Liquid crystal antenna array and communication device

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid crystal antenna array and a communication device. The liquid crystal antenna array comprises a plurality of antenna structures arranged in an array; each antenna structure comprises a phase shifter layer, a radiation patch and a first coupling layer; the phase shifter layer comprises a full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, a power division structure and a first adjustable phase shifter; the output end of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter is coupled with the input end of the power division structure, the first adjustable phase shifter is coupled with the first output end of the power division structure, the first coupling structure couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter with the radiation patch, and the second coupling structure couples electromagnetic waves output by the second output end of the power division structure to the radiation patch. The first coupling structure and the second coupling structure are orthogonal, and the phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than that of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter. Thus, the liquid crystal antenna array can perform polarization reconfigurable beam scanning, and can realize miniaturization.

Description

Liquid crystal antenna array and communication device Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a liquid crystal antenna array and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] For common beam scanning antennas, their control types can be roughly divided into discrete and continuous types. Since liquid crystal has the characteristic of continuously changing dielectric constant within a certain driving voltage range, liquid crystal antennas using liquid crystal as the dielectric layer have become a research hotspot for continuous (or high-bit number) beam scanning antennas.

[0003] Existing liquid crystal antenna arrays are typically made by periodically arranging multiple liquid crystal phase shifters on a single dielectric substrate (including an upper substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a lower substrate). The characteristics of the liquid crystal phase shifters are then used to control the beam direction, achieving the functions of a phased array, a reflective array, or a transmissive array.

[0004] On the other hand, the polarization characteristics of an antenna are defined by the spatial orientation of the electric field strength vector of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the antenna in the direction of maximum radiation. Polarization types are categorized by the trajectory of the electric field strength vector tip. Antenna polarization characteristics can be divided into linear polarization, circular polarization, and elliptical polarization. Linear polarization is further divided into horizontal polarization and vertical polarization; circular polarization is divided into left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization.

[0005] Circular polarization occurs when the angle between the plane of polarization of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the antenna and the normal to the Earth changes periodically from 0 to 360°. This means that the electric field remains constant in magnitude but changes in direction over time, and the trajectory of the electric field vector's end forms a circle when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Circular polarization occurs when the horizontal and vertical components of the electric field have equal amplitudes but differ in phase by 90° or 270°. Circular polarization is characterized by right-hand circular polarization when the plane of polarization rotates over time, forming a right-hand spiral with the direction of electromagnetic wave propagation. Conversely, left-hand circular polarization is characterized by a left-hand spiral.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a liquid crystal antenna array and communication device. This liquid crystal antenna array uses a fully phasor-adjustable phase shifter to adjust the phase of electromagnetic waves input to the antenna structure, enabling different antenna structures to emit electromagnetic waves with different phases, thereby achieving beam scanning. Furthermore, the liquid crystal antenna array uses a power splitter structure and a relatively small adjustable phase shifter to adjust or reconfigure the polarization of the electromagnetic waves input to the antenna structure. Furthermore, the relatively small area of ​​the antenna structure facilitates miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0008] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid crystal antenna array, which includes multiple antenna structures arranged in an array, wherein each antenna structure includes: a phase shifter layer, including a fully phasor adjustable phase shifter, a power splitting structure, and at least one adjustable phase shifter; a radiating patch; and a first coupling layer, wherein the power splitting structure includes an input end, a first output end, and a second output end, the output end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the input end of the power splitting structure, the at least one adjustable phase shifter includes a first adjustable phase shifter, and the first adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the first output end of the power splitting structure, and the first coupling layer includes a first coupling layer. The power splitter structure includes a coupling structure and a second coupling structure, wherein the first coupling structure couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter to the radiating patch, and the second coupling structure couples the electromagnetic wave output by the second output end of the power splitter structure to the radiating patch. A first line connecting the center of the first coupling structure and the center of the radiating patch and a second line connecting the center of the second coupling structure and the center of the radiating patch are perpendicular to each other. The phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, and the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the area of ​​the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter.

[0009] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is 0-90 degrees.

[0010] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure, and the power splitter structure and the first adjustable phase shifter are configured to adjust the polarization of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure.

[0011] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, in at least one of the antenna structures, the at least one adjustable phase shifter includes a second adjustable phase shifter, the second adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the second output end of the power divider structure, and the second coupling structure couples the output end of the second adjustable phase shifter to the radiation patch to couple the electromagnetic wave output from the second output end of the power divider structure to the radiation patch; the phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the area of ​​the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, the phase adjustment range of the second adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, and the area of ​​the second adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the area of ​​the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter.

[0012] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is 0-90 degrees, and the phase adjustment range of the second adjustable phase shifter is 0-90 degrees.

[0013] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure, and the power splitter structure, the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter are configured to adjust the polarization of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure.

[0014] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase shifter layer includes: a first substrate; a second substrate, which is arranged relative to the first substrate and spaced apart; a liquid crystal layer, which is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first conductive pattern layer; and a second conductive pattern layer, wherein the first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, or, the first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer.

[0015] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first conductive pattern includes a first driving electrode and a second driving electrode, and the second conductive pattern includes a first common electrode and a second common electrode; the orthographic projection of the first driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, and the orthographic projection of the second driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the first adjustable phase shifter.

[0016] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the area of ​​the first driving electrode is larger than the area of ​​the second driving electrode.

[0017] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second conductive pattern layer also includes a power-dividing conductive pattern, including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion located between the first end and the second end; the intermediate portion is the input end of the power-dividing structure, the first end is the first output end of the power-dividing structure, and the second end is the second output end of the power-dividing structure.

[0018] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second conductive pattern layer also includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line; the middle part of the power-dividing conductive pattern is coupled to the first common electrode, the first end of the power-dividing conductive pattern is connected to the second common electrode, the first transmission line connects the second common electrode to the first coupling structure, and the second transmission line connects the second end of the power-dividing conductive pattern to the second coupling structure.

[0019] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first driving electrode includes a bending portion, and the first common electrode includes a bending portion.

[0020] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first conductive pattern layer further includes: a first driving line connected to the first driving electrode; and a second driving line connected to the second driving electrode.

[0021] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase shifter layer includes: a first substrate; a second substrate, which is arranged relative to the first substrate and spaced apart; a liquid crystal layer, which is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first conductive pattern layer; and a second conductive pattern layer, wherein the first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, or, the first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer.

[0022] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first conductive pattern includes a first driving electrode, a second driving electrode and a third driving electrode, the second conductive pattern includes a first common electrode, a second common electrode and a third common electrode, the orthographic projection of the first driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, the orthographic projection of the second driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the first adjustable phase shifter, and the orthographic projection of the third driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the second adjustable phase shifter.

[0023] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second driving electrode and the third driving electrode are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line extending in the extension direction of the first driving electrode.

[0024] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter includes any one of a delay line type adjustable phase shifter, a differential line type adjustable phase shifter, and a resonant type adjustable phase shifter, and the first adjustable phase shifter includes any one of a delay line type adjustable phase shifter, a differential line type adjustable phase shifter, and a resonant type adjustable phase shifter.

[0025] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first coupling structure includes a first slit located in the first coupling layer, and the second coupling structure includes a second slit located in the first coupling layer, or the first coupling structure includes a first probe passing through the first coupling layer, and the second coupling structure includes a second probe passing through the second coupling layer.

[0026] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the antenna structures further includes: a second coupling layer, including a third coupling structure; and a receiving structure, wherein the third coupling structure couples the receiving structure with the input end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter.

[0027] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third coupling structure includes a third gap located in the second coupling layer or a third probe passing through the second coupling layer.

[0028] For example, in the liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving structure includes a receiving patch or a feed line.

[0029] For example, the liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: a plurality of waveguides, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of receiving structures of the plurality of antenna structures.

[0030] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a communication device, comprising any of the liquid crystal antenna arrays described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description only relate to some embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than limiting the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG2 is a plan view of an antenna structure in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an antenna structure in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG4 is a plan view of a first conductive pattern in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG5 is a plan view of a second conductive pattern in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG6 is a plan view of a radiation patch in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG7 is a plan view of a first coupling layer in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG8 is a plan view of a second coupling layer in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG9 is a plan view of a receiving structure in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG10 is a plan view of an antenna structure in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG11 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an antenna structure in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG12 is a plan view of a first conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG13 is a plan view of a second conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG14 is a plan view of another radiating patch in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG15 is a plan view of a first coupling layer in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG16 is a plan view of a second coupling layer in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG17 is a plan view of a receiving structure in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG18 is a plan view of a first conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG19 is a plan view of a second conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG20 is a plan view of a first conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG21 is a plan view of a second conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG22 is a plan view of another radiating patch in a liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG23 is a plan view of a first coupling layer in another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG24A is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a coupling slot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG24B is a schematic diagram of another coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a coupling slot provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG24C is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG25A is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a delay line type adjustable phase shifter and a coupling slot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG25B is a schematic diagram of another coupling method between a delay line type adjustable phase shifter and a probe provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG26A is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a resonant adjustable phase shifter and a coupling slot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG26B is a schematic diagram of another coupling method between a resonant adjustable phase shifter and a probe provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG27A is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a power division structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG27B is a schematic diagram of another coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a power division structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG27C is a schematic diagram of another coupling method between a delay line type adjustable phase shifter and a power splitter structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG27D is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a resonant adjustable phase shifter and a power splitting structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna array provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0068] FIG30 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0070] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should have the usual meanings understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which this disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects preceding the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0071] With the continuous development of communication technology, wireless communication applications are becoming more and more diverse. Some communication devices need to receive or transmit linearly polarized signals, some need to receive or transmit left-hand circularly polarized signals, and some need to receive or transmit right-hand circularly polarized signals. Therefore, antennas need to have polarization reconfiguration capabilities to meet the needs of different scenarios requiring different polarization characteristics.

[0072] On the other hand, the inventors of this application noticed that in a projected array or phased array architecture, if polarization adjustment or polarization reconstruction is performed through two sets of fully phasor adjustable phase shifters, the area occupied by a single antenna structure or antenna unit is too large. Considering the limitations of the antenna's large-angle scanning performance on the size of the antenna unit, the layout within the antenna unit will become extremely difficult or even unfeasible.

[0073] In this regard, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid crystal antenna array. The liquid crystal antenna array includes a plurality of antenna structures arranged in an array; each antenna structure includes a phase shifter layer, a radiating patch, and a first coupling layer; the phase shifter layer includes a fully phasor adjustable phase shifter, a power splitter structure, and at least one adjustable phase shifter; the power splitter structure includes an input end, a first output end, and a second output end; the output end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the input end of the power splitter structure; the at least one adjustable phase shifter includes a first adjustable phase shifter coupled to the first output end of the power splitter structure; the first coupling layer includes a first coupling structure and a second coupling structure; the first coupling structure couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter to the radiating patch; the second coupling structure couples the electromagnetic wave output from the second output end of the power splitter structure to the radiating patch; a first line connecting the center of the first coupling structure and the center of the radiating patch and a second line connecting the center of the second coupling structure and the center of the radiating patch are perpendicular to each other; the phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter; and the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the area of ​​the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter. As a result, the liquid crystal antenna array can adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure through a fully phasor-adjustable phase shifter, so that the electromagnetic waves emitted by different antenna structures have different phases, thereby achieving a beam scanning function. At the same time, the liquid crystal antenna array can also adjust or reconfigure the polarization of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure through a power splitter structure and a first adjustable phase shifter with a relatively small area, thereby achieving polarization-reconfigurable beam scanning. Furthermore, the small area of ​​the antenna structure facilitates the miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0074] The disclosed embodiments also provide a communication device comprising the aforementioned liquid crystal antenna array. Thus, the communication device can utilize the liquid crystal antenna array to perform beam scanning, as well as polarization adjustment or polarization reconfiguration, to meet diverse scenarios requiring different polarization characteristics, thereby achieving high communication performance. Furthermore, due to the small size of the liquid crystal antenna array, the device can also utilize the miniaturization of the communication device.

[0075] The liquid crystal antenna array and the communication device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid crystal antenna array. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a plan view of an antenna structure within a liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna structure within a liquid crystal antenna array provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, the liquid crystal antenna array 200 includes multiple antenna structures 100 arranged in an array. For example, multiple antenna structures 100 can be arranged in an array along a first direction and a second direction. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to the array arrangement shown in Figure 1, and the array arrangement of multiple antenna structures can be set according to actual needs. It should be noted that the above-mentioned antenna structure can also be referred to as an antenna unit, which can independently transmit, phase modulate, and polarize electromagnetic waves.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each antenna structure 100 includes a phase shifter layer 130, a radiation patch 110 and a first coupling layer 120; the phase shifter layer 130 includes a fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, a power dividing structure 130B and at least one adjustable phase shifter; the power dividing structure 130B includes an input end, a first output end and a second output end, the output end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A is coupled to the input end of the power dividing structure 130B, the at least one adjustable phase shifter includes a first adjustable phase shifter 130C, the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is coupled to the first output end of the power dividing structure 130B, and the first coupling layer 120 includes a first coupling structure 121 and a second coupling structure 122. Two coupling structures 122 are provided. The first coupling structure 121 couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C to the radiating patch 110. The second coupling structure 122 couples the electromagnetic wave outputted from the second output end of the power splitter structure 130B to the radiating patch 110. A first line connecting the center of the first coupling structure 121 and the center of the radiating patch 110 and a second line connecting the center of the second coupling structure 122 and the center of the radiating patch 110 are perpendicular to each other. The phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, and the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is smaller than the area of ​​the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A.

[0079] It should be noted that the phase adjustment range of a liquid crystal phase shifter is generally related to the area occupied by the liquid crystal phase shifter. Therefore, the first adjustable phase shifter with a smaller phase adjustment also has a smaller area. In addition, the above-mentioned fully phasor adjustable phase shifter refers to an adjustable phase shifter with a phase adjustment range of 0-360 degrees. It is worth noting that the coupling in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes coupling through direct connection.

[0080] In the liquid crystal antenna array provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure can be adjusted by a fully phasor adjustable phase shifter, so that the electromagnetic waves emitted by different antenna structures have different phases, and the beam scanning function is realized by utilizing the principles of constructive interference and destructive interference. At the same time, since the output end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is coupled with the input end of the power splitting structure, the first adjustable phase shifter is coupled with the first output end of the power splitting structure, the first coupling structure couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter with the radiation patch, and the second coupling structure couples the electromagnetic wave output from the second output end of the power splitting structure to the radiation patch. The first line connecting the center of the first coupling structure and the center of the radiation patch and the second line connecting the center of the second coupling structure and the center of the radiation patch are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the power splitting structure can split the electromagnetic wave signal modulated by the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter into two electromagnetic wave signals. The two electromagnetic wave signals are coupled to the radiating patch through the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure, respectively, and polarized on the radiating patch. During this process, since the first adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the first output end of the power splitting structure, the first coupling structure couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter to the radiating patch. The first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitting structure, causing a phase difference between the electromagnetic wave signal and the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitting structure, thereby forming different types of polarized waves, such as circularly polarized waves or linearly polarized waves. Thus, the liquid crystal antenna array can simultaneously polarize or reconstruct the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure through the power splitting structure and the first adjustable phase shifter with a smaller area. On the other hand, since the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than that of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, it can be easily laid out, thereby making the antenna structure have a smaller area, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0081] It should be noted that the aforementioned circularly polarized waves also include true circularly polarized waves and elliptically polarized waves. When the axial ratio of a circularly polarized wave is 1, it is a true circularly polarized wave; when the axial ratio of a circularly polarized wave is greater than 1, it is an elliptically polarized wave. Furthermore, the fact that the first line connecting the center of the first coupling structure and the center of the radiating patch and the second line connecting the center of the second coupling structure and the center of the radiating patch are perpendicular to each other can be referred to as the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure being orthogonal.

[0082] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter phase-modulates the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitter structure, causing the electromagnetic wave signal to have a phase difference of, for example, 90 degrees with the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitter structure, a circularly polarized wave is generated at the radiating patch and emitted through the radiating patch. It should be noted that since only the first adjustable phase shifter is provided, the aforementioned circularly polarized wave includes either a left-handed circularly polarized wave or a right-handed circularly polarized wave.

[0083] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitter structure, so that the electromagnetic wave signal has a phase difference with the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitter structure, for example, 0 degrees, a linearly polarized wave can be formed on the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0084] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitter structure, so that the electromagnetic wave signal has a phase difference with the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitter structure, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, an elliptically polarized wave can be formed on the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0085] In some examples, the phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is 0-90 degrees. Thus, the liquid crystal antenna array can achieve a phase difference of at most 90 degrees between the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitter structure and the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitter structure, thereby meeting the requirement of forming a circularly polarized wave. Furthermore, the antenna structure has a relatively small area, which facilitates the miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0086] In some examples, the fully phasor-adjustable phase shifter is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure, and the power splitter structure and the first adjustable phase shifter are configured to adjust the polarization of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure. Of course, embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this. A second adjustable phase shifter may also be provided at the second output end of the power splitter structure to jointly adjust the polarization of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure with the first adjustable phase shifter.

[0087] In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the phase shifter layer 130 includes a first substrate 131, a second substrate 132, a liquid crystal layer 133, a first conductive pattern layer 134, and a second conductive pattern layer 135. The second substrate 132 is spaced apart from the first substrate 131, and the liquid crystal layer 133 is located between the first and second substrates 131, 132. The first conductive pattern layer 134 is located on the side of the first substrate 131 closer to the liquid crystal layer 133, and the second conductive pattern layer 135 is located on the side of the second substrate 132 closer to the liquid crystal layer 133. In another example, the first conductive pattern layer can be located on the side of the second substrate closer to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer can be located on the side of the first substrate closer to the liquid crystal layer; that is, the positions of the first and second conductive pattern layers can be interchanged.

[0088] In some examples, the materials of the first substrate 131 and the second substrate 132 may include one or more of glass, resin, plastic, ceramic, and circuit board. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to these, and the first substrate and the second substrate may also be made of other suitable materials.

[0089] In some examples, the planar shape of the first substrate 131 and the second substrate 132 may be a rectangle; of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this, and the planar shape of the first substrate and the second substrate may also be other suitable shapes.

[0090] In some examples, the materials of the first conductive pattern layer 134 and the second conductive pattern layer 135 include metals such as copper, aluminum, gold, silver, or alloys thereof. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to these. The materials of the first conductive pattern layer and the second conductive pattern layer may also be conductive non-metallic materials, such as conductive metal oxides.

[0091] In some examples, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 133 is greater than twice the thickness of the first conductive pattern layer 134 or twice the thickness of the second conductive pattern layer 135 , thereby improving the performance of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A and the first adjustable phase shifter 130C.

[0092] FIG4 is a plan view schematically illustrating a first conductive pattern in a liquid crystal antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG5 is a plan view schematically illustrating a second conductive pattern in a liquid crystal antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] In some examples, as shown in FIG4 and FIG5, the first conductive pattern 134 includes a first driving electrode 134A and a second driving electrode 134B, and the second conductive pattern 135 includes a first common electrode 135A and a second common electrode 135B; the orthographic projection of the first driving electrode 134A on the liquid crystal layer 133 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first common electrode 135A on the liquid crystal layer 133, so that the first driving electrode 134A, the first common electrode 135A, and the liquid crystal layer between the first driving electrode 134A and the first common electrode 135A can form a full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, through Controlling the electrical signal on the first drive electrode 134A can control the magnitude of the phase modulated by the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A; the orthographic projection of the second drive electrode 134B on the liquid crystal layer 133 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second common electrode 135B on the liquid crystal layer 133, so that the second drive electrode 134B, the second common electrode 135B, and the liquid crystal layer between the second drive electrode 134B and the second common electrode 135B can form a first adjustable phase shifter 130C. By controlling the electrical signal on the second drive electrode 134B, the magnitude of the phase modulated by the first adjustable phase shifter 130C can be controlled.

[0094] In some examples, the liquid crystal layer between the first driving electrode and the first common electrode and the liquid crystal layer between the second driving electrode and the second common electrode may be separated by a barrier structure, so that different liquid crystal materials can be used as needed.

[0095] In some examples, as shown in FIG4 , the first conductive pattern layer 134 further includes a first drive line 1341 and a second drive line 1342. The first drive line 1341 is connected to the first drive electrode 134A, and the second drive line 1342 is connected to the second drive electrode 134B. Thus, drive signals can be applied to the first drive electrode and the second drive electrode via the first drive line and the second drive line, respectively, to control the phase shift of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A and the phase shift of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C, respectively.

[0096] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4 , the area of ​​the first driving electrode 134A is larger than the area of ​​the second driving electrode 134B, thereby reducing the overall area of ​​the first conductive pattern layer and facilitating miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0097] In some examples, as shown in Figure 5, the second conductive pattern layer 135 also includes a power-dividing conductive pattern 135E, including a first end 301, a second end 302, and an intermediate portion 303 located between the first end 301 and the second end 302; the intermediate portion 303 can serve as the input end of the power-dividing structure 130B, thereby coupling with the output end of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, the first end 301 is the first output end of the power-dividing structure 130B, and the second end 302 is the second output end of the power-dividing structure 130B.

[0098] In some examples, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the second conductive pattern layer 135 further includes a first transmission line 1351 and a second transmission line 1352; the middle portion 303 of the power dividing conductive pattern 135E is coupled to the first common electrode 135A, thereby achieving coupling with the output end of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A; the first end 301 of the power dividing conductive pattern 135E is connected to the second common electrode 135B, thereby achieving coupling of the first output end of the power dividing structure 135 with the first adjustable phase shifter 130C; the first transmission line 1351 connects the second common electrode 135B to the first coupling structure 121, thereby connecting the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C to the first coupling structure 121; the second transmission line 1352 connects the second end of the power dividing conductive pattern 135 to the second coupling structure 122, that is, the second transmission line 1352 directly connects the second end of the power dividing conductive pattern 135 to the second coupling structure 122, thereby coupling with the radiation patch 110.

[0099] In some examples, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the orthographic projection of the first coupling structure 121 on the plane where the second conductive pattern layer 135 is located and the orthographic projection of the second coupling structure 122 on the plane where the second conductive pattern layer 135 is located are mirror-symmetric about a virtual line extending in the direction of extension of the first common electrode 135A. Because the first transmission line 1351 is connected to the first coupling structure 121 and the second transmission line 1352 is connected to the second coupling structure 122, one end of the first transmission line 1351 and one end of the second transmission line 1352 are mirror-symmetric about the virtual line extending in the direction of extension of the first common electrode 135A. As a result, the antenna structure in the liquid crystal antenna array has a high degree of symmetry, thereby achieving better performance.

[0100] In some examples, as shown in FIG5 , the second common electrode 135B is located to the upper right of the first common electrode 135A. However, embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this. The second common electrode may also be located to the lower left of the first common electrode. In other words, the position of the portion consisting of the first common electrode and the first transmission line can be interchanged with the position of the second transmission line.

[0101] It is worth noting that although the first conductive pattern layer 134 shown in Figure 4 only includes the first drive electrode 134A, the second drive electrode 134B, the first drive line 1341 and the second drive line 1342, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this. The first conductive pattern layer may also be provided with other conductive structures as long as they do not affect the independent driving of the first drive electrode and the second drive electrode.

[0102] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a radiating patch in a liquid crystal antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a first coupling layer in a liquid crystal antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that Figure 6 not only shows the radiating patch, but also a third substrate between the radiating patch and the first coupling layer. This third substrate can be used to support the radiating patch and also to insulate the first coupling layer from the radiating patch.

[0103] In some examples, as shown in FIG6 and FIG7 , the radiation patch 110 is disposed on the third substrate 140 , and the third substrate 130 may be disposed between the radiation patch 110 and the first coupling layer 120 (see FIG3 ).

[0104] In some examples, the material of the third substrate 140 may be one or more of glass, resin, plastic, ceramic, and circuit board. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to these, and the third substrate may also be made of other suitable materials.

[0105] In some examples, as shown in FIG6 , to ensure polarization functionality, the planar shape of the radiating patch 110 may be centrally symmetrical. For example, the radiating patch 110 may be centrally symmetrically square. Of course, the disclosed embodiments include but are not limited to this, and the radiating patch may also be centrally symmetrical in other shapes, such as a circle or a pixel surface. It should be noted that the aforementioned pixel surface is a square or circular entity formed by an array of multiple squares or circles.

[0106] In some examples, as shown in FIG7 , the first coupling layer 120 can be a conductive layer; the first coupling structure 121 includes a first slit 121 located in the first coupling layer 120, and the second coupling structure 122 includes a second slit 122 located in the first coupling layer 120. Thus, the first coupling structure 121 can couple the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C to the radiating patch 110, and the second coupling structure 122 can couple the electromagnetic wave output from the second output end of the power splitter structure 130B to the radiating patch 110. It should be noted that when both the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure are slits, the phrase "the first coupling structure is connected to another component" herein means that the slit is connected to another component, or the space enclosed by the slit is connected to another component, or the slit overlaps with another component, with no other structure between them.

[0107] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 7 , the planar shape of the first slit 121 and the second slit 122 is a long strip, but embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this, and the planar shape of the first slit 121 and the second slit 122 may also be an I-shape.

[0108] In some examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a first line connecting the center of the first slot 121 and the center of the radiation patch 110 and a second line connecting the center of the second slot 122 and the center of the radiation patch 110 are perpendicular to each other; an extension direction of the first slot 121 and an extension direction of the second slot 122 are perpendicular to each other.

[0109] In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, each antenna structure 100 further includes a second coupling layer 150 and a receiving structure 160; the second coupling layer 150 includes a third coupling structure 153; the third coupling structure 153 couples the receiving structure 160 with the input end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, thereby receiving electromagnetic wave signals and inputting them into the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A.

[0110] In some examples, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, each antenna structure 100 also includes a fourth substrate 170 located between the second coupling layer 150 and the receiving structure 160; the fourth substrate 170 can be used to support the receiving structure, and can also be used to insulate the second coupling layer and the receiving structure from each other.

[0111] In some examples, the material of the fourth substrate 170 may include one or more of glass, resin, plastic, ceramic, and circuit board. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to the above, and the fourth substrate may also be made of other suitable materials.

[0112] FIG8 is a plan view schematically showing a second coupling layer in a liquid crystal antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG9 is a plan view schematically showing a receiving structure in a liquid crystal antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In some examples, as shown in FIG8 , the third coupling layer 150 is a conductive layer; the third coupling structure 153 includes a third slit 153 located in the second coupling layer 150 , so that the third coupling structure 153 can couple the receiving structure with the input end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter.

[0114] In some examples, as shown in FIG8 , the planar shape of the third slit 153 is a long strip, but embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this, and the planar shape of the third slit 153 may also be an I-shape.

[0115] In some examples, as shown in Figure 9, the receiving structure 160 is a receiving patch, and its planar shape is a centrosymmetric square. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this, and the receiving patch can also be a centrosymmetric circle or pixel surface.

[0116] FIG10 is a plan view of an antenna structure in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna structure in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, each antenna structure 100 includes a phase shifter layer 130, a radiating patch 110, and a first coupling layer 120. In at least one antenna structure 100, the phase shifter layer 130 includes a fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, a power splitter structure 130B, and at least one adjustable phase shifter; the at least one adjustable phase shifter includes a first adjustable phase shifter 130C and a second adjustable phase shifter 130D; the power splitter structure 130B includes an input end, a first output end, and a second output end. The output end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A is coupled to the input end of the power splitter structure 130B; the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is coupled to the first adjustable phase shifter 130D of the power splitter structure 130B. The first coupling layer 120 includes a first coupling structure 121 and a second coupling structure 122. The first coupling structure 121 couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C to the radiation patch 110; the second adjustable phase shifter 130D is coupled to the second output end of the power splitting structure 130B, and the second coupling structure 122 couples the output end of the second adjustable phase shifter 130D to the radiation patch 110, so as to couple the electromagnetic wave output from the second output end of the power splitting structure 130B to the radiation patch 110. A first line connecting the center of the first coupling structure 121 and the center of the radiating patch 110, and a second line connecting the center of the second coupling structure 122 and the center of the radiating patch 110, are perpendicular to each other. The phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, and the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is smaller than the area of ​​the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A. The phase adjustment range of the second adjustable phase shifter 130D is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, and the area of ​​the second adjustable phase shifter 130D is smaller than the area of ​​the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A. It should be noted that the phase adjustment range of a liquid crystal phase shifter is generally related to the area occupied by the liquid crystal phase shifter. Therefore, the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter with smaller phase adjustment range also have smaller areas. In addition, the aforementioned fully phasor adjustable phase shifter refers to an adjustable phase shifter with a phase adjustment range of 0-360 degrees.

[0118] In the liquid crystal antenna array provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure can be adjusted by a fully phasor adjustable phase shifter, so that the electromagnetic waves emitted by different antenna structures can have different phases, and then the beam scanning function is realized by utilizing the principles of constructive interference and destructive interference. At the same time, since the output end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is coupled with the input end of the power splitting structure, the first adjustable phase shifter is coupled with the first output end of the power splitting structure, the first coupling structure couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter with the radiation patch, the second adjustable phase shifter is coupled with the second output end of the power splitting structure, and the second coupling structure couples the output end of the second adjustable phase shifter with the radiation patch, the first line connecting the center of the first coupling structure and the center of the radiation patch and the second line connecting the center of the second coupling structure and the center of the radiation patch are perpendicular to each other, so the power splitting structure can couple the electromagnetic wave modulated by the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter to the input end of the power splitting structure. The wave signal is divided into two electromagnetic wave signals, which are coupled to the radiating patch through the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure respectively and polarized on the radiating patch. In this process, because the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitting structure, and the second adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitting structure, a phase difference is generated between the two electromagnetic wave signals output from the first output end and the second output end of the power splitting structure, thereby forming different types of polarized waves, such as circularly polarized waves or linearly polarized waves. As a result, the liquid crystal antenna array can simultaneously polarize or reconfigure the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure through the power splitting structure and the first and second adjustable phase shifters with smaller areas, thereby achieving fully polarized reconfigurable beam scanning. On the other hand, because the area of ​​the first and second adjustable phase shifters is smaller than that of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, layout is facilitated, thereby making the antenna structure have a smaller area, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array. It should be noted that the above-mentioned circularly polarized waves also include true circularly polarized waves and elliptically polarized waves; when the axial ratio of the circularly polarized wave is 1, it is a true circularly polarized wave; when the axial ratio of the circularly polarized wave is greater than 1, it is an elliptically polarized wave.

[0119] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitter structure, and the second adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitter structure, the two electromagnetic wave signals output from the first output end and the second output end of the power splitter structure produce a phase difference, for example, ±90 degrees, thereby forming a circularly polarized wave at the radiating patch and transmitting it through the radiating patch. It should be noted that due to the provision of the second adjustable phase shifter, the two electromagnetic wave signals output from the first output end and the second output end of the power splitter structure can form a left-handed circularly polarized wave and a right-handed circularly polarized wave, that is, the liquid crystal antenna array can achieve fully polarized type reconfigurable beam scanning.

[0120] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitter structure, the second adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitter structure, so that the two electromagnetic wave signals output from the first output end and the second output end of the power splitter structure produce a phase difference, for example, 0 degrees, thereby forming a linearly polarized wave at the radiation patch and transmitting it through the radiation patch.

[0121] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the first output end of the power splitter structure, the second adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the electromagnetic wave signal output from the second output end of the power splitter structure, so that the two electromagnetic wave signals output from the first output end and the second output end of the power splitter structure produce a phase difference, for example, greater than -90 degrees and less than 90 degrees, thereby forming an elliptically polarized wave on the radiation patch and transmitting it through the radiation patch.

[0122] In some examples, the phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C is 0-90 degrees, and the phase adjustment range of the second adjustable phase shifter 130D is 0-90 degrees. Thus, the liquid crystal antenna array can achieve a ±90-degree phase difference between the two electromagnetic wave signals output from the first output terminal and the second output terminal of the power splitter structure, thereby meeting the requirement of forming a circularly polarized wave. Furthermore, the array has the smallest possible size, further reducing the area of ​​the antenna structure and facilitating the miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0123] In some examples, the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure, and the power splitter structure, the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter are configured to adjust or reconstruct the polarization (type) of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure.

[0124] In some examples, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the phase shifter layer 130 includes a first substrate 131, a second substrate 132, a liquid crystal layer 133, a first conductive pattern layer 134, and a second conductive pattern layer 135. The second substrate 132 is spaced apart from the first substrate 131, and the liquid crystal layer 133 is located between the first and second substrates 131, 132. The first conductive pattern layer 134 is located on the side of the first substrate 131 closer to the liquid crystal layer 133, and the second conductive pattern layer 135 is located on the side of the second substrate 132 closer to the liquid crystal layer 133. In another example, the first conductive pattern layer can be located on the side of the second substrate closer to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer can be located on the side of the first substrate closer to the liquid crystal layer; that is, the positions of the first and second conductive pattern layers can be interchanged.

[0125] In some examples, the materials of the first substrate 131 and the second substrate 132 may include one or more of glass, resin, plastic, ceramic, and circuit board. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to these, and the first substrate and the second substrate may also be made of other suitable materials.

[0126] In some examples, the planar shape of the first substrate 131 and the second substrate 132 may be a rectangle; of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this, and the planar shape of the first substrate and the second substrate may also be other suitable shapes.

[0127] In some examples, the materials of the first conductive pattern layer 134 and the second conductive pattern layer 135 include metals such as copper, aluminum, gold, silver, or alloys thereof. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to these. The materials of the first conductive pattern layer and the second conductive pattern layer may also be conductive non-metallic materials, such as conductive metal oxides.

[0128] In some examples, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 133 is greater than twice the thickness of the first conductive pattern layer 134 or twice the thickness of the second conductive pattern layer 135 , thereby improving the performance of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A and the first adjustable phase shifter 130C.

[0129] FIG12 is a plan view schematic diagram of a first conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG13 is a plan view schematic diagram of a second conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] In some examples, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first conductive pattern 134 includes a first drive electrode 134A, a second drive electrode 134B, and a third drive electrode 134C, and the second conductive pattern 135 includes a first common electrode 135A, a second common electrode 135B, and a third common electrode 135C; the orthographic projection of the first drive electrode 134A on the liquid crystal layer 133 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first common electrode 135A on the liquid crystal layer 133, so that the first drive electrode 134A, the first common electrode 135A, and the liquid crystal layer between the first drive electrode 134A and the first common electrode 135A can form a full-phasor adjustable phase shifter

[0131] 130A, the magnitude of the phase modulated by the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A can be controlled by controlling the electrical signal on the first driving electrode 134A; the orthographic projection of the second driving electrode 134B on the liquid crystal layer 133 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second common electrode 135B on the liquid crystal layer 133, so that the second driving electrode 134B, the second common electrode 135B, and the liquid crystal layer between the second driving electrode 134B and the second common electrode 135B can form a first adjustable phase shifter 130C, and the phase modulated by the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A can be controlled by controlling the electrical signal on the second driving electrode 134B. The electrical signal on the third driving electrode 134C can control the magnitude of the phase modulated by the first adjustable phase shifter 130C; the orthographic projection of the third driving electrode 134C on the liquid crystal layer 133 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third common electrode 135C on the liquid crystal layer 133, so that the third driving electrode 134C, the third common electrode 135C, and the liquid crystal layer between the third driving electrode 134C and the third common electrode 135C can form a second adjustable phase shifter 130D. By controlling the electrical signal on the third driving electrode 134C, the magnitude of the phase modulated by the second adjustable phase shifter 130D can be controlled.

[0132] In some examples, the liquid crystal layer between the first drive electrode and the first common electrode, the liquid crystal layer between the second drive electrode and the second common electrode, and the liquid crystal layer between the third drive electrode and the third common electrode can be separated from each other by a blocking structure, so that different liquid crystal materials can be used as needed.

[0133] In some examples, as shown in FIG12 , the first conductive pattern layer 134 further includes a first drive line 1341, a second drive line 1342, and a third drive line 1343. The first drive line 1341 is connected to the first drive electrode 134A, the second drive line 1342 is connected to the second drive electrode 134B, and the third drive line 1343 is connected to the third drive electrode 134C. Thus, drive signals can be applied to the first drive electrode, the second drive electrode, and the third drive electrode via the first drive line, the second drive line, and the third drive line, respectively, to control the phase shift of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, the first adjustable phase shifter, and the second adjustable phase shifter, respectively.

[0134] In some examples, as shown in FIG12 , the area of ​​the first drive electrode 134A is larger than the area of ​​the second drive electrode 134B or the area of ​​the third drive electrode 134C, thereby reducing the overall area of ​​the first conductive pattern layer and facilitating the miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array. Furthermore, the area of ​​the first drive electrode 134A can be larger than the sum of the areas of the second drive electrode 134B and the third drive electrode 134C, effectively reducing the overall area of ​​the first conductive pattern layer and facilitating the miniaturization of the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0135] In some examples, as shown in FIG13 , the second conductive pattern layer 135 further includes a power-dividing conductive pattern 135E, including a first end 301, a second end 302, and an intermediate portion 303 located between the first end 301 and the second end 302; the intermediate portion 303 can serve as an input end of the power-dividing structure 130B, thereby being coupled with the output end of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, the first end 301 being the first output end of the power-dividing structure 130B, and the second end 302 being the second output end of the power-dividing structure 130B.

[0136] In some examples, as shown in FIG13 , the second conductive pattern layer 135 further includes a first transmission line 1351 and a second transmission line 1352; the middle portion 303 of the power-dividing conductive pattern 135E is coupled to the first common electrode 135A, thereby achieving coupling with the output end of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A; the first end portion 301 of the power-dividing conductive pattern 135E is connected to the second common electrode 135B, thereby achieving coupling of the first output end of the power-dividing structure 135 with the first adjustable phase shifter 130C; the first transmission line 1351 connects the second common electrode 135B to the first coupling structure 121, thereby connecting the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C to the first coupling structure 121; the second transmission line 1352 connects the third common electrode 135C to the second coupling structure 122, thereby connecting the output end of the second adjustable phase shifter 130D to the second coupling structure 122.

[0137] In some examples, as shown in FIG13 , the second driving electrode 134B and the third driving electrode 134C are mirror-symmetrical about a virtual straight line extending in the extension direction of the first driving electrode 134A, thereby improving the symmetry of the antenna structure and further improving the performance of the antenna structure.

[0138] It is worth noting that although the first conductive pattern layer 134 shown in Figure 12 only includes the first drive electrode 134A, the second drive electrode 134B, the third drive electrode 134C, the first drive line 1341, the second drive line 1342 and the third drive line 1343, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this. The first conductive pattern layer may also be provided with other conductive structures as long as they do not affect the independent driving of the first drive electrode, the second drive electrode and the third drive electrode.

[0139] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of a radiating patch in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of a first coupling layer in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that Figure 14 not only shows the radiating patch, but also a third substrate between the radiating patch and the first coupling layer. This third substrate can be used to support the radiating patch and also to insulate the first coupling layer from the radiating patch.

[0140] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 , the radiation patch 110 is disposed on the third substrate 140 , and the third substrate 130 may be disposed between the radiation patch 110 and the first coupling layer 120 (see FIG. 11 ).

[0141] In some examples, the material of the third substrate 140 may be one or more of glass, resin, plastic, ceramic, and circuit board. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to these, and the third substrate may also be made of other suitable materials.

[0142] In some examples, as shown in FIG14 , to ensure polarization functionality, the planar shape of the radiating patch 110 may be centrally symmetrical. For example, the radiating patch 110 may be centrally symmetrically square. Of course, the disclosed embodiments include but are not limited to this, and the radiating patch may also be centrally symmetrical in other shapes, such as a circle or a pixel surface. It should be noted that the aforementioned pixel surface is a square or circular entity formed by an array of multiple squares or circles.

[0143] In some examples, as shown in FIG13 and FIG15 , the first coupling layer 120 can be a conductive layer; the first coupling structure 121 includes a first probe 121 passing through the first coupling layer 120, and the second coupling structure 122 includes a second probe 122 located through the first coupling layer 120. Thus, the first coupling structure 121 can couple the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C to the radiating patch 110, and the second coupling structure 122 can couple the output end of the second adjustable phase shifter 130D to the radiating patch 110.

[0144] In some examples, as shown in Figures 13 and 15 , the first coupling layer 120 may include two through holes (avoidance holes) corresponding to the first probe 121 and the second probe 122, so that the first probe 121 and the second probe 122 can pass through. It should be noted that the aperture of the through hole must be larger than the diameter of the probe to prevent the probe from contacting the first coupling layer.

[0145] It is worth noting that the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure in the antenna structure of the liquid crystal antenna array shown in FIG10 and FIG11 can adopt the probes shown in FIG13 and FIG15 , or can adopt the gaps shown in the figures.

[0146] In some examples, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, each antenna structure 100 also includes a second coupling layer 150 and a receiving structure 160; the second coupling layer 150 includes a third coupling structure 153; the third coupling structure 153 couples the receiving structure 160 with the input end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A, thereby receiving electromagnetic wave signals and inputting them into the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter 130A.

[0147] In some examples, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, each antenna structure 100 also includes a fourth substrate 170 located between the second coupling layer 150 and the receiving structure 160; the fourth substrate 170 can be used to support the receiving structure, and can also be used to insulate the second coupling layer and the receiving structure from each other.

[0148] In some examples, the material of the fourth substrate 170 may include one or more of glass, resin, plastic, ceramic, and circuit board. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to the above, and the fourth substrate may also be made of other suitable materials.

[0149] Figure 16 is a planar schematic diagram of a second coupling layer in a liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 17 is a planar schematic diagram of a receiving structure in a liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] In some examples, as shown in FIG16 , the third coupling layer 150 is a conductive layer; the third coupling structure 153 includes a third probe 153 passing through the second coupling layer 150 , so that the third coupling structure 153 can couple the receiving structure with the input end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter.

[0151] In some examples, as shown in FIG16 , the third coupling layer 150 may include a through hole (avoidance hole) corresponding to the third probe 153 to allow the third probe 153 to pass through. It should be noted that the diameter of the through hole must be larger than the diameter of the probe to prevent the probe from contacting the third coupling layer.

[0152] In some examples, as shown in FIG17 , the receiving structure 160 is a feeder line. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this, and the receiving structure may also be a receiving patch.

[0153] It is worth noting that some of the planar diagrams of the aforementioned embodiments illustrate specific examples of the planar positional relationships between the radiating patch, the fully phasor-adjustable phase shifter, the first adjustable phase shifter, the second adjustable phase shifter, and the receiving structure. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to the aforementioned planar positional relationships, which can be adjusted or rotated to meet the actual layout requirements. In particular, since the fully phasor-adjustable phase shifter is typically quite long, it can be bent to further save space.

[0154] Figure 18 is a planar schematic diagram of a first conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 19 is a planar schematic diagram of a second conductive pattern in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] In some examples, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, to further reduce the area of ​​the antenna structure and optimize the layout, the longer first driving electrode and first common electrode can be bent. In this case, the first driving electrode 134A includes a bent portion 1345A, and the first common electrode 135A includes a bent portion 1355A.

[0156] Figure 20 is a planar schematic diagram of a radiation patch in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 21 is a planar schematic diagram of a first coupling layer in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] In some examples, as shown in FIG20 , the radiating patch 110 is disposed on the third substrate 140. The planar shape of the radiating patch 110 can be a centrally symmetrical shape. For example, the radiating patch 110 can be a centrally symmetrical square. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this. The radiating patch can also be shaped in other centrally symmetrical shapes, such as a circle or a pixel surface.

[0158] In some examples, as shown in FIG21 , the first coupling layer 120 can be a conductive layer; the first coupling structure 121 includes a first slit 121 located in the first coupling layer 120, and the second coupling structure 122 includes a second slit 122 located in the first coupling layer 120. Thus, the first coupling structure 121 can couple the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter 130C to the radiating patch 110, and the second coupling structure 122 can couple the electromagnetic wave output from the second output end of the power splitter structure 130B to the radiating patch 110.

[0159] Figure 22 is a planar schematic diagram of the second coupling layer in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 23 is a planar schematic diagram of the receiving structure in another liquid crystal antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] In some examples, as shown in FIG22 , the third coupling layer 150 is a conductive layer; the third coupling structure 153 includes a third slit 153 located in the second coupling layer 150 , so that the third coupling structure 153 can couple the receiving structure with the input end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter.

[0161] In some examples, as shown in FIG23 , the receiving structure 160 is a receiving patch, and its planar shape is a centrosymmetrical square. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to this, and the receiving patch can also be a centrosymmetrical circle or a pixel surface.

[0162] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter includes any one of a delay line adjustable phase shifter, a differential line adjustable phase shifter, and a resonant adjustable phase shifter; the first adjustable phase shifter includes any one of a delay line adjustable phase shifter, a differential line adjustable phase shifter, and a resonant adjustable phase shifter; and the second adjustable phase shifter includes any one of a delay line adjustable phase shifter, a differential line adjustable phase shifter, and a resonant adjustable phase shifter. Furthermore, the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter, the first adjustable phase shifter, and the second adjustable phase shifter may utilize the same type of phase shifter or different types of phase shifters.

[0163] The following describes the coupling manners of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, the first adjustable phase shifter, and the second adjustable phase shifter with the coupling structure with reference to the accompanying drawings for different types of phase shifters.

[0164] Figure 24A is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a coupling slot provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 24B is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between another differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a coupling slot provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 24C is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a probe provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] In some examples, as shown in FIG24A , one end (the output end or the input end) of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 includes two branch lines 312 , the ends of the two branch lines 312 being connected to form a ring-shaped portion. In this case, a connecting line 314 may be provided to connect to the ring-shaped portion, and the coupling slot 340 may be overlapped with the connecting line 314 to achieve coupling of one end of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 to the coupling slot 340.

[0166] In some examples, as shown in FIG24B , one end (the output end or the input end) of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 includes two branch lines 312 , and the ends of the two branch lines 312 are connected to form a ring portion. In this case, the coupling slot 340 can be directly overlapped with the ring portion to achieve coupling between one end of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 and the coupling slot 340.

[0167] In some examples, as shown in FIG24C , one end (the output end or the input end) of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 includes two branch lines 312 , and the ends of the two branch lines 312 are connected to form a ring portion. In this case, a connecting line 314 can be provided to connect to the ring portion, and a probe 350 can be provided in contact with the connecting line 314 to achieve coupling of one end of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 with the probe 350.

[0168] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 24C , the connection line 314 may include a contact portion to contact the probe 350 .

[0169] Figure 25A is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a delay line type adjustable phase shifter and a coupling gap provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 25B is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between another delay line type adjustable phase shifter and a probe provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] In some examples, as shown in Figure 25A, a connecting line 324 can be set to connect to one end (output end or input end) of the delay line type adjustable phase shifter 320, and the coupling slot 340 can be overlapped with the connecting line 324 to achieve coupling of one end of the delay line type adjustable phase shifter 320 with the coupling slot 340.

[0171] In some examples, as shown in FIG25B , a connecting line 324 may be connected to one end (the output end or the input end) of the delay line type adjustable phase shifter 320 , and the probe 350 may be placed in contact with the connecting line 324 to couple one end of the delay line type adjustable phase shifter 320 with the probe 350 .

[0172] FIG26A is a schematic diagram of a coupling mode between a resonant adjustable phase shifter and a coupling slot provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG26B is a schematic diagram of a coupling mode between another resonant adjustable phase shifter and a probe provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 26A , a connecting line 334 may be provided to connect to one end (the output end or the input end) of the resonant-type adjustable phase shifter 330 , and the coupling slot 340 may be overlapped with the connecting line 334 to couple one end of the delay-line-type adjustable phase shifter 330 to the coupling slot 340 .

[0174] In some examples, as shown in FIG26B , a connecting line 334 may be connected to one end (output end or input end) of the resonant-type adjustable phase shifter 330 , and a probe 350 may be placed in contact with the connecting line 334 to couple one end of the delay-line-type adjustable phase shifter 330 with the probe 350 .

[0175] Figure 27A is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a power divider structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 27B is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between another differential linear adjustable phase shifter and a power divider structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 27C is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between another delay line adjustable phase shifter and a power divider structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 27D is a schematic diagram of a coupling method between a resonant adjustable phase shifter and a power divider structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] In some examples, as shown in FIG27A , one end (output end or input end) of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 includes two branch lines 312, and the ends of the two branch lines 312 are connected to form a ring portion; the power division structure 130B includes a first end 301, a second end 302, and a middle portion 303 located between the first end 301 and the second end 302; the middle portion 303 can serve as the input end of the power division structure 130B, the first end 301 is the first output end of the power division structure 130B, and the second end 302 is the second output end of the power division structure 130B; the middle portion 303 of the power division structure 130B is connected to the ring portion of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310, thereby achieving coupling between the differential linear adjustable phase shifter and the power division structure.

[0177] In some examples, as shown in FIG27B , one end (output end or input end) of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310 includes two branch lines 312, the ends of the two branch lines 312 are connected to form a ring-shaped portion; the power dividing structure 130B includes a first end 301, a second end 302, and a middle portion 303 located between the first end 301 and the second end 302; the middle portion 303 can serve as the input end of the power dividing structure 130B, the first end 301 is the first output end of the power dividing structure 130B, and the second end 302 is the second output end of the power dividing structure 130B; the middle portion 303 of the power dividing structure 130B is arranged relative to the ring-shaped portion of the differential linear adjustable phase shifter 310, thereby achieving coupling between the differential linear adjustable phase shifter and the power dividing structure.

[0178] In some examples, as shown in FIG27C , the power division structure 130B includes a first end 301, a second end 302, and a middle portion 303 located between the first end 301 and the second end 302; the middle portion 303 can serve as the input end of the power division structure 130B, the first end 301 is the first output end of the power division structure 130B, and the second end 302 is the second output end of the power division structure 130B; the middle portion 303 of the power division structure 130B is connected to one end of the delay line type adjustable phase shifter 320, thereby realizing coupling between the delay line type adjustable phase shifter and the power division structure.

[0179] In some examples, as shown in FIG27D , the power division structure 130B includes a first end 301, a second end 302, and a middle portion 303 located between the first end 301 and the second end 302; the middle portion 303 can serve as the input end of the power division structure 130B, the first end 301 is the first output end of the power division structure 130B, and the second end 302 is the second output end of the power division structure 130B; the middle portion 303 of the power division structure 130B is connected to one end of the resonant adjustable phase shifter 330, thereby achieving coupling between the resonant adjustable phase shifter and the power division structure.

[0180] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna array provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG29 is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna array provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 28 , the liquid crystal antenna array 200 further includes a feeding structure 270 , which is disposed on a side of the multiple receiving structures 160 of the multiple antenna structures 100 away from the multiple radiation patches 110 , thereby irradiating the multiple receiving structures 160 .

[0182] For example, the feeding structure 270 may be a feeding horn. Of course, the embodiments of the present disclosure include but are not limited to the above.

[0183] In some examples, as shown in Figure 29, the liquid crystal antenna array 200 also includes multiple waveguides 280, which are arranged on the side of the multiple receiving structures 160 of the multiple antenna structures 100 away from the multiple radiation patches 110, and are arranged one-to-one corresponding to the multiple receiving structures 160 of the multiple antenna structures 100, thereby performing near-field waveguide coupling feeding on the multiple receiving structures 160.

[0184] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 , the radiation patches 110 and the receiving structures 160 of two adjacent antenna structures 100 may overlap with each other to further optimize the layout and reduce the area of ​​the liquid crystal antenna array.

[0185] One embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a communication device. FIG30 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG30 , the communication device 500 includes any of the liquid crystal antenna arrays 200 described above. Thus, the communication device can perform beam scanning via the liquid crystal antenna array, and can also perform polarization adjustment or polarization reconstruction via the liquid crystal antenna array to meet different scenarios requiring different polarization characteristics, thereby having higher communication performance. Furthermore, due to the small size of the liquid crystal antenna array, the miniaturization of the communication device is also utilized.

[0186] For example, the communication device mentioned above may be an electronic product with communication function, such as a mobile phone, a navigator, or a laptop computer.

[0187] The present disclosure also provides a driving method for a liquid crystal antenna array, which includes: phase-modulating the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure through a full-phasor adjustable phase shifter; dividing the phase-modulated electromagnetic wave into a first electromagnetic wave signal and a second electromagnetic wave signal through a power splitter structure; phase-modulating the first electromagnetic wave through a first adjustable phase shifter so that a phase difference is generated between the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal; and polarizing the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal using a radiation patch.

[0188] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the first electromagnetic wave signal so that the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal have a phase difference of 90 degrees, a circularly polarized wave can be formed on the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0189] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase-modulate the first electromagnetic wave signal so that the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal have a phase difference of 0 degrees, a linearly polarized wave can be formed on the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0190] For example, when the first adjustable phase shifter can phase modulate the first electromagnetic wave signal so that the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal produce a phase difference greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, an elliptically polarized wave can be formed on the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0191] In some examples, when the antenna structure in the liquid crystal antenna array includes a second adjustable phase shifter, the driving method includes: phase modulating the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure through a full-phasor adjustable phase shifter; dividing the phase-modulated electromagnetic wave into a first electromagnetic wave signal and a second electromagnetic wave signal through a power splitter structure; phase modulating the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave respectively through the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter, so that a phase difference is generated between the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal; and polarizing the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal using a radiation patch.

[0192] For example, when the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are phase-modulated by the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter respectively, so that the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal have a phase difference of 90 degrees, a circularly polarized wave can be formed on the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0193] For example, when the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are phase-modulated by the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter respectively, so that the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal have a phase difference of 0 degrees, a linearly polarized wave can be formed on the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0194] For example, when the first electromagnetic wave and the second electromagnetic wave are phase-modulated by the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter respectively, so that the first electromagnetic wave signal and the second electromagnetic wave signal have a phase difference greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, an elliptically polarized wave can be formed in the radiation patch and emitted through the radiation patch.

[0195] There are a few points to note:

[0196] (1) The drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure only relate to the structures related to the embodiments of the present disclosure, and other structures may refer to conventional designs.

[0197] (2) Unless there is any conflict, the features of the same embodiment and different embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other.

[0198] The above are only specific embodiments of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal antenna array, comprising a plurality of antenna structures arranged in an array, wherein: Each antenna structure includes: A phase shifter layer, comprising a full-phase adjustable phase shifter, a power division structure and at least one adjustable phase shifter; Radiation patches; and The first coupling layer, The power division structure comprises an input end, a first output end and a second output end, the output end of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the input end of the power division structure, the at least one adjustable phase shifter comprises a first adjustable phase shifter, and the first adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the first output end of the power division structure. The first coupling layer includes a first coupling structure and a second coupling structure, the first coupling structure couples the output end of the first adjustable phase shifter with the radiation patch, the second coupling structure couples the electromagnetic wave outputted from the second output end of the power division structure to the radiation patch, a first connecting line between the center of the first coupling structure and the center of the radiation patch and a second connecting line between the center of the second coupling structure and the center of the radiation patch are perpendicular to each other, The phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, and the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the area of ​​the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter.

2. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: The phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is 0-90 degrees.

3. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: The fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure, and the power division structure and the first adjustable phase shifter are configured to adjust the polarization of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure.

4. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: In at least one of the antenna structures, the at least one adjustable phase shifter further includes a second adjustable phase shifter, the second adjustable phase shifter is coupled to the second output end of the power division structure, and the second coupling structure couples the output end of the second adjustable phase shifter to the radiation patch to couple the electromagnetic wave outputted from the second output end of the power division structure to the radiation patch; The phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the full-phase adjustable phase shifter, the area of ​​the first adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the area of ​​the full-phase adjustable phase shifter, the phase adjustment range of the second adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the phase adjustment range of the full-phase adjustable phase shifter, and the area of ​​the second adjustable phase shifter is smaller than the area of ​​the full-phase adjustable phase shifter.

5. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 4, wherein: The phase adjustment range of the first adjustable phase shifter is 0-90 degrees, and the phase adjustment range of the second adjustable phase shifter is 0-90 degrees.

6. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 4, wherein: The fully phasor adjustable phase shifter is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure, and the power division structure, the first adjustable phase shifter and the second adjustable phase shifter are configured to adjust the polarization of the electromagnetic wave input to the antenna structure.

7. The liquid crystal antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The phase shifter layer comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate, arranged opposite to and spaced from the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first conductive pattern layer; and a second conductive pattern layer, The first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer. Alternatively, the first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer.

8. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 7, wherein: The first conductive pattern includes a first driving electrode and a second driving electrode, and the second conductive pattern includes a first common electrode and a second common electrode; The orthographic projection of the first driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, and the orthographic projection of the second driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the first adjustable phase shifter.

9. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 8, wherein: An area of ​​the first driving electrode is larger than an area of ​​the second driving electrode.

10. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 8, wherein: The second conductive pattern layer further includes a power-dividing conductive pattern, including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion; The middle portion is the input end of the power division structure, the first end is the first output end of the power division structure, and the second end is the second output end of the power division structure.

11. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 10, wherein: The second conductive pattern layer further includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line; The middle part of the power-dividing conductive pattern is coupled to the first common electrode, the first end of the power-dividing conductive pattern is connected to the second common electrode, the first transmission line connects the second common electrode to the first coupling structure, and the second transmission line connects the second end of the power-dividing conductive pattern to the second coupling structure.

12. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 8, wherein: The first driving electrode includes a bent portion, and the first common electrode includes a bent portion.

13. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 8, wherein: The first conductive pattern layer further includes: A first driving line connected to the first driving electrode; and The second driving line is connected to the second driving electrode.

14. The liquid crystal antenna array according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The phase shifter layer comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate, arranged opposite to and spaced from the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first conductive pattern layer; and a second conductive pattern layer, The first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer. Alternatively, the first conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, and the second conductive pattern layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer.

15. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 14, wherein: The first conductive pattern includes a first driving electrode, a second driving electrode and a third driving electrode, and the second conductive pattern includes a first common electrode, a second common electrode and a third common electrode. The orthographic projection of the first driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the full-phasor adjustable phase shifter, the orthographic projection of the second driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the first adjustable phase shifter, and the orthographic projection of the third driving electrode on the liquid crystal layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third common electrode on the liquid crystal layer to form the second adjustable phase shifter.

16. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 15, wherein: The second driving electrode and the third driving electrode are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line extending in the extending direction of the first driving electrode.

17. The liquid crystal antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The fully phasor adjustable phase shifter includes any one of a delay line type adjustable phase shifter, a differential line type adjustable phase shifter, and a resonant type adjustable phase shifter, and the first adjustable phase shifter includes any one of a delay line type adjustable phase shifter, a differential line type adjustable phase shifter, and a resonant type adjustable phase shifter.

18. The liquid crystal antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The first coupling structure includes a first slit located in the first coupling layer, and the second coupling structure includes a second slit located in the first coupling layer. Alternatively, the first coupling structure includes a first probe penetrating through the first coupling layer, and the second coupling structure includes a second probe penetrating through the second coupling layer.

19. The liquid crystal antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: Each of the antenna structures further comprises: A second coupling layer including a third coupling structure; and Receive structure, The third coupling structure couples the receiving structure with the input end of the fully phasor adjustable phase shifter.

20. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 19, wherein: The third coupling structure includes a third slit located in the second coupling layer or a third probe penetrating through the second coupling layer.

21. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 19, wherein: The receiving structure includes a receiving patch or a feed line.

22. The liquid crystal antenna array according to claim 19, further comprising: A plurality of waveguides are arranged correspondingly to the plurality of receiving structures of the plurality of antenna structures.

23. A communication device comprising the liquid crystal antenna array according to any one of claims 1-22.

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