Antenna, transmitting module and link system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an antenna, a transmitting module and a link system, and relates to but is not limited to the technical field of communication. The waveguide is connected with the feed source interface; the multiple metasurface antenna units are arranged on the waveguide, one metasurface antenna unit corresponds to one frequency band, and the multiple metasurface antenna units are periodically arranged in a staggered mode; and the programmable controller is connected with the metasurface antenna unit. According to the embodiment of the invention, the antenna is provided with a plurality of metasurface antenna units with different frequency bands, and the metasurface antenna units are periodically arranged in a staggered manner, so that the multi-frequency fusion of the antenna can be realized, and the broadband processing capability is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to an antenna, a transmitting module, and a link system. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the Sub15G centimeter-wave frequency band has the characteristics of high frequency, large bandwidth, and fragmentation, which can provide a reliable platform for the spectrum resource expansion of 6G mobile communications. For the traditional base station architecture, it is necessary to rely on the combination of multi-frequency radio frequency transceiver devices and multi-narrowband radio frequency devices to meet the requirements of large bandwidth and multi-frequency fusion in the Sub15G frequency band. The optoelectronic integrated base station architecture is based on key technologies such as optical carrier analog radio frequency and photodetector direct-driven antennas, which can effectively simplify the system architecture and achieve the goals of ultra-wideband, high energy efficiency, and extreme simplicity of the base station. Among them, the high-power PD (Photo Diode) direct-driven antenna technology needs to overcome problems such as complex control circuits of traditional phased array antennas, redundant radio frequency devices, and high system complexity to optimize the size, weight, and power consumption of the antenna end.

[0003] Currently, the existing high-power PD direct-driven antenna technology uses the method of matching and integrating UTC-PD (Uni Travelling Carrier Photo Diode) with a butterfly array antenna, and vertically injects an optical signal into the flip-chip PD structure through an optical fiber to drive the antenna and radiate energy. However, broadband antennas such as butterfly antennas and log-periodic antennas have relatively low radiation efficiency in narrow bands; although resonant antennas are in a good resonant state within the operating frequency band and have the advantages of small loss and high radiation efficiency, the operating bandwidth of resonant antennas is relatively narrow and the frequency characteristics are average. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide an antenna, a transmitting module, and a link system, aiming to achieve multi-frequency fusion of the antenna, thereby effectively improving the broadband processing ability.

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an antenna, including:

[0006] A feed source interface;

[0007] A waveguide connected to the feed source interface;

[0008] Multiple metasurface antenna units are arranged on the waveguide, where one of the metasurface antenna units corresponds to one frequency band, and the multiple metasurface antenna units are periodically staggered;

[0009] A programmable controller connected to the metasurface antenna units.

[0010] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a transmitting module, which includes a photoelectric conversion module and the antenna of the first aspect above. The photoelectric conversion module is connected to the feed interface of the antenna. The photoelectric conversion module is configured to receive an optical signal, convert the optical signal into a radio frequency signal, and transmit the radio frequency signal to the feed interface.

[0011] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a link system, which includes the transmitting module of the second aspect above.

[0012] According to the antenna, transmitting module, and link system provided by the embodiments of the present application, since the antenna of the embodiments of the present application adopts a design of multiple sets of nested and arranged metasurface units with different resonance frequencies, the multi-frequency fusion of the reconfigurable holographic metasurface antenna is realized, and further, the broadband processing ability can be effectively improved.

[0013] The antenna, transmitting module, and link system provided by the embodiments of the present application. The antenna includes: a feed interface; a waveguide connected to the feed interface; multiple metasurface antenna units disposed in the waveguide, wherein one metasurface antenna unit corresponds to one frequency band, and the multiple metasurface antenna units are periodically staggered; a programmable controller connected to the metasurface antenna units. Since the antenna of the embodiments of the present application has multiple metasurface antenna units with different frequency bands and the multiple metasurface antenna units are periodically staggered, the multi-frequency fusion of the antenna can be realized in the embodiments of the present application, thereby effectively improving the broadband processing ability. Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic layout diagram of the metasurface antenna units in the antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic layout diagram of the metasurface antenna units in a single channel of the antenna for the Sub15G frequency band provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmitting module provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmitting module provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a bias circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 7It is a schematic diagram of the working effect of a transmitting module provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a link system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0022] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application, and are not used to limit the present application.

[0023] It should be noted that although the functional modules are divided in the device schematic diagram and the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order from the module division in the device or the flowchart. The terms "first", "second", etc. in the description, claims and the above drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily need to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0024] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "furthermore", "exemplarily" or "optionally" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations, and should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. The use of words such as "furthermore", "exemplarily" or "optionally" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0025] In the related art, the Sub15G centimeter-wave band has the characteristics of high frequency, large bandwidth and fragmentation, and can provide a reliable platform for the spectrum resource expansion of 6G mobile communication. For the traditional base station architecture, it is necessary to rely on the combination of multi-frequency radio frequency transceiving devices and multi-narrowband radio frequency devices to meet the requirements of large bandwidth and multi-frequency fusion in the Sub15G band. The optoelectronic integrated base station architecture is based on key technologies such as optical carrier analog radio frequency and photodetector direct-drive antennas, which can effectively simplify the system architecture and achieve the goals of ultra-wideband, high energy efficiency and extreme simplification of the base station. Among them, the high-power PD (Photo Diode) direct-drive antenna technology needs to overcome problems such as complex control circuits of traditional phased array antennas, redundant radio frequency devices, and high system complexity to optimize the size, weight and power consumption at the antenna end.

[0026] At present, the existing high-power PD direct-drive antenna technology adopts the method of integrating UTC-PD (Uni Travelling Carrier Photo Diode) with a butterfly array antenna, guiding the optical signal through an optical fiber and vertically injecting it into the flip-chip PD structure, so as to drive the antenna and radiate energy. However, the radiation efficiency of broadband antennas such as butterfly antennas and log-periodic antennas is relatively low in the narrowband; although the resonant antenna is in a good resonant state within the working frequency band and has the advantages of low loss and high radiation efficiency, the working bandwidth of the resonant antenna is narrow and the frequency characteristics are average.

[0027] Based on the above situation, the embodiments of the present application propose an antenna, a transmitting module and a link system, aiming to achieve multi-frequency fusion of the antenna, thereby effectively improving the broadband processing ability.

[0028] The following further elaborates on each embodiment of the antenna of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] In one embodiment, the antenna 100 of the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to a feed interface 110, a waveguide 120, a plurality of metasurface antenna elements 130, and a programmable controller 140. Among them, the waveguide 120 is connected to the feed interface 110; a plurality of metasurface antenna elements 130 are arranged on the waveguide 120, and the plurality of metasurface antenna elements 130 have different frequency bands, that is, one metasurface antenna element 130 corresponds to one frequency band. In addition, the plurality of metasurface antenna elements 130 are periodically staggered; the programmable controller 140 is connected to the metasurface antenna elements 130. Since the antenna of the embodiment of the present application has a plurality of metasurface antenna elements with different frequency bands, and the plurality of metasurface antenna elements are periodically staggered, the embodiment of the present application can achieve multi-frequency fusion of the antenna, thereby effectively improving the broadband processing ability.

[0031] It should be noted that since the plurality of metasurface antenna elements 130 of the embodiment of the present application include a variety of unit structures with different resonant frequencies, the plurality of metasurface antenna elements 130 can exhibit different frequency bands according to the differentiated resonant structures, and the plurality of metasurface antenna elements 130 are periodically staggered along the waveguide 120.

[0032] It should be noted that the feed interface 110 of the embodiment of the present application can convert the received radio frequency signal into an electromagnetic wave signal and make the electromagnetic wave signal propagate along the waveguide 120.

[0033] It should be noted that the programmable controller 140 in the embodiments of the present application can selectively control the leaky wave characteristics of a variety of metasurface antenna elements 130. Therefore, the modulation of the radiation amplitude of electromagnetic wave signals can be achieved.

[0034] It is worth noting that since the antenna in the embodiments of the present application has a variety of metasurface antenna elements with different frequency bands, and the various metasurface antenna elements are arranged periodically and staggered, the multi-frequency fusion of the antenna can be realized in the embodiments of the present application, thereby effectively improving the broadband processing ability.

[0035] In addition, it is worth noting that through the antenna with a variety of metasurface antenna elements with different frequency bands, the operating frequency band and the number of frequency bands of the antenna can be flexibly designed.

[0036] In addition, it should be noted that the arrangement spacing between two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with the same frequency band in the embodiments of the present application is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna element 130.

[0037] It can be understood that when the arrangement spacing between two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with the same frequency band is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna element 130, the coupling effect between the two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with the same frequency band will be enhanced, and the total capacity and data transmission rate of the communication system can be improved without increasing the spectrum resources; in addition, by controlling the arrangement of two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with the same frequency band, beamforming with a specific shape can be achieved; in addition, since the distance between two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with the same frequency band is relatively close, the coupling between the two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with the same frequency band is strong, thereby improving the overall performance of the antenna 100; in addition, when the arrangement spacing between two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with the same frequency band is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna element 130, the anti-interference ability of the system can be improved.

[0038] It should be noted that for two adjacent metasurface antenna elements 130 with different frequency bands, the arrangement spacing corresponding to the previous metasurface antenna element 130 in the embodiments of the present application is less than or equal to the arrangement spacing corresponding to the latter metasurface antenna element 130.

[0039] It can be understood that the arrangement spacing corresponding to the previous metasurface antenna element 130 is less than or equal to the arrangement spacing corresponding to the latter metasurface antenna element 130. By gradually reducing the arrangement spacing, the main lobe of the antenna 100 can be made narrower and the side lobe can be made smaller, thereby improving the directivity of the antenna.

[0040] It should be noted that regarding the above-mentioned arrangement spacing, the arrangement spacing with the smallest value is greater than the size of the metasurface antenna element 130.

[0041] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the minimum arrangement spacing value is greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, which can effectively reduce the mutual interference between adjacent antennas and contribute to improving the system performance and signal quality. Additionally, when the arrangement spacing is less than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, it may cause mutual interference of electromagnetic waves, affecting the performance and efficiency of the metasurface antenna unit 130. Therefore, ensuring that the arrangement spacing is greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130 can avoid the mutual influence between the metasurface antenna units 130. Moreover, when the arrangement spacing is less than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, there may be mutual influence between the arrangement spacing and the metasurface antenna units 130, reducing the radiation efficiency. Therefore, by making the arrangement spacing greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, the metasurface antenna unit 130 can fully exert its radiation efficiency.

[0042] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, according to the requirements of the actual operating frequency band, the programmable controller 140 can selectively drive the metasurface antenna units 130 of a specific frequency band to operate, and keep the metasurface antenna units 130 with mismatched frequency bands in a de-tuned and off state.

[0043] In addition, it should be noted that the above-mentioned metasurface antenna unit 130 includes, but is not limited to, a complementary inductance-capacitance resonator structure loaded with PIN diodes or varactor diodes.

[0044] It can be understood that since the metasurface antenna unit 130 in the embodiments of the present application includes a complementary inductance-capacitance resonator structure loaded with PIN diodes or varactor diodes, therefore, the resonant frequency and radiation efficiency of the metasurface antenna unit 130 can be flexibly set through the design of the resonator geometric structure parameters, and the switching of the leakage characteristics or the leakage amplitude coefficient of the metasurface antenna unit 130 can be adjusted by means of power-on control.

[0045] In addition, it should be noted that the above-mentioned feed interface 110 is provided at the edge, midline or backplane of the antenna 100.

[0046] It can be understood that setting the feed interface 110 at the edge or midline of the antenna 100 can receive and transmit signals more effectively, thereby improving the signal reception quality. Additionally, setting the feed interface 110 at the edge or midline of the antenna 100 can better resist external interference, thereby better maintaining the signal stability in a complex environment. Moreover, setting the feed interface 110 at the backplane of the antenna 100 can be better installed and maintained, reducing the engineering difficulty and cost. In addition, setting the feed interface 110 at the backplane of the antenna 100 can utilize the structural strength of the backplane to improve the structural stability of the entire antenna 100.

[0047] It can be understood that the feed interface 110 of the embodiment of the present application can be disposed at the edge of the antenna 100, can be disposed at the center line of the antenna 100, or can be disposed on the backplane of the antenna 100. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the setting position of the feed interface 110.

[0048] It should be noted that since the feed interface 110 of the embodiment of the present application can be disposed at the edge, center line or backplane of the antenna 100, the setting position of the feed interface 110 can be flexibly adjusted according to actual working requirements, so as to achieve a better signal reception effect.

[0049] Exemplarily, as Figure 2 shown, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the metasurface antenna units in the antenna provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] In one embodiment, ξ different metasurface antenna units 130 of the embodiment of the present application are arranged in a periodic staggered manner, and the arrangement intervals between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band are respectively set to λ1 / A, λ2 / B, ……, λξ / X, and satisfy

[0051]

[0052] where λ1, λ2, ……, λξ are the center operating wavelengths of ξ types of metasurface antenna units respectively, A, B, ……, X are spacing coefficients, and A, B, ……, X ≥ 2, b, ……, x are array coefficients, and b, ……, x ≥ 1.

[0053] It should be noted that the arrangement interval between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band in the embodiment of the present application is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna unit 130.

[0054] It can be understood that when the arrangement interval between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna unit 130, the coupling effect between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band will be enhanced, and the total capacity and data transmission rate of the communication system can be improved without increasing spectrum resources; in addition, by controlling the arrangement of two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band, beamforming of a specific shape can be achieved; furthermore, since the distance between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band is relatively close, the coupling between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band is strong, thereby improving the overall performance of the antenna 100; in addition, when the arrangement interval between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna unit 130, the anti-interference ability of the system can be improved.

[0055] It should be noted that the arrangement spacing corresponding to the previous metasurface antenna unit 130 in the embodiments of the present application is less than or equal to the arrangement spacing corresponding to the latter metasurface antenna unit 130.

[0056] It can be understood that the arrangement spacing corresponding to the previous metasurface antenna unit 130 is less than or equal to the arrangement spacing corresponding to the latter metasurface antenna unit 130. By gradually reducing the arrangement spacing, the main lobe of the antenna 100 can be made narrower and the side lobes smaller, thereby improving the directivity of the antenna.

[0057] It should be noted that regarding the above-mentioned arrangement spacing, the smallest arrangement spacing value is greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130.

[0058] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the smallest arrangement spacing value is greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, which can effectively reduce the mutual interference between adjacent antennas and contribute to improving the system performance and signal quality; in addition, when the arrangement spacing is less than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, it may cause mutual interference of electromagnetic waves and affect the performance and efficiency of the metasurface antenna unit 130. Therefore, ensuring that the arrangement spacing is greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130 can avoid the mutual influence between the metasurface antenna units 130; furthermore, when the arrangement spacing is less than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, there may be mutual influence between the arrangement spacing and the metasurface antenna units 130 and the radiation efficiency may be reduced. Therefore, by making the arrangement spacing greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit 130, the metasurface antenna unit 130 can give full play to its radiation efficiency.

[0059] It is worth noting that since the antenna in the embodiments of the present application has multiple metasurface antenna units with different frequency bands and the multiple metasurface antenna units are arranged periodically and staggered, the embodiments of the present application can achieve multi-frequency fusion of the antenna, thereby effectively improving the broadband processing ability.

[0060] In addition, it is worth noting that by using an antenna with multiple metasurface antenna units having different frequency bands, the operating frequency band and the number of frequency bands of the antenna can be flexibly designed.

[0061] It should be noted that the waveguide 120 is connected to the feed interface 110; multiple metasurface antenna units 130 are arranged on the waveguide 120.

[0062] It should be noted that the feed interface 110 may include but is not limited to a first radio frequency connector 111, a first impedance matching structure 112, a second impedance matching structure 113, and a second radio frequency connector 114.

[0063] Exemplarily, as Figure 3 shown Figure 3It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the metasurface antenna units in a single channel of an antenna for the Sub15G frequency band provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] In one embodiment, the embodiment of the present application selects the center frequency points in the Sub15G frequency band, and the metasurface antenna units 130 in three sub-bands of 15 GHz, 10 GHz, and 7.5 GHz respectively.

[0065] It should be noted that the center operating wavelengths of the metasurface antenna units 130 in these three sub-bands of 15 GHz, 10 GHz, and 7.5 GHz are λ1 = 20 mm, λ2 = 30 mm, and λ3 = 40 mm respectively.

[0066] It can be understood that when the arrangement spacing between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band is set to λ1 / 4 = 5 mm, λ2 / 3 = 10 mm, and λ3 / 4 = 10 mm, that is, it satisfies that the arrangement spacing between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna unit 130.

[0067] It can be understood that according to the designed arrangement spacing between two adjacent metasurface antenna units 130 of the same frequency band, arranging the metasurface antenna units 130 in these three sub-bands reasonably can achieve multi-frequency fusion of the antenna in the Sub15G frequency band and effectively improve the broadband processing ability.

[0068] Such as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, exemplarily, the antenna 100 operates in a serial feeding mode, receives the front-end radio frequency signal through the first radio frequency connector 111, after passing through the first impedance matching structure 112, converts the high-frequency current signal into an electromagnetic wave signal, and propagates along the waveguide 120; the electromagnetic wave signal sequentially excites the metasurface antenna units 130, and is converted into leaky waves through the slot structure of the metasurface antenna units 130 to radiate energy into the free space; the metasurface antenna units 130 are independently electrically controlled by the programmable controller 140, so as to control the radiation amplitude of the electromagnetic wave at the corresponding metasurface antenna units 130; the electromagnetic waves radiated at different metasurface antenna units 130 interfere with each other to achieve beamforming; the remaining electromagnetic waves in the waveguide 120 pass through the second impedance matching structure 113 and the second radio frequency connector 114, and the energy is absorbed by the externally connected load.

[0069] It can be understood that the number of the above-mentioned metasurface antenna units 130 can be set according to actual working requirements, and the embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the number of the metasurface antenna units 130.

[0070] It can be understood that the number of the above-mentioned feed interfaces 110 can be set according to actual working requirements and can be multiple. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the number of the feed interfaces 110.

[0071] It should be noted that the feed interface 110 may include, but is not limited to, a first radio frequency connector 111, a first impedance matching structure 112, a second impedance matching structure 113, and a second radio frequency connector 114.

[0072] In addition, it should be noted that the above-mentioned feed interface 110 is disposed at the edge, the midline, or the backplane of the antenna 100.

[0073] It can be understood that setting the feed interface 110 at the edge or the midline of the antenna 100 can receive and transmit signals more effectively, thereby improving the signal reception quality. In addition, setting the feed interface 110 at the edge or the midline of the antenna 100 can better resist external interference, thereby better maintaining the signal stability in a complex environment. In addition, setting the feed interface 110 on the backplane of the antenna 100 can be better installed and maintained, reducing the engineering difficulty and cost. In addition, setting the feed interface 110 on the backplane of the antenna 100 can utilize the structural strength of the backplane to improve the structural stability of the entire antenna 100.

[0074] It can be understood that the feed interface 110 of the embodiments of the present application can be disposed at the edge of the antenna 100, can be disposed at the midline of the antenna 100, and can be disposed on the backplane of the antenna 100. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the setting position of the feed interface 110.

[0075] It should be noted that since the feed interface 110 of the embodiments of the present application can be disposed at the edge, the midline, or the backplane of the antenna 100, the setting position of the feed interface 110 can be flexibly adjusted according to actual working requirements, so as to achieve better signal reception effects.

[0076] Based on the antennas of the above various embodiments, the following are respectively proposed various embodiments of the transmission module of the present application.

[0077] As Figure 4 shown, Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmission module provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0078] In one embodiment, the transmission module 300 of the embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, an antenna 100 and a photoelectric conversion module 200.

[0079] It should be noted that the photoelectric conversion module 200 of the embodiments of the present application is connected to the feed interface 110 of the antenna 100. The photoelectric conversion module 200 is configured to receive an optical signal, convert the optical signal into a radio frequency signal, and transmit the radio frequency signal to the feed interface 110.

[0080] It can be understood that when the photoelectric conversion module 200 receives an optical signal, converts the optical signal into a radio frequency signal, and transmits the radio frequency signal to the feed interface 110, the antenna 100 will convert the received radio frequency signal into an electromagnetic wave signal and perform beam steering.

[0081] It is worth noting that since the embodiments of the present application have the photoelectric conversion module 200, the embodiments of the present application can reduce the system hardware complexity and improve the broadband performance.

[0082] As Figure 5 shown, Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmission module provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0083] In one embodiment, the photoelectric conversion module 200 of the embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, a photodetector 210, a bias circuit 220, and a radio frequency interface 230.

[0084] It should be noted that the photodetector 210 is connected to the radio frequency interface 230 through the bias circuit 220, and the radio frequency interface 230 is connected to the feed interface 110. Among them, the bias circuit 220 is used to achieve impedance matching between the output impedance of the photodetector 210 and the input impedance of the antenna 100.

[0085] It can be understood that the above-mentioned photodetector 210 may be a UTC-PD (Uni-Traveling-Carrier Photodiode), or a photodetector may be selected according to actual needs. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the photodetector 210.

[0086] It should be noted that the bias circuit 220 of the embodiments of the present application can apply a voltage to the photodetector 210 to make the photodetector 210 operate in a reverse bias state.

[0087] It should be noted that the photodetector 210 of the embodiments of the present application can generate a radio frequency signal, and the generated radio frequency signal passes through the bias circuit 220 and is output by the radio frequency interface 230.

[0088] It should be noted that the photoelectric conversion module 200 of the embodiments of the present application includes a plurality of radio frequency interfaces 230, and among them, the plurality of radio frequency interfaces 230 are respectively connected to a plurality of feed interfaces 110 of the antenna 100.

[0089] It can be understood that the above radio frequency interface can be an SMA interface (SubMiniature version A), and the type of the radio frequency interface can be selected according to actual needs. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the radio frequency interface 230.

[0090] It should be noted that the radio frequency interface 230 of the embodiments of the present application is connected to the feed source interface 110 by using the same type of radio frequency interface 230 with broadband characteristics covering the operating frequency band.

[0091] It is worth noting that since the optoelectronic conversion module 200 in the transmission module 300 of the embodiments of the present application has a photodetector 210, the antenna 100 is directly driven by the photodetector 210, so that the system hardware complexity can be reduced and the broadband performance can be improved. In addition, the serial driving working mode can reduce the number of photodetectors 210 used in the system, simplify the architecture and reduce the cost, which helps to adapt to the multi-antenna system.

[0092] In addition, it is worth noting that since the optoelectronic conversion module 200 has optoelectronic conversion ability, it can match the radio frequency signal processing function of the antenna 100, so that the transmission module 300 is adapted to the large broadband radio over fiber system; in addition, the transmission module 300 adopts the serial feeding working mode, that is, a single photodetector 210 of the optoelectronic conversion module 200 can drive multiple metasurface antenna units 130 on a single channel in the antenna 100. Therefore, the number of photodetectors 210 used in the antenna 100 can be reduced, so as to adapt to the multi-antenna system.

[0093] In addition, it should be noted that the optoelectronic conversion module 200 of the embodiments of the present application further includes but is not limited to an optical interface 240, an optical fiber ribbon 250, and a coupling lens assembly 260.

[0094] It should be noted that the optical interface 240 of the embodiments of the present application is used to receive an optical signal and conduct the optical signal to the coupling lens assembly 260 through the optical fiber ribbon, wherein the coupling lens assembly 260 is used to focus the optical signal onto the photosensitive surface of the photodetector 210 for coupling.

[0095] It can be understood that the above optical interface 240 can be an LC optical connector, or the material and structure that can withstand high optical power can be selected according to actual needs. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the optical interface 240.

[0096] In addition, it should be noted that the optoelectronic conversion module 200 of the embodiments of the present application further includes but is not limited to a temperature controller 270.

[0097] It should be noted that the photodetector 210 of the embodiment of the present application is disposed in the temperature controller 270, where the temperature controller 270 is used to dissipate heat from the photodetector 210.

[0098] It can be understood that since the temperature controller 270 of the embodiment of the present application can dissipate heat from the photodetector 210, the temperature of the photodetector 210 can be reduced through heat dissipation, improving the detection accuracy; in addition, by reducing the temperature, the photodetector 210 can operate at a normal temperature, thereby extending the lifespan of the photodetector 210.

[0099] Exemplarily, the transmission module 300 of the embodiment of the present application includes the antenna 100 and the photoelectric conversion module 200. Among them, the photoelectric conversion module includes the photodetector 210, the bias circuit 220, the RF interface 230, the optical interface 240, the fiber ribbon 250, the coupling lens assembly 260, and the temperature controller 270.

[0100] It should be noted that the photodetector 210 is connected to the RF interface 230 through the bias circuit 220, and the RF interface 230 is connected to the feed source interface 110, where the bias circuit 220 is used to achieve the impedance matching between the output impedance of the photodetector 210 and the input impedance of the antenna 100.

[0101] It should be noted that the optical interface 240 of the embodiment of the present application is used to receive an optical signal and conduct the optical signal to the coupling lens assembly 260 through the fiber ribbon, where the coupling lens assembly 260 is used to focus the optical signal onto the photosensitive surface of the photodetector 210 for coupling.

[0102] It should be noted that the photodetector 210 of the embodiment of the present application is disposed in the temperature controller 270, where the temperature controller 270 is used to dissipate heat from the photodetector 210.

[0103] It should be noted that the bias circuit 220 of the embodiment of the present application can apply a voltage to the photodetector 210 to make the photodetector 210 operate in a reverse bias state.

[0104] It should be noted that the optical interface 240 of the embodiment of the present application is used to receive an optical signal and conduct the optical signal to the coupling lens assembly 260 through the fiber ribbon. Then, the coupling lens assembly 260 is used to focus the optical signal onto the photosensitive surface of the photodetector 210 for coupling; the bias circuit 220 applies a voltage to the photodetector 210 to make the photodetector 210 operate in a reverse bias state; the temperature controller 270 is used to dissipate heat from the photodetector 210; the photodetector 210 generates an RF signal, and the generated RF signal passes through the bias circuit 220 and is output by the RF interface 230.

[0105] It can be understood that the above-mentioned photodetector 210 can be a UTC-PD (Uni-Traveling-Carrier Photodiode), or a photodetector can be selected according to actual requirements. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the photodetector 210.

[0106] It can be understood that the above-mentioned radio frequency interface can be an SMA interface (SubMiniature version A). The type of the radio frequency interface can be selected according to actual requirements. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the radio frequency interface 230.

[0107] It can be understood that the above-mentioned optical interface 240 can be an LC optical connector, or a material and structure that can withstand high optical power can be selected according to actual requirements. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the type of the optical interface 240.

[0108] It can be understood that since the temperature controller 270 in the embodiments of the present application can dissipate heat from the photodetector 210, the temperature of the photodetector 210 can be reduced through heat dissipation, improving the detection accuracy; in addition, by reducing the temperature, the photodetector 210 can work at a normal temperature, thereby extending the life of the photodetector 210.

[0109] It should be noted that since the photoelectric conversion module 200 in the transmission module 300 of the embodiments of the present application has a photodetector 210, and the antenna 100 is directly driven by the photodetector 210, the hardware complexity of the system can be reduced, and the broadband performance can be improved. In addition, the serial drive working mode can reduce the number of photodetectors 210 used in the system, simplify the architecture and reduce the cost, which is helpful for adapting to multi-antenna systems.

[0110] In addition, it should be noted that since the photoelectric conversion module 200 has photoelectric conversion ability and can match the radio frequency signal processing function of the antenna 100, the transmission module 300 is adapted to an optical carrier radio frequency system with a large bandwidth; in addition, the transmission module 300 adopts a serial feeding working mode, that is, a single photodetector 210 of the photoelectric conversion module 200 can drive multiple metasurface antenna units 130 on a single channel of the antenna 100. Therefore, the number of photodetectors 210 used in the antenna 100 can be reduced, so as to adapt to multi-antenna systems.

[0111] As Figure 6 shown, Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a bias circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0112] In one embodiment, the bias circuit 220 of the embodiment of the present application includes a bias direct current power supply module 221, a first resistor 222, and an AC coupling capacitor 223.

[0113] It should be noted that the bias direct current power supply module 221 is connected to the output end of the photodetector 210. The output end of the photodetector 210 is connected to the RF interface 230 through the AC coupling capacitor 223. One end of the first resistor 222 is connected to the output end of the photodetector 210, and the other end is connected to the ground.

[0114] It should be noted that the AC coupling capacitor 223 of the embodiment of the present application can isolate the bias direct current.

[0115] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the bias direct current power supply module 221 can provide bias direct current, which is loaded on the photodetector 210. The output signal of the photodetector 210 undergoes output impedance matching through the first resistor 222, and the bias direct current can be isolated by the AC coupling capacitor 223 and output through the RF interface 230.

[0116] It can be understood that the above-mentioned photodetector 210 can be equivalent to the combination of a current source, a parallel capacitor, and a series resistor. Through the bias circuit 220, the photoelectric conversion module 200 can directly drive the antenna 100.

[0117] In addition, it should be noted that the bias direct current power supply module 221 in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to a power supply chip 2211, a cascaded inductor 2212, and a second resistor 2213.

[0118] It should be noted that the power supply chip 2211 is connected to the output end of the photodetector 210 through the cascaded inductor 2212, and the second resistor 2213 is connected in parallel with a part of the inductors in the cascaded inductor 2212.

[0119] It should be noted that the power supply chip 2211 provides a negative voltage, provides bias direct current through the cascaded inductor 2212, and loads it on the photodetector 210. The second resistor 2213 is used to reduce the inductance value. The output signal of the photodetector 210 undergoes output impedance matching through the first resistor 222, and the bias direct current can be isolated by the AC coupling capacitor 223 and output through the RF interface 230.

[0120] Exemplarily, the bias circuit 220 of the embodiment of the present application includes a bias direct current power supply module 221, a first resistor 222, and an AC coupling capacitor 223, wherein the bias direct current power supply module 221 includes but is not limited to a power supply chip 2211, a cascaded inductor 2212, and a second resistor 2213.

[0121] It should be noted that the bias direct current supply module 221 is connected to the output end of the photodetector 210. The output end of the photodetector 210 is connected to the radio frequency interface 230 through an AC coupling capacitor 223. One end of the first resistor 222 is connected to the output end of the photodetector 210, and the other end is connected to the ground.

[0122] It should be noted that in the bias direct current supply module 221, the power supply chip 2211 is connected to the output end of the photodetector 210 through a cascaded inductor 2212, and the second resistor 2213 is connected in parallel with a part of the inductors in the cascaded inductor 2212.

[0123] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the power supply chip 2211 provides a negative voltage, provides a bias direct current through the cascaded inductor 2212, and loads it on the photodetector 210. The second resistor 2213 is used to reduce the inductance value. The output signal of the photodetector 210 is subjected to output impedance matching through the first resistor 222, and the AC coupling capacitor 223 can isolate the bias direct current and output it through the radio frequency interface 230.

[0124] As Figure 7 shown, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the working effect of a transmitting module provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0125] In one embodiment, the transmitting module 300 of the embodiment of the present application having K channels and N metasurface antenna elements 130 sends data streams to L users.

[0126] It should be noted that the target wave phase distribution of the transmitting module pointing to all users is:

[0127]

[0128] It should be noted that L is the number of all users, and k f is the transmission vector of the target wave in free space, is the position vector of the metasurface antenna element at any coordinate (n y , n z ) in the antenna array coordinate system.

[0129] It should be noted that the L users have spatial azimuth information relative to the optoelectronic integrated antenna transmitting module

[0130] In addition, it should be noted that the phase of the electromagnetic wave signal fed into the antenna by the optoelectronic conversion module is:

[0131]

[0132] It should be noted that K is the number of channels. One channel includes a feed interface, a waveguide, and multiple metasurface antenna elements. k s is the transmission vector of the fed electromagnetic wave, and is the distance vector from the feed k to the metasurface antenna element.

[0133] In addition, it should be noted that the leakage amplitude of the metasurface antenna element at the position of coordinates (n y , n z ) is:

[0134]

[0135] It should be noted that a l,k is the amplitude weight coefficient of the beam used by the feed k to point to the user l.

[0136] It should be noted that according to the holographic beamforming technology, the leakage amplitude distribution of the metasurface antenna element is encoded and set, so as to realize multi-beam control pointing to the target user and data stream transmission.

[0137] In addition, it should be noted that the formula for the interaction between the fed electromagnetic wave and the modulated metasurface antenna element is:

[0138]

[0139] It is worth noting that the transmission beam phase of the transmission module only contains the target wave phase information, indicating that the target beam carrying all user direction information can be recovered, so as to realize signal transmission.

[0140] Based on the transmission modules of the above various embodiments, various embodiments of the link system of the present application are respectively proposed below.

[0141] As shown in Figure 8 , Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a link system provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0142] In one embodiment, the link system of the embodiment of the present application includes, but is not limited to, a transmission module 300, a baseband processing unit 400, a digital intermediate frequency and radio frequency transmission subsystem 500, an electro-optic modulation and optical transmission module 600, and an optical transmission subsystem 700.

[0143] It should be noted that the baseband processing unit 400 is sequentially connected to the transmission module 300 through the digital intermediate frequency and radio frequency transmission subsystem 500, the electro-optic modulation and optical transmission module 600, and the optical transmission subsystem 700.

[0144] It should be noted that the baseband processing unit 400 performs digital baseband precoding on multi-user data streams according to channel state information, and then sends the downlink digital baseband signal to the digital intermediate frequency and radio frequency transmission subsystem 500 for processing such as predistortion, digital frequency conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, mixing, filtering, and amplification, and outputs a radio frequency signal; the electro-optical modulation and optical transmission module 600 receives the radio frequency signal and modulates and loads the radio frequency signal onto an optical carrier signal for transmission; the optical transmission subsystem 700 amplifies the target optical signal and transmits it to the transmission module 300; the transmission module 300, based on the holographic beamforming technology, encodes and controls the leaky wave amplitude distribution of the metasurface antenna unit to generate target multi-beams directed at multiple users.

[0145] It is worth noting that the link system in the embodiment of the present application combines digital baseband precoding and holographic beamforming technology to perform multi-beam shaping control in a hybrid precoding manner, which can replace the optical beamforming network in the traditional link, thereby reducing costs and system complexity and achieving optimization of costs and system complexity.

[0146] The above has illustrated some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and thus does not limit the scope of the rights of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and essence of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the rights of the present application.

Claims

1. An antenna, characterized in that, Comprising: Feeder interface; Waveguide, connected to the feeder interface; Multiple metasurface antenna units, disposed on the waveguide, wherein one of the metasurface antenna units corresponds to one frequency band, and the multiple metasurface antenna units are periodically staggered; Programmable controller, connected to the metasurface antenna units.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein The arrangement pitch between two adjacent metasurface antenna units of the same frequency band is less than or equal to half of the center operating wavelength of the metasurface antenna unit.

3. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein For two adjacent metasurface antenna units of different frequency bands, the arrangement pitch corresponding to the former metasurface antenna unit is less than or equal to the arrangement pitch corresponding to the latter metasurface antenna unit.

4. The antenna according to claim 2, wherein For all the arrangement pitches, the arrangement pitch with the smallest value is greater than the size of the metasurface antenna unit.

5. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The metasurface antenna unit includes a complementary inductance-capacitance resonator structure loaded with PIN diodes or varactor diodes.

6. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The feeder interface is disposed at the edge, center or backplane of the antenna.

7. A transmitting module, characterized in that, Comprising a photoelectric conversion module and the antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the photoelectric conversion module is connected to the feeder interface of the antenna, the photoelectric conversion module is configured to receive an optical signal, convert the optical signal into a radio frequency signal, and send the radio frequency signal to the feeder interface.

8. The emission module according to claim 7, wherein, The photoelectric conversion module includes a photodetector, a bias circuit and a radio frequency interface, the photodetector is connected to the radio frequency interface through the bias circuit, the radio frequency interface is connected to the feeder interface, and the bias circuit is configured to achieve impedance matching between the output impedance of the photodetector and the input impedance of the antenna.

9. The emission module according to claim 8, wherein The photoelectric conversion module further includes an optical interface, an optical fiber ribbon and a coupling lens assembly, the optical interface is configured to receive an optical signal, conduct the optical signal through the optical fiber ribbon to the coupling lens assembly, and the coupling lens assembly is configured to focus the optical signal onto the photosensitive surface of the photodetector for coupling.

10. The emission module according to claim 8, wherein The photoelectric conversion module further includes a temperature controller, the photodetector is disposed in the temperature controller, and the temperature controller is configured to dissipate heat from the photodetector.

11. The emission module according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The bias circuit includes a bias direct current supply module, a first resistor and an AC coupling capacitor, the bias direct current supply module is connected to the output end of the photodetector, the output end of the photodetector is connected to the radio frequency interface through the AC coupling capacitor, one end of the first resistor is connected to the output end of the photodetector, and the other end is connected to ground.

12. The emission module according to claim 11, wherein The bias direct current supply module includes a power chip, a cascaded inductor and a second resistor, the power chip is connected to the output end of the photodetector through the cascaded inductor, and the second resistor is connected in parallel with some of the inductors in the cascaded inductor.

13. The emission module according to claim 7, wherein, The target wave phase distribution of the transmission module pointing to all users is: where L is the number of all users, and k f is the transmission vector of the target wave in free space, is the position vector of the metasurface antenna element at any coordinate (n y , n z ) in the antenna array coordinate system.

14. The emission module according to claim 13, wherein, The phase of the electromagnetic wave signal fed by the photoelectric conversion module to the antenna is: Wherein, K is the number of channels, and one channel includes the feed interface, the waveguide, and multiple ones of the metasurface antenna units, and k s is the transmission vector of the fed electromagnetic wave, and the is the distance vector from the feed k to the metasurface antenna unit.

15. The emission module according to claim 14, wherein The leakage amplitude of the metasurface antenna element at the coordinate (n y , n z ) is as follows: Among them, the a l,k is the amplitude weight coefficient of the beam used by the feeder k to point to the user l.

16. The emission module according to claim 15, wherein, The formula for the interaction between the fed electromagnetic wave and the modulated metasurface antenna unit is:

17. A link system, characterized in that, Comprising the transmission module according to any one of claims 7 to 16.

18. The link system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The link system further includes a baseband processing unit, a digital intermediate frequency and radio frequency transmission subsystem, an electro-optic modulation and optical transmission module, and an optical transmission subsystem. The baseband processing unit is sequentially connected to the transmission module through the digital intermediate frequency and radio frequency transmission subsystem, the electro-optic modulation and optical transmission module, and the optical transmission subsystem.

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