Antenna unit, antenna assembly and terminal equipment

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna unit, an antenna assembly and terminal equipment, which can be applied to the technical field of communication. The antenna unit comprises a radiator, a dielectric substrate and a feed unit, the radiator comprises a first metal layer and a second metal layer, the first metal layer is attached to the upper surface of the dielectric substrate, the second metal layer is attached to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate, and a gap is formed in the second metal layer; the first metal layer comprises a first metal strip and a second metal strip which are L-shaped and have opposite break angles, and the first metal strip and the second metal strip are respectively coupled with the second metal layer; the first metal strip comprises a feeding point, the feeding unit is coupled with the feeding point, and the feeding unit is coupled with the second metal layer at a grounding point to achieve grounding. The design of the L-shaped bevel metal strip can optimize the radiation performance of the antenna unit and improve the radiation efficiency. The feed unit and the second metal layer are coupled at the grounding point, thereby realizing effective grounding, reducing electromagnetic interference, and improving performance and stability of the antenna unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an antenna unit, an antenna assembly and a terminal device. Background Art

[0002] Terminal satellite communication technology refers to a communication mode in which satellites and ground terminals communicate directly through the switching equipment on the satellite without the need for transit through ground gateways. In order to realize the satellite communication function on the terminal, it is necessary to design antennas with good performance to meet the requirements of connectivity, stability and data rate.

[0003] Microstrip slot antennas are popular due to their advantages such as miniaturization, easy conformality and easy mass production. How to design a microstrip slot antenna suitable for terminal satellite communication scenarios has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides an antenna unit, an antenna assembly and a terminal device, which are used to provide a microstrip slot antenna suitable for terminal satellite communication scenarios.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides an antenna unit, comprising: a radiator, a dielectric substrate, and a feeding unit, wherein the radiator comprises a first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first metal layer is attached to an upper surface of the dielectric substrate, the second metal layer is attached to a lower surface of the dielectric substrate, and a gap is provided on the second metal layer;

[0006] The first metal layer includes a first metal strip and a second metal strip which are L-shaped and arranged at opposite angles, and the first metal strip and the second metal strip are respectively coupled to the second metal layer;

[0007] The first metal strip includes a feeding point, the feeding unit is coupled to the feeding point, and the feeding unit is coupled to the second metal layer at a grounding point to achieve grounding.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first metal strip and the second metal strip are respectively located at two diagonal corners of a preset rectangular area on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate, and the long side of the first metal strip is arranged parallel to the long side of the second metal strip, and the short side of the first metal strip is arranged parallel to the short side of the second metal strip;

[0009] The size of the rectangular area formed by the outer edge of the second metal layer is larger than the size of the preset rectangular area, and the second metal layer includes a projection of the preset rectangular area on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate;

[0010] The gap is rectangular and is located in a region other than the projection, and a long side of the gap is arranged parallel to long sides of the first metal strip and the second metal strip.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first metal column and a second metal column are disposed on the dielectric substrate, the first metal strip is coupled to the second metal layer through the first metal column, and the second metal strip is coupled to the second metal layer through the second metal column.

[0012] In some embodiments, the working frequency band of the antenna unit includes a receiving frequency band and a transmitting frequency band; the receiving frequency band includes 1506 MHz to 1533 MHz, and the transmitting frequency band includes 1656 MHz to 1680 MHz.

[0013] In some embodiments, the feed unit includes a coaxial line; the coaxial line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor;

[0014] The outer conductor is coupled to the second metal layer to achieve grounding;

[0015] The inner conductor is coupled to the first metal strip at the feed point.

[0016] In some embodiments, the feed unit further includes a first radio frequency interface and a second radio frequency interface;

[0017] One end of the inner conductor is coupled to the first metal strip at the feeding point, and the other end of the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first RF interface and the second RF interface respectively;

[0018] The working frequency band of the first radio frequency interface includes a receiving frequency band, and the working frequency band of the second radio frequency interface includes a transmitting frequency band.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outer conductor is coupled to the second metal layer through a third metal column.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present application provides an antenna assembly, comprising: the antenna unit, the housing, and the printed circuit board as described in any one of the first aspect;

[0021] The antenna unit is fixed on the top of the shell; and the printed circuit board is fixed on the shell.

[0022] In some embodiments, the antenna assembly further includes a fixing slot and a fixing screw;

[0023] The antenna unit is connected to the shell through the fixing screws, and the printed circuit board is inserted into the fixing slot to be fixed inside the shell.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present application provides a terminal device, comprising: an antenna assembly as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0025] The antenna unit, antenna assembly and terminal device provided by the present application, the radiator in the antenna unit includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer, the first metal layer is attached to the upper surface of the dielectric substrate, the second metal layer is attached to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate, and a gap is provided on the second metal layer, the first metal layer includes a first metal strip and a second metal strip in an L-shaped shape and arranged at opposite angles, and the first metal strip and the second metal strip are respectively coupled with the second metal layer; the first metal strip includes a feeding point, the feeding unit is coupled with the feeding point, and the feeding unit is coupled with the second metal layer at the grounding point to achieve grounding. Among them, the design of the first metal layer and the second metal layer, especially the design of the L-shaped angled metal strip, can optimize the radiation performance of the antenna unit and improve the radiation efficiency. The gap design on the second metal layer can adjust the resonant frequency of the antenna unit, ensure that the antenna unit works within the required frequency band, and improve the communication efficiency. The dielectric substrate, as the substrate of the antenna unit, provides stable mechanical support. The first metal layer and the second metal layer are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the dielectric substrate, ensuring the structural stability and durability of the antenna. The feed unit is coupled with the second metal layer at the grounding point to achieve effective grounding. The grounding design helps to reduce electromagnetic interference and improve the performance and stability of the antenna unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by this application;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a circularly polarized antenna applied to a satellite phone provided by the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna unit provided by the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a matching network provided in the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of another antenna unit provided by the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 It is a current distribution diagram of an antenna unit in a receiving frequency band provided by the present application;

[0033] Figure 7This is a current distribution diagram of an antenna unit in a transmission frequency band provided by the present application;

[0034] Figure 8 is a possible current distribution diagram inside an antenna unit provided by the present application;

[0035] Fig. 9 It is an axial ratio pattern of an antenna unit provided in the present application in a receiving frequency band (1520 MHz);

[0036] Fig.10 It is a gain 3D pattern of an antenna unit in the receiving frequency band (1520MHz) provided by the present application;

[0037] Fig.11 It is an axial ratio pattern of an antenna unit provided by the present application in a transmission frequency band (1670 MHz);

[0038] Fig.12 It is a gain 3D pattern of an antenna unit in the transmission frequency band (1670MHz) provided by the present application;

[0039] Fig.13 This is a diagram of S-parameter simulation results of an antenna unit provided in this application;

[0040] Fig.14 This is a simulation result diagram of a minimum gain versus frequency curve of an antenna unit provided in the present application;

[0041] Fig.15 It is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna assembly provided in this application.

[0042] Reference numerals:

[0043] 11-radiator; 12-dielectric substrate; 13-feeding unit; 111-first metal layer; 112-second metal layer; 1111-first metal strip; 1112-second metal strip; 20-antenna assembly; 10-antenna unit; 21-housing; 22-printed circuit board; 23-fixing screws; 24-fixing slot.

[0044] The above drawings have shown clear embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail later. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0046] The terms "first", "second", etc. used in this application may be used to describe various concepts herein, but unless otherwise specified, these concepts are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one concept from another.

[0047] The terms "at least one", "multiple", "each", and "any" used in this application, at least one includes one, two or more, multiple includes two or more, and each refers to each of the corresponding multiple, and any refers to any one of the multiple.

[0048] Coupling: can be understood as direct coupling and / or indirect coupling, and "coupled connection" can be understood as direct coupling connection and / or indirect coupling connection. Direct coupling can also be called "electrical connection", which is understood as the physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as the connection between different components in the circuit structure through physical lines such as printed circuit board (PCB) copper foil or wires that can transmit electrical signals; "indirect coupling" can be understood as two conductors being electrically conductive in an airless / non-contact manner. In one embodiment, indirect coupling can also be called capacitive coupling, for example, signal transmission is achieved by coupling between the gaps between two conductive parts to form an equivalent capacitor.

[0049] Connected / connected: can refer to a mechanical connection relationship or a physical connection relationship. For example, A and B are connected or A and B are connected can mean that there is a fastening component (such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) between A and B, or A and B are in contact with each other and A and B are difficult to separate.

[0050] Terminal satellite communication technology refers to a communication mode in which satellites and ground terminals communicate directly through the switching equipment on the satellite without the need for transit through ground gateways. Satellite communication has the characteristics of fast transmission rate, wide coverage, and the ability to carry a variety of communication services. It is irreplaceable in practical applications. Figure 1 In the application scenario shown, a user on Earth uses a satellite phone terminal to communicate with a remote satellite. In order to realize the satellite communication function on the terminal, it is necessary to design an antenna with good performance to meet the requirements of connectivity, stability and data rate.

[0051] Circularly polarized antennas are commonly used in satellite communication scenarios. Figure 2 The figure is a schematic diagram of a circular polarization antenna applied to a satellite phone provided by the present application. Satellite phones generally use an external circular polarization antenna, such as a four-arm helical antenna, which consists of four spiral arms printed on the outer wall of a dielectric cylinder. Figure 2 "Port1", "Port2", "Port3" and "Port4" represent spiral arm 1, spiral arm 2, spiral arm 3 and spiral arm 4, respectively. The four spiral arms are fed respectively, and the feeding phase differences are [0°, 90°, 180°, 270°], respectively, which can realize a wide-beam circularly polarized radiation pattern.

[0052] Microstrip slot antennas are popular due to their advantages such as miniaturization, easy conformality and easy mass production. How to design a microstrip slot antenna suitable for terminal satellite communication scenarios has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0053] Based on this, the present application proposes an antenna unit, an antenna assembly and a terminal device, aiming to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0054] The technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna unit provided by the present application. For ease of representation, Figure 3 An example is shown in the form of an exploded diagram. Figure 3 As shown, the antenna unit includes: a radiator 11, a dielectric substrate 12 and a feeding unit 13, the radiator 11 includes a first metal layer 111 and a second metal layer 112, the first metal layer 111 is attached to the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 12, the second metal layer 112 is attached to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 12, and a gap is provided on the second metal layer 112;

[0056] The first metal layer 111 includes a first metal strip 1111 and a second metal strip 1112 which are L-shaped and arranged at opposite angles, and the first metal strip 1111 and the second metal strip 1112 are respectively coupled to the second metal layer 112;

[0057] The first metal strip 1111 includes a feeding point, the feeding unit 13 is coupled to the feeding point, and the feeding unit 13 is coupled to the second metal layer 112 at a grounding point to achieve grounding.

[0058] The first metal layer 111 may be regarded as a top metal layer, and the second metal layer 112 may be regarded as a bottom metal layer.

[0059] In the present application, the design of the first metal layer 111 and the second metal layer 112, especially the design of the L-shaped angled metal strip, can optimize the radiation performance of the antenna unit and improve the radiation efficiency. The slit design on the second metal layer 112 can adjust the resonant frequency of the antenna unit, ensure that the antenna unit operates within the required frequency band, and improve communication efficiency. The dielectric substrate 12, as the substrate of the antenna unit, provides stable mechanical support. The first metal layer 111 and the second metal layer 112 are respectively attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 12, ensuring the structural stability and durability of the antenna unit. The feed unit 13 is coupled with the second metal layer 112 at the grounding point to achieve effective grounding. The grounding design helps to reduce electromagnetic interference and improve the performance and stability of the antenna unit.

[0060] The first metal strip 1111 and the second metal strip 1112 are coupled to the second metal layer 112, respectively. In practical applications, good impedance matching can be achieved through reasonable design, which can reduce signal reflection and loss and improve the working efficiency of the antenna unit. By adjusting the size and position of the slit on the second metal layer 112, the working frequency band of the antenna unit can be flexibly changed to meet different application requirements. By adjusting the shape of the radiator 11, the material and thickness of the dielectric substrate 12, the design of the slit, etc., the antenna unit can be optimized in different frequency bands and application scenarios. This diversified design gives the antenna unit a wide range of application prospects.

[0061] The first metal layer 111 is equivalent to a radiation patch, which is used to capture and radiate electromagnetic waves. Optionally, the first metal layer 111 is printed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 12. The second metal layer 112 is equivalent to a ground plane. Optionally, the second metal layer 112 is printed on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 12.

[0062] The feed unit 13 is electrically connected to the transmitter and the receiver respectively. The transmitter is used to generate and modulate the electrical signal to be sent, for example, converting information (such as data, voice or video) into an electrical signal suitable for wireless transmission. The receiver is used to receive and demodulate the electrical signal transmitted from the antenna unit and extract the original information. In some embodiments, the antenna unit, the transmitter, and the receiver are arranged in the same terminal device.

[0063] During the signal transmission process, the electrical signal enters the feeding unit 13 from the transmitter, is fed into the first metal strip 1111 from the feeding point, is transmitted to the second metal layer 112 through the coupling between the first metal strip 1111 and the second metal layer 112, and is then transmitted to the second metal strip 1112 through the coupling between the second metal layer 112 and the second metal strip 1112. In this way, the first metal layer 111 and the second metal layer 112 together constitute the radiator 11. The electrical signal flows in the radiator 11 to generate an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field forms electromagnetic waves in the space around the antenna unit and radiates outward, so that a remote receiving device (such as a satellite) can receive the electromagnetic wave signal.

[0064] During the signal reception process, external electromagnetic waves (such as electromagnetic waves emitted by a satellite) induce current on the radiator 11, and the induced current is transmitted to the feeding point through the first metal strip 1111, from the feeding point to the feeding unit 13, and from the feeding unit 13 to the receiver.

[0065] In some embodiments, the working frequency band of the antenna unit includes a receiving frequency band and a transmitting frequency band; the frequency of the receiving frequency band is lower than the frequency of the transmitting frequency band.

[0066] Optionally, the receiving frequency band of the antenna unit includes 1506 MHz (megahertz) to 1533 MHz, and the transmitting frequency band includes 1656 MHz to 1680 MHz. Exemplarily, the receiving frequency band may include the receiving frequency band (1518 MHz to 1525 MHz) of the satellite mobile service allocated by the International Telecommunication Union. The transmitting frequency band may include the transmitting frequency band (1668 MHz to 1675 MHz) of the satellite mobile service allocated by the International Telecommunication Union.

[0067] S 11 Represents the antenna reflection coefficient, which is used to characterize the ratio of the energy reflected back to the port and the energy entering the antenna unit. This parameter can characterize the transmission efficiency of the antenna unit. 11 Usually a negative number, S 11 The smaller it is, the smaller the antenna return loss is, and the smaller the energy reflected back by the antenna unit itself is, which means that more energy actually enters the antenna unit and the higher the transmission efficiency of the antenna unit is. 11 The larger it is, the greater the antenna return loss is and the lower the transmission efficiency of the antenna unit is. In the RF system, energy will be reflected due to impedance mismatch, so the port and antenna unit need to have impedance matching. The better the impedance matching, the higher the S 11 Optionally, in practical applications, S 11 <-10 dB is the limit. When the S 11 When the value is less than -10dB, it can be considered that the antenna unit can work normally, or it can be considered that the transmission efficiency of the antenna unit is high.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first metal strip 1111 and the second metal strip 1112 are respectively located at two diagonal corners of a preset rectangular area on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 12, and the long side of the first metal strip 1111 is arranged parallel to the long side of the second metal strip 1112, and the short side of the first metal strip 1111 is arranged parallel to the short side of the second metal strip 1112;

[0069] The size of the rectangular area formed by the outer edge of the second metal layer 112 is larger than the size of the preset rectangular area, and the second metal layer 112 includes the projection of the preset rectangular area on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 12;

[0070] The gap is rectangular and is located in an area other than the projection, and the long side of the gap is arranged parallel to the long sides of the first metal strip 1111 and the second metal strip 1112 .

[0071] Among them, the size and position of the preset rectangular area can be set according to actual needs, the length and width of the long side and short side of the first metal strip 1111 can be set according to actual needs, the length and width of the long side and short side of the second metal strip 1112 can be set according to actual needs, the size and position of the rectangular area formed by the outer edge of the second metal layer 112 can be set according to actual needs, and the size and position of the gap can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not limit this.

[0072] In some embodiments, the total length of the first metal strip 1111 is different from the total length of the second metal strip 1112 , and the width of the first metal strip 1111 is greater than the width of the second metal strip 1112 .

[0073] In some embodiments, a first metal column and a second metal column are disposed on the dielectric substrate 12 , the first metal strip 1111 is coupled to the second metal layer 112 via the first metal column, and the second metal strip 1112 is coupled to the second metal layer 112 via the second metal column.

[0074] The first metal column passes through the dielectric substrate 12 of the antenna unit, short-circuiting the first metal strip 1111 and the second metal layer 112, and the position where the first metal strip 1111 and the first metal column are coupled is also the feeding point. Similarly, the second metal column passes through the dielectric substrate 12 of the antenna unit, short-circuiting the second metal strip 1112 and the second metal layer 112. This short-circuit effect can introduce an inductance component, which together with the coupling capacitor forms an LC resonant circuit, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the antenna unit.

[0075] Optionally, the first metal column is implemented in the form of a metal via, and the inner wall of the metal via is printed with a metal coating.

[0076] Optionally, the second metal column is implemented in the form of a metal via, and the inner wall of the metal via is printed with a metal coating.

[0077] Optionally, the number of the first metal pillars and the second metal pillars can be set according to actual needs, which is not limited in the present application. For example, the number of the first metal pillars is one, and the number of the second metal pillars is two.

[0078] Optionally, the diameter, height and position of the first metal column and the second metal column are key factors affecting the antenna performance, and thus can be set according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0079] In the present application, the second metal layer 112 is equivalent to a ground plane, and the feed unit 13 is coupled with the second metal layer 112 at a ground point to achieve grounding. Optionally, the position of the ground point can be set according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit this.

[0080] In some embodiments, the feeding unit 13 is disposed below the second metal layer 112 and is closely attached to the second metal layer 112 .

[0081] In some embodiments, the feed unit 13 includes a substrate, which is a dielectric substrate of the feed unit 13. For the sake of distinction, the following description refers to the substrate as a feed substrate. Accordingly, the feed substrate is connected to the dielectric substrate 12 via a plurality of fixing screws. The number of the plurality of fixing screws can be set according to actual needs, for example, the number is 2, 3, 4, etc., which is not limited in this application. Optionally, the fixing screw passes through the fixing screw through hole to fix the feed substrate and the dielectric substrate 12.

[0082] In some embodiments, the feeding unit 13 includes a coaxial line; the coaxial line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor; the outer conductor is coupled to the second metal layer 112 to achieve grounding; and the inner conductor is coupled to the first metal strip 1111 at a feeding point.

[0083] The coaxial line is a main component for transmitting electrical signals. Optionally, the coaxial line is arranged on the lower surface of the feeding substrate, so that the coaxial line is separated from the second metal layer 112 by a substrate.

[0084] The inner conductor and the outer conductor are two coaxial circular conductors, the inner conductor is also called the inner conductor, the outer conductor is also called the outer conductor, the inner conductor is the center, the outer conductor is the outer layer, and the shielding layer is between the two conductors. The shielding layer can effectively prevent electromagnetic wave interference and radiation leakage. Optionally, the shielding layer is made of insulating material.

[0085] In some embodiments, the outer conductor is coupled to the second metal layer 112 via a third metal column. Optionally, the third metal column is implemented in the form of a metal via, and the inner wall of the metal via is printed with a metal coating.

[0086] In some embodiments, the feed unit 13 further includes a first RF interface and a second RF interface; the working frequency band of the first RF interface includes a receiving frequency band, and the working frequency band of the second RF interface includes a transmitting frequency band. One end of the inner conductor is coupled to the first metal strip 1111 at the feeding point, and the other end of the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first RF interface and the second RF interface respectively.

[0087] Optionally, the feeding unit 13 further includes a matching network (also called a matching circuit), and accordingly, one end of the inner conductor is coupled to the first metal strip 1111 at the feeding point via the matching network. Specifically, one end of the inner conductor is connected to one end of the matching network, and the other end of the matching network is coupled to the first metal strip 1111 at the feeding point. Exemplarily, one end of the matching network is electrically connected to the fourth metal column, and the fourth metal column is coupled to the first metal strip 1111 at the feeding point. Optionally, the fourth metal column is implemented in the form of a metal via, and the inner wall of the metal via is printed with a metal coating.

[0088] Optionally, the matching network includes components such as capacitors and inductors. For example, the matching network includes at least one capacitor and at least one inductor, and the number of capacitors and inductors can be set according to actual needs, which is not limited in this application.

[0089] Optionally, the matching network is located on the matching circuit metal layer. The matching circuit metal layer is printed on the lower surface of the feed substrate, and the matching circuit metal layer can be a metal wiring layer for connecting circuit elements such as capacitors, inductors, etc. The feed substrate can isolate the second metal layer 112 from the matching network.

[0090] For example, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a matching network is shown, Figure 4 As shown, the matching network includes two capacitors (C3 and C6) and two inductors (L4 and L5), Port1 refers to an interface of the matching network, which is used to be electrically connected to the first RF interface and the second RF interface respectively, and another interface of the matching network is coupled with the first metal strip 1111 at the feeding point.

[0091] The design of the matching network needs to consider the impedance characteristics of the coaxial line. By adjusting the inductor and capacitor elements in the matching network, the impedance between the feed unit 13 and the radiator can achieve a better matching state. In some cases, the matching network can also be directly integrated on the coaxial line to form a "coaxial matching network". This network achieves precise adjustment and optimization of the impedance by adding specific inductor and capacitor elements to the coaxial line. Among them, the capacitor is used to provide capacitive impedance, and the inductor is used to provide inductive impedance. By adjusting the value and combination of the capacitor and inductor, the impedance value of the circuit can be accurately controlled to meet specific matching requirements. Optionally, the capacitor and inductor elements are detachable so that different capacitor and inductor elements can be replaced to fine-tune the operating frequency band of the antenna unit without changing the radiation characteristics of the antenna unit.

[0092] Optionally, the inner conductor is electrically connected to a common port of an electronic switch, the first port of the electronic switch is electrically connected to the first radio frequency interface, and the second port of the electronic switch is electrically connected to the second radio frequency interface. For example, the electronic switch is a single-pole double-throw switch. By using an electronic switch to switch the connection direction of the inner conductor of the coaxial line, the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit are switched, so that the antenna unit can work in different working frequency bands in time slots.

[0093] Alternatively, the inner conductor can also be electrically connected to the common port of the duplexer, and the first RF interface and the second RF interface are electrically connected to the corresponding ports of the duplexer respectively. The duplexer distinguishes electrical signals of two different working frequency bands and transmits the corresponding electrical signals to the same RF interface.

[0094] Among them, the first RF interface is electrically connected to the receiver and is used to transmit the electrical signal of the antenna unit to the receiver; the second RF interface is electrically connected to the transmitter and is used to transmit the electrical signal of the transmitter to the antenna unit.

[0095] For example, Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of another antenna unit. For the convenience of representation, Figure 5 Take the form of "exploded view + top view + bottom view" as an example. Figure 5 As shown, the x-axis is parallel to the long side of the dielectric substrate 12, the y-axis is parallel to the short side of the dielectric substrate 12, the z-axis is perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 12 and points outward, θ is the angle between the xoy plane and the z-axis, and φ is the angle between the xoz plane and the y-axis. Figure 5As shown, the first metal strip 1111 and the second metal strip 1112 are arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 12, the second metal layer 112 is arranged on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 12, and a gap is opened on the second metal layer 112; the first metal column is used to connect the first metal strip 1111 and the second metal layer 112, the second metal column is used to connect the second metal strip 1112 and the second metal layer 112, and the two second metal columns are respectively arranged on both sides of the gap; the number of fixing screw through holes is 3, for fixing screws to pass through to fix the feed substrate and the dielectric substrate 12; the matching circuit includes components such as capacitors and inductors, the matching circuit is located on the matching circuit metal layer, and the matching circuit metal layer is printed on the lower surface of the feed substrate.

[0096] In practical applications, the principle of circular polarization of the antenna is to generate two linearly polarized electric field components respectively, and the amplitudes of the two components are equal and the phase difference is 90°. The antenna unit in this application adopts a single-point feeding method to achieve circular polarization. The single-point feeding method has only one feeding point. When the feeding point feeds an electrical signal, the radiator can simultaneously excite two longitudinal and transverse electric fields in the current working frequency band, so that the polarization mode of the antenna unit is circularly polarized.

[0097] Furthermore, since there is a certain distance between the second metal strip 1112 and the slot and the feeding point, the second metal strip 1112 and the slot are excited with delay, and there is a suitable phase delay between them and the feeding point.

[0098] In this application, the polarization direction of the antenna unit in the receiving frequency band is left-hand circular polarization. The implementation principle is as follows:

[0099] Figure 6 shows a current distribution diagram of an antenna unit in the receiving frequency band, such as Figure 6As shown, the x-axis is parallel to the long side of the dielectric substrate 12, the y-axis is parallel to the short side of the dielectric substrate 12, the z-axis is perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 12 and outward, and Jsurf represents the surface composite current, in amperes per meter (A / m). The antenna unit operates in a receiving frequency band (such as 1520MHz). When the phase (phase) = 0°, the induced current in the metal area of ​​the second metal layer 112 directly below the long side of the first metal strip 1111 has a component along the x-axis direction, which can be understood as a transverse mode. The short side of the first metal strip 1111 is shorter, and the induced current in the metal area below it can be ignored; the induced current in the short side of the second metal strip 1112 has a component along the y-axis direction, which can be understood as a longitudinal mode. The induced current in the long side of the second metal strip 1112 has a component along the x-axis direction, but the induced current in the long side of the second metal strip 1112 is not parallel to the second metal strip 1112. The induced current in the metal area directly below the long side of the second metal strip 1112 in the metal layer 112 is in the opposite direction and is close to each other. There is no radiation in the far field and it can be ignored. It can be seen that when the phase = 0°, the second metal strip 1112 provides a longitudinal mode, and the metal area directly below the long side of the first metal strip 1111 in the second metal layer 112 provides a transverse mode. For ease of understanding, the longitudinal current provided by the second metal strip 1112 and the transverse current provided by the metal area directly below the long side of the first metal strip 1111 in the second metal layer 112 can be combined into a first current.

[0100] When a quarter of a cycle has passed, at the phase = 90°, the induced current in the metal region of the second metal layer 112 directly below the first metal strip 1111 becomes weak and can therefore be ignored; the induced current in the short side of the second metal strip 1112 has a component along the y-axis direction, which can be understood as a longitudinal mode, and the induced current in the long side of the second metal strip 1112 has a component along the x-axis direction, which can be understood as a transverse mode. It can be seen that at the phase = 90°, the second metal strip 1112 provides a longitudinal mode and a transverse mode. For ease of understanding, the longitudinal current and the transverse current provided by the second metal strip 1112 can be combined into the second current.

[0101] Therefore, from phase = 0° to phase = 90°, there is a 90° phase difference between the first current and the second current, and the current directions are orthogonal. The rotation direction is counterclockwise when observed from the radiation direction, which can make the antenna unit left-hand circularly polarized in the receiving frequency band (1520MHz).

[0102] In this application, the polarization direction of the antenna unit in the transmission frequency band is left-hand circular polarization. The implementation principle is as follows:

[0103] Figure 7 FIG. 4 shows a current distribution diagram of an antenna unit in the transmission frequency band, such as Figure 7As shown, the x-axis is parallel to the long side of the dielectric substrate 12, the y-axis is parallel to the short side of the dielectric substrate 12, the z-axis is perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 12 and outward, and Jsurf represents the surface composite current, in A / m. The antenna unit operates in the transmission frequency band (such as 1670MHz). When the phase = 0°, the current in the gap has both components along the x-axis direction and components along the y-axis direction, which can be understood as the gap providing a transverse mode and a longitudinal mode. For ease of understanding, the transverse current and longitudinal current of the two gaps can be synthesized into a first current; when a quarter of a cycle has passed, at the phase = 90°, the induced current in the short side of the second metal strip 1112 has a component along the y-axis direction, which can be understood as a longitudinal mode, and the induced current in the long side of the second metal strip 1112 has a component along the x-axis direction, which can be understood as a transverse mode. For ease of understanding, the longitudinal current and the transverse current provided by the second metal strip 1112 can be synthesized into a second current.

[0104] Therefore, from phase = 0° to phase = 90°, there is a 90° phase difference between the first current and the second current, and the current directions are orthogonal. The rotation direction is counterclockwise when observed from the radiation direction, which can make the antenna unit left-hand circularly polarized in the transmission frequency band (1670MHz).

[0105] In the present application, the circular polarization directions of the antenna unit in the receiving frequency band and the transmitting frequency band are the same, both of which are left-hand circular polarization. Figure 8 A possible current distribution diagram inside an antenna unit is shown, such as Figure 8 As shown, the x-axis is a direction parallel to the long side of the dielectric substrate 12, the y-axis is a direction parallel to the short side of the dielectric substrate 12, and the z-axis is a direction perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 12 and outward. The second metal strip 1112 can provide a transverse mode and a longitudinal mode; the metal region located directly below the long side of the first metal strip 1111 in the second metal layer 112 can provide a transverse mode; and the slot can provide a transverse mode and a longitudinal mode. Therefore, the circular polarization rotation direction mainly excited by the second metal strip 1112 and the metal region located directly below the long side of the first metal strip 1111 in the second metal layer 112 in the receiving frequency band is the same as the circular polarization rotation direction mainly excited by the slot and the second metal strip 1112 in the transmitting frequency band.

[0106] In some embodiments, the circular polarization axis ratio of the antenna unit in the receiving frequency band is less than or equal to 10 dB, and / or the circular polarization axis ratio of the antenna unit in the transmitting frequency band is less than or equal to 10 dB. When the circular polarization axis ratio of the antenna unit is less than or equal to 10 dB, it can be considered that the antenna unit has good circular polarization characteristics.

[0107] like Fig. 9 The axial ratio pattern of the antenna unit in the receiving frequency band (1520MHz) as shown, and Fig.10The gain 3D radiation pattern of the antenna unit in the receiving frequency band (1520MHz) shown in the figure, the x-axis is parallel to the long side of the dielectric substrate 12, the y-axis is parallel to the short side of the dielectric substrate 12, the z-axis is perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 12 and outward, θ is the angle between the xoy plane and the z-axis, φ is the angle between the xoz plane and the y-axis, AR represents the axial ratio, the unit is decibel (dB), Gain represents the gain, the unit is dBic, dB represents decibel, ic represents "isotropic circularly polarized", i.e. isotropic circular polarization. The axial ratio radiation pattern generated by the antenna unit in the receiving frequency band (such as 1520MHz) is in the z direction, and an axial ratio pit appears on the spherical surface of 0°≤θ≤10°, -180°≤φ≤180°, indicating that the axial ratio requirements of circular polarization can be met in this area (for example, the axial ratio <10dB), and the antenna unit presents a circular polarization characteristic.

[0108] like Fig.11 The axial ratio pattern of the antenna element in the transmit frequency band (1670MHz) is shown, and Fig.12 The gain 3D radiation pattern of the antenna unit in the transmission frequency band (1670MHz) shown in the figure, the x-axis is parallel to the long side of the dielectric substrate 12, the y-axis is parallel to the short side of the dielectric substrate 12, the z-axis is perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 12 and outward, θ is the angle between the xoy plane and the z-axis, φ is the angle between the xoz plane and the y-axis, AR represents the axial ratio, the unit is dB, and Gain represents the gain, the unit is dBic. The axial ratio radiation pattern generated by the antenna unit in the transmission frequency band (such as 1670MHz) is in the z direction, and an axial ratio pit appears on the spherical surface of 0°≤θ≤10°, -180°≤φ≤180°, indicating that the axial ratio requirements of circular polarization can be met in this area (for example, the axial ratio <10dB), and the antenna unit exhibits circular polarization characteristics.

[0109] like Fig.13 The S-parameter simulation results of the antenna unit are shown in FIG. Fig.14 The simulation result of the minimum gain of the antenna unit changing with frequency is shown in the figure. Fig.13 The horizontal axis is frequency (Frequency), the unit is MHz, and the vertical axis is scattering parameters (Scattering Parameters), usually referred to as S parameters, the unit is dB. Fig.14The horizontal axis is frequency (Frequency), in MHz, and the vertical axis is realized gain of left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), in dBic. The realized gain of left-hand circular polarization of the antenna unit in the receiving band and the transmitting band is higher than -2dBic in the range of 0°≤θ≤10° and -180°≤φ≤180°. Therefore, the radiation beam generated in this range can enable the terminal device using the antenna unit to have good performance in satellite communications.

[0110] The antenna unit provided in the present application, on the one hand, adopts the design of two metal branches of the bottom metal (the second metal layer 112) and the top metal (the first metal layer 111), so as to realize the function of a single feed unit covering two frequency bands at the same time. Specifically, it can realize the coverage of the uplink and downlink frequency bands of L-band satellite communications divided by the International Telecommunication Union, and the antenna unit can be expanded to other frequency bands to meet the needs of different types of dual-frequency communications. On the other hand, due to the phase difference between the feeding point and the other two radiators (the second metal strip 1112 and the gap) due to coupling, there can be a phase difference between the radiator (the first metal strip 1111) directly connected to the feeding point, thereby achieving circular polarization performance in both working frequency bands. Furthermore, by using the top metal and the bottom metal for radiation, through a single feeding point, the antenna unit is left-handed circularly polarized in both the receiving frequency band and the transmitting frequency band. On the other hand, the presence of the bottom metal can reduce the influence of other components in the terminal device on the antenna radiation. On the other hand, the main radiation structure in the feed unit 13 and the antenna unit is independent of each other, and has the functions of flexible configuration and bypass, which ensures the adjustability of the antenna working frequency band to a large extent.

[0111] The antenna unit provided in the present application introduces coupling capacitors through short-circuit columns (also known as metal columns), which greatly reduces the size of the antenna. For example, the overall size of the antenna unit can be 36×20×6 cubic millimeters. In terms of coverage frequency band, additional resonance points are introduced by slotting the ground plate to achieve satellite communication receiving and transmitting frequency band coverage. The antenna design is flexible and does not rely on the motherboard of the terminal device for radiation, which is closer to the plug-and-play requirements of antennas in actual applications.

[0112] Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna assembly provided by this application. Fig.15 As shown, the antenna assembly 20 includes: an antenna unit 10, a shell 21 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 22; the antenna unit 10 is fixed on the top inside the shell 21; and the printed circuit board 22 is fixed inside the shell 21.

[0113] Among them, the x-axis is a direction parallel to the long side of the dielectric substrate 12, the y-axis is a direction parallel to the short side of the dielectric substrate 12, the z-axis is a direction perpendicular to the dielectric substrate 12 and outward, θ is an angle between the xoy plane and the z-axis, and φ is an angle between the xoz plane and the y-axis.

[0114] In some embodiments, the structural composition of the antenna unit 10 refers to the above embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0115] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 22 may be a flame retardant material (FR-4) dielectric board, a Rogers dielectric board, a mixed dielectric board of Rogers and FR-4, or other dielectric boards. Among them, FR-4 is a code for a flame retardant material grade, and Rogers dielectric board is a high-frequency board.

[0116] In some embodiments, the shell 21 may be a plastic shell, or a glass shell, or may be replaced by a shell made of other materials, such as a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) material cover plate.

[0117] In some embodiments, continuing as Fig.15 As shown, the antenna assembly 20 further includes a fixing slot 24 and a fixing screw 23; the antenna unit 10 is connected to the housing 21 via the fixing screw 23, and the printed circuit board 22 is inserted into the fixing slot 24 to be fixed inside the housing 21. Optionally, the fixing screw 23 can be a plastic screw or a screw made of other materials.

[0118] It should be noted that Fig.15 As an example only, the fixing slot 24 and the fixing screw 23 may be Fig.15 The form shown may also be other forms that can play a fixing role.

[0119] The antenna assembly 20 in the present application is manufactured using a printed circuit board process, which is mature and low-cost and suitable for mass production. The mass-produced antennas have good consistency, ensuring that the communication performance of each terminal device is stable and reliable.

[0120] The present application also provides a terminal device, which includes: an antenna assembly.

[0121] In some embodiments, the structural composition of the antenna assembly refers to the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0122] In the present application, the antenna unit does not rely on the mainboard of the terminal device for radiation, is not connected to the mainboard of the terminal device, and is independent of other components in the terminal device. This not only solves the satellite communication needs of the terminal device, but also allows the antenna unit to be disassembled, facilitating antenna replacement in multi-satellite and multi-band communication scenarios, and meeting the needs of single-device multi-satellite communication.

[0123] The antenna unit provided in this application is a microstrip slot antenna. Due to the miniaturization of the microstrip slot antenna, it can be easily integrated into the terminal device to meet the needs of modern communication equipment for miniaturization and portability. The antenna unit can be designed to match the shape of the terminal device to achieve conformal installation and reduce the impact on the appearance and structure of the device.

[0124] Exemplarily, the terminal device is any device capable of communicating with a satellite, for example, the terminal device is a satellite phone (such as a handheld satellite phone, a fixed satellite phone, etc.), an Internet of Things terminal, a smart phone, or other professional communication terminals.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal device also includes one or more of the following components: a processing component, a memory, a power component, a multimedia component, an audio component, an input / output (I / O) interface, a sensor component, and a communication component.

[0126] The processing component generally controls the overall operation of the terminal device, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component may include one or more processors to execute instructions. In addition, the processing component may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component and other components. For example, the processing component may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component and the processing component. Unless otherwise specified, the processor may be any appropriate hardware processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or other electronic components.

[0127] The memory is configured to store various types of data to support operations on the terminal device. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the terminal device, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination of them, such as USB flash drive, random-access memory (RAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), enhanced dynamic random-access memory (EDRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), resistive random access memory (RRAM), high-bandwidth memory HBM (High-Bandwidth Memory), hybrid memory cube (HMC) and other media that can store program code.

[0128] The power supply component provides power to various components of the terminal device. The power supply component may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the terminal device.

[0129] The multimedia component includes a screen that provides an output interface between the terminal device and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, slide, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor may not only sense the boundaries of the touch or slide action, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or slide operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the terminal device is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front camera and rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0130] The audio component is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component includes a microphone (MIC), and when the terminal device is in an operating mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode, the microphone is configured to receive an external audio signal. The received audio signal can be further stored in a memory or sent via a communication component. In some embodiments, the audio component also includes a speaker for outputting an audio signal.

[0131] The I / O interface provides an interface between the processing component and the peripheral interface module, which may be a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, etc. These buttons may include but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0132] The sensor component includes one or more sensors for providing various aspects of status assessment for the terminal device. For example, the sensor component can detect the open / closed state of the terminal device, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the terminal device, and the sensor component can also detect the position change of the terminal device or a component of the terminal device, the presence or absence of user contact with the terminal device, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the terminal device and the temperature change of the terminal device. The sensor component may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor component may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) or CCD (Charge-coupled Device) image sensor for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor component may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor.

[0133] The communication component is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the terminal device and other devices. The terminal device can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as Wi-Fi, 2G or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component also includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, Ultra WideBand (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology and other technologies.

[0134] The components, their connections and relationships, and their functions shown herein are only examples and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present application described and / or required herein. The various components are interconnected using different buses and can be installed on a common motherboard or in other ways as needed.

[0135] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. The present application is intended to cover any modification, use or adaptation of the present application, which follows the general principles of the present application and includes common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed in the present application. The specification and examples are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the claims.

[0136] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna unit, characterized in that: include: A radiator, a dielectric substrate and a feeding unit, wherein the radiator comprises a first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first metal layer is attached to the upper surface of the dielectric substrate, the second metal layer is attached to the lower surface of the dielectric substrate, and a gap is provided on the second metal layer; The first metal layer includes a first metal strip and a second metal strip which are L-shaped and arranged at opposite angles, and the first metal strip and the second metal strip are respectively coupled to the second metal layer; The first metal strip includes a feeding point, the feeding unit is coupled to the feeding point, and the feeding unit is coupled to the second metal layer at a grounding point to achieve grounding.

2. The antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The first metal strip and the second metal strip are respectively located at two diagonal corners of a preset rectangular area on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate, and the long side of the first metal strip is arranged in parallel with the long side of the second metal strip, and the short side of the first metal strip is arranged in parallel with the short side of the second metal strip; The size of the rectangular area formed by the outer edge of the second metal layer is larger than the size of the preset rectangular area, and the second metal layer includes a projection of the preset rectangular area on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate; The gap is rectangular and is located in a region other than the projection, and a long side of the gap is arranged parallel to long sides of the first metal strip and the second metal strip.

3. The antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The dielectric substrate is provided with a first metal column and a second metal column, the first metal strip is coupled to the second metal layer through the first metal column, and the second metal strip is coupled to the second metal layer through the second metal column.

4. The antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The working frequency band of the antenna unit includes a receiving frequency band and a transmitting frequency band; the receiving frequency band includes 1506MHz to 1533MHz, and the transmitting frequency band includes 1656MHz to 1680MHz.

5. The antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The feeding unit comprises a coaxial line; the coaxial line comprises an inner conductor and an outer conductor; The outer conductor is coupled to the second metal layer to achieve grounding; The inner conductor is coupled to the first metal strip at the feed point.

6. The antenna unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The feed unit also includes a first radio frequency interface and a second radio frequency interface; One end of the inner conductor is coupled to the first metal strip at the feeding point, and the other end of the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first RF interface and the second RF interface respectively; The working frequency band of the first radio frequency interface includes a receiving frequency band, and the working frequency band of the second radio frequency interface includes a transmitting frequency band.

7. The antenna unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer conductor is coupled to the second metal layer through a third metal column.

8. An antenna assembly, characterized in that: include: The antenna unit, housing, and printed circuit board according to any one of claims 1 to 7; The antenna unit is fixed to the top of the interior of the housing; The printed circuit board is fixed inside the housing.

9. The antenna assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The antenna assembly also includes a fixing slot and a fixing screw; The antenna unit is connected to the shell through the fixing screws, and the printed circuit board is inserted into the fixing slot to be fixed inside the shell.

10. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: The antenna assembly as claimed in claim 8 or 9.

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