Antennas and electronic devices

Abstract

This disclosure provides an antenna comprising: a waveguide structure including a base plate defining a waveguide cavity and a side plate connected to the edge of the base plate; a dielectric substrate and a radiating electrode, sequentially disposed within the waveguide cavity in a direction away from the base plate; a first gap between the dielectric substrate and the radiating electrode; at least one feeding structure including a coupling component and a feeding component connected together; the coupling component extending into the waveguide cavity through a first through-hole penetrating the base plate; the feeding component being a microstrip transmission line; the feeding component being disposed on the side of the base plate away from the dielectric substrate and at least partially overlapping with the orthographic projection of the base plate onto the dielectric substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of radio frequency technology, specifically relating to an antenna and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Radial Line Slot Antenna (RLSA) is a type of planar slot array antenna. To improve electromagnetic wave utilization, traditional RLSAs employ two methods: 1. adding an absorbing structure around the antenna; 2. designing slots on the radiating electrode layer of the waveguide with varying sizes to meet different requirements. This results in a complex antenna structure and requires high manufacturing precision. This invention provides an antenna that radiates most of its energy through the slots, thus eliminating the need for an external absorbing structure. Furthermore, the slot sizes on the radiating electrode layer are uniform, reducing antenna assembly complexity and difficulty, enabling low-cost antenna production, and offering significant economic benefits. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and provides an antenna comprising:

[0004] A waveguide structure, comprising a base plate defining a waveguide cavity and a side plate connected to the edge of the base plate;

[0005] A dielectric substrate and a radiating electrode are sequentially disposed within the waveguide cavity in a direction away from the base plate; a first gap exists between the dielectric substrate and the radiating electrode;

[0006] At least one feeding structure, the feeding structure including a coupling component and a feeding component connected together; the coupling component extends into the waveguide cavity through a first through-hole penetrating the base plate; the feeding component is a microstrip transmission line; the feeding component is disposed on the side of the base plate opposite to the dielectric substrate, and at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the base plate on the dielectric substrate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly includes a main body and a first branch and a second branch connected at both ends of the extension direction of the main body, wherein the first branch and the second branch are both in a different extension direction from the main body; and the first branch is connected to the coupling assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the number of power supply components is multiple; the second branch in each power supply component is further away from the center of the base plate than the first branch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly includes a first extension and a second extension arranged in a cross configuration; the first extension is connected to the coupling assembly; and the midpoint of the first extension in its extension direction coincides with the midpoint of the second extension in its extension direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the number of power supply components is four; with the center of the base plate as the rotation center, any two adjacent power supply components are rotationally symmetrical.

[0011] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the power supply component on the substrate is circular.

[0012] In some embodiments, the antenna further includes a baffle group disposed on the side of the base plate near the dielectric substrate; the baffle group includes a plurality of baffles coaxially disposed; the distance between the baffle closest to the center of the base plate and the center of the base plate is greater than the distance between the coupling component and the center of the base plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the distance between any two adjacent retaining walls is equal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the radiation electrode includes a plurality of slit pairs; the slit pairs are arranged to form multiple nested groups, the slit pairs in each group are arranged sequentially at intervals, and the line connecting the centers of the slit pairs in each group forms a circle; the circles formed by the slit pairs in each group have the same center and constitute concentric circles; the center of the concentric circles is the same as the center of the radiation electrode.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gap pair includes a first gap and a second gap with different extending directions, and the center of the gap pair is the intersection of the extending directions of the first gap and the second gap.

[0016] The angle between the line connecting the center of the first gap and the center of the concentric circle and the extension direction of the first gap is equal to the angle between the line connecting the center of the second gap and the center of the circle and the extension direction of the second gap, and this angle is θ1; the angle between the line connecting the center of the first gap and the center of the concentric circle and the line connecting the center of the second gap and the center of the circle is β1; the length of the first gap and the length of the second gap are both L; the extension direction of the first gap is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second gap, and the perpendicular distance between the first gap and the second gap is δ; the distance between the center of the first gap and the center of the concentric circle is ρ1, and the distance between the center of the second gap and the center of the concentric circle is ρ2; the above parameters satisfy:

[0017]

[0018] ρ2sinθ1-ρ1cosθ1=L+δ

[0019]

[0020] k = 2π / λg;

[0021] in, This is a first-class Hankel function. This is a Hankel function of the second kind, where λg is the waveguide wavelength.

[0022] In some embodiments, the difference in radii between the two circles formed by two adjacent sets of the slits is d, where d is less than λ0; λ0 is the air wavelength.

[0023] In some embodiments, the antenna further includes a plurality of radiation probes penetrating the first slit and the second slit.

[0024] In some embodiments, the antenna further includes an auxiliary electrode disposed between the radiating electrode and the base plate; the radiating electrode, the auxiliary electrode, and the waveguide structure constitute a double-layer radial waveguide structure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the antenna further includes a first support layer disposed between the radiating electrode and the first gap, and a second support layer disposed on the side of the radiating electrode facing away from the dielectric substrate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the distance between the radiating electrode and the base plate is H, where H is less than λg / 2; λg is the waveguide wavelength.

[0027] In some embodiments, the antenna further includes a plurality of screws; the screws pass through the dielectric substrate and the base plate in sequence and fix the two relative to each other; the nuts of the screws define the first gap.

[0028] This disclosure also provides an electronic device including the antenna described in the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power supply component provided in this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of another power supply component provided in this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2c This is a schematic diagram of another power supply component provided in this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3a A bottom view of an antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3b A bottom view of yet another antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4a A top view of an antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4b for Figure 4a A schematic diagram of the gap pair structure in the diagram;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support layer and the second support layer in the antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the baffle assembly in the antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the radiation probe in the antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the auxiliary electrode in the antenna provided in this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9a for Figure 8 When the antenna is operating in rotating mode and the frequency is 12GHz Normalized orientation pattern of the surface;

[0042] Figure 9b for Figure 8 When the antenna is operating in normal mode at a frequency of 12 GHz Normalized orientation pattern of the surface;

[0043] Figure 9c for Figure 8 Simulation results of return loss S11 for the antenna in the middle;

[0044] Figure 9d for Figure 8 Axis ratio diagram of the antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” and similar words used in this application do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” and similar words used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. "Above," "below," "left," and "right" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0047] In related technologies, planar slot antennas are fed using a probe-feed method. The probe transmits the signal to the antenna's feed point by inserting into the antenna waveguide cavity. Adjusting the probe's length and position can improve antenna performance (e.g., axial ratio and pattern non-circularity). However, in practical applications, due to the relatively fixed probe shape, impedance matching between the probe and the antenna is difficult to achieve, resulting in low signal transmission efficiency and poor antenna performance.

[0048] In view of this, this disclosure provides an antenna, with reference to Figure 1The antenna includes a waveguide structure 1, a dielectric substrate 2, a radiating electrode 3, and at least one feed structure 4. The waveguide structure 1 includes a base plate 11 defining a waveguide cavity for the antenna and side plates 12 connected to the edge of the base plate 11. Both the base plate 11 and the side plates 12 are made of metallic material. The base plate 11 serves as a reflector and reference ground for the antenna, and the side plates 12 serve as the reflector. The reference ground and reflector ensure signal transmission within the waveguide cavity, thereby improving signal radiation efficiency. The dielectric substrate 2 is disposed within the waveguide cavity and supports the entire antenna structure, ensuring the antenna's physical stability and mechanical strength. Simultaneously, the dielectric substrate 2 is used to transmit electromagnetic waves. The dielectric constant and thickness of the dielectric substrate 2 determine the transmission speed of the electromagnetic waves, as well as the resonant frequency and radiation efficiency of the antenna. The radiating electrode 3 is disposed within the waveguide cavity and located on the side of the dielectric substrate 2 opposite to the base plate 11. Multiple slot pairs 30 are provided on the radiating electrode 3 for radiating electromagnetic waves. The feeding structure 4 includes a coupling component 41 and a feeding component 42 connected together. The coupling component 41 extends into the waveguide cavity through a first through-hole VIA penetrating the base plate 11. The feeding component 42 is disposed on the side of the base plate 11 facing away from the dielectric substrate 2 and at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the base plate 11 onto the dielectric substrate 2. That is, the base plate 11 not only serves as the reference ground for the antenna but also forms a microstrip transmission structure with the feeding component 42. The signal is transmitted sequentially through the microstrip transmission structure and the coupling component 41 to the feed point of the antenna, exciting the antenna to radiate electromagnetic waves. It should be noted that an insulating layer (not shown in the figure) is disposed between the feeding structure 4 and the base plate 11. The insulating layer is used to isolate the feeding structure 4 and the base plate 11 and, as a dielectric layer, together with the feeding component 42 and the base plate 11, forms a microstrip line transmission structure. By adjusting parameters such as the shape, length, and extension direction of the feed component 42, the impedance matching between the feed structure 4 and the antenna can be improved, thereby increasing the signal transmission efficiency and enhancing the antenna performance (e.g., aspect ratio and radiation pattern non-circularity).

[0049] In some examples, refer to Figure 2a The power supply assembly 42 includes a main body 423 and a first branch 421 and a second branch 422 connected at both ends of the main body 423 in its extending direction. The first branch 421 is connected to the coupling assembly 41, and both the first branch 421 and the second branch 422 have different extending directions from the main body 423. Figure 2aIn the example shown, the first branch 421 and the second branch 422 extend in the same direction, and their extension directions are perpendicular to the extension direction of the main body 423. The midpoint of the first branch 421 in its extension direction is the connection node between the first branch 421 and the main body 423, and the midpoint of the second branch 422 in its extension direction is the connection node between the second branch 422 and the main body 423. In this case, the feed assembly 42 formed by the main body 423, the first branch 421, and the second branch 422 is an I-shaped assembly. The I-shaped assembly has a symmetrical structure, which can effectively control the electromagnetic field distribution and is not easily affected by interference from the surrounding environment, thus ensuring stable signal transmission. In one example, the first branch 421 and the second branch 422 have equal lengths, and the midpoint of the first branch 421 in its extension direction is the connection node between the first branch 421 and the coupling assembly 41. Of course, the lengths and extension directions of the first branch 421, the second branch 422, and the main body 423 can be designed differently as needed to achieve impedance matching with antennas operating at different frequency bands.

[0050] In some examples, refer to Figure 2b The feed assembly 42 includes a first extension 424 and a second extension 425 arranged in a cross configuration, with one end of the first extension 424 connected to the coupling assembly 41. In this case, the first extension 424 and the second extension 425 form an X-shaped assembly, which divides the electromagnetic field into four regions. In one example, the extension direction of the first extension 424 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second extension 425, and the center of the first extension 424 in its extension direction is the same as the center of the second extension 425 in its extension direction. In this case, the feed assembly 42 formed by the first extension 424 and the second extension 425 is a cross-shaped assembly. Cross-shaped assemblies are small in size, simple in structure, and suitable for mass production. Of course, the lengths of the first extension 424 and the second extension 425, as well as the included angle between them, can be designed differently as needed to achieve impedance matching with antennas operating at different frequency bands.

[0051] In some examples, the power supply component 42 can also be a component of a specific shape, such as a circular component, a rectangular component, a triangular component, etc. Figure 2c As shown, the feed assembly 42 is a circular assembly, and its center is the connection node between the feed assembly 42 and the coupling assembly 41. Using this specific shape simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing difficulty. By adjusting the dimensions of the assembly, impedance matching between the feed assembly 42 and antennas operating at different frequency bands can be achieved.

[0052] In the above embodiments, only the case where the antenna includes one feed structure 4 has been described. When the antenna includes one feed structure 4, the coupling component 41 in the feed structure 4 is located at the center of the base plate 11, and the feed component 42 is located on the side of the base plate 11 facing away from the dielectric substrate 2. Of course, the antenna may also include multiple feed structures 4. Setting multiple feed structures 4 can achieve better impedance matching and higher gain. In this case, the multiple coupling components 41 in the multiple feed structures 4 are evenly distributed around the center of the base plate 11, and the multiple feed components 42 in the multiple feed structures 4 are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner.

[0053] For example, taking an antenna that includes four feeding structures 4, and where the feeding component 42 in the feeding structure 4 is an I-shaped component, such as... Figure 3a As shown, the four coupling components 41 in the four feed structures 4 are evenly arranged around the center of the base plate 11. The lines connecting the four coupling components 41 form a rhombus, and the center of the base plate 11 is located at the intersection of the two diagonals of the rhombus. For the four feed components 42 connected to the four coupling components 41 respectively, any two adjacent feed components 42 are rotated 90° symmetrically with the center of the base plate 11 as the rotation center. When providing an excitation signal to the feed structure 4, the phase of the excitation signal provided to the four feed components 42 in the clockwise direction can be 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° respectively. At this time, the antenna operates in rotation mode, and the antenna generates a superposition state (and beam) in the side-firing direction, and the antenna has better return loss characteristics. Of course, an excitation signal with the same phase and amplitude can also be provided to each feed component 42. In this case, the antenna operates in conventional mode, and the antenna radiation performance is closer to isotropic. For each I-shaped power supply assembly 42, the second branch 422 is further away from the center O1 of the base plate than the first branch 421, that is, the power supply assembly 42 is located on the outer side of the rhombus. Furthermore, the extension direction of the main body 423 in the I-shaped power supply assembly 42 is on the same straight line as the line connecting the center of the base plate 11 and the coupling assembly 41 connected to the power supply assembly 42.

[0054] As another example, consider an antenna comprising three feed structures 4, where the feed self-test in the feed structure 4 is a cross-shaped component. Figure 3bAs shown, the three coupling components 41 in the three power supply structures 4 are evenly arranged around the center O1 of the base plate. The line connecting the three coupling components 41 forms an equilateral triangle, and the center of the base plate 11 is located at the center of the equilateral triangle. For the three power supply components 42 connected to the three coupling components 41 respectively, any two adjacent power supply components 42 are rotated 120° symmetrically with the center O1 of the base plate as the rotation center. Among them, for each cross-shaped power supply component 42, the extension direction of the first extension 424 is on the same straight line as the line connecting the center of the base plate 11 and the coupling component 41 connected to the power supply component 42, and the extension direction of the second extension 425 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first extension 424.

[0055] Of course, the antenna can also include more feeding structures 4. For example, when the antenna includes six feeding structures 4, the six feeding components 42 of the six feeding structures 4 are arranged symmetrically by rotating 60° in sequence.

[0056] In some examples, the radiating electrode 3 is provided with multiple pairs of slits 30 that radiate electromagnetic waves, as shown in the reference. Figures 4a-4b The slit pair 30 includes a first slit 31 and a second slit 32 with different extending directions. In this disclosure, the example of the first slit 31 extending perpendicular to the extending direction of the second slit 32 is used for illustration. It should be noted that both the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 are narrow slit openings; therefore, the center of the first slit 31 is the center along its extending direction, and the center of the second slit 32 is the center along its extending direction. Here, the extending direction is the length direction of the slit opening. Continuing to refer to... Figure 4a Multiple nested sets of slit pairs 30 are arranged, with each set of slit pairs 30 spaced apart sequentially. The line connecting the centers of all slit pairs 30 in each set forms a circle, with all sets of slit pairs 30 having the same center, forming a concentric circle. The center of this concentric circle is the same as the center of the radiation electrode 3. For ease of description, the center of this concentric circle will be simply referred to as center O2 in the following text. In some examples, the difference in radius between two adjacent circles in the concentric circle is d, where d is less than λ0; λ0 is the air wavelength. It should be noted that the center of the slit pair 30 is the intersection of the extension direction of the first slit 31 and the extension direction of the second slit 32. Here, the extension direction of the first slit 31 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second slit 32, and the first slit 31 lies on the perpendicular bisector of the second slit 32. Therefore, the center of the slit pair 30 is the center of the second slit 32.

[0057] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of a slit pair 30. (Refer to...) Figure 4bThe angle between the line connecting the center of the first slit 31 and the center of the circle and the extension direction of the first slit 31 is equal to the angle between the line connecting the center of the second slit 32 and the extension direction of the second slit 32, and this angle is θ1. The angle between the line connecting the center of the first slit 31 and the center of the circle and the line connecting the center of the second slit 32 and the center of the circle is β1. The length of the first slit 31 and the length of the second slit 32 are both L. The perpendicular distance between the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 is δ. The distance between the center of the first slit 31 and the center of the circle is ρ1, and the distance between the center of the second slit 32 and the center of the circle is ρ2. The above parameters satisfy:

[0058]

[0059] ρ2sinθ1-ρ1cosθ1=L+δ

[0060]

[0061] k = 2π / λg;

[0062] in, This is a first-class Hankel function. This is a Hankel function of the second kind, where λg is the waveguide wavelength. This design ensures that the first slit 31 and the second slit 32 of the same slit pair 30 are excited with equal amplitude.

[0063] In some examples, refer to Figure 5 The antenna also includes a baffle group disposed on the side of the base plate 11 near the dielectric substrate 2. The baffle group includes multiple baffles 6 coaxially arranged, and the material of the baffles 6 includes conductive metal materials, such as aluminum and copper. The orthographic projection of each baffle 6 on the dielectric substrate 2 is a first shape, and the center of the first shape coincides with the center O1 of the base plate. For example, the first shape can be rectangular or circular. The distance between the baffle 6 closest to the center of the base plate 11 and the center of the base plate 11 is greater than the distance between the coupling component 41 and the center of the base plate 11, that is, each baffle 6 is arranged around the feed structure 4. In one example, the distance between any two adjacent baffles 6 is equal. Setting up the baffle group 6 can turn the antenna into a slow-wave antenna, thereby exciting higher harmonics that meet the radiation conditions and achieving effective radiation.

[0064] In other examples, a slow-wave dielectric can be filled between the base plate 11 and the radiating electrode 3 to achieve the effect of a slow-wave antenna. The slow-wave dielectric layer can be a single layer or a multi-layer structure. The slow-wave dielectric layer can include, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylene layer or an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0065] In some examples, refer to Figure 6The antenna also includes a first support layer 51 disposed between the radiating electrode 3 and the first gap GAP, and a second support layer 52 disposed on the side of the radiating electrode 3 facing away from the dielectric substrate 2. The first support layer 51 and the second support layer 52 are disposed on both sides of the radiating electrode 3 to protect the radiating electrode 3 and prevent deformation of the radiating electrode 3, which would affect the radiation efficiency. Optionally, the material of the first support layer 51 and the second support layer 52 may include glass.

[0066] In some examples, refer to Figure 7 The antenna also includes multiple radiation probes 7 penetrating the first slot 31 and the second slot 32. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the radiation probe 7 is positioned at the center of each slit. The radiation probe 7 includes a main branch 71 and two branch sections 72. The main branch 71 extends through the slit into the waveguide cavity to receive signals, while the branch sections 72 are located on the side of the radiation electrode 3 facing away from the dielectric substrate 2, radiating the signals received from the main branch to the outside. The radiation probe 7 can improve the radiation efficiency and signal transmission rate of the radiation electrode 3.

[0067] In some examples, refer to Figure 8 The antenna also includes an auxiliary electrode 8 disposed between the radiating electrode 3 and the base plate 11. The radiating electrode 3, the auxiliary electrode 8, and the waveguide structure 1 together constitute a double-layer radial waveguide structure. The double-layer radial waveguide structure has high power capacity and high transmission rate, enabling it to transmit high-power microwave signals, uniformly couple microwaves, and radiate electromagnetic waves outward in a circularly polarized manner. It should be noted that the specific location of the auxiliary electrode 8 is not limited in this disclosure. Figure 8 In this example, the auxiliary electrode 8 is disposed between the dielectric substrate 2 and the first gap GAP. The specific position of the auxiliary electrode 8 can also be adjusted according to the operating frequency band of the antenna and the impedance matching situation.

[0068] In some examples, continue to refer to Figure 8 Let H be the distance between the radiating electrode 3 and the base plate 11, and let λg be the waveguide wavelength of the antenna, where H < λg / 2. This design enables the antenna structure to transmit in single mode, thereby increasing the transmission distance and bandwidth, and improving the antenna's anti-interference capability and stability.

[0069] In some examples, continue to refer to Figure 8The antenna also includes multiple screws 9, which sequentially pass through the dielectric substrate 2 and the base plate 11, fixing them relative to each other. The nuts of the screws 9 are positioned between the dielectric substrate 2 and the radiating electrode 3, defining a first gap (GAP). This first gap (GAP) is filled with air. The inclusion of this air dielectric layer is equivalent to adding an extra "spring" effect to the antenna, which can improve the antenna's frequency response and reduce signal loss and reflection. Furthermore, the air dielectric layer can also alter the antenna's impedance characteristics, optimizing its performance and bandwidth.

[0070] In some examples, continue to refer to Figure 8 The antenna also includes a plurality of switching units 10 disposed on the side of the second support layer 52 opposite to the base plate 11. Each switching unit 10 corresponds one-to-one with the first slot 31 and the second slot 32 on the radiating electrode 3, and each switching unit 10 is configured to independently control the switching state of its corresponding slot. That is, the switching unit 10 can control whether the slot can radiate electromagnetic wave signals to the outside.

[0071] For example, the switching unit 10 in this embodiment can be a PIN diode or a variable reactance diode (Varactor). In this case, the PIN diode or the Varactor can be integrated with the gap to achieve dual-value or continuous amplitude control capability. For example, taking the switching unit 10 as an example using a PIN diode, the bias voltage input to the PIN diode is controlled to control the forward / reverse bias of the PIN diode. When the gap needs to be in the open state, the bias voltage input to the PIN diode is greater than its conduction threshold, and the PIN diode conducts; when the gap needs to be in the closed state, the bias voltage input to the PIN diode is less than its conduction threshold, and the PIN diode is turned off.

[0072] For example, the switching unit 10 in this embodiment can be a liquid crystal switch. That is, another dielectric substrate is provided opposite to the dielectric substrate 2. A patch electrode is provided on this dielectric substrate, and an adjustable dielectric layer, such as a liquid crystal layer, is provided between the layer containing the patch electrode and the radiating electrode. By changing the voltage applied to the patch electrode, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is changed, thereby achieving continuous control of the amplitude of the radio frequency signal radiated from the gap.

[0073] For example, the switching unit 10 in this embodiment can also be a MEMS switch. For instance, another dielectric substrate is provided opposite to the dielectric substrate 10. This dielectric substrate is a flexible substrate, and patch electrodes are provided on the flexible substrate. The patch electrodes are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the gaps. In this case, by applying a voltage to the patch electrodes, the distance between the patch electrodes and the gaps can be adjusted under the action of the electric field force, thereby realizing the continuous control of the radiation amplitude of the radio frequency signal.

[0074] This disclosure also provides Figure 8 Simulation results of the antenna are shown in the figure. It should be noted that the following text only uses the example of an antenna including four I-shaped feed components 42 (i.e.,... Figure 3a The performance of the antenna disclosed herein will be illustrated using simulation results as an example. Furthermore, since the antenna and feed structure 4 are highly symmetrical, and the radiation patterns at other angles are relatively consistent horizontally, only simulation results are shown. Direction map, The azimuth angle of the antenna is given. During simulation, some antenna parameters are as follows: the base plate 11 has dimensions of 312mm x 312mm; the side plate 12 has a height of 6.7mm; the distance between the base plate 11 and the radiating electrode 3 is 4.2mm; the PTFE substrate has a thickness of 2.5mm; the air layer (i.e., the first gap) has a thickness of 1.2mm; and both the first and second support layers have a thickness of 0.5mm.

[0075] Figure 9a When the antenna is operating in rotating mode and the frequency is 12GHz Normalized orientation pattern of the surface. Figure 9b When the antenna is operating in normal mode at a frequency of 12 GHz In the normalized radiation pattern of the surface, the waveguide transmits TEM mode waves in the conventional mode, which causes the antenna array to form zero depth (difference beam) in the side-firing direction. Figure 9a The coordinates of several key points are m1(90.0000,0.0000), m2(75.0000,-25.6392), m3(81.0000,-23.6592), m4(70.0000,-26.2887), m5(111.0000,-27.7193), m6(121.0000,-28.6716), and m7(106.0000,-25.0753). Figure 9b The coordinates of several key points are m1(90.0000, -31.2131), m2(75.0000, -15.1427), m3(81.0000, -13.6873), m4(70.0000, -34.8032), m5(111.0000, -29.6673), m6(121.0000, -24.0222), and m7(105.0000, -15.8001). That is, when the antenna operates in rotating mode, the sidelobes of the radiation pattern are less than -25dB, and when operating in normal mode, the sidelobes of the radiation pattern are less than -13dB, and a zero-depth-difference beam is generated in the side-firing direction. In both operating modes, the antenna's main lobe energy is concentrated, resulting in strong anti-interference capability and long transmission distance.

[0076] Figure 9cThe return loss S11 result diagram for the above antenna operating in rotation mode is shown below. Figure 9c As shown, the four curves of different colors represent the return loss of the four feed components. It can be seen from the figure that when the antenna is working in the range of 10GHz-14GHz, S11 is less than -10dB, which means that there is less signal reflection and good signal transmission quality. Figure 9d The axial aspect ratio diagram of the above antenna is shown below. Figure 9d As shown, when the antenna operates in the 10GHz-14GHz range, the axial ratio is less than 0.5dB. The simulation results indicate that the antenna has high circular polarization purity, good circular polarization performance, and good stability and reliability.

[0077] This disclosure also provides an electronic device that includes the antenna and other circuit structures described in the above embodiments.

[0078] In some examples, the aforementioned other circuit structures may specifically include: a transceiver unit, an RF transceiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filtering unit. The antenna in the electronic device can serve as either a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna. The transceiver unit may include a baseband and a receiving end. The baseband provides signals in at least one frequency band, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G signals, and transmits these signals to the RF transceiver. After receiving the signal, the antenna in the electronic device can process it through the filtering unit, power amplifier, signal amplifier, and RF transceiver before transmitting it to the receiving end in the transceiver unit. The receiving end may be, for example, a smart gateway.

[0079] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to the transceiver unit and is used to modulate the signals transmitted by the transceiver unit, or to demodulate the signals received by the antenna before transmitting them to the transceiver unit. Specifically, the RF transceiver may include a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a modulation circuit, and a demodulation circuit. After the transmitting circuit receives various types of signals provided by the baseband, the modulation circuit can modulate these signals before sending them to the antenna. The antenna receives the signals and transmits them to the receiving circuit of the RF transceiver. The receiving circuit then transmits the signals to the demodulation circuit, which demodulates the signals before transmitting them to the receiving end.

[0080] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to a signal amplifier and a power amplifier, which are then connected to a filtering unit. The filtering unit is connected to at least one antenna. During signal transmission by the electronic device, the signal amplifier improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit may specifically include a duplexer and a filtering circuit. It combines the signals output from the signal amplifier and power amplifier, filters out noise, and transmits the signal to the antenna, which then radiates the signal. During signal reception by the electronic device, the antenna receives the signal and transmits it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit filters out noise from the received signal before transmitting it to the signal amplifier and power amplifier. The signal amplifier increases the gain of the received signal, improving the SNR; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the received signal. The signal received by the antenna is processed by the power amplifier and signal amplifier before being transmitted to the RF transceiver, which then transmits it to the transceiver unit.

[0081] In some examples, the signal amplifier may include various types of signal amplifiers, such as low-noise amplifiers, without limitation.

[0082] In some examples, the electronic device provided in this disclosure also includes a power management unit connected to a power amplifier and providing the power amplifier with a voltage for amplifying signals.

[0083] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna comprising: A waveguide structure, comprising a base plate defining a waveguide cavity and a side plate connected to the edge of the base plate; A dielectric substrate and a radiating electrode are sequentially disposed within the waveguide cavity in a direction away from the base plate; A first gap exists between the dielectric substrate and the radiation electrode; At least one power supply structure, the power supply structure comprising a connected coupling component and a power supply component; The coupling component extends into the waveguide cavity through a first through-hole penetrating the base plate; the feeding component is a microstrip transmission line; the feeding component is disposed on the side of the base plate opposite to the dielectric substrate, and at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the base plate on the dielectric substrate; The antenna further includes a baffle assembly disposed on the side of the base plate near the dielectric substrate; the baffle assembly includes multiple baffles arranged coaxially; the orthographic projection of the coupling component on the base plate is located in the area enclosed by the orthographic projection of the baffle closest to the center of the base plate among the multiple baffles. The antenna also includes an auxiliary electrode disposed between the radiating electrode and the base plate; the radiating electrode, the auxiliary electrode, and the waveguide structure constitute a double-layer radial waveguide structure.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply assembly includes a main body and a first branch and a second branch connected at both ends of the main body in the extension direction. The first branch and the second branch are both in a different extension direction from the main body; and the first branch is connected to the coupling assembly.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein, The number of power supply components is multiple; the second branch of each power supply component is further away from the center of the base plate than the first branch.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply assembly includes a first extension and a second extension arranged in a cross configuration; the first extension is connected to the coupling assembly; the midpoint of the first extension in its extension direction coincides with the midpoint of the second extension in its extension direction.

5. The antenna according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The number of power supply components is four; with the center of the base plate as the rotation center, any two adjacent power supply components are rotationally symmetrical.

6. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The orthographic projection of the power supply component on the base plate is circular.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between any two adjacent retaining walls is equal.

8. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The radiation electrode includes multiple slit pairs; the slit pairs are arranged in nested groups, and the slit pairs in each group are arranged sequentially at intervals, and the line connecting the centers of the slit pairs in each group forms a circle; the circles formed by the slit pairs in each group have the same center and constitute concentric circles; the center of the concentric circle is the same as the center of the radiation electrode.

9. The antenna according to claim 8, wherein, The gap pair includes a first gap and a second gap with different extending directions, and the center of the gap pair is the intersection of the extending directions of the first gap and the second gap. The angle between the line connecting the center of the first gap and the center of the concentric circle and the extension direction of the first gap is equal to the angle between the line connecting the center of the second gap and the center of the circle and the extension direction of the second gap, and this angle is θ1; the angle between the line connecting the center of the first gap and the center of the concentric circle and the line connecting the center of the second gap and the center of the circle is β1; the length of the first gap and the length of the second gap are both L; the extension direction of the first gap is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second gap, and the perpendicular distance between the first gap and the second gap is δ; the distance between the center of the first gap and the center of the concentric circle is ρ1, and the distance between the center of the second gap and the center of the concentric circle is ρ2; the above parameters satisfy: k = 2π / λg; in, This is a first-class Hankel function. This is a Hankel function of the second kind, where λg is the waveguide wavelength.

10. The antenna according to claim 9, wherein, The difference in radius between the two circles formed by the two adjacent pairs of slits is d, where d is less than λ0; λ0 is the air wavelength.

11. The antenna according to claim 9, wherein, The antenna also includes a plurality of radiation probes penetrating the first slit and the second slit.

12. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna further includes a first support layer disposed between the radiating electrode and the first gap, and a second support layer disposed on the side of the radiating electrode opposite to the dielectric substrate.

13. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the radiating electrode and the base plate is H, where H is less than λg / 2; λg is the waveguide wavelength.

14. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna also includes a plurality of screws; the screws pass through the dielectric substrate and the base plate in sequence and fix the two relative to each other; the screw nuts define the first gap.

15. An electronic device comprising an antenna as claimed in any one of claims 1-14.

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