Signal transmitting device, electronic equipment and communication base station

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a signal transmitting device, electronic equipment and a communication base station, relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and is used for reducing cost and power consumption. The signal transmitting device comprises a first functional device, a second functional device and a filling structure. The first functional device includes at least one feed source. The feed source is used for transmitting electromagnetic signals. The second functional device comprises a plurality of transmission units. The transmission unit is used for changing the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission unit. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal comprises one or more of the following items: amplitude, phase, polarization direction and frequency. Wherein the second functional device is at least partially opposite to the first functional device. The filling structure is located between the first function device and the second function device. Dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a signal transmitting device, an electronic device and a communication base station. Background Art

[0002] Since wireless communication in high-frequency bands has advantages such as larger communication bandwidth and higher communication system capacity, wireless communication technology is gradually developing towards high-frequency bands. However, high-frequency bands correspond to smaller electromagnetic wave wavelengths. This means that the corresponding components are also smaller in size, and the design requirements are higher, resulting in higher costs and power consumption.

[0003] In addition, current communication base stations generally use phased arrays as transmitting antennas to transmit wireless signals, and the functions of phased arrays need to rely on structures such as phase shifters, amplifiers, switch matrices, and RF links. As antennas develop towards ultra-large scale, the scale of structures such as phase shifters, amplifiers, switch matrices, and RF links will also increase. This will further increase costs and power consumption. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a signal transmitting device, an electronic device and a communication base station for reducing costs and power consumption.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a signal transmitting device is provided, the signal transmitting device comprising: a first functional device, a second functional device and a filling structure. The first functional device comprises at least one feed source. The feed source is used to transmit an electromagnetic signal. The second functional device comprises a plurality of transmission units. The transmission unit is used to change the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission unit. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal comprises one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction and frequency. The second functional device is at least partially opposite to the first functional device. The filling structure is located between the first functional device and the second functional device. The dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different.

[0007] In a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a signal transmitting device as described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0008] In a third aspect, a communication base station is provided, comprising: a signal transmitting device as described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0009] The signal transmitting device provided in the embodiment of the present application can select different feed sources to transmit electromagnetic signals, and use the transmission units to regulate the electromagnetic signals to form directional beams with different emission angles by setting at least partially opposite first and second functional devices, and setting at least one feed source for transmitting electromagnetic signals in the first functional device, and setting multiple transmission units for changing the physical state of the electromagnetic signals passing through itself in the second functional device. In other words, the embodiment of the present application can use the first functional device and the second functional device to replace the more complex radio frequency links and phase shifters. This not only simplifies the structure of the signal transmitting device and facilitates the miniaturization of the device, but also helps to reduce the cost and power consumption of the signal transmitting device. Even if the antenna develops in the direction of ultra-large scale, the cost and power consumption can be greatly reduced.

[0010] Moreover, the embodiment of the present application sets a filling structure between the first functional device and the second functional device, and the dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different. This not only enables the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source to be better focused on the second functional device to further reduce power consumption and cost, but also enables more channels to be constructed between the first functional device and the second functional device, thereby increasing the complexity of the channels and enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device to further simplify the structure of the signal transmitting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required to be used in some embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams, and are not intended to limit the actual size of the products involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0012] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a communication base station provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0013] Figure 2 A structural diagram of another communication base station provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0014] Figure 3 A structural diagram of an electronic device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0015] Figure 4 A structural diagram of a signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0016] Figure 5 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0017] Figure 6 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0018] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a feed arrangement method provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0019] Figure 8 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0020] Fig. 9 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0021] Fig.10 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0022] Fig.11 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0023] Fig.12 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0024] Fig.13 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0025] Fig.14 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0026] Fig.15 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0027] Fig.16 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0028] Fig.17 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0029] Fig.18 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0030] Fig.19 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Fig. 20 A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Fig.21A structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided for some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in some embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0034] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "including" is to be interpreted as an open, inclusive meaning, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "some embodiments", "examples" or "some examples" and the like are intended to indicate that specific features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0035] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0036] When describing some embodiments, the expressions "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives may be used. For example, when describing some embodiments, the term "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. For another example, when describing some embodiments, the term "coupled" may be used to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the term "coupled" may also refer to two or more components that are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the contents of this document.

[0037] “At least one of A, B, and C” includes the following combinations of A, B, and C: only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C. “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0038] The use of "for" herein is meant to be open and inclusive language, which does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. In addition, the use of "based on" is meant to be open and inclusive, because a process, step, calculation or other action "based on" one or more stated conditions or values ​​may be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond the stated values ​​in practice.

[0039] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within the acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism may be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity may also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality may be, for example, the difference between the two equalities is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0040] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views that are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of the layers and the area of ​​the regions are exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, variations in the shapes relative to the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are conceivable. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted as being limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing. For example, a region shown as a rectangle will typically have curved features. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0041] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication base station. The communication base station is located between a communication network and a communication device (such as a mobile communication device) and is used to complete electromagnetic signal transmission between the communication network and the communication device.

[0042] The above-mentioned communication base station can be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points (AP), etc. For example, the communication base station can be an evolved base station (evolved NodeB, eNB or eNodeB), a next generation base station node (next generation node base station, gNB), a next generation eNB (next generation eNB, ng-eNB), a relay node (relay node, RN), an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, etc. In systems using different radio access technologies (radio access technology, RAT), the names of devices with communication base station functions may be different. For example, it can be called eNB or eNodeB in an LTE (long term evolution) system, and it can be called gNB in ​​a 5G system or NR (new radio) system. This application does not limit the specific name of the communication base station.

[0043] The above-mentioned communication base station may have various structures. For example, the structure of the communication base station may include a distributed structure, a tower structure, a pole structure, and the like.

[0044] Figure 1 The structure of a communication base station is shown schematically. Figure 1 As shown, the communication base station includes structures such as a bracket 100 and an antenna 200. The bracket 100 is arranged on the ground or on the roof, and the antenna 200 is installed on the bracket 100. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on the installation method of the antenna 200. Among them, the antenna 200 can be a 4G antenna or a 5G antenna. For example, the antenna 200 can also be a 4G or 5G antenna with multiple input multiple output (MIMO). The embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on the specific type of the antenna 200.

[0045] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the communication base station further includes a controller 300. The controller 300 is coupled to the antenna 200. The controller 300 is used to manage the wireless channel, and the antenna 200 is used to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals.

[0046] For example, when the antenna 200 performs wireless communication, the controller 300 can allocate a wireless channel for the voice service received by the antenna 200. After receiving the electromagnetic signal, the antenna 200 extracts the information (such as voice service information) carried in the electromagnetic signal and transmits the information through the wireless channel allocated by the controller 300.

[0047] The embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device. The electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (pad), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an artificial intelligence (AI) device, a smart wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, a smart bracelet), an on-board device (e.g., an on-board radar), a smart home device and / or a smart city device, a detector, a drone, a surveying and mapping device, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on the specific type of the electronic device.

[0048] Figure 3 The structure of an electronic device is shown schematically. Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device includes an antenna 400. The electronic device can use the antenna 400 to transmit energy or electromagnetic waves. Exemplarily, the electronic device can use the antenna 400 to perform wireless communication, or perform wireless detection (or sensing).

[0049] When the electronic device uses the antenna 400 for wireless communication, the electronic device can transmit electromagnetic signals to the outside through the antenna 400, and receive electromagnetic signals from the outside. The electromagnetic signals can carry communication data, such as call requests, etc.

[0050] When the electronic device uses the antenna 400 for wireless detection, the electronic device can transmit an electromagnetic signal for detection through the antenna 400, and receive the electromagnetic signal reflected by the detected object, and then determine the information of the detected object in the external environment according to the reflected electromagnetic signal. The information of the detected object includes, for example, the location information and moving speed of the detected object.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, some embodiments of the present application further provide a signal transmitting device 500, which can transmit electromagnetic signals. In some embodiments, the signal transmitting device 500 can also receive electromagnetic signals. The signal transmitting device 500 can be used as the antenna 200 in the above-mentioned communication base station, and can also be used as the antenna 400 in the above-mentioned electronic device.

[0052] The structure of the signal transmitting device 500 includes various structures, which can be selected and set according to actual needs. The structure of the signal transmitting device 500 is schematically described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0053] In some possible embodiments, Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the signal transmitting device 500 includes an antenna module 1, and the antenna module 1 includes a first functional device 11 and a second functional device 12. The first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are arranged at intervals, that is, there is a gap between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and there is no direct contact. Among them, the spacing between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 can be selected and set according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0054] The first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are at least partially opposite to each other. That is, the orthographic projection of the first functional device 11 on the reference plane and the orthographic projection of the second functional device 12 on the reference plane at least partially overlap. The reference plane is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12.

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first functional device 11 includes at least one feed source 111. The number of feed sources 111 can be one or more. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The number of feed sources 111 is illustrated as plural, and the following description is also based on the number of feed sources 111 as plural.

[0056] There are many ways to arrange the multiple feed sources 111, which can be selected according to actual needs. Figure 7 (a), (b), and (c) in the figure respectively illustrate an arrangement of the feed source 111.

[0057] For example, Figure 7 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged in a linear array. That is, the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged on the same straight line, and there is a gap between two adjacent feed sources 111. Of course, the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged on the same curve.

[0058] For example, Figure 7 As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 1 , the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged in a two-dimensional plane array. That is, the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged on a two-dimensional plane according to certain rules (which can be set according to actual needs). For example, Figure 7 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the multiple feed sources 111 are arranged in a rectangular array. Figure 7As shown in (c) , the multiple feed sources 111 are arranged in a circular array.

[0059] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the multiple feed sources 111 are arranged in a curved array. That is, the multiple feed sources 111 are arranged on a spatial curved surface, and the orthographic projections of the multiple feed sources 111 on the reference plane are arranged in a two-dimensional plane array. The reference plane is, for example, tangent to the geometric center of the spatial curved surface.

[0060] The feed source 111 is used to transmit electromagnetic signals. Among them, the feed source 111 has the ability to actively transmit electromagnetic signals. Among the multiple feed sources 111, each feed source 111 can transmit electromagnetic signals independently of each other. Of course, the feed source 111 may also have the ability to receive electromagnetic signals. Optionally, the feed source 111 may be a half-wave dipole, a monopole, a microstrip antenna, a slot antenna, a horn antenna or other antenna structures with electromagnetic signal transmission and electromagnetic signal reception capabilities. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form of the feed source.

[0061] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second functional device 12 includes a plurality of transmission units 121. For example, the number of the transmission units 121 is two, three or even more.

[0062] There are many ways to arrange the plurality of transmission units 121 , and they can be selected and arranged according to actual needs.

[0063] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned multiple transmission units 121 can be arranged in a linear array, a two-dimensional plane array, or a curved array, etc. For details, please refer to the description of the arrangement of the above-mentioned multiple feed source arrays 111, which will not be repeated here. Among them, in the antenna module 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the arrangement of the multiple feed sources 111 of the first functional device 11 and the arrangement of the multiple transmission units 121 of the second functional device 12 can be the same or different.

[0064] The transmission unit 121 is a passive electromagnetic unit, that is, the transmission unit 121 does not have the ability to independently transmit electromagnetic signals. Among the multiple transmission units 121, each transmission unit 121 has the ability to regulate electromagnetic signals. Accordingly, the transmission unit 121 is used to change the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission unit 121; the physical state of the electromagnetic signal includes one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, frequency, and polarization direction.

[0065] For example, when the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is amplitude, there is a difference between the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is phase, there is a difference between the phase of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the phase of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is frequency, there is a difference between the frequency of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the frequency of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is polarization direction, there is a difference between the polarization direction of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the polarization direction of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121.

[0066] Exemplarily, among the above-mentioned multiple transmission units 121, at least two transmission units 121 have different control effects on electromagnetic signals. For example, the at least two transmission units 121 include a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit, the first transmission unit can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through itself by π / 2, and the second transmission unit can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through itself by π / 4.

[0067] The transmission unit 121 may be static or dynamic.

[0068] When the transmission unit 121 is static, the transmission unit 121 has a fixed electromagnetic signal control characteristic. Among them, the hardware has frequency selectivity. For the embodiment of the present application, the amount of change in the physical state of the electromagnetic signals of different frequencies passing through the transmission unit 121 may be different; but the amount of change in the physical state of the electromagnetic signals of the specific frequency band of the transmission unit 121 passing through itself is fixed. The amount of change in the physical state of the electromagnetic signals of the specific frequency band of different transmission units 121 can be the same or different. For example, a certain transmission unit 121 can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal with a frequency of 30 GHz passing through itself by π / 2, and the phase delay amount is constant and cannot be changed. The phase delay amount of the electromagnetic signal with a frequency of 30 GHz passing through itself by other transmission units 121 can be π / 2, π / 4 or other phase delay amounts that are conducive to improving the beamforming capability. The phase response of the static transmission unit can be changed by changing the shape of the metal patch on the unit, the thickness of the dielectric substrate, etc.

[0069] When the transmission unit 121 is dynamic, the second functional device 12 can change the state of each transmission unit 121 in real time, so that the transmission unit 121 can dynamically adjust the change in the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through itself. For example, at a first moment, a certain transmission unit 121 can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through itself by π / 2, and at a second moment, the transmission unit 121 delays the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through itself by π. Among them, the embodiment of the present application can control the change of the state of the transmission unit 121, for example, through structures such as diodes, transistors, liquid crystal materials, and micro-electromechanical systems.

[0070] In some examples, such as Figure 4 As shown, the signal transmitting device 500 further includes: a signal processing module 2 and a feed source selection module 3. One end of the feed source selection module 3 is coupled to the signal processing module 2, and the other end is coupled to the multiple feed sources 111 in the antenna module 1, that is, the other end of the feed source selection module 3 is coupled to the first functional device 11. The signal processing module 2 is used to generate a first electromagnetic signal. The feed source selection module 3 is used to select at least one target feed source from the multiple feed sources 111 so that the target feed source transmits the first electromagnetic signal.

[0071] Exemplarily, the signal processing module 2 includes a radio frequency link, which is used to convert a received digital signal into an electromagnetic signal, and convert a received electromagnetic signal into a digital signal.

[0072] The target feed source may be determined by the signal processing module 2. After the signal processing module 2 determines the target feed source, the identifier of the target feed source may be sent to the feed source selection module 3. The feed source selection module 3 may select the target feed source from the multiple feed sources 111 according to the identifier of the target feed source, and control the target feed source to be turned on so that the target feed source transmits the first electromagnetic signal generated by the signal processing module 2.

[0073] Exemplarily, the feed source selection module 3 includes an automatic switching circuit, which can switch on the target feed source according to the instruction of the signal processing module 2 .

[0074] Since the feed source 111 has the ability to transmit electromagnetic signals, the signal transmitting device 500 provided in the present application can also be used as a transmitting antenna to transmit electromagnetic signals to the outside world. Figure 8 The diagram shows a process in which a signal transmitting device 500 (or antenna module 1) transmits an electromagnetic signal. For example, Figure 8 The coordinate system shown in is established by taking the center point of the first functional device 11 as the origin and the direction from the center point of the first functional device 11 to the center point of the second functional device 12 as the positive direction of the X-axis. The center point of the first functional device 11 is, for example, the geometric center of the first functional device 11, and the center point of the second functional device 12 is, for example, the geometric center of the second functional device 12.

[0075] For example, Figure 8 As shown, in the process of the signal transmitting device 500 as a transmitting antenna transmitting an electromagnetic signal to the outside world, the signal processing module 2 generates a first electromagnetic signal and sends the first electromagnetic signal to the feed source selection module 3. The feed source selection module 3 can select at least one target feed source (e.g. Figure 8 The first feed source 111a and the second feed source 111b in the second functional device 12 respectively transmit the first electromagnetic signal. The multiple transmission units 121 in the second functional device 12 can regulate (or beamform) the first electromagnetic signal emitted by the at least one target feed source, so that the first electromagnetic signal emitted by the at least one target feed source forms at least one directional beam (for example, Figure 8 ). The directional directions of different directional beams may be different, and the emission angles of different directional beams (that is, the angle between the directional direction and the X-axis) may be different. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the pointing direction of directional beam one extends downwardly toward the X-axis; the pointing direction of directional beam one extends upwardly toward the X-axis; and the emission angle of directional beam one is smaller than the emission angle of directional beam two.

[0076] By selecting different feed sources 111 to transmit electromagnetic signals, the electromagnetic signals (or directional beams) radiated by the second functional device 12 can have different emission angles, thereby achieving switching of different directional beams and serving different signal receiving ends.

[0077] It is understandable that in the related art, a radio frequency link, or a combination of a radio frequency link and a phase shifter is usually used to phase-regulate the electromagnetic signal emitted by the transmitting antenna to achieve directional transmission of the wireless signal. In the embodiment of the present application, by setting the first function device 11 and the second function device 12, at least one feed source 111 in the first function device 11 can be used to transmit the electromagnetic signal, and the electromagnetic signal can be regulated by using multiple transmission units 121 in the second function device 12 to form a directional beam with different emission angles. In other words, the embodiment of the present application can use the first function device 11 and the second function device 12 to replace the more complex radio frequency link and phase shifter. This not only simplifies the structure of the signal transmitting device 500 and facilitates the miniaturization of the device, but also helps to reduce the cost and power consumption of the signal transmitting device 500. Even if the antenna develops in the direction of ultra-large scale, the cost and power consumption can be greatly reduced.

[0078] Moreover, the design of the feed source 111 and the transmission unit 121 can more conveniently achieve a larger effective aperture and obtain a larger beamforming gain.

[0079] Furthermore, in the case where the feed source 111 has the ability to receive electromagnetic signals, the signal transmitting device 500 provided in the present application can also serve as a receiving antenna to receive electromagnetic signals radiated from the outside.

[0080] In some embodiments, in the process of transmitting electromagnetic signals using the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, the emission angle range of the directional beam may be relatively small. Therefore, when it is necessary to increase the coverage of the directional beam, or to enable the directional beam to be emitted in a preset direction, it is necessary to move the signal transmitting device 500 (or the antenna module 1).

[0081] Moreover, a vacuum is set between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, or air is filled between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. In this way, when the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is large, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 may not be fully received by the second functional device 12, which affects the signal emission of the signal transmitting device 500 (or the antenna module 1). In order to enable the second functional device 12 to receive enough electromagnetic signals from the first functional device 11 and reduce the impact on the electromagnetic signals emitted by the signal transmitting device 500 (or the antenna module 1), it is necessary to increase the power of the first functional device 11, which is easy to increase the cost and power consumption.

[0082] Based on this, in some possible embodiments, such as Figures 9 to 21 As shown, the antenna module 1 of the signal transmitting device 500 further includes a filling structure 13. The filling structure 13 is located between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. Figures 9 to 21 In the structure shown, the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12 are arranged in order from left to right in the figure. Figures 9 to 21 In the structures shown in the figure, the surface where the first functional device 11 is located (that is, the surface where the structure of the first functional device 11 for supporting and fixing the feed source 111 is located) is taken as a plane, and the surface where the second functional device 12 is located (that is, the surface where the structure of the second functional device 12 for supporting and fixing the transmission unit 121 is located) is taken as an example, and the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are arranged in parallel. Figures 9 to 21 The cross section of the structure shown is a plane that is perpendicular to the surface where the first functional device 11 is located. Figures 9 to 21 The X-axis shown in Figure 8 The same X-axis as shown in Figures 9 to 21 The Y axis shown in Figure 8 The Y axis is the same as shown in Figures 9 to 21 The cross section of the structure shown is, for example, perpendicular to Figure 8 The Z axis is shown.

[0083] The space between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 constitutes a cavity (for example, the outer boundary of the first functional device 11 and the outer boundary of the second functional device 12 are connected to form the cavity), and the filling structure 13 is filled in the cavity. The electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 in the first functional device 11 passes through the filling structure 13 and is incident on the second functional device 12.

[0084] The dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure 13 are different. That is, the dielectric constants at different positions of the filling structure 13 are not uniform. The arrangement of the filling structure 13 makes the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 also called a non-uniform dielectric cavity.

[0085] The electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 can be reflected and / or scattered at positions with different dielectric constants. The filling structure 13 has multiple positions with different dielectric constants, and the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 can change the direction of travel multiple times in the filling structure 13 and better focus on the second functional device 12. In this way, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 can basically be received and emitted by the second functional device 12, without increasing the power of the first functional device 11, and thus reducing costs and power consumption.

[0086] In addition, the setting of the filling structure 13 can construct more channels between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, increase the complexity of the channel, and enhance the beam control capability of the signal transmitting device 500. In this way, the emission angle range of the directional beam emitted by the second functional device 12 can be increased, and the coverage range of the directional beam can be increased. In the case where the directional beam needs to be emitted in a preset direction, it is also possible to avoid moving the signal transmitting device 500 (or the antenna module 1), which is conducive to further simplifying the structure of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0087] The dielectric constants at different positions of the filling structure 13 can be set according to actual needs. The larger the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13, the smaller the spacing between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 (that is, in the arrangement direction of the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, the smaller the size of the cavity). This can effectively reduce the size of the signal transmitting device 500 (or the antenna module 1), which is conducive to realizing a miniaturized design or a lightweight design, which is not only easy to install, but also can reduce costs and power consumption.

[0088] Moreover, on the basis that the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is reduced, it can be further ensured that the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 can basically be radiated to the second functional device 12 and transmitted, which is conducive to further reducing power consumption.

[0089] It is understandable that the greater the dielectric constant of a material, the stronger its ability to absorb electromagnetic signals. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application may need to determine the material filled between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 based on the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 and the ability of the filling structure 13 to absorb electromagnetic signals.

[0090] The above-mentioned filling structure 13 can be arranged in various ways, and can be arranged according to actual needs. The following is a schematic illustration of the arrangement of the filling structure 13 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the arrangement of the filling structure 13 is not limited thereto.

[0091] In a first possible embodiment, Fig. 9 As shown, the structure of the filling structure 13 is a single-layer structure. At this time, the dielectric constant in the filling structure 13 can be set gradually. Among them, the dielectric constant in the filling structure 13 can be changed in a variety of ways, which can be selected and set according to actual needs.

[0092] It should be understood that the spatial distribution of the dielectric constant in the filling structure 13 can be represented by a function, for example: ε x,y,z =f(x,y,z). x,y,z The dielectric constant of the point with coordinates (x, y, z) in the filling structure 13 is shown.

[0093] In some examples, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 changes linearly along the first direction. For example, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 increases linearly along the first direction. That is, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases along the first direction. For another example, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 decreases linearly along the first direction. That is, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually decreases along the first direction.

[0094] Here, the arrangement direction of the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12 is defined as a second direction, which is parallel to Fig. 9 The first direction is the extension direction of the X-axis shown in , and the second direction is in the same direction as the positive direction of the X-axis. The angle between the first direction and the second direction is in the range of 0° to 90°. The angle between the first direction and the second direction is, for example, 0°, 10°, 30°, 40°, 65° or 90°.

[0095] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 0°, for example, the first direction is parallel to Fig. 9 The extension direction of the X-axis shown in is the same as the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0096] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90°, for example, the first direction is parallel to Fig. 9For example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the Y-axis shown in the figure, and is in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the positive direction of the Y-axis; for example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the Z-axis (the Z-axis is not shown in the figure, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis), and is in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0097] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 45°, the angle between the first direction and the positive direction of the Y-axis is 45° to 135°.

[0098] Exemplarily, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0099] f(x,y,z)=[1+a1(x-x0)+b1(y-y0)+c1(z-z0)]×ε. Wherein, f(x,y,z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x,y,z) in the filling structure 13; a1, b1, c1 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is the preset dielectric constant. (x0,y0,z0) is the reference point, at which the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 is the preset dielectric constant ε. The reference point can be set arbitrarily. Optionally, the reference point can be the center point of the first functional device 11, or a point other than the center point of the first functional device 11, or the center point of the second functional device 12, or a point other than the center point of the second functional device 12, or any point on the line connecting the center point of the first functional device 11 and the center point of the second functional device 12.

[0100] The above-mentioned “preset dielectric constant” is related to the material of the filling structure 13. For example, the “preset dielectric constant” is the same as the dielectric constant of the material of the filling structure 13. When the material of the filling structure 13 changes, the preset dielectric constant will change accordingly.

[0101] For example, when a coordinate system is established with the center point of the first functional device 11 as the reference point (also called the origin, in which case x0=0, y0=0, z0=0), and the direction from the center point of the first functional device 11 to the center point of the second functional device 12 is used as the positive direction of the X-axis, f(x,y,z)=(1+a1x)×ε.

[0102] That is, b1 and c1 are both 0, and f(x, y, z) is a first-order function with respect to x. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases.

[0103] Optionally, b1=0, c1=0, d is the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. At this time, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0104] In the case of x=0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the position of the surface of one side of the filling structure 13 close to the first functional device 11) is ε. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases, and in the case of x=d, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the position of the surface of one side of the filling structure 13 close to the second functional device 12) increases to 4ε.

[0105] Exemplarily, when a1 and b1 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is a first-order function about z; along the positive direction of the Z axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases. When a1 and c1 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is a first-order function about y; along the positive direction of the Y axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases. When a1, b1, and c1 are not 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can be gradually changed along the positive direction of the X axis, the positive direction of the Y axis, and the positive direction of the Z axis, respectively.

[0106] In some other examples, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 changes nonlinearly. Along the first direction, the change of the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 is not in a certain proportion.

[0107] For example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 increases exponentially. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases, and the rate of increase of the dielectric constant is also increasing. For another example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 decreases exponentially. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually decreases, and the rate of decrease of the dielectric constant is also increasing.

[0108] Exemplarily, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0109] f(x,y,z)=[1+a2(x-x0) n +b2(y-y0) n +c2(z-z0) n ]×ε; f(x,y,z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x,y,z) in the filling structure; a2, b2, c2 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is the preset dielectric constant; n≥2, and n is an integer. (x0,y0,z0) is a reference point, at which the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 is the preset dielectric constant ε. The reference point can be set arbitrarily. Optionally, the reference point can be the center point of the first functional device 11, or a point other than the center point of the first functional device 11, or the center point of the second functional device 12, or a point other than the center point of the second functional device 12, or any point on the line connecting the center point of the first functional device 11 and the center point of the second functional device 12.

[0110] The above-mentioned “preset dielectric constant” is related to the material of the filling structure 13. For example, the “preset dielectric constant” is the same as the dielectric constant of the material of the filling structure 13. When the material of the filling structure 13 changes, the preset dielectric constant will change accordingly.

[0111] For example, when the center point of the first functional device 11 is used as the reference point (also called the origin, in which case x0=0, y0=0, z0=0), and the direction from the center point of the first functional device 11 to the center point of the second functional device 12 is used as the positive direction of the X-axis to establish a coordinate system, f(x, y, z)=[1+(a2x) n ]×ε.

[0112] That is, b2 and c2 are both 0, and f(x, y, z) is an n-order function with respect to x. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the n-th power of x.

[0113] Optionally, b2=0, c2=0, d is the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. At this time, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0114] In the case of x=0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the surface of the filling structure 13 close to the first functional device 11) is ε. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases with the nth power of x, and in the case of x=d, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the surface of the filling structure 13 close to the second functional device 12) increases to 2ε.

[0115] Exemplarily, when a2 and b2 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is an n-order function about z; along the positive direction of the Z axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the nth power of z. When a2 and c2 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is an n-order function about y; along the positive direction of the Y axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the nth power of y. When a2, b2, and c2 are not 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can be gradually changed along the positive direction of the X axis, the positive direction of the Y axis, and the positive direction of the Z axis, respectively.

[0116] The material of the filling structure 13 includes, for example, a dielectric material, which includes but is not limited to a resin material, glass, FR-4 material, and the like.

[0117] Taking FR-4 material as an example, by adjusting the concentration of doping elements at different positions in the filling structure 13 , a gradual design of the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can be achieved.

[0118] The embodiment of the present application fills the filling structure 13 with a gradient dielectric constant between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, so as to construct a rich scattering environment between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 and enhance the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0119] In a second possible embodiment, if Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the structure of the filling structure 13 is a structure composed of multiple film layers stacked in sequence. For example, the filling structure 13 includes a plurality of filling medium layers 131 stacked in layers. The number of the filling medium layers 131 can be two, three, four or even more. Fig.10 Three filling dielectric layers 131 (eg, a first filling dielectric layer 131 a , a second filling dielectric layer 131 b , and a third filling dielectric layer 131 c ) are illustrated.

[0120] The plurality of filling medium layers 131 included in the filling structure 13 may be stacked sequentially along the first direction.

[0121] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 0°, for example, Fig.10 As shown, the plurality of filling dielectric layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0122] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90°, for example, Fig.11 As shown, the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the Y axis; for another example, the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the Z axis (the Z axis is not shown in the figure and is perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis).

[0123] Of course, when the included angle between the first direction and the second direction is other angles, the plurality of filling dielectric layers 131 may also be stacked along the corresponding direction.

[0124] Among the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 included in the filling structure 13, the dielectric constants of two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 are different. The magnitude relationship of the dielectric constants of the two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 can be selected and set according to actual needs. For example, along the first direction, the dielectric constants of the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 increase in sequence, or decrease in sequence, or increase first and then decrease, or decrease first and then increase, etc.

[0125] Optionally, in Fig.10In the filling structure 13 shown, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131 a is different from the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b , and the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b is different from the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131 c .

[0126] For example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131 a is greater than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b ; the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b is greater than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131 c .

[0127] For another example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131 a is smaller than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b ; the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b is smaller than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131 c .

[0128] For another example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131a is smaller than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b; the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b is larger than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131c. The dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131a and the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131c may be the same or different.

[0129] For another example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131a is greater than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b; the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b is less than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131c. The dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131a and the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131c may be the same or different.

[0130] Since the dielectric constants of two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 are different, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 may be reflected at the contact surface (see the following description) between the two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 .

[0131] By layering the filling structure 13 and setting the dielectric constants of different filling medium layers 131, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can enter the filling structure 13, undergo multiple reflections inside the filling structure 13, and then be emitted to the second functional device 12, and radiated to the outside by the second functional device 12. In this way, a unique channel can be constructed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 11, so as to utilize the specially constructed channel to enhance the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0132] In the above filling structure 13, the dielectric constants at various positions of the same filling dielectric layer 131 are the same. That is, the dielectric constants at different positions of the same filling dielectric layer 131 are uniformly set. This helps to reduce the difficulty of preparing the filling dielectric layer 131, and further reduce the difficulty of preparing the filling structure 13.

[0133] Of course, the dielectric constants at various positions of the same filling dielectric layer 131 may also be different. The variation trend of the dielectric constants at various positions of the filling dielectric layer 131 is, for example, the same as the variation trend of the filling structure 13 in the first possible embodiment, and will not be repeated here. This is conducive to further increasing the complexity of the channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, thereby further enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0134] In the above filling structure 13, if Fig.10 As shown, two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 are in contact. Taking the adjacent first filling dielectric layer 131a and the second filling dielectric layer 131b as an example, a surface of the first filling dielectric layer 131a close to the second filling dielectric layer 131b and a surface of the second filling dielectric layer 131b close to the first filling dielectric layer 131a overlap, forming a contact surface between the first filling dielectric layer 131a and the second filling dielectric layer 131b.

[0135] The contact surfaces between two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 are planar or curved.

[0136] The shapes of the multiple contact surfaces in the filling structure 13 can be the same or different. Exemplarily, the shapes of the multiple contact surfaces are the same. In this case, the multiple contact surfaces can all be planar or curved. Exemplarily, the shapes of the multiple contact surfaces are different. In this case, a part of the multiple contact surfaces can be planar and another part of the contact surfaces can be curved.

[0137] By setting the shape of the contact surface, the structural complexity of the filling structure 13 can be increased, thereby facilitating increasing the complexity of the channel.

[0138] The material of the filling structure 13 includes, for example, a dielectric material, which includes, but is not limited to, a resin material, glass, FR-4 material, etc. The materials of different filling dielectric layers 131 may be the same or different.

[0139] In a third possible embodiment, Figures 12 to 19 As shown, the filling structure 13 includes a fixed medium layer 132 and a plurality of first microstructures 133, wherein the plurality of first microstructures 133 are located in the fixed medium layer 132. The fixed medium layer 132 surrounds each first microstructure 133 to fix the position of the first microstructure 133 and the relative position between different first microstructures 133.

[0140] The first microstructure 133 is distributed inside the fixed medium layer 132 , and the contact surface between the first microstructure 133 and the fixed medium layer 132 may be equivalent to the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 .

[0141] The dielectric constant of the first microstructure 133 is different from the dielectric constant of the fixed dielectric layer 132. In this way, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can be reflected and / or scattered at the outer surface of the first microstructure 133. By setting a plurality of first microstructures 133 having different dielectric constants in the fixed dielectric layer 132, the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 can be used to increase the area ratio of the position where the electromagnetic signal can be reflected and / or scattered, which is conducive to constructing a more complex channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and further enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0142] Exemplarily, the dielectric constants of the plurality of first microstructures 133 may be the same or different.

[0143] The size of the first microstructure 133 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500, that is, a sub-wavelength size. The sub-wavelength size refers to a size smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device. At this time, the first microstructure 133 is a microstructure with a sub-wavelength size.

[0144] Exemplarily, the frequency of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500 is 30 GHz, and the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal is about 1 cm. At this time, the sub-wavelength size is, for example, less than 1 cm. It should be noted that the sub-wavelength size is a relative concept, which is determined by the wavelength of the emitted signal.

[0145] It can be understood that the structure of the first microstructure 133 is a three-dimensional structure, and the first microstructure 133 has a sub-wavelength size, which means that at least two independent points can be found on the outer surface of the first microstructure 133, and the two points satisfy the following conditions: (1) the normal directions of the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 at the two points are parallel; (2) the distance between the two points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. For example, for a three-dimensional sphere, any straight line passing through the center of the sphere and the two intersection points of the sphere meet the above condition (1), if the distance between the two intersection points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500, then the three-dimensional sphere is a sub-wavelength microstructure. For another example, for a cube, any two center points on the opposite surfaces meet the above condition (1), if the distance between the two center points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500, then the cube is a sub-wavelength microstructure. For another example, for a cylinder, if the two intersection points of any straight line perpendicular to and intersecting the central axis of the cylinder and the surface of the cylinder meet the above condition (1), and if the distance between the two intersection points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500, then the cube is a sub-wavelength microstructure. It can be seen that on a common three-dimensional geometric body, there can be more than one group of points that meet condition (1), and for a three-dimensional microstructure, there can also be more than one group of points that meet conditions (1) and (2) at the same time.

[0146] By setting a plurality of microstructures with sub-wavelength sizes at different positions in the filling structure 13, the equivalent dielectric constants of these positions can be changed, thereby constructing a rich scattering channel in the filling structure 13 and improving the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500. On the other hand, since the filled plurality of first microstructures 133 have sub-wavelength sizes, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 or the electromagnetic signal received by the transmission unit 121 can interact with these first microstructures 133, such as exciting an evanescent wave, thereby bringing about super-resolution focusing performance, so that the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 or the electromagnetic signal received by the transmission unit 121 can be better focused to a designated position after passing through the first microstructure 133. For example, by setting the size of at least one direction of the first microstructure 133 to a sub-wavelength size, when the signal transmitting device 500 receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside, it can be well focused on the feed source 111 of the first functional device 11, so that the receiving intensity of the electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside can be improved, thereby obtaining a better signal-to-noise ratio.

[0147] In some examples, among the plurality of first microstructures 133, the distance between two adjacent first microstructures 133 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. That is, the distance between two adjacent first microstructures 133 is a sub-wavelength size.

[0148] Optionally, in the plurality of first microstructures 133 , the distance between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 is of sub-wavelength size. Alternatively, in a portion of the plurality of first microstructures 133 , the distance between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 is of sub-wavelength size.

[0149] By setting the spacing between two adjacent first microstructures 133 to a sub-wavelength size, the focusing effect of the electromagnetic signal can be further improved when the signal transmitting device 500 receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside, and the energy focused on the feed source 111 of the first functional device 11 can be further increased, so that the receiving intensity of the electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside can be further improved.

[0150] There are many ways to arrange the plurality of first microstructures 133 , and they can be selected and arranged according to actual needs.

[0151] Exemplarily, the plurality of first microstructures 133 are arranged periodically, which is beneficial to improving the regularity of the arrangement of the first microstructures 133 .

[0152] The above-mentioned “periodic arrangement” means, for example, that along the positive direction of the X-axis, the above-mentioned multiple first microstructures 133 can be arranged as multiple microstructure rows, and the multiple microstructure rows can be arranged at equal intervals along the positive direction of the Y-axis or at equal intervals along the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0153] Furthermore, the intervals between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 are equal.

[0154] Exemplarily, the plurality of first microstructures 133 are randomly arranged, which helps to reduce the difficulty of preparing the filling structure 13 .

[0155] The first microstructure 133 may have various shapes, which may be selected according to actual needs.

[0156] In some examples, the shape of the first microstructure 133 includes, but is not limited to, a sphere, an ellipsoid, a cube, a cuboid, a tetrahedron, a cylinder (also referred to as a rod or a wire), and the like.

[0157] The shapes of the plurality of first microstructures 133 may be the same or different.

[0158] Optionally, the plurality of first microstructures 133 have the same shape. For example, the plurality of first microstructures 133 have a shape of a sphere, an ellipsoid, a cube, a cuboid, a tetrahedron, or a cylinder.

[0159] Optionally, the plurality of first microstructures 133 have different shapes. For example, the plurality of first microstructures 133 may have at least two shapes selected from the group consisting of sphere, ellipsoid, cube, cuboid, tetrahedron, and cylinder.

[0160] The shape of the first microstructure 133 is relatively regular, which makes it easy to set the size of the first microstructure.

[0161] When the shape of the first microstructure 133 is spherical, the size of the first microstructure 133 is the diameter of the first microstructure 133. By setting the diameter of the spherical first microstructure 133 to a sub-wavelength size, the size of the spherical first microstructure 133 in any direction can be a sub-wavelength size. In this way, the receiving intensity of the signal transmitting device 500 for the electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside can be further improved.

[0162] When the first microstructure 133 is in a cube, a cuboid or a tetrahedron, the size of the first microstructure 133 includes at least one of the multiple side lengths of the first microstructure 133. Using the side length as the size of the first microstructure 133 is conducive to simplifying the design difficulty of the first microstructure 133.

[0163] Of course, when the first microstructure 133 is in the shape of a cube or a cuboid, the size of the first microstructure 133 may also include the length of the diagonal of the cube or cuboid. When the first microstructure 133 is in the shape of a tetrahedron, the size of the first microstructure 133 may also include the height of one of the faces of the tetrahedron.

[0164] When the first microstructure 133 is cylindrical, the size of the first microstructure 133 is at least one of the diameter and the length of the first microstructure 133. Using the diameter and / or the length as the size of the first microstructure 133 is conducive to simplifying the design difficulty of the first microstructure 133.

[0165] In some examples, when the first microstructure 133 is cylindrical in shape, the length of the first microstructure 133 is, for example, greater than the diameter thereof.

[0166] For example, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. That is, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is a sub-wavelength size. Further, the length of the first microstructure 133 is, for example, greater than the sub-wavelength size.

[0167] For another example, the length of the first microstructure 133 is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. That is, the length of the first microstructure 133 is a sub-wavelength size. Furthermore, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is also a sub-wavelength size.

[0168] It can be understood that since the length of a cylinder is greater than its diameter, and the difference between the dimensions of a sphere, a cuboid, a cube, and a tetrahedron in different directions is smaller, the arrangement of the cylindrical first microstructure 133 is different from the arrangement of the spherical, cuboid, cube, or tetrahedron-shaped first microstructure 133.

[0169] For example, in Fig.12 , Fig.13 and Fig.15 In the structure shown, the spherical first microstructures 133 are arranged in multiple rows and columns. The arrangement of the rectangular, cube or tetrahedral first microstructures 133 is substantially the same as the arrangement of the spherical first microstructures 133 .

[0170] For example, in Fig.17 , Fig.18 and Fig.19 In the structure shown, the cylindrical first microstructures 133 are located in the same row. The axis of the cylindrical first microstructures 133 is parallel to or at an acute angle to the second direction, so that the cylindrical first microstructures 133 can be easily fixed.

[0171] Furthermore, the materials of the first microstructures 133 of different shapes may be different. The materials of the first microstructures 133 of the same shape may be the same or different.

[0172] Exemplarily, when the shape of the first microstructure 133 is one of a sphere, a cuboid, a cube, or a tetrahedron, the first microstructure 133 can be formed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a resin material, or the like having a preset dielectric constant; or, the first microstructure 133 can be formed of a metal material or a non-conductive material, and the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 is coated with a coating having a high reflectivity. The material of the coating includes a metal material, such as silver, copper, and the like. Of course, the material of the first microstructure 133 is not limited thereto. When the materials of the first microstructure 133 are different, a more diverse dielectric constant distribution can be formed in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and a more complex channel can be constructed to enhance the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device.

[0173] Exemplarily, when the shape of the first microstructure 133 is cylindrical, the material of the first microstructure 133 includes a non-metallic material or a metal material. The non-metallic material includes but is not limited to PMMA, resin material, and glass, and the metal material includes but is not limited to copper and silver. In this case, the first microstructure 133 can be called, for example, an acrylic rod, a metal rod, a copper wire, a silver wire, etc. The first microstructure 133 can be arranged in a straight line or in a curved shape.

[0174] In the first, second and third possible embodiments described above, the filling structure 13 in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 includes a variety of filling methods, which can be selected and set according to actual needs. The filling method of the filling structure 13 is schematically described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is understandable that the shape of the surface where the first functional device 11 or the second functional device 12 is located may affect the overall shape of the filling structure 13, but will not affect the filling method of the filling structure 13.

[0175] In some examples, such as Figures 9 to 12 and Fig.17 As shown, the filling structure 13 can fill the above-mentioned cavity, so that a sealed cavity is formed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. Specifically, in order to increase the effective emission aperture of the launch device, the size of the second functional device can be set larger than the first functional device. At this time, the cross-sectional shape of the filling structure 13 is trapezoidal, and accordingly, the filling structure 13 is terraced as a whole. The side of the filling structure 13 close to the first functional device 11 is in contact with the first functional device 11; the side of the filling structure 13 close to the second functional device 12 is in contact with the second functional device 12.

[0176] For example, in the first and second possible embodiments, the filling structure 13 fills the cavity. In the third possible embodiment, taking the shape of the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as a sphere or a cylinder as an example, the fixed medium layer 132 fills the cavity, and the first microstructure 133 is evenly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0177] In other examples, such as Figure 13 to Figure 16 and Figure 18-19 As shown, the filling structure 13 can fill a portion of the above-mentioned cavity, so that a partially open cavity is formed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12.

[0178] Alternatively, if Fig.14 and Fig.18 As shown, there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11. At this time, the filling structure 13 is close to one side of the second functional device 12 and contacts the second functional device 12. It can be considered that the filling structure 13 is fixed on the second functional device 12. Among them, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the spacing between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0179] Exemplarily, in the above-mentioned third possible embodiment, taking the shape of the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as a spherical or cylindrical shape, the fixed medium layer 132 is in contact with the second functional device 12, and there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the first functional device 11, and the first microstructure 133 is uniformly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0180] Alternatively, if Fig.15 and Fig.19 As shown, there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12. At this time, the filling structure 13 is close to one side of the first functional device 11 and contacts the first functional device 11. It can be considered that the filling structure 13 is fixed on the first functional device 11. Among them, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the spacing between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0181] Exemplarily, in the above-mentioned third possible embodiment, taking the shape of the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as a spherical or cylindrical shape, the fixed medium layer 132 is in contact with the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the second functional device 12, and the first microstructure 133 is uniformly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0182] Alternatively, if Fig.13 and Fig.16 As shown, there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12. At this time, for example, a shell can be set outside the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12 to fix the filling structure 13.

[0183] Exemplarily, in the above-mentioned third possible embodiment, taking the shape of the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as a spherical shape, the fixed medium layer 132 is filled in the middle of the above-mentioned cavity, there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the second functional device 12, and the first microstructure 133 is uniformly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0184] In a fourth possible embodiment, if Fig. 20 and Fig.21 As shown, the filling structure 13 includes a plurality of second microstructures 134. The cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is filled with air, for example, and the dielectric constant of the second microstructure 134 is different from the dielectric constant of air.

[0185] The electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can be reflected and / or scattered at the outer surface of the second microstructure 134. In this way, the outer surface of the second microstructure 134 can be used to increase the area ratio of the position where the electromagnetic signal can be reflected and / or scattered, which is conducive to constructing a more complex channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and further enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0186] The size of the second microstructure 134 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. Here, the meaning of "the size of the second microstructure 134" is the same as the meaning of "the size of the first microstructure 133" in the third possible embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] The length of the second microstructure 134 is smaller than the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. The second microstructure 134 may be disposed in a variety of positions in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12.

[0188] For example, Fig.21 As shown, the second microstructure 134 is connected to the first functional device 11. That is, the second microstructure 134 is fixed on the side of the first functional device 11 close to the second functional device 12, and there is a gap between the second microstructure 134 and the second functional device 12. Among them, the spacing between any two adjacent second microstructures 134 can be equal or unequal. The area occupied by multiple second microstructures 134, for example, covers the first functional device 11.

[0189] For example, Fig. 20 As shown, the second microstructure 134 is connected to the second functional device 12. That is, the second microstructure 134 is fixed on the side of the second functional device 12 close to the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the second microstructure 134 and the first functional device 11. Among them, the spacing between any two adjacent second microstructures 134 can be equal or unequal. The area occupied by the plurality of second microstructures 134, for example, covers the second functional device 12, or covers a portion of the second functional device 12.

[0190] The shape of the second microstructure 134 is, for example, a rod. Further, the shape of the second microstructure 134 is, for example, a wire. Taking the wire shape of the second microstructure 134 as an example, the material of the second microstructure 134 includes a non-metallic material or a metal material. The metal material includes, but is not limited to, copper and silver. In this case, the second microstructure 134 can be, for example, a copper wire, a silver wire, etc. The second microstructure 134 can be arranged in a straight line or in a curved shape.

[0191] By setting the size of at least one direction of the second microstructure 134 to a sub-wavelength size and setting the connection position of the second microstructure 134, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can be converted into an evanescent wave to propagate in the second microstructure 134, and finally converted into a guided wave and radiated outward through the second functional device 12. In this way, a channel with super-resolution can be constructed, the number of user connections can be significantly increased, and the performance of the wireless communication system can be effectively improved.

[0192] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that a person skilled in the art can think of within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A signal transmitting device, characterized in that: The signal transmitting device comprises: The first functional device comprises at least one feed source; the feed source is used to transmit an electromagnetic signal; The second functional device comprises a plurality of transmission units; the transmission units are used to change the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission units; the physical state of the electromagnetic signal comprises one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction and frequency; wherein the second functional device is at least partially opposite to the first functional device; A filling structure is located between the first functional device and the second functional device; wherein the dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different.

2. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure changes linearly; The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction; and the angle between the first direction and the second direction ranges from 0° to 90°.

3. The signal transmitting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The dielectric constant of the filling structure satisfies the following relationship: f(x,y,z)=[1+a1(x-x0)+b1(y-y0)+c1(z-z0)]×ε; f(x,y,z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x,y,z) in the filling structure; a1, b1, c1 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is the preset dielectric constant at the reference coordinate point (x0,y0,z0).

4. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure changes nonlinearly; The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction is in the range of 0° to 90°.

5. The signal transmitting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The dielectric constant of the filling structure satisfies the following relationship: f(x,y,z)=[1+a2(x-x0) n +b2(y-y0) n +c2(z-z0) n ]×ε; f(x,y,z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x,y,z) in the filling structure; a2, b2, c2 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is the preset dielectric constant at the reference coordinate point (x0,y0,z0); n≥2, and n is an integer.

6. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filling structure comprises a plurality of filling dielectric layers stacked in sequence along a first direction, and the dielectric constants of two adjacent filling dielectric layers are different; The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction is in the range of 0° to 90°.

7. The signal transmitting device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The dielectric constant at each position in the filling dielectric layer is the same.

8. The signal transmitting device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Two adjacent filling medium layers are in contact with each other, and the contact surfaces of the two adjacent filling medium layers are planar or curved.

9. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filling structure comprises: Fixed dielectric layer; A plurality of first microstructures are located in the fixed medium layer; The size of the first microstructure is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device, and the dielectric constant of the first microstructure is different from the dielectric constant of the fixed dielectric layer.

10. The signal transmitting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent first microstructures is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device.

11. The signal transmitting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A plurality of the first microstructures are arranged periodically.

12. The signal transmitting device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The shape of the first microstructure includes a sphere, a cube, a cuboid, a tetrahedron or a cylinder.

13. The signal transmitting device according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the shape of the first microstructure is spherical, the size of the first microstructure is the diameter of the first microstructure; When the shape of the first microstructure is a cube, a cuboid, or a tetrahedron, the size of the first microstructure includes at least one of the multiple side lengths of the first microstructure; In the case where the shape of the first microstructure is cylindrical, the size of the first microstructure is at least one of a diameter and a length of the first microstructure.

14. The signal transmitting device according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the shape of the first microstructure is cylindrical, the diameter of the first microstructure is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device, and / or the length of the first microstructure is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device.

15. The signal transmitting device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction; Wherein, the axis of the first microstructure is parallel to or at an acute angle to the second direction.

16. The signal transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: There is a gap between the filling structure and the first functional device; and / or there is a gap between the filling structure and the second functional device.

17. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filling structure comprises: a plurality of second microstructures; the size of the second microstructures is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device; Wherein, a plurality of the second microstructures are connected to the first functional device; or, a plurality of the second microstructures are connected to the second functional device.

18. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal transmitting device also includes: A signal processing module, configured to generate a first electromagnetic signal; A feed source selection module has one end coupled to the signal processing module and the other end coupled to the plurality of feed sources; the feed source selection module is used to select at least one target feed source from the plurality of feed sources so that the target feed source transmits the first electromagnetic signal.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises: a signal transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A communication base station, characterized in that: The communication base station comprises: a signal transmitting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images