Antenna device, electronic component and electronic equipment

Abstract

An antenna device, an electronic component, an electronic apparatus, a communication device, and a method of manufacturing the antenna device. The antenna device includes: a plurality of antenna unit arrays, the plurality of antenna unit arrays including antenna units, the antenna units including: a transmit-receive unit configured to transmit and receive signals; and a phase modulation unit configured to perform phase modulation on a signal, the phase modulation unit comprising: a first metal layer extending along a first direction perpendicular to a first plane, the first plane comprising a plane formed by extension of the antenna unit array; a second metal layer extending along the first direction; and a liquid crystal layer between the first metal layer and the second metal layer and extending in the first direction; and a bias component coupled with the antenna unit array along a first direction, the bias component comprising a bias line pair coupled with the antenna units, the bias line pair comprising: a first bias line, at least a portion of the first bias line extending along the first direction and coupled with a first metal layer in the antenna unit; and at least one part of the second bias line extends along the first direction and is coupled with the second metal layer in the antenna unit.

Description

Antenna devices, electronic components and electronic devices Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to an antenna device, an electronic component, an electronic device, a communication device, and a method for manufacturing the antenna device. Background Art

[0002] As a key technology for next-generation wireless mobile communications, terahertz (THz) communications are rapidly gaining research. To compensate for the significant free-space loss and atmospheric attenuation in the THz band, THz wireless communication systems require large-scale, electrically controlled, high-gain THz antennas with beam-scanning capabilities. Liquid crystal passive phased array antenna technology, a revolutionary innovation, has become a focus of research and development in both academia and industry.

[0003] The basic principle of liquid crystal phase modulation is to add a voltage source to two metal layers to stimulate them. By controlling the voltage, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer located between the two metal layers are regulated to achieve the purpose of phase modulation. Bias lines connecting the positive and negative poles of the voltage source are connected to the two metal layers respectively. However, as the frequency increases, the size of the antenna element array increases accordingly, and the number of bias lines required also increases. In this case, the physical space for arranging bias lines between the antenna element arrays becomes increasingly insufficient. In addition, the presence of a large number of bias lines will deteriorate the performance of the antenna elements, thereby affecting the performance of the antenna device.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide an antenna device, an electronic component, an electronic device, a communication device and a manufacturing method of an antenna device, so as to alleviate or eliminate the limitations of physical space on the wiring of antenna unit arrays and reduce the impact of bias lines on antenna performance.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna device is provided, comprising: a plurality of antenna unit arrays, the plurality of antenna unit arrays including antenna units, the antenna units including: a transceiver unit configured to transmit and receive signals; and a phase adjustment unit configured to phase the signal, the phase adjustment unit including: a first metal layer extending along a first direction perpendicular to a first plane, the first plane including a plane formed by extension of the plurality of antenna unit arrays; a second metal layer extending along the first direction; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first metal layer and the second metal and extending along the first direction; and a bias component coupled to the plurality of antenna unit arrays along the first direction, the bias component including a bias line pair coupled to the antenna units, the bias line pair including: a first bias line, at least a portion of the first bias line extending along the first direction and coupled to the first metal layer in the antenna unit; and a second bias line, at least a portion of the second bias line extending along the first direction and coupled to the second metal layer in the antenna unit.

[0007] Compared to conventional bias wiring, which is routed between antenna elements, the disclosed embodiments avoid the constraints imposed by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements by routing bias lines perpendicular to the plane formed by the extended array of multiple antenna elements, rather than conventional bias wiring between antenna elements. This allows the antenna device to extend the antenna element array even in high-frequency communications scenarios, achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the phase modulation unit further includes: a first dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer extending along the first direction; and a second dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer extending along the first direction, wherein the first metal layer and the second metal layer are located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.

[0009] Compared to the conventional first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer being arranged to extend along the plane of the antenna unit array, by setting the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer to extend along the first direction and the first metal layer and the second metal layer being located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, the embodiment of the present disclosure can facilitate the extension of the bias line along the first direction and reduce the difficulty of process design.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the antenna device further includes: a first reflection layer pair, the first reflection layer pair including: a first reflection layer; and a second reflection layer, the antenna unit array is located between the first reflection layer and the second reflection layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] By providing a pair of reflective layers and positioning the antenna unit between the first and second reflective layers of the reflective layer pair, incident electromagnetic waves can be reflected, improving the utilization of the incident signal and increasing coupling efficiency. Furthermore, the reflective layer pair electromagnetically isolates the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing the bias line's impact on the metal layer.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the antenna device further includes: a second reflection layer pair, the second reflection layer pair including a third reflection layer, which is arranged spaced apart from the first reflection layer in the first direction; and a fourth reflection layer, which is arranged spaced apart from the second reflection layer in the first direction, and the antenna unit is located between the third reflection layer and the fourth reflection layer in the second direction.

[0013] Compared with conventional technologies, by further providing a third reflection layer and a fourth reflection layer, the incident electromagnetic waves can be further reflected, and the influence of the bias line on the metal layer can be further reduced.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer is filled with metal in the first direction, and a space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer is filled with metal in the first direction.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first reflective layer, the third reflective layer, and the filled metal form a first reflective plate, and the second reflective layer, the fourth reflective layer, and the filled metal form a second reflective plate.

[0016] By forming the reflection plates, the antenna array unit can be inserted into the gap formed by two adjacent reflection plates, so that the structure of the antenna device is more stable.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the plurality of antenna element arrays include a first antenna element array and a second antenna element array, wherein the second antenna element array is adjacent to the first antenna element array and shares a common reflector with the first antenna element array.

[0018] By making adjacent antenna units share a reflector, not only can the incident electromagnetic waves be reflected and the influence of the bias line on the metal layer be reduced, but the structure of the antenna device can also be made more compact.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the antenna unit array further includes a third antenna unit array, which is located on one side of the antenna device along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in contact with the side reflector.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the side reflective plate has a first width in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, the common reflective plate has a second width in the third direction, and the first width is smaller than the second width.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first width is half the second width.

[0022] By setting the first width of the side reflector in the second direction to half of the second width of the common reflector in the second direction, the aesthetics of the antenna device can be improved.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer is not filled in the first direction, and a space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer is not filled in the first direction.

[0024] By performing no-filling processing on the space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer, and performing no-filling processing on the space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer, the manufacturing cost of the antenna device can be reduced.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer is filled with a non-metallic material in the first direction, and the space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer is filled with a non-metallic material in the first direction.

[0026] By filling the space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer with a non-metallic material, and filling the space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer with a non-metallic material, the structural stability of the antenna device can be increased.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a side edge of the first reflective layer contacts the first dielectric layer, and a side edge of the second reflective layer contacts the second dielectric layer.

[0028] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a side edge of the third reflective layer contacts the first dielectric layer, and a side edge of the fourth reflective layer contacts the second dielectric layer.

[0029] By making the side of the third reflective layer contact the first dielectric layer and the side of the fourth reflective layer contact the second dielectric layer, the space occupied by the antenna device can be optimized, thereby making the structure of the antenna device more compact.

[0030] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first reflective layer, the second reflective layer, the third reflective layer, and the fourth reflective layer extend in a first plane.

[0031] By configuring the first reflective layer, the second reflective layer, the third reflective layer and the fourth reflective layer to extend in the first plane, the antenna unit array can be expanded in the high-frequency communication scenario, while improving the utilization rate of the incident signal and reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer, and further achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0032] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the antenna device also includes a third reflection layer pair, which includes: a fifth reflection layer, located between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer of the antenna unit, and not electrically connected to the first metal layer of the antenna unit; and a sixth reflection layer, located between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer of the antenna unit, and not electrically connected to the second metal layer of the antenna unit.

[0033] By providing a pair of reflective layers, incident electromagnetic waves can be reflected, improving the utilization of the incident signal and increasing coupling efficiency. At the same time, the reflective layer pair can electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0034] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the antenna device also includes a fourth reflection layer pair, which includes: a seventh reflection layer, located between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer of the antenna unit, and not electrically connected to the first metal layer of the antenna unit, the seventh reflection layer is spaced apart from the fifth reflection layer in the first direction; and an eighth reflection layer, located between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer of the antenna unit, and not electrically connected to the second metal layer of the antenna unit, the eighth reflection layer is spaced apart from the sixth reflection layer in the first direction.

[0035] By further providing a pair of reflective layers, incident electromagnetic waves can be further reflected, improving the utilization of the incident signal and increasing coupling efficiency. At the same time, the reflective layer pair can electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0036] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first dielectric layer, the fifth reflective layer, and the seventh reflective layer extend in a second plane, the second plane being perpendicular to the first plane; and the second dielectric layer, the sixth reflective layer, and the eighth reflective layer extend in the second plane.

[0037] By providing alternative embodiments of the reflective layer pair, the diversity of the reflective layer design of the antenna device can be increased and the cost of the antenna device can be reduced.

[0038] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the transceiver unit further includes: a first transceiver unit disposed on top of the first metal layer; and a second transceiver unit disposed on top of the second metal layer.

[0039] By arranging two transceiver units on top of the corresponding metal layer, signal reception and transmission can be achieved.

[0040] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first end of the first transceiver unit extends a first difference length in the first direction compared to the first end of the first reflective layer or the fifth reflective layer, and the first end of the second transceiver unit extends a second difference length in the first direction compared to the first end of the second reflective layer or the sixth reflective layer.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first difference length and the second difference length are the same.

[0042] By setting the first difference length of the first end of the first transceiver unit extending in the first direction compared to the first end of the first reflective layer / fifth reflective layer and the second difference length of the first end of the second transceiver unit extending in the first direction compared to the first end of the second reflective layer / sixth reflective layer to be the same, the performance stability of the antenna device can be achieved and the aesthetics of the antenna device can be improved.

[0043] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first difference length is between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, and the second difference length is between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device.

[0044] By setting the first difference length and the second difference length between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, the incident electromagnetic wave can be better reflected, the utilization rate of the incident signal is further improved, and the coupling efficiency is increased.

[0045] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic component is provided, comprising: the antenna device according to the first aspect, and a substrate configured to carry the antenna device.

[0046] By adopting the antenna device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned electronic components can avoid the limitations of the bias line wiring caused by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna units. As a result, the antenna device can also expand the antenna unit array in high-frequency communication scenarios, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0047] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: an electronic component according to the second aspect above; and a bias voltage generator configured to provide a bias voltage to a liquid crystal layer in a corresponding antenna unit of an antenna device of the electronic component through a first bias line and a second bias line.

[0048] By adopting the antenna device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned electronic device can avoid the limitations of the limited physical space between adjacent antenna units on the bias line wiring. Therefore, the antenna device can also expand the antenna unit array in the high-frequency communication scenario, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0049] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: the antenna device according to the first aspect.

[0050] By adopting the antenna device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned communication device can avoid the limitations of the limited physical space between adjacent antenna units on the bias line wiring. Therefore, the antenna device can also expand the antenna unit array in the high-frequency communication scenario, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0051] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an antenna device is provided, which includes a plurality of antenna unit arrays, the method including: extending a first metal layer along a first direction perpendicular to a first plane, the first plane including a plane formed by extension of the plurality of antenna unit arrays; extending a second metal layer along the first direction; extending a liquid crystal layer along the first direction, the liquid crystal layer being sandwiched between the first metal layer and the second metal layer; coupling a first bias line to the first metal layer, and extending at least a portion of the first bias line along the first direction; and coupling a second bias line to the second metal layer, and extending at least a portion of the second bias line along the first direction.

[0052] Compared to conventional antenna device manufacturing methods, the antenna device manufacturing method according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure avoids the constraints imposed on bias line routing by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements by arranging bias lines perpendicular to the plane formed by the extended array of multiple antenna elements. As a result, the antenna device can also expand the antenna element array in high-frequency communication scenarios, achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0053] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: extending a first dielectric layer along the first direction; and extending a second dielectric layer along the first direction, wherein the first metal layer and the second metal layer are located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.

[0054] By arranging the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer to extend along the first direction and the first metal layer and the second metal layer to be located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, the embodiment of the present disclosure can facilitate the extension of the bias line along the first direction and reduce the difficulty of process design.

[0055] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: providing a first reflective layer; and providing a second reflective layer, wherein the antenna elements in the array of multiple antenna elements are positioned between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Providing the first and second reflective layers and positioning the antenna elements between the first and second reflective layers can reflect incident electromagnetic waves, thereby improving the utilization rate of the incident signal and increasing coupling efficiency. Furthermore, the first and second reflective layers can electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna elements, thereby reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0056] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: arranging a third reflection layer spaced apart from the first reflection layer in the first direction; and arranging a fourth reflection layer spaced apart from the second reflection layer in the first direction, and the antenna unit is located between the third reflection layer and the fourth reflection layer in the second direction.

[0057] By further providing a third reflection layer and a fourth reflection layer, the incident electromagnetic waves can be further reflected, and the influence of the bias line on the metal layer can be further reduced.

[0058] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: setting a fifth reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer, and the fifth reflective layer is not electrically connected to the first metal layer; and setting a sixth reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer, and the sixth reflective layer is not electrically connected to the second metal layer.

[0059] The fifth and sixth reflective layers reflect incident electromagnetic waves, improving the utilization of incident signals and increasing coupling efficiency. Furthermore, the reflective layers electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0060] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: setting a seventh reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer, the seventh reflective layer not being electrically connected to the first metal layer, the seventh reflective layer being spaced apart from the fifth reflective layer in the first direction; and setting an eighth reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer, the eighth reflective layer not being electrically connected to the second metal layer, the eighth reflective layer being spaced apart from the sixth reflective layer in the first direction.

[0061] The addition of seventh and eighth reflective layers further reflects incident electromagnetic waves, improving the utilization of incident signals and increasing coupling efficiency. Furthermore, the seventh and eighth reflective layers electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing its impact on the metal layer.

[0062] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: disposing a first transceiver unit on top of the first metal layer; and disposing a second transceiver unit on top of the second metal layer.

[0063] By arranging two transceiver units on top of the corresponding metal layer, signal reception and transmission can be achieved.

[0064] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. The computer-executable instructions are used to execute the manufacturing method of the antenna device according to the fifth aspect.

[0065] By employing the computer-readable storage medium according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, bias lines are arranged perpendicular to the plane formed by the extended array of multiple antenna elements, thereby avoiding the constraints imposed on bias line routing by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements. Consequently, the antenna device can extend the antenna element array even in high-frequency communication scenarios, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0066] It should be understood that the contents described in the Summary of the Invention section are not intended to limit the key or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The above and other features, advantages and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0068] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing a wiring method of bias lines in a liquid crystal phase-modulated antenna element array.

[0069] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG3 shows a schematic block diagram of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG4A is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of an antenna element array in an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side view of an antenna element array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates a wiring diagram of multiple bias lines coupled to multiple antenna elements according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 7A shows a schematic diagram of a reflective layer arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] FIG7B is a right side view of the antenna unit and the reflector assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG8 shows a schematic diagram of a combination of an antenna unit and a corresponding reflective layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the combined diagram in FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG10 shows a schematic diagram of a combination of an antenna unit and a corresponding reflective layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the combined diagram in FIG. 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG12 shows an exploded view of a schematic diagram of a combination of an antenna unit and a corresponding reflective layer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIG13 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] FIG14 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG16 is a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0087] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "including" and similar terms should be understood as open inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc. can refer to different or identical objects. The term "and / or" means at least one of the two items associated with it. For example, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below. The numerical values ​​referred to in this document may refer to values ​​within a range that is more than, such as 10%, or less than, such as 10%.

[0088] It should be understood that in the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, some repetitions may not be repeated in the introduction of the following specific embodiments, but these specific embodiments should be regarded as having been referenced to each other and can be combined with each other.

[0089] The antenna and / or antenna system of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as: global system for mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), future sixth generation (6G) system, intersatellite communication and satellite communication and other communication systems.

[0090] To compensate for the significant free-space loss and atmospheric attenuation in the terahertz band, terahertz wireless communication systems require large-scale, electrically steerable, high-gain terahertz antennas with beam scanning capabilities. Traditionally, active phased arrays (APAs) based on solid-state transceiver components have been the solution. However, high cost, high power consumption, and low efficiency have limited their further application. Therefore, low-cost, low-power, and high-performance PPAs have emerged as an effective alternative. Among the numerous PPA solutions, liquid crystal passive phased array (LCPA) antenna technology, a revolutionary innovation, has become a focus of research and development in academia and industry. Because electromagnetically steerable LCPA antennas can be manufactured using existing thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel production lines, they can be manufactured on a large scale and at low cost.

[0091] Currently, there are two main feeding methods for electromagnetically controlled liquid crystal phased array antennas: a strong-feed scheme based on a power distribution network and an air-feed scheme based on feed source illumination. In the terahertz frequency band, due to the large dielectric loss and metal loss, the feed network loss for large-scale array antennas can be as high as 10 dB. Therefore, an air-feed scheme based on plane wave or spherical wave illumination becomes the preferred method. Furthermore, air-fed liquid crystal phased array antennas are further divided into transmission type and reflection type. Reflective liquid crystal phased array antennas have relatively low losses due to the presence of a metal ground. Currently, reflective liquid crystal phased array antennas all adopt a planar design, that is, the radiation direction of the antenna is perpendicular to the integrated antenna panel, and they belong to the category of side-firing array antennas.

[0092] As mentioned above, the basic principle of liquid crystal phase modulation is to add a voltage source excitation to the two metal layers, and to control the voltage magnitude to regulate the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer between the two metal layers, thereby achieving the purpose of phase modulation. The bias lines connecting the positive and negative poles of the voltage source are connected to the two metal layers respectively, and are generally laid out and routed through the gaps between the antenna units. Figure 1 shows a wiring method for the bias lines in an antenna unit array with liquid crystal phase modulation. In Figure 1, each square box represents each antenna unit, and the gap spacing between the antenna units is represented by D gap , the distance between the corresponding sides of adjacent antenna elements is approximately λ0 / 2, as shown in Figure 1, where λ0 represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device where the antenna element is located. The bias line connected to the two metal layers is routed along the gap between the antenna elements. As the frequency increases, the size of the antenna element array becomes larger accordingly, and the gap spacing D between the antenna elements becomes larger. gapWhile the bias lines decrease in size as the frequency increases, the physical dimensions of the bias lines are fixed. Therefore, as the antenna array becomes larger (e.g., 30×30, 40×40), there will not be enough physical space to arrange the bias lines. Furthermore, the presence of a large number of bias lines can degrade the performance of the antenna elements, further impacting the performance of the antenna assembly.

[0093] Currently, there are several solutions to solve the problem of bias line routing. One solution is to introduce metallized vias on a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) design. The bias line and the antenna unit radiation layer are arranged on different PCB layers, and a metal layer is added between the antenna radiation layer and the bias line layer as a shielding layer. For liquid crystal phased-control antennas, in order to ensure the surface flatness of the dielectric substrate, in such a technical solution, the liquid crystal antenna needs to use glass as the dielectric layer instead of the PCB printed circuit board widely used in the microwave and millimeter wave bands. However, the current glass processing technology does not support large-scale metallized vias, and drilling will also cause liquid crystal leakage. Even if the subsequent process can support glass metallized vias, the large number of metallized vias will be very costly.

[0094] Another solution is to change the direct bias line to a matrix bias line. That is, each antenna unit is connected to an additional component. Each antenna unit is connected to the bias line corresponding to the row where the antenna unit is located and the bias line corresponding to the column where the antenna unit is located through the additional component. In this way, only one bias line is required for each row of antenna units and each column of antenna units. By setting additional components, the P×Q bias lines required for the direct bias line shown in Figure 1 can be sharply reduced to P+Q lines (P represents the number of antenna units in each row in Figure 1, and Q represents the number of rows; P and Q are both positive integers, and, as shown in Figure 1, P=10; Q=10). Although this technology can change the traditional direct bias line to a matrix bias line, it can greatly reduce the number of bias lines and reduce the impact of the bias line on the radiation performance of the antenna device, but the matrix bias line requires complex wave control hardware circuits and algorithms to implement. This increases the cost of the antenna device.

[0095] Another technical solution is to improve the independent control of each antenna element by dividing it into antenna element subarrays composed of multiple antenna elements, and then controlling each subarray. For example, a 2×2 antenna element subarray can be formed, reducing the required four bias lines to one. While subarray control effectively reduces the number of bias lines, it also reduces the scanning performance and gain of the antenna device. In other words, this solution sacrifices the electrical performance of the antenna device.

[0096] In light of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna device. In this antenna device, by extending bias lines perpendicular to the plane formed by the extended antenna element array, the constraints imposed on bias line routing by the limited horizontal space between adjacent antenna elements can be avoided. Consequently, the antenna device can also extend the antenna element array in high-frequency communication scenarios, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0097] FIG2 shows an application scenario 200 of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG2 , the antenna device 210 includes a plurality of antenna unit arrays (for clarity, only one antenna unit array is shown in FIG2 ). Each antenna unit array may include a plurality of antenna units. Each antenna unit includes a liquid crystal phased antenna unit. By adjusting the voltage excitation received by the liquid crystal layer in the antenna unit, the phase and amplitude of the output signal of the antenna unit can be changed, thereby controlling the direction of the antenna beam to achieve communication with user terminals 220-1, 220-2, ..., 220-L (where L represents the number of user terminals communicating with the antenna device 210, and L is a positive integer).

[0098] It can be understood that the scenario in Figure 2 is only exemplary. The antenna device 210 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to other scenarios to receive and / or send signals, and to achieve the purpose of phase modulation by regulating the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer.

[0099] FIG3 is a schematic diagram 300 of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , antenna device 300 includes multiple antenna element arrays 320 - i and a bias component 340. In one embodiment, multiple antenna element arrays 320 - i include multiple antenna element arrays 320 - 1, 320 - 2, ..., 320 - N, where N represents a positive integer greater than 1. For simplicity, when describing antenna element arrays, the antenna element array described will be referred to as "antenna element array 320 - i." It will be understood that the description of "antenna element array 320 - i" (1 ≤ i ≤ N, and i is a positive integer) is applicable to antenna element arrays 320 - 1, 320 - 2, ..., 320 - N. Antenna element array 320 - i may include multiple antenna elements, as shown in FIG3 . Each antenna element includes a transceiver unit and a phase adjustment unit. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit and receive signals, and the phase adjustment unit is configured to adjust the phase of the signal. The bias component 340 is configured to provide the required excitation voltage to the phase adjustment unit.

[0100] Figure 4A shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of multiple antenna element arrays 320-i in an antenna device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the antenna element array includes multiple antenna element arrays 320-i. Each antenna element array 320-i includes multiple antenna elements (not shown). In one embodiment, the structure of each antenna element array 320-i can be identical. In another embodiment, each antenna element array can be different, for example, including a different number of antenna elements. As shown in Figure 4A, the antenna element array 320-i extends along the second direction, and the multiple antenna element arrays 320-i are arranged along the third direction. Accordingly, the multiple antenna element arrays 320-i as a whole extend in a first plane (e.g., a plane formed by the second and third directions). In other words, the first plane includes a plane formed by the extension of the multiple antenna element arrays. In one embodiment, the number of antenna elements in each antenna element array can be expanded along the second direction, and the number of antenna element arrays can also be expanded along the third direction, thereby achieving expansion of the antenna element arrays in the antenna device.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 4B , FIG. 4B illustrates in detail a schematic diagram of a right side view of multiple antenna arrays 320 - i according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, this diagram illustrates multiple antenna arrays 320 - i as viewed along a plane formed by a first direction and a third direction. As shown in FIG. 4B , multiple antenna element arrays 320 - 1 , 320 - 2 , ..., 320 - M (M being a positive integer greater than 1) are arranged along the third direction. FIG. 4B illustrates the structure of each phase modulation unit, using the phase modulation unit (e.g., designated 324 - 2 ) in the second antenna unit as an example. Phase modulation unit 324 - 2 includes a first metal layer 361 , a second metal layer 362 , and a liquid crystal layer 360 . The first metal layer 361 extends along a first direction perpendicular to the plane (e.g., the first plane) formed by the extension of the multiple antenna element arrays 320 - i . The second metal layer 362 extends along the first direction. The liquid crystal layer 360 is located between the first metal layer 361 and the second metal layer 362 and extends along the first direction.

[0102] In some embodiments, the phase modulation unit in the antenna unit further includes: a first dielectric layer 371 extending along the first direction; and a second dielectric layer 372 extending along the first direction, wherein the first metal layer 361, the liquid crystal layer 360, and the second metal layer 362 are located between the first dielectric layer 371 and the second dielectric layer 372. In one embodiment, the dielectric layer may include a glass layer. It is understood that the material of the dielectric layer is not limited to glass and may also include materials such as quartz and ceramic. This disclosure does not limit the material used for the dielectric layer.

[0103] The arrangement of the dielectric layers is described with reference to FIG4B , which shows a schematic structural diagram of the phase modulation unit as viewed along a plane formed by the first and third directions. The phase modulation unit (e.g., phase modulation unit 324-2) may include the metal layers 361 and 362 and the liquid crystal layer 360 described above. FIG4B also shows a first dielectric layer 371 and a second dielectric layer 372 (e.g., a portion having a fill pattern), and the first dielectric layer 371 extends along the first direction, while the second dielectric layer 372 extends along the first direction. The first metal layer 361, the liquid crystal layer 360, and the second metal layer 362 are located between the first dielectric layer 371 and the second dielectric layer 372. Through the above arrangement, the disclosed embodiments can facilitate routing of bias lines extending along the first direction and reduce the difficulty of process design.

[0104] Returning to FIG. 3 , the antenna device 300 may further include a bias component 340. The bias component 340 is coupled to the plurality of antenna element arrays 320 - i along a first direction and is configured to provide the required excitation voltage to the phase adjustment unit. In one embodiment, the bias component 340 includes multiple pairs of bias lines. Each pair of bias lines in the multiple pairs of bias lines can be coupled to a corresponding antenna element, and the bias line pair may include: a first bias line, at least a portion of which extends along the first direction and is coupled to the first metal layer in the corresponding antenna element; and a second bias line, at least a portion of which extends along the first direction and is coupled to the second metal layer in the corresponding antenna element.

[0105] To provide a better understanding of the bias component 340, FIG4B is used as an example for illustration. FIG4B shows a pair of bias lines coupled to the phase adjustment unit 324-2. The bias line pair includes a first bias line 3401 and a second bias line 3402. At least a portion of the first bias line 3401 extends along the first direction and couples to the first metal layer 361 in the corresponding antenna unit, and at least a portion of the second bias line 3402 extends along the first direction and couples to the second metal layer 362 in the corresponding antenna unit. The first bias line 3401 and the second bias line 3402 can be connected to a bias voltage source 380. Multiple pairs of bias lines can be fixed or embedded in the bias component (e.g., a bias array sheet) in any suitable manner, such as molding. In one embodiment, a control device (not shown) controls the bias voltage V of the bias voltage source 380 to control the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 360. This allows for dynamic control of the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer and changes in the propagation constant of the metal layer for signal transmission, thereby changing the phase of the signal. This allows for phase compensation of the signal to achieve phase modulation.

[0106] FIG5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an antenna device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, specifically, a schematic diagram of the antenna device 300 as viewed from a plane formed by a first direction and a second direction. FIG5 shows the arrangement of an antenna element array 320-i and a bias component 340. Antenna element array 320-i includes a plurality of antenna elements, and bias component 340 includes a plurality of pairs of bias lines, each pair of bias lines being coupled to a corresponding antenna element. For example, each pair of bias lines is coupled to a corresponding metal layer in a phase adjustment unit in a corresponding antenna element, and at least a portion of each bias line in each pair extends along the first direction.

[0107] Figure 6 shows a wiring diagram of multiple bias lines coupled to multiple antenna elements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from a plane formed by a first direction and a second direction. It can be seen that the metal layer is coupled to the bias lines, and at least a portion of the bias lines extends along the first direction. Thus, as the number of antenna elements (including transceiver elements and phase adjustment elements) increases, the number of bias lines also increases accordingly. Because at least a portion of the bias lines extends along the first direction and is not routed through gaps in the physical space between the antenna elements along the second direction, the routing of the bias lines is not affected by limited physical space. This avoids the constraints imposed by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements on bias line routing. Accordingly, the antenna device can expand the antenna element array in high-frequency communication scenarios, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning. This arrangement avoids the constraints imposed by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements on bias line routing. Thus, the antenna device can expand the antenna element array in high-frequency communication scenarios, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0108] In one embodiment, the antenna device further includes a first reflective layer pair, the first reflective layer pair including a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer. The antenna device further includes a second reflective layer pair, the second reflective layer pair including a third reflective layer spaced apart from the first reflective layer in a first direction, and a fourth reflective layer spaced apart from the second reflective layer in the first direction. In one embodiment, the space between the first reflective layer and the third reflective layer is filled with metal in the first direction to form a first reflective plate. Furthermore, the space between the second reflective layer and the fourth reflective layer is filled with metal in the first direction to form a second reflective plate. In other words, the first reflective plate includes metal and the first and third reflective layers, respectively coupled to the metal at both ends by a process such as coating and extending in the second direction. The second reflective plate includes metal and the second and fourth reflective layers, respectively coupled to the metal at both ends by a process such as coating and extending in the second direction. In one embodiment, the metal filled between the first and third reflective layers and between the second and fourth reflective layers may be metals such as copper or aluminum.

[0109] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating a reflective layer arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Components 740 and 750 are housings that semi-enclose the reflective layer. The housings can be made of materials such as metal, and their shape can be configured accordingly based on the shape of the antenna element array sheet. A schematic diagram shows a reflective plate between housings 740 and 750, where two adjacent lines represent a pair of reflective plates. That is, each pair of reflective plates includes a first reflective plate 711 and a second reflective plate 712. Each reflective plate comprises metal and a reflective layer coupled to the metal through a process such as coating, extending along a second direction. Accordingly, each pair of reflective plates includes a pair of first reflective layers arranged side by side along the second direction, with each pair of first reflective layers corresponding to one antenna element. The antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include multiple first reflective layer pairs, and accordingly, multiple reflective plate pairs. Although only one pair of lines is labeled in Figure 7A to represent a pair of reflective plates, it should be understood that similar lines represent similar reflective layer pairs, and for clarity, not all reflective plates are labeled.

[0110] In one embodiment, the first reflective layer includes a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer, and the corresponding antenna unit in the antenna unit array is located between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Correspondingly, the antenna unit array in which the antenna unit is located is located between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In one embodiment, multiple antenna unit arrays in the antenna device can be installed and used together with a reflective layer array sheet. For example, the multiple antenna unit arrays of Figure 4A can be half-inserted into the reflective layer arrangement of Figure 7A, for example, each antenna unit array is inserted between two corresponding reflective layer plates. As a result, the first reflective layer can contact the first dielectric layer, and the second reflective layer can contact the second dielectric layer. By arranging a pair of reflective layers between the antenna units, the incident electromagnetic waves can be reflected, the utilization rate of the incident signal can be improved, the coupling efficiency can be increased, and the influence of the bias line on the metal layer can also be reduced.

[0111] Figure 7B is a right-side view of an antenna unit and reflector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The view in Figure 7B is merely schematic, and the antenna assembly may include more antenna units and reflectors than those illustrated in Figure 7B . In one embodiment, adjacent antenna element arrays 320-(i-1) and 320-i can share a common reflector 711. This not only reflects incident electromagnetic waves and reduces the impact of bias lines on the metal layer, but also makes the antenna assembly more compact. In this context, "sharing" may mean that adjacent antenna element arrays 320-(i-1) and 320-i each use a certain proportion of the reflective layer applied to the common reflector 711, based on the width of the reflective layer in the third direction. It will be understood that the proportion of reflective layer used can be arbitrary. For example, antenna element array 320-(i-1) may use 50% of the reflective layer applied to the common reflector 711, and antenna element array 320-i may use 50% of the reflective layer applied to the common reflector 711. The antenna element array 320-(i-1) can use a 70% reflective layer coated on the common reflector 711, and the antenna element array 320-i can use a 30% reflective layer coated on the common reflector 711. The antenna element array 320-(i-1) can use a 100% reflective layer coated on the common reflector 711, and the antenna element array 320-i can use a 100% reflective layer coated on the common reflector 711, and so on, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0112] In one embodiment, the reflective layer array plate has a width w1 along the third direction. In one embodiment, the antenna device may include side antenna element arrays 320-1 and 320-N located on one side of the antenna device in the third direction. The side antenna element arrays 320-1 and 320-N are in contact with the side reflectors in the reflector. For example, the side antenna element array 320-1 is in contact with the side reflector 710, and the side antenna element array 320-N is in contact with the side reflector 720. The side reflector 710 has a width w2. In one embodiment, the width of the side reflector is less than the width of the common reflector. For example, w2 can be half of w1, so that the structure of the antenna device can be made more beautiful.

[0113] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna unit AN1 and corresponding reflective layers (e.g., a first reflective layer pair and a second reflective layer pair) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The schematic diagram in Figure 8 may correspond to a portion of the reflective plate in Figure 7A . In this schematic diagram, antenna unit AN1 is positioned between first reflective layer 8101 and second reflective layer 8102 in the second direction. Antenna unit AN1 is positioned so as to protrude beyond first reflective layer 8101 and second reflective layer 8102 in the first direction. Antenna unit 320-1 also includes a third reflective layer 8103 and a fourth reflective layer 8104. Furthermore, antenna unit 320-1 is positioned between third reflective layer 8103 and fourth reflective layer 8104 in the second direction. The first reflective layer 8101 and the third reflective layer 8103 are spaced apart and may be filled with metal, thereby forming reflective plate 711. The second reflective layer 8102 and the fourth reflective layer 8104 are spaced apart and may be filled with metal, thereby forming reflective plate 712. In one embodiment, the thickness of the reflective layers (first reflective layer 8101, second reflective layer 8102, third reflective layer 8103, and fourth reflective layer 8104) can be between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm. It is understood that this value is merely exemplary and the thickness of the reflective layer can be adjusted based on the accuracy of the process and the accuracy required in the application. This disclosure does not limit the thickness of the reflective layer.

[0114] In one embodiment, the first end of the first transceiver unit (not shown) in the antenna unit AN1 extends a first difference length L1 in the first direction compared to the first end of the first reflective layer 8101, and the first end of the second transceiver unit (not shown) in the antenna unit 320-1 extends a second difference length L2 in the first direction compared to the first end of the second reflective layer 8102. In one embodiment, the first difference length L1 and the second difference length L2 are the same. In one embodiment, the first difference length L1 and the second difference length L2 are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device. In this way, the incident electromagnetic wave can be better reflected, the utilization rate of the incident signal can be further improved, and the coupling efficiency can be increased. Alternatively, the first difference length L1 and the second difference length L2 can also be different, but both are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device.

[0115] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the combined diagram in Figure 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the exploded view shows the first reflective layer 8101, the second reflective layer 8102, the first dielectric layer 371, the second dielectric layer 372, the first metal layer 361, the second metal layer 362, and the liquid crystal layer 360. In one embodiment, the metal layer 361 can be attached to the dielectric layer 371, and the metal layer 362 can be attached to the dielectric layer 372 using techniques such as photolithography. It is understood that the metal layers 361 and 362 can also be attached to the dielectric layers 371 and 372, respectively, using methods such as etching or electroplating. This disclosure does not limit the attachment method between the metal layers and the dielectric layers. The liquid crystal layer 360 is sandwiched between the metal layers 361 and 362. The dielectric layers 371 and 372, the metal layers 361 and 362, and the liquid crystal layer 360 all extend along a first direction. The first reflective layer 8101 and the second reflective layer 8102 can be metal patches with a thickness between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm. The first reflective layer 8101 and the second reflective layer 8102 can be attached to the reflective layer array sheets 711 and 712, respectively, through a patch process. It is understood that the thickness values ​​are only exemplary and the thickness of the reflective layer can be adjusted according to the accuracy of the process and the accuracy required in the application. The present disclosure does not limit the thickness of the reflective layer.

[0116] In addition, the exploded view also shows the transceiver unit included in the antenna unit. As shown in Figure 9, the transceiver unit includes a first transceiver unit 911 and a second transceiver unit 912 (shown in the dotted box in Figure 9), which are used to receive and send information. In one embodiment, the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 912 may include patches such as rectangular or circular patches, which can be attached to the metal layers 361 and 362 respectively through a patch process such as patch processing. In one embodiment, the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 912 may be dipole antennas for transmitting and receiving signals. In one embodiment, the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 912 may be made of a high-conductivity material, such as copper, aluminum, silver, gold, etc. The initial length of the dipole antenna is generally half the wavelength of the operating frequency, the width is 0.05 to 0.1 wavelength, and the thickness is between 1 μm and 20 μm. It is understood that the above range values ​​are merely exemplary, and the process parameters of the transceiver unit may be adjusted according to the actual application and requirements of the antenna device, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0117] In one embodiment, the assembled antenna unit (including dielectric layers 371 and 372, metal layers 361 and 362, first and second transceiver units 911 and 912, and liquid crystal layer 360) can be half-inserted into the gap between reflector plate 711 and reflective layer plate 712, thereby forming the combined diagram shown in FIG8 . In one embodiment, when the antenna unit and the paired reflective layer plates 711 and 712 are combined, the first end of the first transceiver unit 911 can be extended in the first direction by a first differential length L1 relative to the first end of the first reflective layer 8101, and the first end of the second transceiver unit 912 can be extended in the first direction by a second differential length L2 relative to the first end of the second reflective layer 8102. As described above, in one embodiment, the first differential length L1 and the second differential length L2 are the same. Furthermore, the first differential length L1 and the second differential length L2 are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device. In this way, the incident electromagnetic waves can be better reflected, the utilization rate of the incident signal can be further improved, and the coupling efficiency can be increased. Alternatively, the first difference length L1 and the second difference length L2 can also be different, but both are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device.

[0118] In one embodiment, the antenna unit according to the present disclosure may further include a third reflective layer and a fourth reflective layer. Referring to Figures 8 and 9 , the third reflective layer and the fourth reflective layer may be located at the bottom of the reflective layer plate 711 and the reflective plate 712, respectively, and therefore are not labeled in Figures 8 and 9 . In one embodiment, the third reflective layer 8103 is spaced apart from the first reflective layer 8101 in the first direction, and the fourth reflective layer 8104 is spaced apart from the second reflective layer 8102 in the first direction, with the corresponding antenna unit located between the third reflective layer 8103 and the fourth reflective layer 8104 in the second direction. In one embodiment, metal is filled between the first reflective layer 8101 and the third reflective layer 8103 to form the reflective plate 711. Metal is filled between the second reflective layer 8102 and the fourth reflective layer 8104 to form the reflective plate 712. In one embodiment, the third reflective layer 8103 contacts the first dielectric layer 371, and the fourth reflective layer 8104 contacts the second dielectric layer 372. In one embodiment, the coupling position between the first metal layer 361 and the first bias line (not shown) is located between the third reflective layer 8103 and the first reflective layer 8101 in the first direction, and the coupling position between the second metal layer 362 and the second bias line (not shown) is located between the fourth reflective layer 8104 and the second reflective layer 8102 in the first direction. When the transceiver units 911 and 912 receive a signal, the signal is transmitted via the metal layers 361 and 362. When the signal reaches the ends of 361 and 362, it is reflected by, for example, the third reflective layer 8103 and the fourth reflective layer 8104. The signal is then transmitted along the metal layers 361 and 362 to the transceiver units 911 and 912 for transmission. By providing the first reflective layer 8101, the second reflective layer 8102, the third reflective layer 8103, and the fourth reflective layer 8104, incident electromagnetic waves can be reflected, improving the utilization of the incident signal, increasing coupling efficiency, and reducing the mutual coupling between the metal layers and the bias line. By further providing a third reflective layer 8103 and a fourth reflective layer 8104 , the reflection efficiency can be further improved.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first reflective layer 8101, the second reflective layer 8102, the third reflective layer 8103, and the fourth reflective layer 8104 are configured to extend in a first plane, where the first plane includes a plane formed by the extension of the antenna element array. By configuring the first reflective layer 8101, the second reflective layer 8102, the third reflective layer 8103, and the fourth reflective layer 8104 to extend in the first plane, the antenna element array can be expanded in high-frequency communication scenarios, while improving the utilization of the incident signal and reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer, and further achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0120] FIG10 illustrates another example of a combination of antenna element AN2 and reflective layers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG10 shows a first reflective layer 1011, a second reflective layer 1012, a third reflective layer 1013, and a fourth reflective layer 1014. The first reflective layer 1011 and the third reflective layer 1013 are located on the same side of antenna element AN2, while the second reflective layer 1012 and the fourth reflective layer 1014 are located on the other side of antenna element AN2. The schematic diagram in FIG10 differs from that in FIG8 in that the reflective layer configuration in FIG10 differs from that in FIG8. Specifically, in one embodiment, no metal is placed between the first reflective layer 1011 and the third reflective layer 1013, and no metal is placed between the second reflective layer 1012 and the fourth reflective layer 1014. In other words, the first reflective layer 1011 and the third reflective layer 1013 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and the second reflective layer 1012 and the fourth reflective layer 1014 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, with no metal placed between them. It is understood that, although not shown, to enhance structural stability, other materials may be filled between the first reflective layer 1011 and the third reflective layer 1013, and other materials may be filled between the second reflective layer 1012 and the fourth reflective layer 1014. Other materials may include, for example, non-metallic materials such as polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), and other sandwich materials. As shown in FIG10 , the third reflective layer 1013 is spaced apart from the first reflective layer 1011 in the first direction, and the fourth reflective layer 1014 is spaced apart from the second reflective layer 1012 in the first direction. In one embodiment, the third reflective layer 1013 contacts the first dielectric layer 371, and the fourth reflective layer 1014 contacts the second dielectric layer 372. The coupling position between the first metal layer (not shown) and the first bias line (not shown) is located in the first direction between the third reflective layer 1013 and the first reflective layer 1011, and the coupling position between the second metal layer (not shown) and the second bias line (not shown) is located in the first direction between the fourth reflective layer 1014 and the second reflective layer 1012. By further providing the third and fourth reflective layers, incident electromagnetic waves can be further reflected, improving the utilization rate of the incident signal, increasing coupling efficiency, and reducing the mutual coupling effect between the metal layer and the bias line.

[0121] The embodiment shown in FIG10 will now be understood in conjunction with the exploded view in FIG11 . FIG11 is an exploded view of another example of the antenna unit and reflective layer combination in FIG10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unlike FIG9 , in FIG11 , no metal is filled between the first reflective layer 1011 and the third reflective layer 1013, and no metal is filled between the second reflective layer 1012 and the fourth reflective layer 1014. In one embodiment, the thickness of the reflective layers (first reflective layer 1011, second reflective layer 1021, third reflective layer 1012, and fourth reflective layer 1022) can be between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm. It should be understood that this value is merely exemplary and can be adjusted based on the precision of the process and the required accuracy in the application. The present disclosure does not limit the thickness of the reflective layers. In addition, although not shown, for structural stability, other materials can be filled between the first reflective layer 1011 and the third reflective layer 1021, and other materials can be filled between the second reflective layer 1012 and the fourth reflective layer 1022. Other materials may include, for example, non-metallic materials such as sandwich materials such as PMI foam, PVC, PUR, etc.

[0122] As shown in FIG11 , the exploded view shows the first reflective layer 1011, the second reflective layer 1021, the third reflective layer 1013, the fourth reflective layer 1014, the first dielectric layer 371, the second dielectric layer 372, the first metal layer 361, the second metal layer 362, and the liquid crystal layer 360. In one embodiment, the metal layer 361 can be attached to the dielectric layer 371, and the metal layer 362 can be attached to the dielectric layer 372, using techniques such as photolithography. It is understood that the metal layers 361 and 362 can also be attached to the dielectric layers 371 and 372, respectively, using methods such as etching and electroplating. This disclosure does not limit the attachment method between the metal layers and the dielectric layers. The liquid crystal layer 360 is sandwiched between the metal layers 361 and 362. Furthermore, the dielectric layers 371 and 372, the metal layers 361 and 362, and the liquid crystal layer 360 all extend along the first direction.

[0123] In addition, the exploded view also shows the transceiver unit included in the antenna unit. As shown in Figure 11, the transceiver unit includes a first transceiver unit 911 and a second transceiver unit 912 (as shown in the dotted box in Figure 11), which are used to receive and send information. In one embodiment, the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 912 may include patches such as rectangular or circular patches, and the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 912 may be attached to the metal layers 361 and 362 respectively via a patch process such as patch processing. The configuration of the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 922 is similar to that of the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 922 in Figure 9. For the sake of simplicity, they are not repeated here.

[0124] In one embodiment, the assembled antenna element (including dielectric layers 371 and 372, metal layers 361 and 362, first and second transceiver units 911 and 912, and liquid crystal layer 360) can be inserted between first and second reflective layers 1011 and 1012, and between third and fourth reflective layers 1013 and 1014, thereby forming a combined structure as shown in FIG10 . In one embodiment, when combining the antenna element and the paired reflective layers (e.g., a first reflective layer pair including the first and second reflective layers, and a second reflective layer pair including the third and fourth reflective layers), the first end of the first transceiver unit 911 can be extended in a first direction by a first differential length L1 relative to the first end of the first reflective layer 1011, and the first end of the second transceiver unit 912 can be extended in the first direction by a second differential length L2 relative to the first end of the second reflective layer 1012. As described above, in one embodiment, the first differential length L1 and the second differential length L2 are the same. Furthermore, the first difference length L1 and the second difference length L2 are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device. This allows for better reflection of incident electromagnetic waves, further improving the utilization of the incident signal and increasing coupling efficiency. Alternatively, the first difference length L1 and the second difference length L2 can be different, but both are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device.

[0125] In one embodiment, when transceiver units 911 and 912 receive a signal, the signal is transmitted via metal layers 361 and 362. When the signal reaches the ends of 361 and 362, it is reflected by the reflective layer. The signal is then transmitted along metal layers 361 and 362 to transceiver units 911 and 912 for transmission. Providing first reflective layer 1011, second reflective layer 1012, third reflective layer 1013, and fourth reflective layer 1014 can reflect incident electromagnetic waves, improve the utilization of incident signals, increase coupling efficiency, and reduce the mutual coupling between the metal layers and the bias lines.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first reflective layer 1011, the second reflective layer 1012, the third reflective layer 1013, and the fourth reflective layer 1014 are configured to extend in a first plane, where the first plane includes a plane formed by the extension of the antenna element array. By configuring the first reflective layer 1011, the second reflective layer 1012, the third reflective layer 1013, and the fourth reflective layer 1014 to extend in the first plane, the antenna element array can be expanded in high-frequency communication scenarios, while improving the utilization rate of the incident signal and reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer, and further achieving more accurate beam scanning.

[0127] Figure 12 shows an exploded view of another example of a combination of an antenna unit and a reflective layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 12, the exploded view also shows a first dielectric layer 371, a first metal layer 361, a second metal layer 362, a liquid crystal layer 360, and a second dielectric layer. In one embodiment, metal layer 361 can be attached to dielectric layer 371, and metal layer 362 can be attached to dielectric layer 372, using techniques such as photolithography. It will be appreciated that metal layers 361 and 362 can also be attached to dielectric layers 371 and 372, respectively, using methods such as etching and electroplating. This disclosure does not limit the method of attachment between the metal and dielectric layers. Liquid crystal layer 360 is sandwiched between metal layers 361 and 362. Furthermore, dielectric layers 371 and 372, metal layers 361 and 362, and liquid crystal layer 360 all extend along a first direction.

[0128] FIG12 also shows a third reflective layer pair and a fourth reflective layer pair. The third reflective layer pair includes a fifth reflective layer 1211 and a sixth reflective layer 1212, and the fourth reflective layer pair includes a fifth reflective layer 1213 and a sixth reflective layer 1214. Unlike FIG11 , the fifth reflective layer 1211 in FIG12 is located between the liquid crystal layer 360 and the first dielectric layer 371 of the corresponding antenna unit and is not electrically connected to the first metal layer 361 of the corresponding antenna unit. The sixth reflective layer 1212 in FIG12 is located between the liquid crystal layer 360 and the second dielectric layer 372 of the corresponding antenna unit and is not electrically connected to the second metal layer 362 of the corresponding antenna unit. In one embodiment, the fifth reflective layer 1211 can be attached to the dielectric layer 371, and the sixth reflective layer 1212 can be attached to the dielectric layer 372, using techniques such as photolithography. It is understood that the reflective layers 1211 and 1212 can also be attached to the dielectric layers 371 and 372, respectively, by methods such as etching or electroplating. This disclosure does not limit the attachment method between the reflective layers and the dielectric layers. Furthermore, the first metal layer 361 is not connected to the fifth reflective layer 1211, and the second metal layer 362 is not connected to the sixth reflective layer 1212.

[0129] As shown in Figure 12, the seventh reflective layer 1213 is located between the liquid crystal layer 360 and the first dielectric layer 371 of the corresponding antenna unit and is not electrically connected to the first metal layer 361 of the corresponding antenna unit. The seventh reflective layer 1213 is spaced apart from the fifth reflective layer 1211 in the first direction. Furthermore, the eighth reflective layer 1214 is located between the liquid crystal layer 360 and the second dielectric layer 372 of the corresponding antenna unit and is not electrically connected to the second metal layer 362 of the corresponding antenna unit. The eighth reflective layer 1214 is spaced apart from the sixth reflective layer 1212 in the first direction. In one embodiment, the seventh reflective layer 1221 can be attached to the dielectric layer 372, and the eighth reflective layer 1214 can be attached to the dielectric layer 372, using techniques such as photolithography. It is understood that the reflective layers 1213 and 1214 can also be attached to the dielectric layers 371 and 372, respectively, using methods such as etching or electroplating. This disclosure does not limit the attachment method between the reflective layers and the dielectric layers. Furthermore, the first metal layer 361 is not connected to the seventh reflective layer 1213, and the second metal layer 362 is not connected to the sixth reflective layer 1214. In one embodiment, the thickness of the reflective layers (fifth reflective layer 1211, sixth reflective layer 1212, seventh reflective layer 1213, and eighth reflective layer 1214) can be between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm. It will be understood that this value is merely exemplary and the thickness of the reflective layer can be adjusted according to the accuracy of the process and the accuracy required in the application. The present disclosure does not limit the thickness of the reflective layer. In one embodiment, the coupling position of the first metal layer (not shown) and the first bias line (not shown) is located between the seventh reflective layer 1213 and the fifth reflective layer 1211 in the first direction, and the coupling position of the second metal layer (not shown) and the second bias line (not shown) is located between the eighth reflective layer 1214 and the sixth reflective layer 1212 in the first direction.

[0130] In addition, the exploded view in FIG12 also shows the transceiver unit included in the antenna unit. As shown in FIG12 , the transceiver unit includes a first transceiver unit 911 and a second transceiver unit 912 (as shown in the dotted box in FIG12 ), which are used to receive and send information. In one embodiment, the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 912 may include patches such as rectangular or circular patches, and the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 912 may be attached to the metal layers 361 and 362, respectively, via a patch process such as patch processing. The configuration of the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 922 is similar to that of the first transceiver unit 911 and the second transceiver unit 922 in FIG9 . For the sake of simplicity, they will not be repeated here.

[0131] In one embodiment, when combining the antenna unit and the reflective layer, the first end of the first transceiver unit 911 can be extended in the first direction by a first difference length relative to the first end of the fifth reflective layer 1211, and the first end of the second transceiver unit 912 can be extended in the first direction by a second difference length relative to the first end of the sixth reflective layer 1212. As described above, in one embodiment, the first difference length and the second difference length are the same. Moreover, the first difference length and the second difference length are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device. In this way, the incident electromagnetic waves can be better reflected, the utilization rate of the incident signal can be further improved, and the coupling efficiency can be increased. Alternatively, the first difference length L1 and the second difference length L2 can also be different, but both are between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the center operating frequency of the antenna device.

[0132] In one embodiment, when transceiver units 911 and 912 receive a signal, the signal is transmitted via metal layers 361 and 362. When the signal reaches the ends of 361 and 362, it is reflected by the reflective layer. The signal is then transmitted along metal layers 361 and 362 to transceiver units 911 and 912 for transmission. The provision of the fifth reflective layer 1211, the sixth reflective layer 1212, the seventh reflective layer 1213, and the eighth reflective layer 1214 can reflect incident electromagnetic waves, improve the utilization of incident signals, increase coupling efficiency, and reduce the mutual coupling between the metal layers and the bias lines.

[0133] In one embodiment, the fifth reflective layer 1211, the sixth reflective layer 1212, the seventh reflective layer 1213, and the eighth reflective layer 1214 are configured to extend in the first plane (the plane formed by the second and third directions shown in the figure). This allows for expansion of the antenna element array in high-frequency communication scenarios, improving the utilization of incident signals, reducing the impact of bias lines on the metal layer, and further enabling more precise beam scanning.

[0134] Although the above description of the combined schematic diagram and exploded view of one antenna unit in conjunction with Figures 8-12 is provided, it is understood that other antenna units according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may have similar structures. Furthermore, it is understood that the components in Figures 8-12 are schematically drawn for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions are selected for simplicity of illustration.

[0135] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic component 1300 includes an antenna device 300 and a substrate 1320. The antenna device can have a structure as described above, which will not be described here for the sake of simplicity. The substrate 1320 is used to carry the antenna device. By configuring the antenna device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can avoid the limitation of the limited physical space between adjacent antenna units on the wiring of the bias line. As a result, the antenna device can also expand the antenna unit array in the scenario of high-frequency communication, thereby achieving more accurate beam scanning. At the same time, the bias line is arranged below the first metal ground and the second metal ground, so that electromagnetic shielding of the antenna transceiver unit and the bias line can be achieved, reducing the influence of the bias line on the electrical performance of the antenna transceiver unit.

[0136] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device 1400 includes an antenna device 300 and a bias voltage generator 1420. The antenna device may have a structure as described above, which will not be described here for the sake of simplicity. The bias voltage generator 1420 may include a voltage generator such as an analog voltage source, a digital voltage source, etc., which is used to provide a bias voltage to the liquid crystal layer in the corresponding antenna unit in the antenna device of the electronic device through multiple pairs of bias lines in a bias component (for example, the bias component 340 in Figure 3), so that the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer can be dynamically controlled by controlling the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 360, changing the propagation constant of the metal layer for signal transmission, and then changing the phase of the signal, thereby achieving phase compensation of the signal to achieve the purpose of phase modulation. For example, the bias voltage generator 1420 may include a bias voltage source 380 as shown in Figure 4B, which provides a bias voltage V to the liquid crystal layer 360 through bias lines 3401 and 3402, thereby controlling the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer 360, dynamically adjusting the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer, changing the propagation constant of the metal layer for signal transmission, and then changing the phase of the signal, thereby achieving phase compensation of the signal to achieve the purpose of phase modulation.

[0137] By configuring the antenna device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, electronic devices according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can avoid the limitations imposed by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements on bias line routing. As a result, the antenna device can also expand the antenna element array in high-frequency communication scenarios, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning. Furthermore, the bias line is arranged below the first and second metal layers, thereby achieving electromagnetic shielding between the antenna transceiver unit and the bias line, reducing the impact of the bias line on the electrical performance of the antenna transceiver unit.

[0138] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 1500 includes an antenna device 300 and a processor 1510. The antenna device may have the structure described above, which will not be described here for the sake of brevity. The processor 1510 is configured to implement the various functions required by the communication device. The communication device may include various communication terminal devices and / or base stations. The present disclosure does not limit the specific implementation of the communication device. It can be understood that the communication device of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as: global system for mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), future sixth generation (6G) system, intersatellite communication and satellite communication and other communication systems.

[0139] By configuring the antenna device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can avoid the limitations imposed by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements on bias line routing. As a result, the communication device can also expand the array of antenna elements in the antenna device in high-frequency communication scenarios, thereby achieving more precise beam scanning. Furthermore, the bias line is arranged below the first and second metal grounds, thereby achieving electromagnetic shielding between the antenna transceiver unit and the bias line, reducing the impact of the bias line on the electrical performance of the antenna transceiver unit.

[0140] Figure 16 is a schematic flowchart 1600 of a method for manufacturing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method can be performed by a manufacturing device. The antenna device may include an array of multiple antenna elements. The specific implementation of each step in Figure 16 can be understood in conjunction with the embodiments of the antenna device described above. The following description only focuses on the main steps of the antenna device manufacturing method, omitting the details already described above.

[0141] At 1610, the manufacturing equipment extends a first metal layer along a first direction perpendicular to a first plane, the first plane including a plane formed by the extension of the plurality of antenna element arrays. At 1620, the manufacturing equipment extends a second metal layer along the first direction. At 1630, the manufacturing equipment extends a liquid crystal layer along the first direction, the liquid crystal layer being sandwiched between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. At 1640, the manufacturing equipment couples a first bias line to the first metal layer and extends at least a portion of the first bias line along the first direction. At 1650, the manufacturing equipment couples a second bias line to the second metal layer and extends at least a portion of the second bias line along the first direction.

[0142] Compared to conventional antenna device manufacturing methods, the manufacturing method of the antenna device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure avoids the constraints imposed on bias line routing by the limited physical space between adjacent antenna elements by arranging bias lines perpendicular to the plane formed by the extended array of multiple antenna elements. As a result, the antenna device can also expand the antenna element array in high-frequency communication scenarios, achieving more precise beam scanning.

[0143] In some embodiments, the antenna device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include extending a first dielectric layer along a first direction; and extending a second dielectric layer along the first direction, wherein the first metal layer and the second metal layer are located between the first and second dielectric layers. By arranging the first and second dielectric layers to extend along the first direction, and the first and second metal layers to be located between the first and second dielectric layers, the embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate the extension of the bias line along the first direction and reduce the difficulty of process design.

[0144] In some embodiments, the antenna device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: providing a first reflective layer; and providing a second reflective layer, wherein the antenna units in the array of multiple antenna units are located between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. By providing the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, and arranging the antenna units between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, incident electromagnetic waves can be reflected, thereby improving the utilization rate of the incident signal and increasing coupling efficiency. At the same time, the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer can electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0145] In some embodiments, the antenna device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: providing a third reflective layer spaced apart from the first reflective layer in the first direction; and providing a fourth reflective layer spaced apart from the second reflective layer in the first direction, with the antenna unit positioned between the third reflective layer and the fourth reflective layer in the second direction. The provision of the third and fourth reflective layers further reflects incident electromagnetic waves and reduces the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0146] In some embodiments, the antenna device manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: providing a fifth reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer, wherein the fifth reflective layer is not electrically connected to the first metal layer; and providing a sixth reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer, wherein the sixth reflective layer is not electrically connected to the second metal layer. The fifth and sixth reflective layers can reflect incident electromagnetic waves, thereby improving the utilization rate of incident signals and increasing coupling efficiency. Furthermore, the reflective layer can electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0147] In some embodiments, the antenna device manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: providing a seventh reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer, the seventh reflective layer not being electrically connected to the first metal layer, and the seventh reflective layer being spaced apart from the fifth reflective layer in the first direction; and providing an eighth reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer, the eighth reflective layer not being electrically connected to the second metal layer, and the eighth reflective layer being spaced apart from the sixth reflective layer in the first direction. By further providing the seventh and eighth reflective layers, incident electromagnetic waves can be further reflected, thereby improving the utilization rate of incident signals and increasing coupling efficiency. At the same time, the seventh and eighth reflective layers can electromagnetically isolate the bias line from the antenna unit, thereby reducing the impact of the bias line on the metal layer.

[0148] In some embodiments, the antenna device manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: disposing a first transceiver unit on top of the first metal layer; and disposing a second transceiver unit on top of the second metal layer. By disposing two transceiver units on top of corresponding metal layers, signal reception and transmission can be achieved.

[0149] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to execute the manufacturing method of the antenna device according to the above-mentioned embodiment. The computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and / or a cache memory. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, a flash memory, etc. One or more computer program instructions may be stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and a device such as a processor may execute the program instructions to implement the functions of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above and / or other desired functions.

[0150] While various implementations of the present disclosure have been described above, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, non-exhaustive, and non-limiting to the disclosed implementations. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described implementations. The terminology used herein is selected to facilitate explanation of the principles, practical applications, or improvements to existing technologies, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various implementations disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An antenna device, characterized in that: include: A plurality of antenna element arrays, wherein the plurality of antenna element arrays include antenna units, and the antenna units include: a transceiver unit configured to transmit and receive signals; and A phase modulation unit is configured to perform phase modulation on the signal, the phase modulation unit comprising: a first metal layer extending along a first direction perpendicular to a first plane, wherein the first plane includes a plane formed by the extension of the plurality of antenna element arrays; a second metal layer extending along the first direction; and a liquid crystal layer located between the first metal layer and the second metal layer and extending along the first direction; and A biasing component coupled to the plurality of antenna element arrays along the first direction, the biasing component comprising a bias line pair coupled to the antenna elements, the bias line pair comprising: a first bias line, at least a portion of which extends along the first direction and is coupled to a first metal layer in the antenna unit; and a second bias line, at least a portion of which extends along the first direction and is coupled to a second metal layer in the antenna unit.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The phase modulation unit further includes: a first dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer extending along the first direction; and a second dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer extending along the first direction, The first metal layer and the second metal layer are located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Also included is a first reflective layer pair, the first reflective layer pair comprising: a first reflective layer; and a second reflective layer, wherein the antenna unit is located between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The antenna device according to claim 3, wherein: Also included is a second reflective layer pair, the second reflective layer pair comprising: a third reflective layer, spaced apart from the first reflective layer in the first direction; and The fourth reflective layer is spaced apart from the second reflective layer in the first direction, and the antenna unit is located between the third reflective layer and the fourth reflective layer in the second direction.

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein: A space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer is filled with metal in the first direction, and a space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer is filled with metal in the first direction.

6. The antenna device according to claim 5, wherein: The first reflective layer, the third reflective layer, and the filled metal form a first reflective plate, and the second reflective layer, the fourth reflective layer, and the filled metal form a second reflective plate.

7. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The plurality of antenna element arrays include a first antenna element array and a second antenna element array, wherein the second antenna element array is adjacent to the first antenna element array and shares a common reflector with the first antenna element array.

8. The antenna device according to claim 7, wherein: The antenna unit array further includes a third antenna unit array, which is located on one side of the antenna device along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in contact with a side reflector.

9. The antenna device according to claim 8, wherein The side reflective plate has a first width in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, the common reflective plate has a second width in the third direction, and the first width is smaller than the second width.

10. The antenna device according to claim 9, wherein: The first width is half of the second width.

11. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein A space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer is not filled in the first direction, and a space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer is not filled in the first direction.

12. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein: A space between the third reflective layer and the first reflective layer is filled with a non-metal material in the first direction, and a space between the fourth reflective layer and the second reflective layer is filled with a non-metal material in the first direction.

13. The antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that: A side edge of the first reflective layer contacts the first dielectric layer, and a side edge of the second reflective layer contacts the second dielectric layer.

14. The antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that: A side edge of the third reflective layer contacts the first dielectric layer, and a side edge of the fourth reflective layer contacts the second dielectric layer.

15. The antenna device according to any one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that: The first reflective layer, the second reflective layer, the third reflective layer, and the fourth reflective layer extend in the first plane.

16. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein: The invention further comprises a third reflective layer pair, wherein the third reflective layer pair comprises: a fifth reflective layer, located between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer of the antenna unit and not electrically connected to the first metal layer of the antenna unit; and The sixth reflective layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer of the antenna unit and is not electrically connected to the second metal layer of the antenna unit.

17. The antenna device according to claim 16, wherein: Also included is a fourth reflective layer pair, the fourth reflective layer pair comprising: a seventh reflective layer, located between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer of the antenna unit and not electrically connected to the first metal layer of the antenna unit, the seventh reflective layer being spaced apart from the fifth reflective layer in the first direction; and An eighth reflective layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer of the antenna unit and is not electrically connected to the second metal layer of the antenna unit. The eighth reflective layer is spaced apart from the sixth reflective layer in the first direction.

18. The antenna device according to claim 17, wherein: The first dielectric layer, the fifth reflective layer, and the seventh reflective layer extend in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane; and the second dielectric layer, the sixth reflective layer, and the eighth reflective layer extend in the second plane.

19. The antenna device according to any one of claims 3 to 18, characterized in that: The transceiver unit includes: A first transceiver unit is provided on top of the first metal layer; and The second transceiver unit is arranged on top of the second metal layer.

20. The antenna device according to claim 19, wherein The first end of the first transceiver unit extends a first difference length in the first direction compared to the first end of the first reflective layer or the fifth reflective layer, and the first end of the second transceiver unit extends a second difference length in the first direction compared to the first end of the second reflective layer or the sixth reflective layer.

21. The antenna device according to claim 20, characterized in that The first difference length and the second difference length are the same.

22. The antenna device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that: The first difference length is between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, and the second difference length is between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, where λ represents the wavelength of the central operating frequency of the antenna device.

23. An electronic assembly comprising: The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 22; as well as The substrate is configured to carry the antenna device.

24. An electronic device comprising: The electronic component according to claim 23; as well as A bias voltage generator is configured to provide a bias voltage to the liquid crystal layer in a corresponding antenna unit of the antenna device of the electronic component through the first bias line and the second bias line.

25. A communication device comprising: The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. A method for manufacturing an antenna device, wherein the antenna device comprises a plurality of antenna element arrays, characterized in that: The method comprises: A first metal layer is extended along a first direction perpendicular to a first plane, wherein the first plane includes a plane formed by the extension of the plurality of antenna unit arrays; extending a second metal layer along the first direction; A liquid crystal layer is provided extending along the first direction, wherein the liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first metal layer and the second metal layer; coupling a first bias line to the first metal layer, and extending at least a portion of the first bias line along the first direction; and A second bias line is coupled to the second metal layer, and at least a portion of the second bias line is extended along the first direction.

27. The manufacturing method according to claim 26, characterized in that Also includes: A first dielectric layer is provided extending along the first direction; as well as A second dielectric layer is provided extending along the first direction, The first metal layer and the second metal layer are located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.

28. The manufacturing method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that: Also includes: providing a first reflective layer; as well as A second reflective layer is provided, and the antenna units in the plurality of antenna unit arrays are located between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

29. The manufacturing method according to claim 28, characterized in that Also includes: Disposing a third reflective layer spaced apart from the first reflective layer in the first direction; as well as A fourth reflective layer is disposed spaced apart from the second reflective layer in the first direction, and the antenna unit is located between the third reflective layer and the fourth reflective layer in the second direction.

30. The manufacturing method according to claim 27, characterized in that Also includes: Disposing a fifth reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer, wherein the fifth reflective layer is not electrically connected to the first metal layer; as well as A sixth reflective layer is disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer, and the sixth reflective layer is not electrically connected to the second metal layer.

31. The manufacturing method according to claim 30, characterized in that Also includes: disposing a seventh reflective layer between the liquid crystal layer and the first dielectric layer, the seventh reflective layer not being electrically connected to the first metal layer, and the seventh reflective layer being spaced apart from the fifth reflective layer in the first direction; and An eighth reflective layer is disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the second dielectric layer. The eighth reflective layer is not electrically connected to the second metal layer. The eighth reflective layer is spaced apart from the sixth reflective layer in the first direction.

32. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that: Also includes: Disposing a first transceiver unit on top of the first metal layer; as well as A second transceiver unit is disposed on top of the second metal layer.

33. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein computer-executable instructions are stored in the computer-executable storage medium, wherein the computer-executable instructions are used to execute the method for manufacturing the antenna device according to any one of claims 26 to 32.

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