Antenna array

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna array, which comprises at least one radiation module, the radiation module comprises a radiation layer and a dielectric layer which are stacked, the radiation layer comprises a plurality of radiators, each radiator is used for radiating signals, and the dielectric layer is made of a non-conductive material; the feed-in module is arranged on the side, close to the dielectric layer, of the radiation module, the feed-in module comprises a first feed-in layer and a second feed-in layer which are arranged in a stacked mode, the first feed-in layer is provided with a plurality of first feed-in lines, the second feed-in layer is provided with a plurality of second feed-in lines, the first feed-in lines and the second feed-in lines are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and a plurality of feed-in line units are formed; and the feed-in line units are in one-to-one correspondence with the radiators of the radiation layer and are used for feeding the corresponding radiators. The antenna array provided by the invention can realize communication with a low-orbit satellite, and has good antenna gain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to an antenna array. Background Art

[0002] The low-orbit satellite system (LEO) is a large satellite system consisting of multiple low-orbit satellites that can perform real-time information processing. In the related technologies of the low-orbit satellite system, the antenna gain of the antenna used to achieve communication between the ground station and the low-orbit satellite is low and cannot meet the needs of users well, which greatly limits the communication capabilities between the satellite and the ground station or other satellites. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above, the present invention provides an antenna array that can realize communication with low-orbit satellites, and the antenna array has a high antenna gain.

[0004] The present application provides an antenna array, comprising: at least one radiation module, the radiation module comprising a radiation layer and a dielectric layer which are stacked, the radiation layer comprising a plurality of radiators, each radiator being used to radiate a signal, and the dielectric layer being made of a non-conductive material; a feeding module, arranged on a side of the radiation module close to the dielectric layer, the feeding module comprising a first feeding layer and a second feeding layer which are stacked, the first feeding layer being provided with a plurality of first feeding lines, the second feeding layer being provided with a plurality of second feeding lines, the first feeding lines being provided with a one-to-one correspondence with the second feeding lines, forming a plurality of feeding line units, the feeding line units corresponding to the radiators of the radiation layer being one-to-one correspondence, and being used to feed the corresponding radiators.

[0005] In one embodiment, the feeding module further includes a coupling layer disposed close to the radiation module, and the coupling layer is used to couple the current signal flowing through the feeding line unit to the radiation module.

[0006] In one embodiment, the coupling layer is provided with a plurality of coupling slots, and the coupling slots are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the feeding line units.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one radiation module includes two radiation modules, and the radiation layer of one radiation module is arranged close to the dielectric layer of another radiation module, the radiators of the two radiation layers are arranged one by one, and the two corresponding radiators receive the feeding signal provided by the same feeding line unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the dielectric layer between the two radiation layers is further provided with a plurality of cavities, each cavity penetrates the dielectric layer, and each cavity is respectively provided in one-to-one correspondence with the two radiators on both sides.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first feeding layer is provided with a first accommodating groove which passes through the first feeding layer, the second feeding layer is provided with a second accommodating groove which passes through the second feeding layer, the first feeding line is arranged in the first accommodating groove, and the second feeding line is arranged in the second accommodating groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the extension direction of the first feeding line in the first feeding layer does not completely overlap with the extension direction of the corresponding second feeding line in the second feeding layer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the feeding module further includes a cavity layer and a ground layer. The cavity layer is disposed between the second feeding layer and the ground layer. The cavity layer is provided with a plurality of through cavities, and the through cavities are disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the feeding line units.

[0012] In one embodiment, the feed signal includes a first feed signal and a second feed signal, and the feeding module further includes a plurality of phase couplers, the phase couplers are arranged at the first feeding layer or the second feeding layer, each phase coupler is connected to the corresponding first feeding line and the second feeding line, the phase coupler is used to output the first feed signal to the first feeding line, and the phase coupler is also used to output the second feed signal to the second feeding line.

[0013] In one embodiment, the phase coupler is also used to connect the transmitter and the receiver.

[0014] In summary, the antenna array provided by the present application includes at least one radiation module and a feeding module. Among them, the radiation module includes a dielectric layer and a radiation layer that are stacked, and a plurality of radiators are arranged on the radiation layer, so that the dielectric layer can concentrate the antenna beam of each radiator and improve the antenna gain of the antenna array. The feeding module includes a first feeding layer and a second feeding layer, and the first feeding layer is provided with a first feeding line, and the second feeding layer is provided with a second feeding line. The first feeding line and the second feeding line are arranged one-to-one to form a plurality of feeding line units, and each feeding unit corresponds to the radiator one-to-one, so that the first feeding line and the second feeding line can respectively generate different polarized waves, so that the radiator can simultaneously receive and transmit signals in two different polarization states, so that the system capacity of the antenna array can be improved, the interference of the antenna array can be reduced, the signal quality can be enhanced, and the coverage range of the antenna array can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A top view of an antenna array provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the radiation unit is obtained by the cross-sectional line Ⅱ-Ⅱ.

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the radiating element is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a feeding module in a radiation unit is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 2 S-parameter curve of the radiation element is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a radiation unit provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 An exploded view of the radiating element is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a first radiation layer provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Fig. 9 for Figure 6 S-parameter curve of the radiation element is shown.

[0024] Fig.10 for Figure 6 Antenna gain graph of the radiating element is shown.

[0025] Fig.11 for Figure 6 Axial ratio diagram of the radiating element is shown.

[0026] Fig.12 for Figure 6 The radiation pattern diagram of the radiation unit shown is measured at the signal receiving end when the radiation frequency is 12 GHz.

[0027] Fig.13 for Figure 6 The radiation pattern diagram of the radiation unit measured at the signal transmitting end when the radiation frequency is 14 GHz is shown.

[0028] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a first feeding layer provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of a second feeding layer provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of a cavity layer provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of a ground layer provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Fig.18This is a schematic diagram of a first dielectric layer and a first radiator provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Fig.19 This is a schematic diagram of a second dielectric layer and a second radiator provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Fig. 20 This is an S parameter curve diagram of a radiation unit provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Fig.21 An antenna gain curve diagram of a radiation unit provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Fig. 22 for Fig.14 Radiation pattern when the first feeding line in is fed with a signal and the operating frequency is 12 GHz.

[0037] Fig.23 for Fig.15 Radiation pattern when the second feeding line in is fed with a signal and the operating frequency is 12 GHz.

[0038] Fig.24 for Fig.14 Radiation field pattern when the first feeding line in is fed with a signal and the operating frequency is 14 GHz.

[0039] Fig.25 for Fig.15 Radiation pattern when the second feeding line in is fed with a signal and the operating frequency is 14 GHz.

[0040] Fig.26 This is a structural block diagram of a radio frequency module provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Fig. 27 A structural block diagram of an electronic device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Main component symbols

[0043] Antenna array 10 Radiating elements 11, 11a The first radiation module 110

[0044] The first radiation layer 111

[0045] First radiators 1111, 1111c First dielectric layer 112, 112c Protective layer 120

[0046] Protection chamber 121

[0047] Feed module 130

[0048] Coupling layer 131

[0049] Coupling slot 1311

[0050] The first dielectric body 132

[0051] The first feeding layers 133, 133b

[0052] First feeding lines 1331, 1331b First receiving grooves 1332, 1332b Signal transmitter TX

[0053] Signal receiving end RX

[0054] The first signal feeding terminal F1

[0055] The second signal feeding terminal F2

[0056] Second dielectric body 134

[0057] The second feeding layer 135, 135b Second feeding lines 1351, 1351b Second receiving grooves 1352, 1352b

[0058] The third medium body 136 Cavity layers 137, 137b Through cavity 1371

[0059] Fourth medium 138 Ground layer 139, 139b The second radiation module 140

[0060] The second radiation layer 141

[0061] Second radiators 1411, 1411c Second dielectric layers 142, 142c Cavity 1421, 1421c RF module 100

[0062] Transmitter 150

[0063] Receiver 160

[0064] Electronic device 200 The following specific implementation manner will further illustrate the present invention in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0066] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "electrically connected" to another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an element in the middle. When an element is considered to be "electrically connected" to another element, it may be a contact connection, for example, a wire connection, or a contactless connection, for example, a contactless coupling.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in the specification of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0068] Some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0069] The low-orbit satellite system (LEO) is a large satellite system consisting of multiple low-orbit satellites that can perform real-time information processing. In the related technologies of the low-orbit satellite system, the antenna gain of the antenna used to achieve communication between the ground station and the low-orbit satellite is low and cannot meet the needs of users well, which greatly limits the communication capabilities between the satellite and the ground station or other satellites.

[0070] Based on this, the present application provides an antenna array that can be applied to a ground station to achieve communication with a low-orbit satellite, and the antenna array has a high antenna gain.

[0071] Embodiment 1

[0072] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 The overall schematic diagram of the antenna array 10 provided in the present application. The antenna array 10 includes at least one radiating module and a feeding module arranged in a stacked manner. The radiating module is used to send or receive signals, and the feeding module is used to provide feeding for the radiating module. It can be understood that at least one radiating module and a feeding module form an antenna array 10 including a plurality of radiating units 11. In the following embodiments, the structural schematic diagram of a radiating unit 11 in the antenna array 10 is taken as an example to illustrate the specific structure of the antenna array 10.

[0073] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of one of the radiation units 11 in the antenna array 10 provided in one embodiment of the present application. In the antenna array 10 provided in this embodiment, at least one radiation module includes a first radiation module 110. Please continue to refer to Figure 3 , wherein the first radiation module 110 includes a first radiation layer 111 and a first dielectric layer 112 which are stacked. The first radiation layer 111 includes a plurality of first radiators 1111, each of which is used to radiate a signal. In some embodiments, the first radiation layer 111 may be a printed circuit board, or a plate made of a ceramic material or a plastic material. The first radiator 1111 may be a metal coating formed on the first radiation layer 111 or a sheet made of other conductive materials. The first radiator 1111 is formed on the surface of the first radiation layer 111 away from the first dielectric layer 112. The first dielectric layer 112 is made of a non-conductive material. For example, in some embodiments, the first dielectric layer 112 may be made of a material having a dielectric coefficient of about 2.4, specifically, may be made of a ceramic material or a plastic material. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first radiator 1111 is a copper sheet that is roughly circular. The first radiation layer 111 and the first dielectric layer 112 are both roughly square. The areas of the first radiation layer 111 and the first dielectric layer 112 are both larger than the area of ​​the first radiator 1111 .

[0074] Please also read Figure 3 and Figure 4, the antenna array 10 also includes a feeding module 130. The feeding module 130 is arranged on a side of the first radiation module 110 close to the first dielectric layer 112. The feeding module 130 includes a first feeding layer 133 and a second feeding layer 135 which are stacked. The first feeding layer 133 is provided with a plurality of first feeding lines 1331. The second feeding layer 135 is provided with a plurality of second feeding lines 1351. The first feeding lines 1331 and the second feeding lines 1351 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence to form a plurality of feeding line units. The feeding line units correspond one-to-one to the first radiators 1111 on the first radiation layer 111, and are used to feed the corresponding first radiators 1111. In one embodiment of the present application, the one-to-one corresponding arrangement means that, in the projection along the Z-axis direction of the antenna array, the projection areas of the two structures arranged in a one-to-one correspondence at least partially overlap. In this way, the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, that is, in the projection along the Z-axis direction of the antenna array 10, the projection area of ​​the first feed line 1331 and the projection area of ​​the second feed line 1351 at least partially overlap with each other. For example, in the projection along the Z-axis direction of the antenna array 10, the projection area of ​​the first feed line 1331 and the projection area of ​​the second feed line 1351 completely overlap, or the projection area of ​​the first feed line 1331 and the projection area of ​​the second feed line 1351 partially overlap with each other. In an embodiment of the present application, the projection area of ​​the first feed line 1331 and the projection area of ​​the second feed line 1351 partially overlap with each other, but not completely overlap, so as to generate polarized waves in two different directions, in particular, horizontally polarized waves and vertically polarized waves.

[0075] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the feeding module 130 further includes a coupling layer 131 , a first dielectric body 132 , a second dielectric body 134 , a third dielectric body 136 , a cavity layer 137 , a fourth dielectric body 138 and a ground layer 139 .

[0076] Specifically, the coupling layer 131 is disposed near the first dielectric layer 112 of the first radiation module 110, and is specifically disposed on a side of the first dielectric layer 112 away from the first radiation layer 111. The coupling layer 131 is used to couple the current signal flowing through the feed line unit to the first radiation module 110. In some embodiments, the coupling layer 131 is provided with a plurality of coupling slots 1311 (see Figure 4). Each coupling slot 1311 is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the feed line unit. In the present embodiment, the shape of the coupling slot 1311 may be the same as or different from the projection shape of the feed line unit in the Z-axis direction of the antenna array, but it must be long and narrow to achieve the coupling effect, for example, an elliptical shape. In this way, the coupling layer 131 couples the current signal flowing through the feed line unit to the first radiation module 110 through the coupling slot 1311. In other embodiments, the coupling layer 131 may also be replaced by a first coupling layer and a second coupling layer (not shown in the figure), and a first coupling slot corresponding to the first feed line 1331 is provided on the first coupling layer, and a second coupling slot corresponding to the second feed line 1351 is provided on the second coupling layer. In this way, the current signal flowing through the feed line unit can also be coupled to the first radiation module 110 through the design of the first coupling layer and the second coupling layer.

[0077] The first dielectric body 132 (see Figure 3 ) is disposed on a side of the coupling layer 131 away from the first dielectric layer 112 .

[0078] The first feeding layer 133 is disposed on a side of the first dielectric body 132 away from the coupling layer 131. The first feeding layer 133 is provided with a plurality of first receiving grooves 1332 (see Figure 4 ), and the first receiving slot 1332 penetrates the first feeding layer 133. Each first feeding line 1331 is disposed in the corresponding first receiving slot 1332.

[0079] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the feeding module 130 further includes a plurality of phase couplers 1333. The phase couplers 1333 are used to realize the connection between the antenna array 10 and the signal transceiver (see Fig.25, including signal transmission between the transmitter 150 and the receiver 160). The phase coupler 1333 can be arranged in the first feeding layer 133 or the second feeding layer 135. In the present embodiment, the phase coupler 1333 is arranged in the first receiving groove 1332 of the first feeding layer 133. Specifically, the first feeding line 1331 is a microstrip line that is roughly in the shape of an elongated strip. The phase coupler 1333 is a metal ring that is roughly in the shape of a square ring. The first receiving groove 1332 includes a square groove and a circular groove that are interconnected. The phase coupler 1333 is arranged in the square groove of the first receiving groove 1332, and the first feeding line 1331 is arranged in the circular groove of the first receiving groove 1332. The phase coupler 1333 includes a signal receiving end RX, a signal transmitting end TX, a first signal feeding end F1 and a second signal feeding end F2. Wherein, the signal receiving end RX and the signal transmitting end TX are arranged on one side of the phase coupler 1333, and the first signal feeding end F1 and the second signal feeding end F2 are arranged on the other side of the phase coupler 1333 away from the signal receiving end RX and the signal transmitting end TX. Each phase coupler 1333 is used to be connected to the corresponding first feeding line 1331 and the second feeding line 1351 to output the first feeding signal to the first feeding line 1331, and output the second feeding signal to the second feeding line 1351. Wherein, the phases of the first feeding signal and the second feeding signal can be the same or different. For example, in this embodiment, the phases of the first feeding signal and the second feeding signal can differ by 90° or -90°. In this way, a circularly polarized wave can be excited in the radiation unit 11. The signal receiving end RX is used to be connected to the receiver 160 in the signal transceiver, and the signal transmitting end TX is used to be connected to the transmitter 150 in the signal transceiver.

[0080] The second dielectric body 134 is disposed on a side of the first feeding layer 133 away from the first dielectric body 132 .

[0081] The second feeding layer 135 is disposed on a side of the second dielectric body 134 away from the first feeding layer 133. The second feeding layer 135 is provided with a plurality of second receiving grooves 1352, and the second receiving grooves 1352 penetrate the second feeding layer 135. The second receiving grooves 1352 are disposed corresponding to the first receiving grooves 1332. Each second feeding line 1351 is disposed in a corresponding second receiving groove 1352. In this way, each first feeding line 1331 and the corresponding second feeding line 1351 are disposed corresponding to each other to form a feeding line unit. In this embodiment, the second feeding line 1351 is also a microstrip line that is roughly in the shape of an elongated strip. The second receiving groove 1352 is roughly in the shape of a circle. The first feeding line 1331 in the extension direction of the first feeding layer 133 and the corresponding second feeding line 1351 in the extension direction of the second feeding layer 135 do not completely overlap. And the first feed line 1331 is used to generate a first polarized wave, and the second feed line 1351 is used to generate a second polarized wave. For example, in the present embodiment, in the Z-axis projection direction of the antenna array 10, the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 are staggered at an angle. In addition, when the phase difference between the first feed signal and the second feed signal is 90°, the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 can jointly excite a dual circular polarization signal, which is beneficial for communicating with a low-orbit satellite. Furthermore, when the radiation pattern of the signal transmitted by the signal receiving end RX and the radiation pattern of the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting end TX are circular polarization patterns that are opposite to each other, the antenna array 10 can also realize simultaneous signal reception and transmission based on dual circular polarization waves through different radiation units 11.

[0082] The third dielectric body 136 is disposed on a side of the second feeding layer 135 away from the second dielectric body 134 .

[0083] The cavity layer 137 is disposed on a side of the third dielectric body 136 away from the second feeding layer 135. The cavity layer 137 is provided with a plurality of through cavities 1371 (see Figure 4 The through cavity 1371 penetrates the cavity layer 137, and the through cavity 1371 is arranged one-to-one with the feed line unit. The projection area of ​​the through cavity 1371 along the Z-axis of the antenna array 10 covers the projection area of ​​the corresponding feed line unit (i.e., the projection area of ​​the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351).

[0084] The fourth dielectric body 138 is disposed on a side of the cavity layer 137 away from the third dielectric body 136 .

[0085] The grounding layer 139 is disposed on the side of the fourth dielectric body 138 away from the cavity layer 137. It is understandable that the grounding layer 139 can be a metal coating disposed on a printed circuit board. And the metal coating can be disposed on the side of the grounding layer 139 away from the fourth dielectric body 138. In this embodiment, the coupling layer 131, the first dielectric body 132, the first feeding layer 133, the second dielectric body 134, the second feeding layer 135, the third dielectric body 136, the cavity layer 137, the fourth dielectric body 138 and the grounding layer 139 are all provided with through holes 1312 ( Figure 3 Only the through hole 1312 on the coupling layer 131 is marked. Figure 3 As shown, the remaining layers of the feeding module 130 are also provided with through holes, but are not numbered), and the through holes 1312 of each layer on the feeding module 130 are connected in sequence, and finally connected to the metal coating on the grounding layer 139, thereby being grounded.

[0086] See also Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first feeding line 1331 is connected to the first signal feeding end F1 of the phase coupler 1333 through a metal connector. The second feeding line 1351 is connected to the second signal feeding end F2 of the phase coupler 1333 through a through hole. The first feeding layer 133, the second dielectric body 134, the second feeding layer 135, the third dielectric body 136, the cavity layer 137, the fourth dielectric body 138 and the ground layer 139 are all provided with a first connection hole 1334 and a second connection hole 1335 ( Figure 4 Only the first connection hole 1334 and the second connection hole 1335 on the first feeding layer 133 are marked. Figure 4 As shown, the second dielectric body 134, the second feeding layer 135, the third dielectric body 136, the cavity layer 137, the fourth dielectric body 138 and the ground layer 139 are also provided with first connection holes 1334 and second connection holes 1335, but they are not numbered). In this way, the signal receiving end RX and the signal transmitting end TX of the phase coupler 1333 pass through the first feeding layer 133, the second dielectric body 134, the second feeding layer 135, the third dielectric body 136, the cavity layer 137, the fourth dielectric body 138 and the ground layer 139 through the first connection hole 1334 and the second connection hole 1335 respectively, so as to connect with the transmitter 150 and the receiver 160 in the signal transceiver (see Fig.25 In other embodiments, the through hole 1312, the first connection hole 1334 and the second connection hole 1335 may also be replaced with a feeding probe, and the present application does not limit the manner in which the antenna array 10 is electrically connected in the multi-layer structure.

[0087] It is understandable that the antenna array 10 is also connected to a phase adjustment module (not shown in the figure). The phase adjustment module is used to adjust the phase of the transmission signal and the reception signal of the antenna array 10, so as to achieve efficient communication between the device where the antenna array 10 is located and the low-orbit satellite through beamforming technology. For example, the phase adjustment module may include a control unit, a combiner, an attenuator, a power amplifier, a low-noise amplifier, etc., and the present application does not limit the specific circuit structure of the phase adjustment module.

[0088] In this embodiment, the working principle of the antenna array 10 is roughly as follows:

[0089] when Figure 2 When the radiation unit 11 shown is used to transmit a signal, the transmitter 150 in the signal transceiver feeds the radio frequency signal to the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 through the signal transmitting terminal TX. Since the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 are perpendicular to each other, the current path flowing through the first feed line 1331 and the current path flowing through the second feed line 1351 are orthogonal to each other. After the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 receive the feed signal through the first signal feed terminal F1 and the second signal feed terminal F2 respectively, in the Z-axis projection direction of the antenna array 10, the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 are staggered at an angle, so that the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 can generate a first polarized wave and a second polarized wave respectively, especially for generating a horizontal polarized wave and a vertical polarized wave. In addition, through the phase coupler 1333, the first polarized wave generated by the first feeding line 1331 and the second polarized wave generated by the second feeding line 1351 are simultaneously coupled and fed to the first radiator 1111 through the coupling slot 1311 on the coupling layer 131, so that the first radiator 1111 emits a left-hand circularly polarized wave or a right-hand circularly polarized wave. In some embodiments, the operating frequency band of the antenna array 10 when transmitting signals can be 14 GHz-14.5 GHz.

[0090] when Figure 2When the radiation unit 11 shown is used to receive a signal, the receiver 160 in the signal transceiver feeds the RF signal to the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 through the signal receiving terminal RX. Since the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 are perpendicular to each other, the current path flowing through the first feed line 1331 and the current path flowing through the second feed line 1351 are orthogonal to each other. In the Z-axis projection direction of the antenna array 10, the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 are staggered at an angle, so that the first feed line 1331 and the second feed line 1351 can generate the first polarized wave and the second polarized wave respectively after receiving the feed signal through the first signal feed terminal F1 and the second signal feed terminal F2 respectively. Furthermore, since the radiation pattern of the signal transmitted by the signal receiving end RX of the phase coupler 1333 and the radiation pattern of the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting end TX are opposite circular polarization patterns, the first polarized wave generated by the first feeding line 1331 and the second polarized wave generated by the second feeding line 1351 are simultaneously coupled and fed to the first radiator 1111 through the coupling slot 1311 on the coupling layer 131, so that the first radiator 1111 emits a left-hand circularly polarized wave or a right-hand circularly polarized wave to receive the antenna signal. In some embodiments, the operating frequency band of the antenna array 10 for receiving signals can be 10.7 GHz-12.5 GHz.

[0091] In some embodiments, the radiation pattern of the signal transmitted by the signal receiving end RX of the phase coupler 1333 and the radiation pattern of the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting end TX are opposite circular polarization patterns, that is, the radiation unit 11 can transmit one of the left-hand circular polarization wave or the right-hand circular polarization wave when transmitting a signal, and the radiation unit 11 can transmit the other of the left-hand circular polarization wave or the right-hand circular polarization wave when receiving a signal. In other embodiments, a radio frequency switching switch can be set to control the radiation unit 11 to transmit a left-hand circular polarization wave or a right-hand circular polarization wave when receiving a signal, and to control the radiation unit 11 to transmit a left-hand circular polarization wave or a right-hand circular polarization wave when transmitting a signal.

[0092] It can be understood that since the antenna array 10 includes multiple radiating units 11 (for example, 1024 radiating units 11), in some embodiments, the phase adjustment module can control some of the radiating units 11 in the antenna array 10 to transmit signals, and at the same time control other radiating units 11 in the antenna array 10 to receive signals. In this way, the antenna array 10 can simultaneously receive and transmit signals with low-orbit satellites, thereby improving the communication efficiency with low-orbit satellites.

[0093] It can be understood that in each radiating unit 11 of the antenna array 10, the projection area of ​​the first radiator 1111 in the Z-axis direction of the antenna array 10 completely covers the projection area of ​​the coupling slot 1311 in the Z-axis direction of the antenna array 10. In this way, the energy of the first feeding line 1331 and the second feeding line 1351 can be coupled to the first radiator 1111 as much as possible.

[0094] Further, in the present application, the cavity layer 137 is disposed between the second feed layer 135 and the ground layer 139, and is used to increase the antenna height of the antenna array 10, thereby increasing the antenna gain of the antenna array 10. The first dielectric body 132, the second dielectric body 134, the third dielectric body 136, and the fourth dielectric body 138 are used to provide support, increase the antenna height of the antenna array 10, and further increase the antenna gain. It can be understood that the first dielectric body 132, the second dielectric body 134, the third dielectric body 136, and the fourth dielectric body 138 can also be made of a material with a dielectric material coefficient of about 2.4.

[0095] Please refer again Figure 3 In some embodiments, the antenna array 10 further includes a protective layer 120. The protective layer 120 is disposed on a side of the first radiation layer 111 away from the first dielectric layer 112, and is used to protect the antenna array 10 from the influence of the sun, rain, and dust, so as to improve the working stability of the antenna array 10. In this embodiment, the protective layer 120 is further provided with a protective cavity 121 corresponding to the first radiator 1111. For example, the protective cavity 121 may be formed by a side of the protective layer 120 close to the first radiator 1111 being recessed inwardly, and the protective cavity may be substantially cylindrical. In this way, the weight of the antenna array 10 may be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, in the antenna array 10, the first radiation layer 111, the first dielectric layer 112, the second radiation layer 141, the second dielectric layer 142, the first dielectric body 132, the second dielectric body 134, the third dielectric body 136 and the fourth dielectric body 138 may also have through holes at positions not corresponding to the first radiator 1111, so that the weight of the antenna array 10 can be further reduced.

[0097] It is understandable that in the antenna array 10, every two adjacent layers of structures may be connected by an adhesive. The present application does not limit the specific type of the adhesive.

[0098] Please continue reading Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 2The S parameter curve of the radiation unit 11 is shown in FIG. Wherein, curve S51 represents the S11 value of the signal receiving end RX when the radiation unit 11 is used to receive signals; curve S52 represents the S12 value between the signal receiving end RX and the signal transmitting end TX; curve S53 represents the S11 value of the signal transmitting end TX when the radiation unit 11 is used to transmit signals. Figure 5 It can be seen that the radiation unit 11 has a good reflection coefficient when transmitting or receiving signals, and there is a good isolation between the signal receiving end RX and the signal transmitting end TX of the radiation unit 11.

[0099] In summary, the antenna array 10 provided in the present application includes a first radiation module 110 and a feeding module 130. The first radiation module 110 includes a first radiation layer 111 and a first dielectric layer 112 which are stacked, and a plurality of first radiators 1111 are arranged on the first radiation layer 111. In this way, the first dielectric layer 112 can concentrate the antenna beam of each first radiator 1111, thereby improving the antenna gain of the antenna array 10. The feeding module 130 includes a first feeding layer 133 and a second feeding layer 135, and the first feeding layer 133 is provided with a first feeding line 1331, and the second feeding layer 135 is provided with a second feeding line 1351. The first feeding line 1331 and the second feeding line 1351 are arranged one-to-one to form a plurality of feeding line units, and each feeding line unit corresponds one-to-one to the first radiator 1111. In this way, the first feeding line 1331 and the second feeding line 1351 can respectively generate different polarized waves, so that the first radiator 1111 can simultaneously receive and transmit signals in two different polarization states, so that the system capacity of the antenna array 10 can be improved, the interference of the antenna array 10 can be reduced, the signal quality can be enhanced, and the coverage range of the antenna array 10 can be improved.

[0100] Embodiment 2

[0101] Please also read Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Embodiment 2 of the present application also provides another structure of a radiation unit 11a. The structure of the radiation unit 11a provided in Embodiment 2 is substantially the same as the structure of the radiation unit 11 provided in Embodiment 1, except that at least one radiation module in Embodiment 2 includes two radiation modules. And the radiation layer of one radiation module is arranged close to the dielectric layer of another radiation module. The radiators of the two radiation layers are arranged one by one, and the two corresponding radiators receive the feeding signal provided by the same feed line unit.

[0102] For example, the antenna array 10 also includes a second radiation module 140. The second radiation module 140 includes a second radiation layer 141 and a second dielectric layer 142 which are stacked. The second radiation layer 141 includes a plurality of second radiators 1411. Among them, the first radiation layer 111 of the first radiation module 110 is arranged close to the second dielectric layer 142 of the second radiation module 140. And the plurality of second radiators 1411 are arranged one-to-one with the plurality of first radiators 1111. In this way, the first radiators 1111 and the second radiators 1411 which correspond to each other can receive the feeding signal coupled with the feeding line unit corresponding to the first radiator 1111. That is to say, after the feeding line unit corresponding to the first radiator 1111 couples energy to the first radiator 1111, the first radiator 1111 continues to couple energy to the second radiator 1411 to realize signal transmission or reception of the antenna array 10. In this embodiment, the first radiation layer 111 may be a printed circuit board, and the second radiator 1411 may be a substantially circular metal sheet or metal coating formed on the first radiation layer 111 .

[0103] Furthermore, the second dielectric layer 142 is also provided with a plurality of cavities 1421. Each cavity 1421 penetrates the second dielectric layer 142. The diameter of the cavity 1421 may be equal to the diameter of the corresponding protective cavity 121, and the edge of the cavity 1421 is aligned with the edge of the protective cavity 121. And each cavity 1421 is respectively provided in one-to-one correspondence with the two radiators on both sides (i.e., the first radiator 1111 and the second radiator 1411). Specifically, the line formed by the centers of the cavity 1421, the first radiator 1111 and the second radiator 1411 is parallel to the Z axis. Moreover, the projection area of ​​the second radiator 1411 in the Z axis direction of the antenna array 10 is greater than the projection area of ​​the first radiator 1111 in the Z axis direction of the antenna array 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the antenna height is further increased by the first dielectric layer 112 and the second dielectric layer 142, thereby increasing the antenna gain; and the second radiator 1411 is arranged to cover the first radiator 1111, so that the energy coupled from the first radiator 1111 to the second radiator 1411 is more concentrated, thereby increasing the directivity of the energy beam of the antenna array 10.

[0104] It is understandable that the second dielectric layer 142 may also be made of plastic or ceramic materials.

[0105] It is understandable that the present application does not limit the specific shapes of the first radiator 1111 and the second radiator 1411. For example, see Figure 8In other embodiments, the shape of the first radiator 1111 may also be a rectangle. In other embodiments, the shapes of the first radiator 1111 and the second radiator 1411 may also be other polygonal or irregular shapes, and the shapes of the first radiator 1111 and the second radiator 1411 may be the same or different. It is sufficient that the projection area of ​​the first radiator 1111 in the Z-axis direction of the antenna array 10 can cover the projection area of ​​the coupling slot 1311, and the projection area of ​​the second radiator 1411 in the Z-axis direction of the antenna array 10 can cover the projection area of ​​the first radiator 1111.

[0106] It can be understood that the working principle of the antenna array 10 provided in Example 2 is roughly the same as the principle of the antenna array provided in Example 1. The difference is that after the feed line unit couples energy to the first radiator 1111 through the coupling slot 1311 of the coupling layer 131, the first radiator 1111 continues to couple energy to the second radiator 1411 to emit left-handed polarized waves or right-handed polarized waves through the second radiator 1411, thereby realizing communication between the antenna array 10 and the low-orbit satellite.

[0107] Please continue reading Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 for Figure 6 The S parameter curve of the radiation unit 11a is shown in FIG. Wherein, curve S91 represents the S11 value of the signal receiving end RX when the radiation unit 11a is used to receive signals; curve S92 represents the S12 value between the signal receiving end RX and the signal transmitting end TX; curve S93 represents the S11 value of the signal transmitting end TX when the radiation unit 11a is used to transmit signals. Fig. 9 It can be seen that the radiation unit 11 a has a good reflection coefficient when transmitting or receiving signals, and there is a good isolation between the signal receiving end RX and the signal transmitting end TX of the radiation unit 11 a.

[0108] See also Fig.10 , Fig.10 for Figure 6 The antenna gain curve of the radiation unit 11a is shown in FIG. Wherein, curve S101 represents the gain value of the signal transmitting end TX when the radiation unit 11a is used to transmit a signal; curve S102 represents the gain value of the signal receiving end RX when the radiation unit 11a is used to receive a signal. Fig.10 It can be seen that the radiation unit 11a has a relatively high antenna gain and meets the antenna working requirements.

[0109] See also Fig.11 , Fig.11 for Figure 6The axial ratio diagram of the radiation unit 11a is shown. Among them, the curve S111 represents the axial ratio of the signal transmitting end TX when the radiation unit 11a is used to transmit signals; the curve S112 represents the axial ratio of the signal receiving end RX when the radiation unit 11a is used to receive signals. Fig.11 It can be seen that the axial ratio of the signal transmitting end TX at 14GHz-14.5GHz is less than 2, and the axial ratio of the signal receiving end RX at 10.7GHz-12.5GHz is less than 1. The circular polarization purity of the dual circularly polarized wave generated by the radiating unit 11a is high, which is suitable for application in the field of satellite communications.

[0110] See also Fig.12 and Fig.13 , Fig.12 for Figure 6 The radiation pattern of the radiation unit 11a shown is measured by the signal receiving end RX when the radiation frequency is 12 GHz. Curve S121 is the horizontal radiation pattern measured by the signal receiving end RX when the radiation frequency is 12 GHz; curve S122 is the vertical radiation pattern measured by the signal receiving end RX when the radiation frequency is 12 GHz. Fig.13 for Figure 6 The radiation pattern of the radiation unit 11a shown is measured by the signal transmitting end TX when the radiation frequency is 14 GHz. Curve S131 is the horizontal radiation pattern measured by the signal transmitting end TX when the radiation frequency is 14 GHz; Curve S132 is the vertical radiation pattern measured by the signal transmitting end TX when the radiation frequency is 14 GHz. Fig.12 and Fig.13 It can be seen that the radiation unit 11a has a better radiation coverage and antenna gain, meeting the antenna working requirements.

[0111] Embodiment 3

[0112] Embodiment 3 further provides another radiation unit. The structure of the radiation unit provided in Embodiment 3 is substantially the same as that of the radiation unit provided in Embodiment 2, except that the feeding module of the radiation unit in Embodiment 3 is not provided with a phase coupler 1333, and the structure of the second radiation module in Embodiment 3 is different from that of the second radiation module in Embodiment 2.

[0113] For details, please refer to Figures 14 to 17 In the radiation unit provided in the third embodiment, the feeding module includes a first feeding layer 133b, a second feeding layer 135b, a cavity layer 137b and a ground layer 139b. It can be understood that in the radiation unit provided in the third embodiment, the feeding module also includes a coupling layer 131, a first dielectric body 132, a second dielectric body 134, a third dielectric body 136 and a fourth dielectric body 138, and the arrangement of the coupling layer 131, the first dielectric body 132, the second dielectric body 134, the third dielectric body 136 and the fourth dielectric body 138 is the same as Figure 7 The configuration shown is substantially the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0114] The first feeding layer 133b is provided with a first receiving groove 1332b which is approximately circular. The first feeding line 1331b is disposed in the first receiving groove 1332b. The second feeding layer 135b is provided with a second receiving groove 1352b which is approximately circular. The second feeding line 1351b is disposed in the second receiving groove 1352b. The first feeding line 1331b in the extension direction of the plane where the first feeding layer 133 is located does not completely overlap with the second feeding line 1351b in the extension direction of the plane where the second feeding layer 135b is located. In this embodiment, the first feeding line 1331b and the second feeding line 1351b are not completely overlapped. Figure 7 The shape of the first feeding line 1331 is substantially the same as that of the second feeding line 1351b. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the first feeding line 1331b extends in the plane where the first feeding layer 133 is located, and the second feeding line 1351b extends in the plane where the second feeding layer 135b is located, which is perpendicular to each other.

[0115] The structure and location of the cavity layer 137b and the ground layer 139b are similar to Figure 7 The structures and the positions of the cavity layer 137 and the ground layer 139 shown are substantially the same, except that the cavity layer 137b is provided with a first connection hole 1334b and a second connection hole 1335b corresponding to the first signal feeding end F1 of the first feeding line 1331b and the second signal feeding end F2 of the second feeding line 1351b, respectively. The ground layer 139b is also provided with a first connection hole 1334b and a second connection hole 1335b corresponding to the first signal feeding end F1 of the first feeding line 1331b and the second signal feeding end F2 of the second feeding line 1351b, respectively. It can be understood that the first connection hole 1334b and the second connection hole 1335b are also provided on the second dielectric body 134, the second feeding layer 135b, the third dielectric body 136 and the fourth dielectric body 138 of the third embodiment. Thus, the first signal feeding end F1 of the first feeding line 1331b is connected to one of the transmitter 150 and the receiver 160 of the signal transceiver through the first connecting hole 1334b passing through the through hole of the second dielectric body 134, the second feeding layer 135b, the third dielectric body 136, the cavity layer 137b, the fourth dielectric body 138 and the ground layer 139b. The second signal feeding end F2 of the second feeding line 1351b is connected to the other of the transmitter 150 and the receiver 160 of the signal transceiver through the through hole passing through the third dielectric body 136, the cavity layer 137b, the fourth dielectric body 138 and the ground layer 139b.

[0116] Please continue reading Figure 18 to Figure 19The radiation unit provided in the third embodiment also includes two radiation modules, and the structures of the two radiation modules are similar to Figure 7 The structures of the two radiation modules (including the first radiation module 110 and the second radiation module 140) shown are substantially the same, except that the radiation unit provided in the present application only includes the first dielectric layer 112c, the first radiator 1111c, the second dielectric layer 142 and the second radiator 1411. In other words, the radiation unit provided in the third embodiment does not have a printed circuit board redundant with the first radiation layer 111 and the second radiation layer 141. In the present embodiment, the second dielectric layer 142c also has a plurality of cavities 1421c corresponding to the second radiator 1411c.

[0117] In this embodiment, after receiving the feed signal, the first feed line 1331b and the second feed line 1351b are used to generate the first polarized wave and the second polarized wave, respectively. And the first polarized wave and the second polarized wave are perpendicular to each other. In this way, the first polarized wave and the second polarized wave generated by the first feed line 1331b and the second feed line 1351b are fed into the first radiator 1111c through the coupling layer 131, and continue to be fed into the second radiator 1411c through the first radiator 1111c, so that the second radiator 1411c can excite two mutually perpendicular polarized electromagnetic waves. In this way, the radiation unit provided in Example 3 can form a dual-polarized antenna. It can be understood that a dual-polarized antenna is an antenna that can simultaneously receive and transmit signals in two different polarization states. The dual-polarized antenna can transmit two orthogonal polarizations (i.e., mutually perpendicular polarizations) signals in the same frequency band, usually horizontal polarization and vertical polarization. In this way, an antenna array including several radiation units as provided in the third embodiment can increase system capacity, reduce interference, enhance signal quality and improve coverage.

[0118] It can be understood that the first feeding line 1331b can be connected to the transmitter 150 or the receiver 160; the second feeding line 1351b can be connected to the transmitter 150 or the receiver 160. The above-mentioned connection methods can feed signals to the first feeding line 1331b and the second feeding line 1351b.

[0119] See also Fig. 20 , Fig. 20 The S parameter curve of the radiation unit provided in the third embodiment. Curve S201 is the S11 value when the first feeding line 1331b is fed with a signal, curves S202 and S203 are the isolation curves between the first feeding line 1331b and the second feeding line 1351b when both the first feeding line 1331b and the second feeding line 1351b are fed with signals; curve S204 is the S11 value when the second feeding line 1351b is fed with a signal. Fig. 20It can be seen that the radiation units provided in the third embodiment all have good reflection coefficients, and there is good isolation between the first feeding line 1331b and the second feeding line 1351b.

[0120] See also Fig.21 , Fig.21 The antenna gain curve diagram of the radiation unit provided in the third embodiment. Curve S211 is the gain value when the first feeding line 1331b feeds a signal; curve S212 is the gain value when the second feeding line 1351b feeds a signal. Fig.21 It can be seen that the radiation unit provided in this embodiment has a relatively high antenna gain and meets the antenna working requirements.

[0121] Please also read Figure 22 to Figure 25 ,in, Fig. 22 The radiation pattern diagram when the first feeding line 1331b feeds a signal and the operating frequency is 12 GHz; Fig.23 The radiation pattern diagram when the second feeding line 1351b feeds a signal and the operating frequency is 12 GHz; Fig.24 The radiation pattern diagram when the first feeding line 1331b feeds a signal and the operating frequency is 14 GHz; Fig.25 is the radiation pattern diagram when the second feeding line 1351b feeds a signal and the operating frequency is 14 GHz. Figure 22 to Figure 25 It can be seen that the radiation unit provided in this embodiment has a better radiation coverage and antenna gain, and meets the antenna working requirements.

[0122] Please continue reading Fig.26 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a radio frequency module 100. The radio frequency module 100 includes an antenna array 10, a transmitter 150 and a receiver 160. It can be understood that the transmitter 150 and the receiver 160 constitute a signal transceiver for providing a feed signal for the first feed line 1331 (1331a / 1331b) and the second feed line 1351 (1351a / 1351b) in the antenna array 10.

[0123] The antenna array 10 is not limited to the antenna array 10 mentioned in the first embodiment, and may also be an antenna array composed of the radiation units provided in the second embodiment or the third embodiment. Thus, the radio frequency module 100 provided in the present application can realize communication between a device equipped with the radio frequency module 100 and a low-orbit satellite by setting the antenna array 10.

[0124] Please continue reading Fig. 27 The present application also provides an electronic device 200, including: Fig.26The radio frequency module 100 is shown. The electronic device 200 can communicate with a low-orbit satellite by setting the radio frequency module 100. The electronic device 200 can be an electronic device such as a ground station or a mobile vehicle that needs to communicate with a low-orbit satellite.

[0125] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention is described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical solution of the present invention can be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may also make other changes within the spirit of the present invention and apply them to the design of the present invention, as long as they do not deviate from the technical effects of the present invention. These changes made according to the spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna array, characterized in that: include: At least one radiation module, the radiation module comprising a radiation layer and a dielectric layer stacked together, wherein the radiation layer comprises a plurality of radiators, each of the radiators being used to radiate a signal, and the dielectric layer being made of a non-conductive material; A feeding module is arranged on a side of the radiation module close to the dielectric layer, the feeding module comprises a first feeding layer and a second feeding layer which are stacked, the first feeding layer is provided with a plurality of first feeding lines, the second feeding layer is provided with a plurality of second feeding lines, the first feeding lines and the second feeding lines are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence to form a plurality of feeding line units, the feeding line units correspond to the radiators of the radiation layer in a one-to-one manner, and are used to feed the corresponding radiators.

2. The antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that The feeding module further includes a coupling layer disposed close to the radiation module, and the coupling layer is used to couple the current signal flowing through the feeding line unit to the radiation module.

3. The antenna array according to claim 2, characterized in that The coupling layer is provided with a plurality of coupling slots, and the coupling slots are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the feeding line units.

4. The antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one radiation module includes two radiation modules, and the radiation layer of one radiation module is arranged close to the dielectric layer of the other radiation module, the radiators of the two radiation layers are arranged one by one, and the two corresponding radiators receive the feeding signal provided by the same feed line unit.

5. The antenna array according to claim 4, characterized in that: The dielectric layer between the two radiation layers is further provided with a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities penetrates through the dielectric layer, and each of the cavities is respectively provided in one-to-one correspondence with the two radiators on both sides.

6. The antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first feeding layer is provided with a first accommodating groove, and the first accommodating groove penetrates the first feeding layer; the second feeding layer is provided with a second accommodating groove, and the second accommodating groove penetrates the second feeding layer; the first feeding line is arranged in the first accommodating groove, and the second feeding line is arranged in the second accommodating groove.

7. The antenna array according to claim 6, characterized in that: An extension direction of the first feeding line in the first feeding layer does not completely overlap with an extension direction of the corresponding second feeding line in the second feeding layer.

8. The antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding module further includes a cavity layer and a ground layer. The cavity layer is arranged between the second feeding layer and the ground layer. The cavity layer is provided with a plurality of through cavities, and the through cavities are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the feeding line units.

9. The antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feed signal includes a first feed signal and a second feed signal. The feed module also includes a plurality of phase couplers. The phase couplers are arranged at the first feed layer or the second feed layer. Each of the phase couplers is connected to the corresponding first feed line and the second feed line. The phase coupler is used to output the first feed signal to the first feed line. The phase coupler is also used to output the second feed signal to the second feed line.

10. The antenna array according to claim 9, characterized in that: The phase coupler is also used to connect a transmitter and a receiver.

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