not disposed in this layer; it is disposed in other layers of the substrate. Therefore, the switch control line 031 is represented by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the switch control line 031 and the feed line 030 can be electrically connected through metal vias spanning different dielectric layers of the substrate. Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, all switch control lines 031 can be disposed on the same layer of the substrate, or all switch control lines 031 can be distributed on different layers of the substrate.

[0145] Figure 12 The diagram shown is an exploded three-dimensional view of the radiating layer L1, the feeding layer L2, and the first dielectric layer 011 of the substrate. Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the radiating layer L1 and the feeding layer L2 are located on opposite sides of the first dielectric layer 011. Specifically, the radiating layer L1 is formed on the top surface of the first dielectric layer 011, and the feeding layer L2 is located on one side of the bottom surface of the first dielectric layer 011. It is understood that, in conjunction with the reference... Figure 5 The feed layer L2 is formed on the top surface of the second dielectric layer 012, that is, the surface of the second dielectric layer 012 facing the first dielectric layer 011.

[0146] Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, six switches are disposed on the radiating layer L1 and the feeding layer L2, including two switches SW1 and SW2 on the radiating layer L1 and four switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 on the feeding layer L2. Each of these six switches requires control circuitry to control its on / off state, and this control circuitry can be disposed on certain dielectric layers of the substrate. For example, the control circuitry for controlling the two switches SW1 and SW2 on the radiating layer L1 can be disposed on the first dielectric layer SW11, or on the second dielectric layer, or on other dielectric layers. Similarly, the control circuitry for controlling the four switches SW3, SW4, SW5, and SW6 on the feeding layer L2 can also be disposed on the second dielectric layer or on other dielectric layers. Where the area of ​​each dielectric layer of the substrate allows, the control circuitry for these six switches can be disposed on the same dielectric layer. Where the thickness of the substrate allows, these six switches can be distributed across multiple dielectric layers. This design saves the area of ​​each dielectric layer, enabling a smaller antenna element size on the plane of the substrate.

[0147] See Figure 12As can be seen, the first feed point 301, the second feed point 302, the third feed point 303, and the fourth feed point 304 on the feed layer L2 are respectively set to correspond one-to-one with the four input points B1, B2, B3, and B4 on the radiating layer L1. In order to ensure the small size design of the antenna element, the first feed point 301 and the input point B1 are directly opposite each other on the thickness of the substrate and are directly electrically connected through metal vias. The relationship between the other feed points and the input points is the same.

[0148] See Figure 13 The phase-shifting layer L3 has a phase-shifting line 040, which includes an input terminal 401 and an output terminal 402, combined with... Figure 5 Input terminal 401 is electrically connected to input port P1 of the antenna element. Input terminal 401 and input port P1 can be directly connected via a metal via. Other devices can also be electrically connected between input terminal 401 and input port P1 to adjust impedance, such as lumped devices, capacitors, and inductors. Output terminal 402 is located in the central region of the phase-shifting layer L3 and is used to connect to the feed layer L2. The feed layer L2 is electrically connected between output terminal 402 and the input point on the radiating patch 020. Input terminal 401 is located on the periphery of the phase-shifting line 040. Input terminal 401 can be located at the edge of the substrate or inside the substrate. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 12 The output terminal 402 is electrically connected to the feed entry point 300 on the feed layer L2. In the thickness direction of the substrate, the output terminal 402 and the feed entry point 300 are directly opposite each other and are electrically connected through a metal via.

[0149] Figure 13 In the specific embodiment shown, the phase-shifting line 040 constitutes a reflective phase shifter based on a 90-degree bridge. Two switches are disposed on the phase-shifting layer L3 and distributed within the phase-shifting line 040. Switches SW7 and SW8 are provided within the phase-shifting layer L3; by controlling the on / off state of these two switches SW7 and SW8, phase shift switching between 0 degrees and 90 degrees is achieved.

[0150] In one embodiment, a switch control circuit 041 is provided on the phase shift layer L3, such as... Figure 13As shown, the switch control line 041 is located in the area between the phase shift line 040 and the edge of the substrate. The switch control line 041 has two power supply branches 411 and 412. One end of power supply branch 411 is connected to the feed line 040 and is adjacent to switch SW7. One end of power supply branch 412 is connected to the feed line 040 and is adjacent to switch SW8. The other ends of power supply branches 411 and 412 are connected. That is, both power supply branches 411 supply power simultaneously. This can be understood as the two switches SW7 and SW8 on the phase shift layer L3 having the same state, either both on or both off. The reason for setting these two switches to be either both on or both off is that the phase shifter is based on a reflective bridge design, and the states of the two ports must be consistent. If the states of these two switches are one on and one off, energy will leak out.

[0151] In other embodiments, the two power supply branches of the switch control line 041 may not be connected. They can be connected to different power supply ports. As long as the power supply ports to which they are connected are set to the same potential, it can be ensured that the two switches SW7 and SW8 on the phase shift layer L3 are open or closed at the same time.

[0152] In one embodiment, an isolation stub 413 is provided on the power supply stub 411 of the switch control circuit 041, and an isolation stub 414 is provided on the power supply stub 412 of the switch control circuit 041. The isolation stubs 413 and 414 are used to isolate electromagnetic signals and DC control signals. The isolation stub 413 includes a pointed end and an arc-shaped end. The pointed end is connected to the power supply stub 411, and the arc-shaped end faces the edge of the substrate and is away from the power supply stub 411. In one embodiment, the specific structure of the isolation stub 414 can be the same as that of the isolation stub 413; in other embodiments, the structure of the isolation stub 414 can be different from that of the isolation stub 413.

[0153] See Figure 14 The phase-shifting layer L3 is disposed on the surface of the seventh dielectric layer 017, in conjunction with the reference. Figure 4 The phase-shifting layer L3 is disposed on the top surface of the seventh dielectric layer 017, that is, the surface of the seventh dielectric layer 017 facing the sixth dielectric layer 016.

[0154] See Figure 15 In one embodiment, the antenna element is further provided with ground layers L4 and L5 on both sides of the phase-shifting layer L3, as detailed in the reference. Figure 4 Ground layer L4 is disposed on the top surface of the sixth dielectric layer 016 (the sixth dielectric layer 016 faces away from the surface of the seventh dielectric layer 017), meaning that ground layer L4 and phase shift layer L3 are separated by the sixth dielectric layer 016. Ground layer L5 is disposed on the bottom surface of the eighth dielectric layer 018, meaning that ground layer L5 and phase shift layer L3 are separated by the seventh dielectric layer 017 and the eighth dielectric layer 018. Ground layer L5 is the bottom surface of the antenna element.

[0155] See Figure 14 and Figure 15 Grounding layer L5 and grounding layer L4 are electrically connected by several metal vias 417. These metal vias 417 pass through the seventh dielectric layer 017 and are distributed around the phase-shifting line 040. The metal vias 417 are used to connect grounding layer L5 and grounding layer L4, and also to shield the phase-shifting line from external signal interference, so as to ensure the transmission quality of electromagnetic signals in the phase-shifting line.

[0156] See Figure 16 In one embodiment, the bottom of the substrate 010 is provided with two hole structures 019. These two hole structures 019 penetrate the eighth dielectric layer and the seventh dielectric layer. Through these two hole structures 019, the two switches SW7 and SW8 on the phase shift layer L3 are exposed. The provision of these two hole structures 019 can provide a space for the switches SW7 and SW8, and also facilitates the assembly process of the switches SW7 and SW8 during the fabrication of the antenna unit.

[0157] Figures 4 to 16 In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna unit contains a total of eight switches. The antenna unit includes an input port P1. Through the control of the input port P1 and the eight switches, full polarization 2-bit switching of the antenna unit can be achieved. The antenna unit provided by this solution has a relative bandwidth of approximately 10%, a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of less than 2, a 3dB beamwidth of approximately 80°, a gain of approximately 4dBi, and a height (perpendicular to the substrate, i.e., the thickness direction of the substrate) of 2.5mm. The antenna unit operates in a single channel with a total of eight switches.

[0158] Table 1 shows the correspondence between polarization and radiation phase under different states in this embodiment. P#1 to P#8 represent the states of eight switches (P#1 represents SW1...P#8 represents SW8), where 1 represents the switch is on and 0 represents the switch is off; X#1 to X#4 represent the four antenna modes under the first linear polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase; Y#1 to Y#4 represent the four antenna modes under the second linear polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase; L#1 to L#4 represent the four antenna modes under left-hand circular polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase; R#1 to R#4 represent the four antenna modes under right-hand circular polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase.

[0159]

[0160]

[0161] Table 1

[0162] See Figure 17 , Figure 17 As shown Figures 4 to 16 The S11 diagram of the antenna element provided in the illustrated embodiment shows that, through the curves of the first linear polarization, the second linear polarization, the left-hand circular polarization, and the right-hand circular polarization of the antenna element, it can be seen that the antenna element meets the design requirements under various polarization states and can satisfy good radiation efficiency.

[0163] See Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 , Figure 18 The figure shown is a 2-bit phase shift curve of the antenna element under left-hand circular polarization. Figure 19 The figure shown is a 2-bit phase shift curve of the antenna element under right-hand circular polarization. Figure 20 The figure shown is a 2-bit phase shift curve of the antenna element under the first linear polarization. Figure 21 The figure shown is a 2-bit phase shift curve of the antenna element under the second linear polarization.

[0164] See Figure 22 and Figure 23 , Figure 22 The image shows the radiation pattern of the antenna element under left-hand circular polarization. Figure 23 The image shows the radiation pattern of the antenna element under the first linear polarization.

[0165] Figure 24 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the antenna unit provided in the second embodiment of this application. Figure 25 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the antenna unit provided in the second embodiment of this application from another direction. Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional and connection relationships between the main functional layers (radiation layer, feed layer, and phase-shifting layer) in the second embodiment of this application.

[0166] See Figure 24 and Figure 25The antenna unit 101 provided in this embodiment includes a substrate 010 and a functional layer formed on the substrate 010. Similar to the first embodiment, the substrate 010 has a multilayer dielectric layer architecture. In one specific embodiment, the substrate 010 includes eight dielectric layers, which are, from top to bottom, a first dielectric layer 011, a second dielectric layer 012, a third dielectric layer 013, a fourth dielectric layer 014, a fifth dielectric layer 015, a sixth dielectric layer 016, a seventh dielectric layer 017, and an eighth dielectric layer 018. The substrate 010 is square. The side length of the substrate 010 can be 0.5 times the wavelength. A radiating patch 020' is provided on the top surface of the substrate 010, and two input ports P2 and P4 are provided on the bottom surface of the substrate. The antenna unit 101 provided in this solution has dual channels, that is, it is connected to a feed network or feed circuit through the two input ports P2 and P4. Both input ports P2 and P4 are used to feed electromagnetic signals. In other embodiments, the two input ports P2 and P4 can also be provided on the side of the substrate.

[0167] The radiation patch 020' includes a first sub-patch 022 and a second sub-patch 024. Both the first sub-patch 022 and the second sub-patch 024 are dipole-shaped. The first sub-patch 022 extends in a third direction A3, and the second sub-patch 024 extends in a fourth direction A4. The third direction A3 is perpendicular to the fourth direction A4.

[0168] Figure 26 The diagram shows the distribution of the three main functional layers of the antenna element provided in this solution. The radiating layer L1 is located at the top layer, on the surface of the substrate, and the phase-shifting layer L3 is located between the feed layer L2 and the radiating layer L1. The feed layer L2 receives the signal input from the input port P2 and transmits the signal to the phase-shifting layer L3. The phase-shifting layer L3 transmits the signal to the first sub-pattern 022 and the second sub-pattern 024 in the radiating layer L1. Figure 26 The two input terminals of feed line 030' in the intermediate feed layer L2 are used to connect to two input ports P2 and P4, respectively. The two output terminals of feed line 030' are used to connect to phase shift line 040'. Phase shift line 040' transmits signals to the first sub-pattern 022 and the second sub-pattern 024.

[0169] See also Figure 24 , Figure 25 and Figure 26In one embodiment, the edge of the substrate 010 includes four sides, namely a first side S1, a second side S2, a third side S3, and a fourth side S4 connected in sequence. A first sub-pattern 022 is located on the top surface of the substrate 010 and adjacent to the first side S1, a second sub-pattern 024 is located on the top surface of the substrate 010 and adjacent to the second side S2, one input port P2 is located on the bottom surface of the substrate 010 and adjacent to the fourth side S4, and another input port P2 is located on the bottom surface of the substrate 010 and adjacent to the third side S3. This embodiment, by placing the first sub-pattern 022, the second sub-pattern 024, and the two input ports P2 adjacent to different sides of the substrate 010, helps to ensure the radiation efficiency of the antenna element, enabling the antenna element with better radiation efficiency to be obtained within a limited space, and helping to ensure the miniaturization of the antenna element size.

[0170] Figure 26 In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna element has 10 switches. Through the control of the two input ports P2 and P4 and the 10 switches, the full polarization 2-bit switching of the antenna element can be achieved. Four switches SW1', SW2', SW3', and SW4' are disposed on the radiating layer L1; four switches SW5', SW6', SW7', and SW8' are disposed on the phase-shifting layer L3; and two switches SW9' and SW10' are disposed on the feed layer L2.

[0171] Figure 27 The architecture shown is in Figure 26 Based on this, control lines 027 and 028 for controlling the switches on the radiation layer L1 and control lines 047 and 048 for controlling the switches on the phase-shifting layer L3 were added. For ease of labeling, the leads of control lines 027, 028 and 047, 048 are labeled at the lead-out ends of the control lines, such as... Figure 27 The position shown is used to connect external circuitry to input DC current to control lines 027, 028 and 047, 048.

[0172] Figure 28 The diagram shows the radiation layer L1 and the control circuits 027 and 028 used to control the switches on the radiation layer L1. From... Figure 28 It can be seen that some of the control lines 027 and 028 are distributed on the radiation layer L1, while the rest of the control lines 027 and 028 are distributed on other dielectric layers. The control lines 027 and 028 on the other dielectric layers are electrically connected to the control lines 027 and 028 on the radiation layer L1 through metal vias.

[0173] In one specific embodiment, both the first sub-pattern 022 and the second sub-pattern 024 are rectangular structures extending with equal width. The radiating patch 020' includes two first parasitic patches 023 and two second parasitic patches 025. The two first parasitic patches 023 are located at both ends of the length direction of the first sub-pattern 022, that is, along the length direction of the first sub-pattern 022 (third direction A3). One first parasitic patch 023, the first sub-pattern 022, and the other first parasitic patch 023 are arranged sequentially with intervals. There is a gap between the first parasitic patch 023 and the first sub-pattern 022. The first parasitic patch 023 and the first sub-pattern 022 are set with equal width. Two second parasitic patches 025 are located at both ends of the length direction of the second sub-pattern 024, that is, along the length direction of the second sub-pattern 024 (fourth direction A4). One second parasitic patch 025, the second sub-pattern 024, and the other second parasitic patch 025 are arranged alternately. There is a gap between the second parasitic patch 025 and the second sub-pattern 024. The second parasitic patch 025 and the second sub-pattern 024 are set with the same width.

[0174] This solution employs equal-width designs for the first sub-pattern 022, the first parasitic patch 023 and the first sub-pattern 022, the second sub-pattern 024, and the second parasitic patch 025 and the second sub-pattern 024 to ensure impedance consistency of the antenna element and improve its radiation performance. Because the width of the radiating patch determines its corresponding impedance, unequal widths would lead to impedance inconsistencies between the main patch (first sub-pattern 022 and the second sub-pattern 024) and the parasitic patch (first parasitic patch 023 and the second parasitic patch 025). This impedance inconsistency would cause reflection from the radiating patch, preventing effective radiation of electromagnetic energy.

[0175] A switch is provided between each of the first parasitic patch 023 and the first sub-patch 022, and between each of the second parasitic patch 025 and the second sub-patch 024. A switch SW1' is provided between one of the first parasitic patch 023 and the first sub-patch 022, and a switch SW2' is provided between another first parasitic patch 023 and the first sub-patch 022. A switch SW3' is provided between one second parasitic patch 025 and the second sub-patch 024, and a switch SW4' is provided between another second parasitic patch 025 and the second sub-patch 024. By controlling switches SW1' and SW2' (in one embodiment, these two switches are simultaneously open and closed), coupling is achieved between the first sub-patch 022 and the first parasitic patch 023. By controlling switches SW3' and SW4' (in one embodiment, these two switches are simultaneously open and closed), coupling is achieved between the second sub-patch 024 and the second parasitic patch 025, thereby achieving a 180-degree phase shift.

[0176] In one embodiment, along the third direction A3, the total length of the patch architecture formed by the two first parasitic patches 023 and the first sub-pattern 022 is 0.3 times the wavelength. In another embodiment, along the fourth direction A4, the total length of the patch architecture formed by the two second parasitic patches 025 and the second sub-pattern 024 is 0.3 times the wavelength.

[0177] In one embodiment, the length of the radiating patch of the antenna element can be understood as: the sum of the lengths of the first sub-pattern 022, the first parasitic patch 023, and the intervals between them in the third direction A3; and the sum of the lengths of the second sub-pattern 024, the second parasitic patch 025, and the intervals between them in the fourth direction A4. The formula for calculating the length L of the radiating patch is as follows:

[0178]

[0179] in:

[0180]

[0181] Where: h represents the dielectric thickness, W represents the width of the first or second sub-patch, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, f0 is the operating frequency, and ε r It is the phase permittivity.

[0182] In one embodiment, two switches SW1' and SW2' are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the center position along the length direction of the first sub-pattern 022, and disposed between the first parasitic patch 023 and the first sub-pattern 022. In another embodiment, two switches SW3' and SW4' are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the center position along the length direction of the second sub-pattern 024, and disposed between the second parasitic patch 025 and the second sub-pattern 024.

[0183] See Figure 28 In one embodiment, the control line 027 includes a first control sub-line 0271 and a second control sub-line 0272. The first control sub-line 0271 is used to supply power to switch SW1', and the second control sub-line 0272 is used to supply power to switch SW2'.

[0184] The first control sub-circuit 0271 includes a first transmission segment 711, a second transmission segment 712, and a first isolation portion 713. The first transmission segment 711 connects between the first parasitic patch 023 (connected to switch SW1') and the second transmission segment 712. The first transmission segment 711, the first parasitic patch 023, and the first sub-patch 022 are coplanar. The first transmission segment 711 has a serpentine or meandering linear structure, allowing it to have a long path within a small area. The second transmission segment 712 is coplanar with the first isolation portion 713 but not with the first transmission segment 711. The first transmission segment 711 and the second transmission segment 712 are electrically connected through a metal via passing through the dielectric layer. One end of the second transmission segment 712 is located directly below the end of the first transmission segment 711 away from the first parasitic patch 023, and the other end of the second transmission segment 712 extends to the edge of the substrate 010. The first isolation section 713 is connected to the second transmission segment 712 and located at one end of the second transmission segment 712 adjacent to the first transmission segment. The first isolation section 713 can be a fan-shaped branch structure, and the first isolation section 713 includes a tip and an arc-shaped end, with its tip connected to the second transmission segment 712. The first isolation section 713 is used to isolate DC electrical signals and electromagnetic signals.

[0185] The second control sub-circuit 0272 includes a third transmission segment 721, a fourth transmission segment 722, and a second isolation portion 723. The third transmission segment 721 is connected between the first parasitic patch 023 (connected to switch SW2') and the fourth transmission segment 722. The third transmission segment 721 and the first transmission segment 711 are coplanar and are arranged opposite each other along the length direction of the first sub-pattern 022. The third transmission segment 721 and the first transmission segment 711 can have the same structural form. The fourth transmission segment 722 and the second isolation portion 723 are both coplanar with the second transmission segment 712, and the fourth transmission segment 722 and the third transmission segment 721 are electrically connected through a metal via passing through the dielectric layer. The end of the fourth transmission segment 722 away from the third transmission segment 721 is located at the edge of the substrate 010. A portion of the transmission lines of the fourth transmission segment 722 and a portion of the transmission lines of the second transmission segment 712 are arranged parallel and spaced apart.

[0186] In one embodiment, the second transmission segment 712 and the fourth transmission segment 722 are connected to a power supply circuit so that the first control sub-line 0271 and the second control sub-line 0272 are powered simultaneously, so as to ensure that the switch SW1' and the switch SW2' are turned on and off at the same time.

[0187] See Figure 28In one embodiment, the control line 028 includes a third control sub-line 0281 and a fourth control sub-line 0282. The third control sub-line 0281 is used to supply power to switch SW3', and the fourth control sub-line 0282 is used to supply power to switch SW4'. The structures of the third control sub-line 0281 and the fourth control sub-line 0282 may be the same as or similar to the structures of the first control sub-line 0271 and the second control sub-line 0272, and their structures will not be described in detail.

[0188] See Figure 28 The first sub-patch 022 has one input point, referred to as the first input point T1, and the second sub-patch 024 has one input point, referred to as the second input point T2. The first input point T1 on the first sub-patch 022 is located at the center of the first sub-patch 022 along its length, and the second input point T2 on the second sub-patch 024 is located at the center of the second sub-patch 024 along its length. (See reference...) Figure 27 Both the first input point T1 and the second input point T2 are electrically connected to the phase-shifting line 040 on the phase-shifting layer.

[0189] Figure 29 As shown Figure 27 The diagram shows a schematic of the phase-shifting layer in the illustrated embodiment. The phase-shifting line 040' includes a first sub-line 043, a second sub-line 045, a first sub-power supply line 0471, a second sub-power supply line 0472, a third sub-power supply line 0481, a fourth sub-power supply line 0482, and four switches SW5', SW6', SW7', and SW8'. The first sub-line 043 and the second sub-line 045 are independent of each other. The first sub-line 043 receives signals transmitted from the feed layer L2 and transmits the signals to the first sub-pattern 022. The second sub-line 045 receives signals transmitted from the feed layer L2 and transmits the signals to the second sub-pattern 024. Switches SW5' and SW6' are disposed on the first sub-line 043, and switches SW7' and SW8' are disposed on the second sub-line 045. The first sub-power supply line 0471 and the second sub-power supply line 0472 are used to supply power to switches SW5' and SW6' on the first sub-line 043, and the third sub-power supply line 0481 and the fourth sub-power supply line 0482 are used to supply power to switches SW7' and SW8' on the second sub-line 045.

[0190] This application achieves 0-degree and 90-degree phase shift switching by controlling the two switches SW5' and SW6' on the first sub-line 043, and / or by controlling the two switches SW7' and SW8' on the second sub-line 045. In one embodiment, the first sub-line 043 constitutes a reflective phase shifter based on a 90-degree bridge. The second sub-line 045 can also constitute a reflective phase shifter based on a 90-degree bridge.

[0191] Figure 30 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the first sub-line 043 provided in one embodiment. (See attached diagram.) Figure 30 The first sub-line 043 includes a first center patch 431, a first input stub 432, a first phase-shifting stub 433, a second phase-shifting stub 434, and a first feed position 435. The first center patch 431 includes a first side 4311, a second side 4312, a third side 4313, and a fourth side 4314 that constitute at least a portion of the outer contour of the first center patch 431. The first side 4311 and the third side 4313 are arranged opposite to each other and are parallel to each other. The second side 4312 and the fourth side 4314 are arranged parallel to each other. 4. The sides are arranged opposite each other and parallel to each other. The first side 4311 is perpendicular to the second side 4312. The first input branch 432 is connected to the first side 4311. The first phase-shifting branch 433 is connected to the second side 4312. The second phase-shifting branch 434 is connected to the third side 4313. The first feed position 435 is located on the periphery of the fourth side 4314. An open switch SW6' is provided on the first phase-shifting branch 433. A switch SW5' is provided on the second phase-shifting branch 434.

[0192] Specifically, the first input stub 432 is connected to the midpoint of the first side 4311, the first phase-shifting stub 433 is connected to the midpoint of the second side 4312, the second phase-shifting stub 434 is connected to the midpoint of the third side 4313, and the first feed position 435 is located outside the midpoint of the fourth side 4314.

[0193] The first input branch 432, the first phase-shifting branch 433, and the second phase-shifting branch 434 are all elongated. The first input branch 432 is perpendicular to the first side 4311, the first phase-shifting branch 433 is perpendicular to the second side 4312, and the second phase-shifting branch 434 is perpendicular to the third side 4313.

[0194] The first center patch 431 has a slot line 436 inside. The slot line 436 is distributed in a rotationally symmetrical manner with the center position 4310 of the first center patch 431 as the center. The slot line 436 is used to adjust the impedance and operating frequency band.

[0195] The slot line 436 includes four sub-slot lines 4361, which are located on the diagonal of the first central patch 431, and each sub-slot line 4361 extends in a finger-like shape.

[0196] This application utilizes the design of slot lines in the first center patch to construct a 3dB bridge architecture, achieving a 90-degree phase shift through bridge reflection. The slot lines help save space, allowing the 3dB bridge architecture to be constructed within a smaller size range. Compared to conventional bridge structures, the solution provided by this application can reduce the size by 30%, meeting the size requirements of half-wavelength arrays while allowing two independent first and second sub-lines to be set within a single antenna element.

[0197] In one possible implementation, the length of the sub-slit line in each slit line can be 0.25 wavelengths, and the width of the sub-slit line can be 0.03 wavelengths.

[0198] See also Figure 29 and Figure 30 The second sub-power supply line 0472 is connected to the first phase-shifting stub 433 and is used to control the switch SW6' on the first phase-shifting stub 433 to control the on / off state of the switch SW6'. The second sub-power supply line 0472 includes a power supply stub 04721 and an isolation stub 04722. The isolation stub 04722 is connected to the power supply stub 04721 and is used to isolate electromagnetic signals and DC control signals. The isolation stub 04722 includes a pointed tip 22B and an arc-shaped end 22A disposed opposite to each other. The pointed tip 22B is connected to the power supply stub 04721, and the arc-shaped end 22A faces the first center patch 431. The power supply stub 04721 includes a finger line 21A and a straight line 21B. The finger line 21A is connected on the line between at least a portion of the straight line 21B and the first phase-shifting stub 433.

[0199] The first sub-power supply line 0471 is connected to the second phase-shifting stub 434 and is used to control the switch SW5'. The structure of the first sub-power supply line 0471 is the same as that of the second sub-power supply line 0472, and it also includes power supply stubs and isolation stubs, which will not be described in detail here.

[0200] Similarly, the components and structural arrangement of the second sub-line 045 can be the same as those of the first sub-line 043, and will not be described again.

[0201] Figure 31The diagram shows a power supply line 030' provided in one embodiment. The power supply line 030' includes a first input stub 0301, a second input stub 0302, a busbar 0303, a first output stub 0304, and a second output stub 0305. The first input stub 0301, the second input stub 0302, the first output stub 0304, and the second output stub 0305 are all connected to the busbar 0303. In one embodiment, the busbar 0303 is ring-shaped, and the first input stub 0301, the second input stub 0302, the first output stub 0304, and the second output stub 0305 are located around the busbar 0303, and these four stubs are distributed at equal angular intervals. The end of the first input stub 0301 furthest from the bus line 0303 is connected to one of the input ports P2 of the antenna element; the end of the second input stub 0302 furthest from the bus line 0303 is connected to the other input port P4; the end of the first output stub 0304 furthest from the bus line 0303 is connected to the phase shifting line 040'; and the end of the second output stub 0305 furthest from the bus line 0303 is connected to the phase shifting line 040'. Specifically, refer to... Figure 29 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 The end of the first output branch 0304 away from the bus line 0303 is connected to the connection end N1 of the first input branch 432 of the first sub-line 043 away from the first center patch 431, and the end of the second output branch 0305 away from the bus line 0303 is connected to the connection end N2 of the input branch of the second sub-line 045 away from the second sub-patch.

[0202] like Figure 31 As shown, there are two switches on the power supply layer L2, and they are distributed on the bus line 0303. One switch SW9' is located between the first input stub 0301 and the second input stub 0302, and the other switch SW10' is located between the first output stub 0304 and the second output stub 0305.

[0203] In one embodiment, the power supply layer L2 forms a reconfigurable 3dB bridge architecture, and the switching between shoot-through and bridge can be achieved using the two switches SW9' and SW10'.

[0204] In one embodiment, the two switches SW9' and SW10' on the power supply layer L2 are in the same state, either both on or both off.

[0205] See Figure 32In one embodiment, the antenna unit includes control circuits 0307 and 0308 for powering the two switches SW9' and SW10' on the feed layer L2. Figure 32 The dashed lines represent control circuits 0307 and 0308. This can be understood as control circuits 0307 and 0308 not being on the same dielectric layer as the feeder line 030'. One end of control circuit 0307 is connected to bus line 0303 and is adjacent to switch SW9'. One end of control circuit 0308 is connected to bus line 0303 and is adjacent to switch SW10'. The other ends of control circuits 0307 and 0308 can be interconnected. This means that these two lines can be powered on or de-powered simultaneously, so that switches SW9' and SW10' open and close simultaneously.

[0206] Figures 24 to 32 In the embodiment shown, the total number of switches in the antenna unit is 10. Through the control of the two input ports P2 and P4 and the 10 switches, the full polarization 2-bit switching of the antenna unit can be realized.

[0207] Table 2 shows the correspondence between polarization and radiation phase under different states in this embodiment. P#1 to P#10 represent the states of 10 switches (P#1 represents SW1'...P#10 represents SW10'), where 1 represents the switch is on, 0 represents the switch is off, and X represents the switch can be either on or off. X#1 to X#4 represent the four antenna modes under the first linear polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase. Y#1 to Y#4 represent the four antenna modes under the second linear polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase. L#1 to L#4 represent the four antenna modes under left-hand circular polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase. R#1 to R#4 represent the four antenna modes under right-hand circular polarization, each corresponding to a different antenna phase.

[0208] In one embodiment, this scheme achieves dual-channel full polarization with 2-bit (0, 90°, 180°, 270°) phase shift performance, and the dual channels can switch between first linear polarization / left-hand circular polarization and second linear polarization / right-hand circular polarization. The antenna element has a relative bandwidth of approximately 3%, a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of less than 2, an antenna gain of approximately 4 dBi, and an antenna height of 6 mm. The antenna employs a total of 10 switches, of which switches 9 and 10 (P#9 and P#10) are dual-channel multiplexed.

[0209]

[0210]

[0211] Table 2

[0212] Figures 24 to 32 In the embodiment shown, the path of the signal entering from input port P2 is called channel one, and the path of the signal entering from input port P2 is called channel two.

[0213] Figure 33 and Figure 34 The graphs shown are the active S-parameters and 2-bit phase shift capability of channel one of the antenna element.

[0214] Figure 35 and Figure 36 The graphs shown are the active S-parameters and 2-bit phase shift capability of channel two of the antenna element.

[0215] Figure 33 and Figure 35 The active S-parameters of channels one and two were plotted separately. The figures show that the S-parameters of both channels are better than -10dB within the operating bandwidth, indicating that the impedance matching of both channels meets the requirements. It also shows that the coupling between the two channels is small, and the interference between the channels is negligible.

[0216] Figure 34 and Figure 36 The phase shift capabilities of channels one and two are plotted separately. As can be seen from the figure, with the switching of the feed layer and the phase shift layer, the radiation phase of the antenna switches between four states, and the phase difference between the states is 90°±10°. It can be seen that both channels meet the 2-bit phase shift requirement.

[0217] Figure 37 , Figure 38 and Figure 39 The curve represents the performance of the polarization reconfiguration bridge.

[0218] Figure 37 The performance of the polarization reconfiguration bridge in circular polarization mode was plotted. With channel 1 input, the transmission coefficient at both ports of the bridge is 3.4 dB, indicating that channel 1 can simultaneously excite two antenna patches with equal amplitude, thus achieving left-hand circular polarization radiation. Similarly, with channel 2 input, both patches will be simultaneously excited by the bridge, achieving right-hand circular polarization radiation. This demonstrates that the requirement for dual circular polarization radiation is met.

[0219] Figure 38 and Figure 39 The performance of the polarization reconstruction bridge under online polarization conditions was plotted. With input from channel 1, only the first sub-patch is excited, achieving X-polarized radiation. The reflection coefficient of channel 1 is <-20dB, and the insertion loss is <2dB. Similarly, Figure 39 This indicates that with the input from channel 2, only the second sub-pattern is excited, achieving y-polarized radiation. The reflection coefficient of channel 1 is <-20dB, and the insertion loss is <2dB. This shows that the requirements for bilinear polarized radiation are met.

[0220] Figure 40 and Figure 41 These represent the far-field radiation performance of channel one and channel two, respectively.

[0221] In one embodiment, the switch in the antenna unit provided in this application is a radio frequency switch. The switch can be a photodiode (Pin tube), or it can be a reflective or absorptive single-input single-output switch, or a single-input multiple-output switch.

[0222] The aforementioned antenna elements can be used individually in communication equipment, or they can be used in a cascade array, i.e., by setting multiple antenna elements into an antenna array, the antenna array can be used in communication equipment, such as a base station.

[0223] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0224] The ordinal numbers “first,” “second,” and “third” used in this specification are used to avoid confusion among the constituent elements, not to limit their quantity.

[0225] In this specification, for convenience, terms such as "middle," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used to indicate orientation or positional relationships in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This is solely for the purpose of facilitating the description and simplification, and does not imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. The positional relationships of the constituent elements may be appropriately varied depending on the orientation of each constituent element being described. Therefore, the use of terms not limited to those described in the specification may be appropriately replaced as needed.

[0226] In the accompanying drawings, the size of the constituent elements, the thickness of the layers, or the area are sometimes exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, the embodiment disclosed in this application is not necessarily limited to these dimensions, and the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect true proportions. Furthermore, the drawings schematically illustrate ideal examples, and the embodiment disclosed in this application is not limited to the shapes or values ​​shown in the drawings.

[0227] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate component, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of these terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0228] In this specification, the terms "vertical", "parallel", etc. are explained.

[0229] Perpendicularity: The perpendicularity defined in this application is not limited to an absolute perpendicular intersection (with an included angle of 90 degrees). It is permissible for non-absolute perpendicular intersections caused by factors such as assembly tolerances, design tolerances, and structural flatness. It is permissible for errors within a small angular range, such as an assembly error range of 80 to 100 degrees, which can all be understood as a perpendicular relationship.

[0230] Parallelism: The parallelism defined in this application is not limited to absolute parallelism. This definition of parallelism can be understood as basic parallelism, allowing for situations where the parallelism is not absolute due to factors such as assembly tolerances, design tolerances, and structural flatness. These situations may lead to the sliding mating part and the first door panel not being absolutely parallel, but this application also defines such situations as parallelism.

[0231] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna element, characterized in that, The antenna element comprises a radiating layer, a feeding layer, and a phase-shifting layer stacked together. The radiating layer includes a radiating patch, the feeding layer includes a feeding line, and the phase-shifting layer is independent of the feeding layer and the radiating layer. The phase-shifting layer includes a phase-shifting line independent of the feeding line. Both the feeding line and the phase-shifting line are microstrip line structures. The antenna element also includes multiple switches. Some of the switches are distributed in the radiating layer and electrically connected to the radiating patch, some of the switches are distributed in the feeding layer and electrically connected to the feeding line, and some of the switches are distributed in the phase-shifting layer and electrically connected to the phase-shifting line. The phase-shifting line and the feeding line are used to transmit electromagnetic wave signals. By controlling the multiple switches, the radiating patch can be reconstructed to switch the first linear polarization, second linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization, and right-hand circular polarization of the antenna element. The polarization directions of the first linear polarization and the second linear polarization are perpendicular to each other. The antenna element has at least 2-bit phase-shifting capability.

2. The antenna element as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna unit includes a substrate, which is a multilayer dielectric layer architecture, with the radiating layer, the feeding layer and the phase shifting layer distributed on different dielectric layers.

3. The antenna element as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of radiating patches is one, and the interior of the radiating patch has a gap. The edges of the gap are a first long side and a second long side arranged opposite to each other. The switch disposed on the radiating layer is located in the gap and electrically connected between the first long side and the second long side. By controlling the switch in the gap, the switching between linear polarization and circular polarization of the antenna element is realized. The linear polarization includes the first linear polarization and the second linear polarization, and the circular polarization includes the left-hand circular polarization and the right-hand circular polarization.

4. The antenna element as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The radiating patch includes four input points, two of which are located on the side of the first long side away from the second long side, and the other two are located on the side of the second long side away from the first long side. The four input points are electrically connected to the feeder line.

5. The antenna element as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The number of switches disposed on the radiation layer is two. The direction of the line connecting the two switches in the gap is a first direction, and a second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. In the second direction, two input points are distributed on both sides of one of the switches, and the other two input points are distributed on both sides of the other switch.

6. The antenna element as described in any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The antenna element includes an input port, the phase shifting line includes an input terminal and an output terminal, the input port and the input terminal are electrically connected, the output terminal is located in the central region of the phase shifting layer, and the feed layer is electrically connected between the output terminal and the radiating patch.

7. The antenna element as described in any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, By controlling the switch of the feed layer and the switch of the radiating layer, the feed position of the radiating layer can be rotated 90 degrees around the center position of the radiating patch, thereby switching the first linear polarization, second linear polarization, left-hand circular polarization, and right-hand circular polarization of the antenna element. By controlling the switch of the feed layer, the antenna element can also achieve a 180-degree change in radiating phase while maintaining the same polarization state.

8. The antenna element as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The power supply line includes one power supply entry point and four power supply points. The power supply entry point is electrically connected to the phase shifting line and is used to receive the signal transmitted by the phase shifting line. The four power supply points are respectively used to power the radiating patch. The number of switches on the power supply layer is four, and one switch is provided on the power supply line between each power supply point and the power supply entry point.

9. The antenna element as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The power supply layer also includes four switch control lines, which are distributed around the four power supply points and electrically connected to the four power supply points respectively. The four switch control lines are used to power the four switches on the power supply layer.

10. The antenna element as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned switch control lines includes an isolation branch and a power supply branch. The power supply branch is used to supply power to the switch. The isolation branch is connected to the power supply branch and is used to isolate electromagnetic signals and DC control signals. The four isolation branches are distributed around the four aforementioned feed points and are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference. Each isolation branch is located between two adjacent power supply branches.

11. The antenna element as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The radiating patch includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern, both of which are dipole-shaped. The first sub-pattern extends in a third direction, and the second sub-pattern extends in a fourth direction, with the third direction perpendicular to the fourth direction. The antenna element has two input ports. The feed layer receives signals input through the input ports and transmits the signals to the phase-shifting layer, which then transmits the signals to both the first and second sub-patterns.

12. The antenna element as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Both the first sub-patch and the second sub-patch are rectangular structures with equal width extension.

13. The antenna element as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The radiation patch includes two first parasitic patches and two second parasitic patches. The two first parasitic patches are located at both ends of the length direction of the first sub-pattern, and the two second parasitic patches are located at both ends of the length direction of the second sub-pattern. The number of switches disposed on the radiation layer is four. Each first parasitic patch is disposed between the first sub-pattern and each second parasitic patch is disposed between the second sub-pattern and each second sub-pattern. By controlling the switches, coupling between the first sub-pattern and the first parasitic patch, as well as coupling between the second sub-pattern and the second parasitic patch, is achieved to realize a 180-degree phase shift.

14. The antenna element as described in any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The power supply line includes a first input stub, a second input stub, a bus line, a first output stub, and a second output stub. The first input stub, the second input stub, the first output stub, and the second output stub are all connected to the bus line and are distributed at equal angular intervals around the bus line. The end of the first input stub away from the bus line is connected to one of the input ports, and the end of the second input stub away from the bus line is connected to the other input port. The end of the first output stub away from the bus line is connected to the phase-shifting line, and the end of the second output stub away from the bus line is connected to the phase-shifting line.

15. The antenna element as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The antenna unit has a total of 10 switches. By controlling the two input ports and the 10 switches, the full polarization 2-bit switching of the antenna unit can be realized.

16. The antenna element as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The antenna unit has a total of 8 switches. The antenna unit includes an input port. Through the control of the input port and the 8 switches, the full polarization 2-bit switching of the antenna unit can be realized.

17. An antenna array, characterized in that, It includes a reflector and a plurality of antenna elements as described in any one of claims 1-16, the antenna elements being arranged on the reflector.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a power supply network and an antenna element as described in any one of claims 1-16, wherein the power supply network is used to feed a signal to the antenna element.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a power supply network and an antenna array as described in claim 17, wherein the power supply network is used to feed signals into the antenna array.

20. A base station, characterized in that, The base station includes a radio frequency processing unit and an antenna array as described in claim 17, wherein the radio frequency processing unit is electrically connected to the antenna array.

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