A medium phase shifter and antenna feed network

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a kind of medium phase shifter and antenna feed network, medium phase shifter includes: dielectric plate;The dielectric plate includes first phase shifting section and second phase shifting section, the first phase shifting section and the second phase shifting section are connected;The first phase shifting section is uniformly provided with multiple dielectric patterns on at least one side parallel with strip line;The first phase shifting section and the second phase shifting section are different in the phase shift amount of unit length in phase shift direction;Wherein, the dielectric pattern is three-dimensional structure.This embodiment of the present disclosure uniformly sets dielectric pattern on the first phase shifting section, realizes the purpose of the uniform distribution of medium of the first phase shifting section, to avoid the change of relative dielectric constant caused by the change of strip line width, to avoid the problem that actual phase shift amount is different from target phase shift amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a dielectric phase shifter and an antenna feed network. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, users have placed higher demands on the performance of phase shifters, such as the ability to meet specific phase shift ratios at different output ports. Special structures are typically used to increase or decrease the phase shift, for example, by using a design scheme that combines two or more phase shift segments to achieve the target phase shift gradient. One type uses a uniform medium, while another uses a non-uniformly distributed medium or a medium with an overall thinner thickness.

[0003] However, simulations and actual measurements revealed that for non-uniformly distributed media, the stripline width used in the phase-shifting section differs from the design width to achieve impedance matching. This leads to a deviation between the phase shift amount and the design. Furthermore, media with an overall thinning thickness are prone to bending deformation, posing a risk to the structural strength and stability of the phase shifter. Both of these factors can degrade the phase linearity of the phase shifter, affecting antenna network matching and consequently increasing the difficulty of antenna beamforming design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a dielectric phase shifter and an antenna feed network.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a dielectric phase shifter, comprising:

[0006] A dielectric substrate; the dielectric substrate includes a first phase-shifting segment and a second phase-shifting segment, the first phase-shifting segment and the second phase-shifting segment are connected; a plurality of dielectric patterns are uniformly arranged on at least one side of the first phase-shifting segment parallel to the strip line; the phase shift amount per unit length of the first phase-shifting segment and the second phase-shifting segment are different in the phase shifting direction; wherein, the dielectric pattern is a three-dimensional structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the dielectric pattern includes a raised structure disposed on the first phase-shifting segment.

[0008] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first phase-shifting segment without the protrusion structure is less than the thickness of the second phase-shifting segment.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dielectric pattern includes a recessed structure disposed on the first phase-shifting segment.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first phase-shifting segment without the recessed structure is the same as the thickness of the second phase-shifting segment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the recessed structure is a blind hole structure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the recessed structure extends through the first phase-shifting segment.

[0013] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the dielectric pattern and the extension direction of the strip line are at an angle parallel to the surface of the dielectric substrate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the dielectric pattern and the extension direction of the strip line are parallel to the surface of the dielectric substrate.

[0015] The sum of the distance between adjacent parallel media patterns and the width of the media pattern is less than or equal to the minimum line width of the strip.

[0016] In some embodiments, the medium pattern is at least one of line segments and closed patterns.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the line segment includes at least one of a rectangle and a trapezoid.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of line segments form at least one of a W-shaped structure and a grid structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the closed shape includes at least one of a triangle, a square, a hexagon, and a circle.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide an antenna feed network, including any of the dielectric phase shifters described in the first aspect.

[0021] The technical solution provided in this disclosure has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0022] The dielectric phase shifter disclosed herein includes a dielectric substrate; the dielectric substrate includes a first phase shifting segment and a second phase shifting segment, which are connected; multiple dielectric patterns are uniformly arranged on at least one side of the first phase shifting segment parallel to the stripline; the phase shift amount per unit length of the first phase shifting segment and the second phase shifting segment are different in the phase shifting direction. By uniformly arranging multiple dielectric patterns on the first phase shifting segment, the dielectric of the first phase shifting segment is uniformly distributed and its phase shift amount per unit length differs from that of the second phase shifting segment in the phase shifting direction. In this case, both the first and second phase shifting segments are designed as uniform dielectrics, and the uniform spatial distribution of the dielectric can avoid instability in the relative permittivity of the phase shifting segments. Even if the linewidth of the stripline changes, the relative permittivity of the dielectric per unit length of the stripline remains uniformly distributed, which can reduce the change in relative permittivity caused by the change in the stripline linewidth, avoid deterioration of the phase shift linearity, enable the phase shifter to meet the specifications of the antenna feed network, and avoid affecting the antenna radiation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided for the prior art;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view of the medium-dielectric plate;

[0027] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of another dielectric substrate provided for the prior art;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Top view of the medium-dielectric plate;

[0029] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Top view of the medium-dielectric plate;

[0031] Figure 7 A side view of a medium plate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 A side view of yet another medium plate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 A top view schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Top view of the medium dielectric substrate;

[0036] Figure 12 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 13 for Figure 12Top view of the medium dielectric substrate;

[0038] Figure 14 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Top view of the medium dielectric substrate;

[0040] Figure 16 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 17 for Figure 16 Top view of the medium dielectric substrate;

[0042] Figure 18 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 19 for Figure 18 Top view of the medium dielectric substrate;

[0044] Figure 20 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 21 for Figure 20 Top view of the medium dielectric substrate;

[0046] Figure 22 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 23 for Figure 22 A top view of the medium substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure, the solutions disclosed herein will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0049] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this disclosure, but this disclosure may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some, and not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0050] In the field of mobile communications, a device that changes the feed phase and amplitude of each radiating element of an array antenna is called a phase shifter. Phase shifters can affect the coverage and optimization quality of mobile communication networks. Among them, dielectric phase shifters are a commonly used type of phase shifter in existing technology. Dielectric phase shifters achieve phase shifting by inserting a dielectric material to change the dielectric constant of the feed network lines. In existing dielectric phase shifters, to meet the requirements of array antennas, multiple output ports are included, with different phase shift amounts at different output ports. For example, with five output ports, a phase change output of +2:+1:0:-1:-2 can be achieved (the ratio is called the dynamic phase shift ratio). In existing technology, the phase change outputs of multiple ports are in an equal arithmetic phase output manner. However, if the antenna feed network design requires different output ports to achieve a phase change output of +1.5:+0.5:0:-0.5:-1.5, when the phase shift gradient simultaneously exhibits both 0.5x and 1x changes, two different phase shift segments are needed. By increasing or decreasing the phase shift amount, the target phase shift gradient is achieved.

[0051] For example, using a 1x phase shift segment and a 1.5x phase shift segment, the phase shift gradient target of 0.5x phase shift can be achieved through the inverse design of the 1x and 1x phase shift segments. The phase shift segment with a smaller phase shift is usually achieved by reducing the amount of medium covering the cavity. For example, the medium in a 1.5x phase shift segment is uniform and relatively thick, while the 1x phase shift segment can be designed using two methods: non-uniform medium distribution and uniform medium distribution. Uniform medium distribution refers to thinning the entire phase shift segment, reducing the amount of medium covering the cavity; however, excessive thinness can lead to bending deformation, posing a risk to the structural strength and stability of the phase shifter. Non-uniform medium distribution retains some areas with greater thickness, such as the middle or sides of the medium. Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided for the prior art. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view diagram of the corresponding dielectric substrate. Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of another dielectric substrate provided for the prior art. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dielectric substrate includes a phase-shifting section 11' and a phase-shifting section 12. The dielectric in phase-shifting section 12 is thicker and more uniform, while phase-shifting section 11' is thinner, with the thicker portion located in the middle of the dielectric. See also... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The dielectric plate includes a phase-shifting section 11' and a phase-shifting section 12. The dielectric in the phase-shifting section 12 is thicker and more uniform, while the phase-shifting section 11' is thinner. The thicker sections can also be located on both sides of the dielectric.

[0052] However, simulations and actual measurements revealed that for non-uniformly distributed media, the stripline width used in the phase-shifting section differs from the design width to achieve impedance matching. This leads to a deviation between the phase shift amount and the design. Furthermore, the overall thinning of the media introduces structural bending deformation risks, causing the medium to be non-uniformly distributed in space. This results in unstable relative permittivity and inaccurate phase shifter travel during use, jeopardizing the structural strength and stability of the phase shifter. Both of these scenarios can degrade the phase linearity of the phase shifter, affecting antenna network matching and increasing the difficulty of antenna beamforming design.

[0053] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this disclosure provides a dielectric phase shifter. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The schematic diagram from the top of the dielectric substrate shows that the dielectric phase shifter includes a dielectric substrate 10; the dielectric substrate 10 includes a first phase shifting segment 11 and a second phase shifting segment 12, which are connected; multiple dielectric patterns are uniformly arranged on at least one side of the first phase shifting segment 11 parallel to the stripline. The phase shift amount per unit length of the first phase shifting segment 11 and the second phase shifting segment 12 are different in the phase shifting direction; the dielectric patterns are three-dimensional structures.

[0054] Exemplarily, the dielectric phase shifter includes a cavity, dielectric substrates, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a lever, wherein both the dielectric substrates and the PCB are located inside the cavity. The PCB is located between two dielectric substrates and has feed network lines, such as striplines, for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals. The lever controls the movement of the dielectric substrates, adjusting the length of the feed network lines covering the dielectric, thereby changing the electrical length of the feed network lines to achieve the phase shifting function.

[0055] Based on this, taking a dielectric plate 10 in a dielectric phase shifter as an example, the dielectric plate 10 includes a first phase shift segment 11 and a second phase shift segment 12, which are connected. The first phase shift segment 11 and the second phase shift segment 12 have different phase shift amounts in the phase shift direction, meaning the dielectric material corresponding to the first phase shift segment 11 differs from that corresponding to the second phase shift segment 12, thus achieving a phase shift gradient target. For example, the first phase shift segment 11 is a 1x phase shift segment, and the second phase shift segment 12 is a 1.5x phase shift segment. By reversing the design of the 1.5x and 1x phase shift segments, a phase shift gradient target of 0.5x phase shift is achieved.

[0056] The phase per unit length of the stripline is:

[0057]

[0058] Where β is the phase per unit length of the stripline; μ0 is the free permeability; ε r ε is the dielectric constant of the medium; ε0 is the vacuum dielectric constant.

[0059] Therefore, it can be seen that the phase is positively correlated with the dielectric constant of the medium. As the relative dielectric constant of the medium changes, the phase also changes, and only when the relative dielectric constant of the medium is stable will the phase be relatively stable. Therefore, in this embodiment, both the first phase-shifting segment 11 and the second phase-shifting segment 12 are designed with uniform dielectric materials, so that the dielectric is uniformly distributed in space, avoiding instability of the relative dielectric constant of the phase-shifting segments. Even if the linewidth of the stripline changes, the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric per unit length remains uniformly distributed, thereby reducing the change in relative dielectric constant caused by the change in the linewidth of the stripline.

[0060] Therefore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the dielectrics of the first phase-shifting segment 11 and the second phase-shifting segment 12 are uniformly distributed, and the amount of phase shift per unit length in the phase-shifting direction is different. Regardless of how the actual stripline width varies, the dielectric can uniformly cover the stripline, and the relative permittivity of the dielectric is stable within a unit length of the stripline. However, in the phase-shifting direction, the amount of phase shift per unit length of the first phase-shifting segment 11 is less than that of the second phase-shifting segment 12. A phase-shifting segment with a smaller amount of phase shift is usually achieved by reducing the amount of dielectric covering the cavity, thereby reducing the amount of dielectric in the first phase-shifting segment 11. Multiple dielectric patterns are uniformly arranged on at least one side of the first phase-shifting segment 11 parallel to the stripline. For example, the main body thickness of the first phase-shifting segment 11 is less than that of the second phase-shifting segment 12, and multiple dielectric patterns are uniformly arranged on the first phase-shifting segment 11 so that the amount of dielectric in the first phase-shifting segment 11 meets the requirement of achieving a 1-times phase-shifting segment. The medium pattern is a three-dimensional structure, such as a concave or convex shape. By designing the medium pattern as a 3D shape, the amount of medium in the area where the medium pattern is set can be adjusted.

[0061] Compared to existing technologies, the dielectric distribution of the first phase-shifting segment 11 is uniform. Even if the stripline width changes, it will not cause the phase shift amount to differ from the predetermined design. Therefore, it will not lead to a deterioration in the linearity of the phase shift amount, making it difficult for the phase shifter to meet the antenna feed network specifications, affecting antenna beamforming, and reducing antenna radiation efficiency. Furthermore, the first phase-shifting segment 11 has high strength and a low risk of structural bending deformation. Moreover, this dielectric substrate has high versatility and can be applied to various products, reducing development and design costs.

[0062] Optionally, the stripline is parallel to the plane of the dielectric substrate and located between two dielectric substrates. When setting the dielectric pattern on the dielectric substrate, the pattern can be set on the side of the dielectric substrate facing the stripline or on the side of the dielectric substrate away from the stripline; this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this. In other embodiments, dielectric patterns can also be set on both sides of the dielectric substrate, depending on the actual needs.

[0063] By uniformly arranging multiple dielectric patterns on the first phase-shifting segment, the dielectric in the first phase-shifting segment is evenly distributed, and the phase shift per unit length differs from that of the second phase-shifting segment in the phase-shifting direction. In this case, both the first and second phase-shifting segments are designed with uniform dielectrics, and the uniform spatial distribution of the dielectric avoids instability in the relative permittivity of the phase-shifting segments. Even if the stripline width varies, the relative permittivity of the dielectric per unit length of the stripline remains uniformly distributed, reducing the variation in relative permittivity caused by the stripline width change, preventing deterioration of the phase shift linearity, and ensuring that the phase shifter meets the specifications of the antenna feed network, thus avoiding impact on antenna radiation efficiency.

[0064] In some embodiments, Figure 7 This is a side view of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 7 and combined Figure 5 and Figure 6 The dielectric pattern 13 includes a raised structure disposed on the first phase shifting segment 11.

[0065] For example, the dielectric pattern 13 uniformly distributed on the first phase-shifting segment 11 can be a raised structure. The raised structure can improve the strength of the first phase-shifting segment 11 and prevent the first phase-shifting segment 11 from being too thin, which would pose a risk of bending deformation. After adding the raised structure, the thickness of some parts of the first phase-shifting segment 11 increases, but the overall dielectric content is still relatively small. Therefore, it can meet both the structural strength requirements and the requirement that the relative permittivity of the dielectric remains stable when covering the stripline, so that the actual phase shift amount will not differ from the target phase shift amount designed in the design. This ensures that the phase shifter can meet the specifications of the antenna feed network, avoids affecting the antenna beamforming, and prevents a reduction in antenna radiation efficiency.

[0066] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 7 The thickness of the first phase-shifting segment 11, which does not have a protruding structure, is less than the thickness of the second phase-shifting segment.

[0067] For example, the thickness of the first phase-shifting segment 11 without the protrusion structure is h1, while the second phase-shifting segment 12 has a uniform thickness of h2. Since the phase shift amounts of the first phase-shifting segment 11 and the second phase-shifting segment 12 are different, h1 < h2 can be made to ensure that the dielectric amounts of the first phase-shifting segment 11 and the second phase-shifting segment 12 are different, thereby achieving the purpose of different phase shift amounts per unit length in the phase-shifting direction. For example, if it is necessary for the phase shift amount of the first phase-shifting segment 11 to be less than that of the second phase-shifting segment 12, the thickness of the first phase-shifting segment 11 without the protrusion structure can be less than the thickness of the second phase-shifting segment 12. Even if the first phase-shifting segment 11 has a protrusion, it can still ensure that the dielectric amount of the first phase-shifting segment 11 is lower.

[0068] In some embodiments, Figure 8 A side view of another dielectric substrate provided in this disclosure embodiment, with reference to... Figure 8 and combined Figure 5 and Figure 6 The dielectric pattern 13 includes a recessed structure disposed on the first phase shifting segment 11.

[0069] For example, the dielectric pattern 13 uniformly distributed on the first phase-shifting segment 11 can be a recessed structure. This recessed structure reduces the dielectric coverage of the first phase-shifting segment 11, thus achieving the required phase shift. Instead of thinning the entire first phase-shifting segment 11, the recessed structure increases its strength, preventing excessive thinness and the risk of bending deformation. While the recessed structure reduces the thickness of some parts of the first phase-shifting segment 11, it still meets structural strength requirements and ensures stable relative permittivity of the dielectric when covering the stripline, preventing the actual phase shift from deviating from the designed target phase shift. This ensures the phase shifter meets the antenna feed network specifications, avoiding impact on antenna beamforming and reducing antenna radiation efficiency.

[0070] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 8 The thickness of the first phase-shifting segment 11 without a recessed structure is the same as the thickness of the second phase-shifting segment 12.

[0071] For example, the thickness of the first phase-shifting segment 11 without the recessed structure is h3, and the thickness of the second phase-shifting segment 12 is h4. Since the phase shift amount per unit length in the phase-shifting direction is different for the first phase-shifting segment 11 and the second phase-shifting segment 12, h3 can be made equal to h4 to ensure that the dielectric content of the first phase-shifting segment 11 and the second phase-shifting segment 12 is different, thereby achieving the purpose of different phase shift amounts. For example, if it is necessary for the phase shift amount of the first phase-shifting segment 11 to be less than that of the second phase-shifting segment 12 per unit length in the phase-shifting direction, a recessed structure can be provided on the first phase-shifting segment 11. The recessed structure reduces the dielectric content, so the thickness of the first phase-shifting segment 11 without the recessed structure can be made equal to the thickness of the second phase-shifting segment 12.

[0072] In some embodiments, the recessed structure is a blind hole structure.

[0073] For example, by setting the recessed structure as a blind hole structure, the amount of medium retained in the recessed structure can be minimized in the thickness direction of the first phase-shifting segment, so that the amount of medium in the first phase-shifting segment meets the requirements, and the number of recessed structures can be reduced. However, since it is a blind hole structure, the bottom of the recessed structure is still connected, which can also ensure the structural strength of the first phase-shifting segment and reduce the possibility of bending deformation.

[0074] In some embodiments, the recessed structure extends through the first phase-shifting segment.

[0075] For example, the recessed structure can also extend through the first phase-shifting section. After extending through the first phase-shifting section, the amount of dielectric material reduced at each recessed structure is even greater. Therefore, the overall number of recessed structures on the first phase-shifting section can be reduced. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is simpler, as there is no need to control the thickness that needs to be maintained when perforating or etching the recessed structure.

[0076] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 6 Parallel to the surface of the dielectric substrate, the extension direction of the dielectric pattern and the extension direction of the strip line form an angle.

[0077] For example, the first direction is the X direction and the second direction is the Y direction. During phase shifting, the dielectric substrate is moved along its extension direction (along the X direction). The stripline is parallel to the surface of the dielectric substrate. As the dielectric substrate moves, the dielectric coverage of the stripline changes, thereby achieving a phase change. Therefore, parallel to the surface of the dielectric substrate, the extension direction of the dielectric pattern and the extension direction of the stripline form an angle; for example, the dielectric pattern extends along the Y direction, while the stripline extends along the X direction. In this structure, the movement of the dielectric substrate changes the dielectric coverage of the stripline, thus achieving a phase change.

[0078] It should be noted that this disclosure does not limit the angle between the extension direction of the medium pattern and the extension direction of the strip line, and strip lines of various shapes can be used, whichever is appropriate for the actual needs.

[0079] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the dielectric pattern and the extension direction of the strip line are parallel to the surface of the dielectric substrate.

[0080] The sum of the distance between adjacent parallel media patterns and the width of the media patterns is less than or equal to the minimum line width of the strip.

[0081] For example, Figure 9 This is a top view schematic diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 9The first direction is the X direction, and the second direction is the Y direction. The extension direction of the dielectric pattern set on the first phase-shifting segment 11 is the X direction. For example, the extension direction of the stripline is also the X direction. At this time, on the surface of the parallel dielectric plate, the extension direction of the dielectric pattern is parallel to the extension direction of the stripline. During the phase shifting process, the dielectric plate is controlled to move along the extension direction of the dielectric plate (along the X direction). The stripline will be parallel to the surface of the dielectric plate. During the movement of the dielectric plate, the dielectric coverage of the stripline will change, thereby realizing the phase change.

[0082] Structurally, the dielectric thickness differs between locations with and without dielectric patterns, resulting in variations in dielectric quantity. In this case, the stripline width can only cover the relative permittivity of the dielectric corresponding to the dielectric pattern, which differs from the relative permittivity of the dielectric corresponding to the portion of the dielectric between the dielectric pattern and some adjacent dielectric patterns. This variation in stripline width leads to differences in the relative permittivity of the dielectric within the space, consequently deteriorating the linearity of the phase shift and making it difficult for the phase shifter to meet the specifications of the antenna feed network. To avoid these problems, the sum of the distance between adjacent parallel dielectric patterns and the width of the dielectric pattern can be less than or equal to the minimum stripline width. That is, when the stripline width is at its minimum, it can cover the dielectric pattern and the dielectric corresponding to the distance between adjacent dielectric patterns. Even if the stripline position changes, it can still cover the corresponding amount of dielectric without affecting the relative permittivity, thus ensuring stable phase shift changes.

[0083] In some embodiments, the medium pattern is at least one of line segments and closed patterns.

[0084] For example, refer to Figure 5 The medium pattern can be as follows Figure 5 The line segments shown in the diagram can be used to adjust the medium corresponding to the first phase-shifting segment 11 and increase the structural strength of the first phase-shifting segment 11 by setting different line segments. The line segments are evenly distributed to ensure that the medium of the first phase-shifting segment 11 is evenly distributed, thereby ensuring that the medium covered by the stripline is uniform and avoiding the deterioration of phase linearity. Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 for Figure 10 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 10 and Figure 11The dielectric pattern in the first phase-shifting segment 11 of the dielectric substrate is a closed shape. By setting multiple uniform closed shapes on the first phase-shifting segment 11, the dielectric in the first phase-shifting segment 11 is made uniform and distributed, and the structural strength of the first phase-shifting segment 11 is enhanced, ensuring that the dielectric covered by the stripline is uniform and unaffected by changes in the stripline width. It should be noted that the specific shape of the dielectric pattern is not limited in the embodiments of this disclosure; the above are only some optional implementation methods. The dielectric pattern can be at least one of line segments and closed shapes.

[0085] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the line segment includes at least one of a rectangle and a trapezoid.

[0086] For example, the medium pattern is a line segment, and the line segment can take many different structural shapes, such as a rectangular cross-section. Further references are available. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The provided dielectric substrate has a rectangular cross-section for the line segments. In some optional embodiments, Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 for Figure 12 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The cross-section of the line segment can also be trapezoidal. The cross-sectional shape of the line segment is not limited, as long as it is uniformly distributed in the first phase-shifting segment 11 to reduce the change in relative permittivity caused by the variation in the strip width. It should be noted that this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the cross-section of the line segment; it can be at least one of a rectangle or trapezoid, or it can be a triangle, square, etc., selected according to actual needs.

[0087] In some embodiments, multiple line segments form at least one of a W-shaped structure and a grid structure.

[0088] For example, the medium pattern can also be further formed into different structures from multiple line segments, such as connecting and combining multiple line segments to form a W-shaped structure or a grid structure. Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 for Figure 14 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As can be seen from the diagram, multiple line segments connect one after another to form a W-shaped structure. Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 for Figure 16 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 16 and Figure 17Multiple line segments intersect and connect to form multiple grid structures (rhomboid structures). Both the W-shaped structure and the grid structure can be uniformly distributed in the first phase-shifting segment 11, thus reducing the change in relative permittivity caused by variations in the strip width. It should be noted that this disclosure does not limit the type of structure composed of multiple line segments; other structures can also be formed, as long as the dielectric is uniformly distributed.

[0089] In some embodiments, the closed shape includes at least one of a triangle, a square, a hexagon, and a circle.

[0090] For example, the closed pattern provided on the first phase-shifting segment 11 of the dielectric substrate can have several different options. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first phase-shifting section 11 is provided with multiple closed shapes, which are triangles, and the multiple triangles are evenly arranged on the first phase-shifting section 11 of the dielectric plate. Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 for Figure 18 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The closed shape on the first phase-shifting segment 11 is a square, and multiple squares are evenly arranged on the first phase-shifting segment 11 of the dielectric substrate. Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 for Figure 20 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 20 and Figure 21 The closed shape on the first phase-shifting segment 11 is a hexagon, and multiple hexagons are evenly arranged on the first phase-shifting segment 11 of the dielectric substrate. Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 for Figure 22 A top view diagram of the medium dielectric substrate is provided for reference. Figure 22 and Figure 23 The closed shape on the first phase-shifting segment 11 is circular, and multiple circles are evenly arranged on the first phase-shifting segment 11 of the dielectric substrate. The closed shape can be at least one of triangles, squares, hexagons, and circles, which can satisfy the requirement of being evenly arranged on the first phase-shifting segment 11, making the dielectric covered by the stripline uniform and reducing the change in relative permittivity caused by the stripline width. It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure only provide some optional implementation methods, and the closed shape can also include other shapes, such as sectors, polygons, etc.

[0091] This disclosure also provides an antenna feed network, including a dielectric phase shifter as described in any of the above embodiments, and therefore has the same or similar beneficial effects as the dielectric phase shifter described in the above embodiments. It should be noted that the antenna feed network provided in this embodiment may also include other circuits, devices, or systems for supporting its normal operation, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0092] The dielectric phase shifter includes a cavity, dielectric substrates, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a lever. Both the dielectric substrates and the PCB are located inside the cavity. The PCB is situated between two dielectric substrates and has striplines on it for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals. The lever controls the movement of the dielectric substrates, adjusting the length of the feed network lines covering the dielectric, thereby changing the electrical length of the feed network lines to achieve phase shifting. The dielectric phase shifter is a key component enabling phase modulation. By changing the phase difference between the antenna elements in the antenna array, it achieves functions such as beamforming, signal enhancement, backscatter suppression, and multi-beam communication.

[0093] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0094] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A dielectric phase shifter, characterized in that, include: Medium plate; The dielectric substrate includes a first phase-shifting segment and a second phase-shifting segment, which are connected. Multiple dielectric patterns are uniformly arranged on at least one side of the first phase-shifting segment parallel to the stripline. The dielectric in the first phase-shifting segment is uniformly distributed, and the dielectric in the second phase-shifting segment is also uniformly distributed. The phase shift amount per unit length in the phase-shifting direction differs between the first and second phase-shifting segments. The dielectric patterns are three-dimensional structures. The first phase shifting segment and the second phase shifting segment are staggered in the width direction, wherein the width direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first phase shifting segment and the extension direction of the second phase shifting segment; The dielectric pattern includes a raised structure disposed on the first phase shifting segment, and the thickness of the first phase shifting segment without the raised structure is less than the thickness of the second phase shifting segment; Alternatively, the dielectric pattern may include a recessed structure disposed on the first phase shifting segment, wherein the thickness of the first phase shifting segment without the recessed structure is the same as the thickness of the second phase shifting segment.

2. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recessed structure is a blind hole structure.

3. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recessed structure extends through the first phase-shifting segment.

4. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the dielectric pattern and the extension direction of the strip line are at an angle parallel to the surface of the dielectric plate.

5. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension direction of the dielectric pattern is parallel to the extension direction of the strip line, which is parallel to the surface of the dielectric plate. The sum of the distance between adjacent parallel media patterns and the width of the media pattern is less than or equal to the minimum line width of the strip.

6. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medium pattern is at least one of line segments and closed shapes.

7. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cross-section of the line segment includes at least one of rectangle and trapezoid.

8. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The multiple line segments form at least one of a W-shaped structure and a grid structure.

9. The dielectric phase shifter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The closed shape includes at least one of triangle, square, hexagon and circle.

10. An antenna feeding network, characterized in that, Includes the dielectric phase shifter as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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