Liquid crystal antenna and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid crystal antenna and electronic equipment, which are used for improving the flexibility of the working frequency set by the liquid crystal antenna and flexibly adjusting the polarization direction of the liquid crystal antenna. The liquid crystal antenna comprises at least one antenna unit; the antenna unit comprises a first substrate and a second substrate which are oppositely arranged, a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a patch electrode located on the side, facing the liquid crystal layer, of the first substrate, an electrode layer located on the side, facing the liquid crystal layer, of the second substrate, and a gap structure formed in the electrode layer. The number of the patch electrodes in the antenna unit is at least two, and / or the number of the slot structures in the antenna unit is at least two, any slot structure corresponds to at least one patch electrode, and any slot structure is opposite to any corresponding patch electrode; the orthographic projection of any patch electrode on the second substrate covers at least part of the area of any gap structure, and the orthographic projection of any gap structure on the first substrate covers at least part of the area of any patch electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of antennas, and particularly to a liquid crystal antenna and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Planar thin-film antennas have potential application space in narrow spaces due to their thin and light appearance. As a passive microwave tunable technology, liquid crystal can achieve continuous reconfiguration of the resonant frequency of the antenna, and has the advantages of lower bias voltage and wider tuning range compared with other tuning technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide an antenna unit, a liquid crystal antenna, and an electronic device of a liquid crystal antenna, so as to improve the flexibility of the operating frequency set by the liquid crystal antenna and flexibly adjust the polarization radiation direction of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a liquid crystal antenna including at least one antenna unit;

[0005] The antenna unit includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a patch electrode located on a side of the first substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, an electrode layer located on a side of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, and a slot structure formed in the electrode layer;

[0006] The number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is at least two, and / or the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is at least two, wherein any one slot structure corresponds to at least one patch electrode, the any one slot structure is opposite to any one of the corresponding patch electrodes, the positive projection of any one of the patch electrodes on the second substrate covers at least a partial area of the any one slot structure, and the positive projection of any one of the slot structures on the first substrate covers at least a partial area of the any one patch electrode.

[0007] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by embodiments of this application, wherein, in a first direction, the length of the positive projection of any one of the patch electrodes on the second substrate is less than the length of the positive projection of any one of the slot structures on the second substrate; and / or, in a second direction, the width of the positive projection of any one of the patch electrodes on the second substrate is greater than the width of the positive projection of any one of the slot structures on the second substrate;

[0008] Wherein, the first direction is the length direction of any one of the slot structures, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the orthographic projection of any of the slot structures on the second substrate covers the central position of the orthographic projection of any of the patch electrodes on the second substrate.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, any of the slot structures corresponds to at least one patch electrode including a plurality of patch electrodes;

[0011] The plurality of patch electrodes are arranged along the length direction of the slot structure.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the orthographic projection of any of the slot structures on the second substrate is rectangular; and / or,

[0013] The orthographic projection of any of the patch electrodes on the second substrate is rectangular.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the number of slot structures in any of the antenna units is at least two, and the at least two slot structures include a first slot structure and a second slot structure;

[0015] The size of the first slot structure is different from the size of the second slot structure, or the size of the patch electrode corresponding to the first slot structure is different from the size of the patch electrode corresponding to the second slot structure, or the number of patch electrodes corresponding to the first slot structure is different from the number of patch electrodes corresponding to the second slot structure.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the number of slot structures in any of the antenna units is at least two, and the at least two slot structures include a first slot structure and a second slot structure;

[0017] The extending direction of the first slot structure is parallel to the extending direction of the second slot structure.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the number of slot structures in any of the antenna units is at least two, and the at least two slot structures include a first slot structure and a second slot structure;

[0019] The extending direction of the first slot structure intersects the extending direction of the second slot structure.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the length of the first slot structure is the same as the length of the second slot structure; the extending direction of the first slot structure intersects the extending direction of the second slot structure, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the length of the first slot structure is the same as the length of the second slot structure; the extending direction of the first slot structure intersects with the extending direction of the second slot structure, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees; the phase difference between the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the first slot structure and the electrode layer and the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the second slot structure and the electrode layer is 90 degrees;

[0022] The first slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, the second slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, and the distance between the center position of the patch electrode corresponding to the first slot structure and the center position of the patch electrode corresponding to the second slot structure has a proportional relationship with the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave resonated by the antenna unit to which the first slot structure and the second slot structure belong.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the at least one antenna unit includes a plurality of antenna units, and they are arranged in an array.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the extending directions of the slot structures in each antenna unit are parallel to each other.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the at least one antenna unit includes a plurality of antenna units; the plurality of antenna units include a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, at least one slot structure in the first antenna unit includes a slot structure, and at least one slot structure in the second antenna unit includes a slot structure;

[0026] Wherein, the size of the slot structure in the first antenna unit is different from the size of the slot structure in the second antenna unit, or the size of the patch electrode in the first antenna unit is different from the size of the patch electrode in the second antenna unit, or the number of patch electrodes in the first antenna unit is different from the number of patch electrodes in the second antenna unit.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the plurality of antenna units include a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit;

[0028] The extending direction of the third slot structure in the first antenna unit intersects with the extending direction of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna unit.

[0029] In a possible implementation, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the at least one antenna unit includes a plurality of antenna units; the plurality of antenna units include a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit;

[0030] The length of the third slot structure in the first antenna unit is the same as the length of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna unit; the extending direction of the third slot structure in the first antenna unit intersects with the extending direction of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna unit, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees.

[0031] In a possible implementation, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the at least one antenna unit includes a plurality of antenna units; the plurality of antenna units include a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit;

[0032] The length of the third slot structure in the first antenna unit is the same as the length of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna unit; the extending direction of the third slot structure in the first antenna unit intersects with the extending direction of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna unit, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees; the phase difference between the electric field formed by the first antenna unit and the electric field formed by the second antenna unit is 90 degrees;

[0033] The third slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, the fourth slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, and the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes corresponding to the third slot structure and the patch electrodes corresponding to the fourth slot structure has a proportional relationship with the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave resonated by the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit.

[0034] In a possible implementation, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is two, the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is one, and the one slot structure corresponds to the two patch electrodes.

[0035] In a possible implementation, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is two, the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is two, and one slot structure corresponds to one patch electrode.

[0036] In a possible implementation, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is four, the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is two, and one slot structure corresponds to two patch electrodes.

[0037] In a possible implementation manner, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application, the liquid crystal antenna further includes a metal layer on a side of the second substrate of the antenna unit facing away from the first substrate, and a waveguide medium filled between the metal layer and the second substrate, and the waveguide medium includes at least one dielectric layer.

[0038] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide an electronic device, and the electronic device includes any liquid crystal antenna provided in the first aspect.

[0039] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application are as follows:

[0040] The present application provides a liquid crystal antenna and an electronic device. The number of antenna units in the liquid crystal antenna can be one or more. At least two slot structures and / or at least two patch electrodes may be included in one antenna unit, and at least one patch electrode may correspond to one slot structure. By adjusting the number of patch electrodes corresponding to one slot structure, the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure can be adjusted. By adjusting the number of slot structures in the antenna unit, the number of operating frequencies supported by the antenna unit can be adjusted. In addition, by adjusting the number of antenna units in the liquid crystal antenna, the operating frequency range of the liquid crystal antenna can be adjusted. It can be seen that adjusting the operating frequency of the liquid crystal antenna has high flexibility. And adjusting the extending direction of the slot structure can achieve adjusting the polarization direction. Such a design can form a resonant structure by controlling one or more patch electrodes corresponding to a specified slot structure during application, and can realize adjusting the operating frequency and / or polarization direction of the liquid crystal antenna. It can be seen that the liquid crystal antenna provided by the present application has high flexibility in adjusting the operating frequency and high flexibility in adjusting the polarization direction. Description of the Drawings

[0041] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna unit of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the antenna unit provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electric field formed by a patch electrode and an electrode layer in the antenna unit provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a slot structure in the antenna unit provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the dielectric constant of liquid crystal and the operating frequency in the antenna unit provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 6Schematic diagram of the position of the patch motor in the antenna unit provided by the embodiment of the present application in the orthographic projection on the second substrate and the slot structure;

[0047] Figure 7A Schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna unit in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 7B Schematic diagram of the relationship between the number of patch electrodes and the operating frequency in the antenna unit provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna unit in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figures 9A to 9G Schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna unit in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 10 Schematic flow chart of the preparation method of the antenna unit provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 11A Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 11B Provided by the embodiment of the present application along Figure 11A Cross-sectional view of AA';

[0054] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 13A Spectrum diagram of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 13B Spectrum diagram of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 19 This is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 20 This is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 21 This is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 22 This is a schematic structural diagram of the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0066] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present application. And, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the described embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present application shall have the ordinary meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains. The "first", "second", and similar terms used in the present application do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. The terms such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the elements or objects appearing before this term cover the elements or objects listed after this term and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms such as "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0068] It should be noted that the sizes and shapes of the various figures in the drawings do not reflect the true proportions, and the purpose is only to schematically illustrate the content of the present application. Also, the same or similar reference numerals throughout denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions.

[0069] The embodiment of the present application provides a liquid crystal antenna, and the liquid crystal antenna may include at least one antenna unit. As Figure 1As shown, any antenna unit may include: a first substrate 1 and a second substrate 2 disposed opposite to each other, a liquid crystal layer 3 located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, a patch electrode 4 located on the side of the first substrate 1 facing the liquid crystal layer 3, and an electrode layer 5 located on the side of the second substrate 2 facing the liquid crystal layer 3; the electrode layer 5 has a slot structure 51, in other words, the slot structure 51 may be formed in the electrode layer 5.

[0070] In any antenna unit, the number of patch electrodes 4 may be at least two, and / or the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is at least two. In some examples, any one slot structure 51 corresponds to one or more patch electrodes 4. Among them, the slot structure 51 is opposite to each corresponding patch electrode 4. Taking the example of one slot structure 51 corresponding to one patch electrode 4, as Figure 2 shown, the orthographic projection of the patch electrode 4 corresponding to the slot structure 51 on the second substrate 2 covers at least part of the area of the slot structure 51, and the orthographic projection of the slot structure 51 on the first substrate 1 covers at least part of the area of the patch electrode 4.

[0071] Specifically, the above antenna unit may be applied to form or constitute a slot antenna, and the antenna unit may be disposed on a planar waveguide. The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 in the antenna unit may be used to encapsulate liquid crystal. As Figure 3 shown, the electrode layer 5 and the patch electrode 4 form a resonant structure and the applied electric field can control the deflection of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3, change the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal, so as to adjust the resonant frequency. Through the resonant structure with a slot structure and its corresponding patch electrode proposed in the present application, by adjusting the size of the slot or the size of the patch electrode, or the number of patch electrodes, the resonant frequency of the antenna unit can be adjusted. By increasing the number of slot structures, the antenna unit can support multi-frequency operation, realizing flexible adjustment of the operating frequency of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0072] In the embodiments of the present application, the orthographic projection of the patch electrode 4 on the second substrate may be an irregular shape. Alternatively, the shape of the patch electrode 4 may be a regular shape, such as a rectangle or a circle, so that the orthographic projection of the patch electrode 4 on the second substrate is a regular shape. Optionally, the shape of the patch electrode 4 may be a rectangle, so that the orthographic projection of the patch electrode 4 on the second substrate is a rectangle.

[0073] In some possible scenarios, the slot structure 51 may be in an irregular strip shape, such as the orthographic projection of the slot structure 51 on the second substrate 2 may be an irregular shape. Another example is that the contour of the orthographic projection of the slot structure 51 on the second substrate 2 may be a shape including a curve.

[0074] In a possible design, the orthographic projection of the slit structure 51 on the second substrate 2 may be a regular shape. The slit structure 51 is strip-shaped or rectangular, which can make the orthographic projection of the slit structure 51 on the second substrate 2 a rectangle. As Figure 4 shown, the slit structure 51 in the electrode layer 5 has a long side and a short side. The length of the slit structure 51 is b, and the width of the slit structure 51 is a. In this application, the length direction of the slit structure 51 is parallel to the long side of the slit structure 51. The length direction of the slit structure 51 is also the extension direction of the slit structure 51.

[0075] As Figure 4 shown, in the first direction X, the length of the orthographic projection of any patch electrode 4 corresponding to any slit structure 51 on the second substrate 2 is less than or equal to the length of the orthographic projection of the slit structure 51 on the second substrate 3. And / or, in the second direction Y, the width of the orthographic projection of any patch electrode 4 corresponding to any slit structure 51 on the second substrate 3 is greater than or equal to the width of the orthographic projection of the slit structure 51 on the second substrate 3.

[0076] In some examples, the size of the patch electrode 4 in the antenna unit provided by the embodiments of this application is at the 0.1 mm level. The length of the patch electrode 4 is at the 0.1 mm level, and the width is also at the 0.1 mm level.

[0077] In some examples, the first direction X may be the length direction of the slit structure 51, the second direction Y intersects with the first direction X, and the second direction Y may be perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0078] In some examples, in the first direction X, the length Lp of the orthographic projection of any patch electrode 4 corresponding to any slit structure 51 on the second substrate 2 is 0.3 mm, and the length Ls of the orthographic projection of the slit structure 51 on the second substrate 3 is 3.8 mm.

[0079] In the second direction Y, the width Wp of the orthographic projection of any patch electrode 4 corresponding to any slit structure 51 on the second substrate 3 is 0.5 mm, and the width Ws of the orthographic projection of the slit structure 51 on the second substrate 3 is 0.2 mm. The thickness of the liquid crystal cell may be 5 microns, or the thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 may be 5 microns.

[0080] Generally, in the first direction X, the length Ls of the orthographic projection of the slit structure 51 on the second substrate 3 is less than half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave resonated by the antenna unit.

[0081] In an actual application scenario, adjusting any one or more of the size of the slit structure, the size of the patch electrode, and the thickness of the liquid crystal cell can change the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal and can achieve the adjustment of the operating frequency.

[0082] Generally speaking, reducing the size of any one or more of the gap structure, the patch electrode, and the liquid crystal cell thickness can increase the operating frequency. Increasing the size of any one or more of the gap structure, the patch electrode, and the liquid crystal cell thickness can decrease the operating frequency. It can be seen that increasing the size of the gap structure can decrease the operating frequency. Reducing the size of the patch electrode can increase the operating frequency.

[0083] Next, the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application is simulated, and the simulation results are as Figure 5 shown, the operating frequency and gain under different dielectric constants (Er) of the liquid crystal. It can be seen from Figure 5 that the smaller the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal, the larger the operating frequency.

[0084] In a possible design, as Figure 6 shown, the orthographic projection of any gap structure 51 on the second substrate 2 can cover the center position O of the orthographic projection of any patch electrode 4 corresponding to the gap structure on the second substrate 2. Or rather, the orthographic projection of any gap structure 51 on the second substrate 2 can pass through the center position O of the orthographic projection of any patch electrode 4 corresponding to the gap structure 51 on the second substrate 2, or the orthographic projection of any gap structure 51 on the second substrate 2 is located at the middle position of the orthographic projection of any patch electrode 4 corresponding to the gap structure 51 on the second substrate 2. Such a design can make the resonance effect of the antenna unit better.

[0085] Optionally, the target symmetry axis of the orthographic projection of the gap structure 51 on the second substrate 2 passes through the center position O of the orthographic projection of the patch electrode 4 on the second substrate 2, where the target symmetry axis is parallel to the length direction of the gap structure 51.

[0086] In a possible implementation manner, based on the liquid crystal antenna provided by any of the above embodiments, as Figure 7A shown, in any antenna unit of the liquid crystal antenna, the number of gap structures in any antenna unit of the liquid crystal antenna can be one or more. At least one patch electrode 4 corresponding to any gap structure 51 in the liquid crystal antenna can be multiple patch electrodes. Or rather, one gap structure 51 faces multiple patch electrodes 4. The multiple patch electrodes 4 can be arranged along the length direction of the gap structure 51.

[0087] Compared with the resonance frequency when a structure with one gap structure corresponding to a single patch electrode 4 forms a resonance structure with the electrode layer 5, by synchronously adjusting the voltages of the multiple patch electrodes 4 corresponding to one gap structure, the structure with multiple patch electrodes corresponding to one gap structure forms a resonance structure with the electrode layer 5 and the applied electric field can control the deflection of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3, change the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal, and make the resonance frequency decrease.

[0088] By means of the structure with a slot structure and multiple patch electrodes proposed in this application, adjusting the number of patch electrodes corresponding to one slot structure can achieve the adjustment of the resonant frequency and flexibly adjust the operating frequency.

[0089] In some examples, such as Figure 7A As shown, among the multiple patch electrodes corresponding to one slot structure, the sizes of different patch electrodes can be the same. The length of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4A on the second substrate 2 and the length of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4B on the second substrate 2 can be the same, and in the second direction Y, the width of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4A on the second substrate 2 and the width of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4B on the second substrate 2 can be the same. The orthographic projection of the slot structure 51 on the second substrate 2 can cover the central positions of the orthographic projections of each patch electrode in the antenna unit on the second substrate 2.

[0090] Next, perform simulation on the liquid crystal antenna provided in this example. As Figure 7B shown, compared with the operating frequency when using a structure with one slot structure corresponding to one patch electrode to form a resonant structure with the electrode layer, the operating frequency when using a structure with one slot structure corresponding to two patch electrodes to form a resonant structure with the electrode layer shifts to a lower frequency.

[0091] In some examples, among the multiple patch electrodes corresponding to one slot structure, the sizes of different patch electrodes can be different. Optionally, please refer to Figure 8 , in the first direction X, the length of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4A on the second substrate 2 and the length of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4B on the second substrate 2 can be different. Or, please refer to Figure 8 , in the second direction Y, the width of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4A on the second substrate 2 and the width of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4B on the second substrate 2 can be different. Or, please refer to Figure 8 , in the first direction X, the length of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4A on the second substrate 2 and the length of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4B on the second substrate 2 can be different, and in the second direction Y, the width of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4A on the second substrate 2 and the width of the orthographic projection of patch electrode 4B on the second substrate 2 can be different.

[0092] Optionally, in this example, the first direction X can be the length direction of the slot structure 51. The second direction Y can be perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0093] In some examples, the number of slot structures in any antenna unit of the liquid crystal antenna can be one, the number of patch electrodes in this antenna unit can be two, and the slot structure in this any antenna unit corresponds to the two patch electrodes.

[0094] In a possible implementation, based on the liquid crystal antenna provided in any of the above embodiments, a plurality of slot structures are included in any antenna unit of the liquid crystal antenna. Or rather, the number of slot structures in the antenna unit can be an integer greater than or equal to 2. The number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit can be an integer greater than or equal to 2. Among them, one slot structure corresponds to at least one patch electrode.

[0095] Figure 9A In the antenna unit shown in the figure, the plurality of slot structures include slot structure 51A and slot structure 51B. Among them, the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by slot structure 51A, the patch electrode 4C corresponding to slot structure 51A and the electrode layer 5 can be different from the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by slot structure 51B, the patch electrode 4D corresponding to slot structure 51B and the electrode layer 5 written as. Such a design can enable the antenna unit to provide multiple resonant frequencies, or rather, to increase the operating frequency range of the antenna unit.

[0096] In some examples, such as Figure 9A shown, the size of slot structure 51A can be different from the size of slot structure 51B. Optionally, the size of the patch electrode 4C corresponding to slot structure 51A can be the same as or different from the size of the patch electrode 4D corresponding to slot structure 51B. Optionally, the number of patch electrodes corresponding to slot structure 51A can be the same as or different from the number of patch electrodes corresponding to slot structure 51B.

[0097] In some other examples, such as Figure 9B shown, the size of the patch electrode 4C corresponding to slot structure 51A is different from the size of the patch electrode 4D corresponding to slot structure 51B. Optionally, the size of slot structure 51A can be the same as or different from the size of slot structure 51B. Optionally, the number of patch electrodes 4C corresponding to slot structure 51A can be the same as or different from the number of patch electrodes 4D corresponding to slot structure 51A.

[0098] In still some other examples, such as Figure 9C shown, the number of patch electrodes 4C corresponding to slot structure 51A is different from the number of patch electrodes 4D corresponding to slot structure 51B. Optionally, the size of slot structure 51A can be the same as or different from the size of slot structure 51B. Optionally, the size of the patch electrode 4C corresponding to slot structure 51A can be the same as or different from the size of the patch electrode 4D corresponding to slot structure 51B.

[0099] It should be understood that Figures 9A to 9CThe slot structures 51A and 52B are shown to illustrate that multiple slot structures can be provided in the antenna element, and it does not mean that the number of slot structures provided in the antenna element is two. In an actual application scenario, the number of multiple slot structures in the antenna element can be an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0100] In some examples, the number of slot structures in any antenna element of the liquid crystal antenna can be two, the number of patch electrodes in this antenna element can be two, and the slot structures in this any antenna element correspond to the one patch electrode.

[0101] In some examples, the number of slot structures in any antenna element of the liquid crystal antenna can be two, the number of patch electrodes in this antenna element can be four, and the slot structures in this any antenna element correspond to the two patch electrodes.

[0102] In a possible implementation manner, based on the liquid crystal antenna provided in any one of the above embodiments, at least one of the slot structures in any antenna element of the liquid crystal antenna includes multiple slot structures, and the number of slot structures in the antenna element can be an integer greater than or equal to 2. Among them, the extending direction of the first slot structure is parallel to the extending direction of the second slot structure.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 9A , the multiple slot structures include the slot structure 51A and the slot structure 51B. Among them, the extending direction of the slot structure 51A is parallel to the extending direction of the slot structure 51B. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51A, the patch electrode 4C corresponding to the slot structure 51A and the electrode layer 5 can be different from the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51B, the patch electrode 4D corresponding to the slot structure 51B and the electrode layer 5.

[0104] In a possible implementation manner, based on the liquid crystal antenna provided in any one of the above embodiments, the number of slot structures in any one of the antenna elements of the liquid crystal antenna is at least two, and the at least two slot structures include a first slot structure and a second slot structure. Among them, the extending direction of the first slot structure intersects with the extending direction of the second slot structure.

[0105] Please refer to Figure 9D, a plurality of slot structures include slot structure 51A and slot structure 51B. Among them, the extending direction of slot structure 51A intersects with the extending direction of slot structure 51B. The electric field formed by the resonant structure composed of slot structure 51A, the patch electrode corresponding to slot structure 51A, and electrode layer 5 can affect the polarization direction of the liquid crystal antenna. Similarly, the electric field formed by the resonant structure composed of slot structure 51B, the patch electrode corresponding to slot structure 51B, and electrode layer 5 can affect the polarization direction of the antenna element, and further affect the polarization direction of the liquid crystal antenna. In such a design, the polarization direction of the antenna element can be adjusted to a preset direction by adjusting the extending direction of one or more of the slot structures 51 in the antenna element of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0106] In some examples, based on the liquid crystal antenna provided in any one of the above embodiments, the number of slot structures in any one of the antenna elements is at least two, and the at least two slot structures include a first slot structure and a second slot structure; among them, the length of the first slot structure is the same as the length of the second slot structure; the extending direction of the first slot structure intersects with the extending direction of the second slot structure, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees.

[0107] For a slot structure, the extending direction of the slot structure, the patch electrode corresponding to the slot structure, and the electric field formed by the resonant structure composed of the electrode layer jointly affect the polarization direction of the resonant structure.

[0108] Please combine Figure 9E , a plurality of slot structures include slot structure 51A and slot structure 51B. Among them, the extending direction of slot structure 51A intersects with the extending direction of slot structure 51B, and the included angle is approximately 90°. The polarization directions of the resonant structures formed by slot structure 51 are shown by the thin line arrows. The extending direction of slot structure 51 intersects with the extending direction of slot structure 52, and the included angle is close to 90°, which can make the included angle formed by the polarization directions of the resonant structures formed by slot structure 51 and the resonant structures formed by slot structure 52 close to 90°, and further reconstruct the polarization direction of the resonant structure formed by slot structure 51 and slot structure 52 as a whole, as Figure 9E shown by the thick line arrow in, and is reconstructed into vertical polarization.

[0109] In such a design, the planned direction can be reconstructed into a preset direction by adjusting the extending direction of one or more of the slot structures 51 in the antenna element of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0110] In some examples, based on the liquid crystal antenna provided in any one of the above embodiments, the number of slot structures in any one of the antenna units is at least two. The at least two slot structures include a first slot structure and a second slot structure. Among them, the length of the first slot structure is the same as the length of the second slot structure; the extending direction of the first slot structure intersects with the extending direction of the second slot structure, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees; the phase difference between the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the first slot structure and the electrode layer and the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the second slot structure and the electrode layer is 90 degrees; the first slot structure corresponds to one patch electrode, the second slot structure corresponds to one patch electrode, and the distance between the central positions of the patch electrodes corresponding to the first slot structure and the second slot structure has a proportional relationship with the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave resonated by the antenna unit to which the first slot structure and the second slot structure belong.

[0111] Please combine Figure 9F , the multiple slot structures include a slot structure 51A and a slot structure 51B. Among them, the extending direction of the slot structure 51A intersects with the extending direction of the slot structure 51B, and the included angle is approximately 90°. The phase difference between the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the slot structure 51 and the electrode layer and the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the slot structure 52 and the electrode layer is 90 degrees; the slot structure 51 corresponds to one patch electrode, the slot structure 52 corresponds to one patch electrode, and the distance between the central positions of the patch electrodes corresponding to the slot structure 51 and the slot structure 52 can be approximately λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0112] In some examples, the multiple slot structures may include a slot structure 51A, a slot structure 51B, a slot structure 51C, and a slot structure 51D. Among them, one slot structure corresponds to one patch electrode. When the positional distribution and operating frequency of each slot structure meet the following relationship, the slot structure 51A, the slot structure 51B, the slot structure 51C, and the slot structure 51D can have the effect of circularly polarized radiation.

[0113] Such as Figure 9GAs shown, the extending direction of the slot structure 51A intersects and is perpendicular to that of the slot structure 51B. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51A can be the same as that of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51B, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by the slot structure 51A and the electric field formed by the slot structure 51B is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51A and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51B is in a proportional relationship with the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by the slot structures 51A and 51B, that is, the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51A and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51B is in a proportional relationship with the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51A and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51B is approximately λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0114] The extending direction of the slot structure 51C intersects and is perpendicular to that of the slot structure 51B. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51C can be the same as that of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51B, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by the slot structure 51C and the electric field formed by the slot structure 51B is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51C and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51B is in a proportional relationship with the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by the slot structures 51C and 51B, that is, the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51C and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51B is in a proportional relationship with the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51C and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51B is approximately λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0115] The extending direction of the slot structure 51C intersects and is perpendicular to that of the slot structure 51D. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51C can be the same as that of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51D, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by the slot structure 51C and the electric field formed by the slot structure 51D is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51C and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51D is in a proportional relationship with the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by the slot structures 51C and 51D, that is, the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51C and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51D is in a proportional relationship with the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51C and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51D is approximately λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0116] The extending direction of the slot structure 51A intersects and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the slot structure 51D. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51A can be the same as that of the resonant structure formed by the slot structure 51D, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by the slot structure 51A and the electric field formed by the slot structure 51D is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51A and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51D has a proportional relationship with the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by the slot structure 51A and the slot structure 51D, that is, the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51A and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51D has a proportional relationship with the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51A and the center positions of the patch electrodes in the slot structure 51D is about λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0117] In a possible design, based on the liquid crystal antenna provided in any of the above embodiments, support columns (PS columns) are generally further provided between the first substrate 1 and the electrode layer 5, which can better realize the uniformity of the liquid crystal cell thickness and ensure the thickness of the liquid crystal cell. The number of support columns is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application and can be set according to the actual application scenario. Moreover, during the design process of the support columns, the positions of the slot structures 51 and the patch electrodes 4 should be avoided to prevent the support columns from affecting the radiation characteristics of the antenna.

[0118] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a preparation method for a liquid crystal antenna, as Figure 10 shown, including the following steps:

[0119] S1. Form a patch electrode on the first substrate.

[0120] Specifically, the patch electrode can be formed of low-resistance and low-loss metals such as copper, gold, and silver, and can be prepared by methods such as magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, and electroplating. The first substrate can be common PCB insulating plates such as polytetrafluoroethylene fiberglass laminate, phenolic paper laminate, and phenolic glass cloth laminate, or can be hard materials with low microwave loss such as quartz and glass, with a thickness of 100 microns to 10 millimeters.

[0121] S2. Form an electrode layer on the second substrate and form a slot structure on the electrode layer.

[0122] Specifically, the electrode layer can be formed of low-resistance and low-loss metals such as copper, gold, and silver, and can be prepared by methods such as magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, and electroplating. The second substrate can be common PCB insulating plates such as polytetrafluoroethylene fiberglass laminate, phenolic paper laminate, and phenolic glass cloth laminate, or can be hard materials with low microwave loss such as quartz and glass, with a thickness of 100 microns to 10 millimeters.

[0123] S3. After aligning the side of the first substrate with the patch electrodes and the side of the second substrate with the electrode layer, liquid crystal is filled in to form an antenna unit.

[0124] In step S3, after aligning the side of the first substrate with the patch electrodes and the side of the second substrate with the electrode layer and then filling in liquid crystal, one or more antenna units can be formed. In some examples, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the antenna unit is at the micron level. Or rather, the thickness of the liquid crystal cell is at the micron level.

[0125] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present application further provide a liquid crystal antenna, which may include the antenna unit provided in any one of the foregoing embodiments. For the implementation manner of the antenna unit, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, and repeated parts will not be elaborated.

[0126] Specifically, a liquid crystal antenna provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 11A shows a liquid crystal antenna. Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view along Figure 11A AA' in. The liquid crystal antenna may include the above-mentioned antenna unit 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application, a metal layer 200 on the side of the second substrate 2 of the antenna unit 100 away from the first substrate 1, and a waveguide medium 300 filled between the metal layer 200 and the second substrate 2. Among them, the metal layer 200, the electrode layer 5 on the second substrate 2, and the waveguide medium 300 form a planar waveguide.

[0127] Optionally, Figure 11B As shown, the waveguide medium 300 may include at least one dielectric layer 310, and the dielectric layer 310 may be a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dielectric substrate or the like. Optionally, the thickness of the dielectric layer 310 may be 2.5 mm.

[0128] Optionally, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 11B shown, the waveguide medium 300 may further include an air layer 320. Optionally, the thickness of the air layer 320 may be 1.2 mm.

[0129] Optionally, the first substrate 1 may be a glass dielectric substrate. The thickness of the first substrate 1 may be 0.5 mm.

[0130] Optionally, the second substrate 2 may be a glass dielectric substrate. The thickness of the first substrate 1 may be 0.5 mm.

[0131] In a possible design, in the liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application, the number of antenna units 100 may be multiple.

[0132] A plurality of antenna units 100 can respectively share a first substrate 1, a second substrate 2, a liquid crystal layer 3, and a planar electrode 5. That is, patch electrodes 4 corresponding to each antenna unit 100 are formed on a single first substrate 1. After forming an electrode layer 5 on a single second substrate 2, a slot 51 structure corresponding to each antenna unit 100 is etched on the electrode layer 5. Then, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are paired and filled with liquid crystal to form a liquid crystal antenna.

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, any one of the antenna units 100 can adopt the structure of the antenna unit provided in any of the foregoing embodiments. In other words, the number of patch electrodes in an antenna unit is at least two, and / or the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is at least two.

[0134] In some scenarios, the structures of different antenna units can be different. For example, the number of patch electrodes, the number of slot structures, the situation of the slot structures corresponding to the patch electrodes, or the position of the slot structures in different antenna units can be different. In some other scenarios, the structures of different antenna units can be the same. For example, the number of patch electrodes, the number of slot structures, the situation of the slot structures corresponding to the patch electrodes, and the position of the slot structures in different antenna units can be the same. In still some other scenarios, the structures of some of the antenna units in the liquid crystal antenna are the same, and the structures of the other part of the antenna units are different.

[0135] In a possible implementation manner, the plurality of antenna units 100 may include an antenna unit 100A and an antenna unit 100B. Among them, the resonance frequency change range of the antenna unit 100A is different from the resonance frequency change range of the antenna unit 100B.

[0136] In some examples, the size of the slot structure in the antenna unit 100A is different from the size of the slot structure in the antenna unit 100B. Optionally, the size of the patch electrode in the antenna unit 100A may be the same as or different from the size of the patch electrode in the antenna unit 100B. Or, the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit 100A may be the same as or different from the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit 100B.

[0137] In some examples, the size of the patch electrode in the antenna unit 100A may be different from the size of the patch electrode in the antenna unit 100B. Optionally, the size of the slot structure in the antenna unit 100A is different from or the same as the size of the slot structure in the antenna unit 100B. Or, the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit 100A may be the same as or different from the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit 100B.

[0138] In some examples, the number of patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A may be different from the number of patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B. Optionally, the size of the slot structure in antenna unit 100A may be different from or the same as the size of the slot structure in antenna unit 100B. Alternatively, the size of the patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A may be the same as or different from the size of the patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B.

[0139] It should be understood that the operating frequency of the antenna unit provided in this application is related to the size of the patch electrodes, the size of the slot structure, and the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit. By adjusting one or more of the size of the patch electrodes, the size of the slot structure, and the number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit, the resonant frequency of the antenna unit can be adjusted, and the resonant frequencies supported by the antenna unit can constitute the operating frequency range of the antenna unit.

[0140] In some examples, as Figure 12 shown, multiple antenna units 100 may include antenna unit 100A and antenna unit 100B. Among them, the range of change in the resonant frequency of antenna unit 100A is different from the range of change in the resonant frequency of antenna unit 100B. Among them, the size of the slot structure in antenna unit 100A is different from the size of the slot structure in antenna unit 100B. Antenna units 100A and 100B are arranged in an array, and the extending directions of the slot structures in each antenna unit are parallel to each other.

[0141] Next, perform simulation on the liquid crystal antenna provided in this example. The tuning frequency supported by antenna unit 100A is different from the tuning frequency supported by antenna unit 100B. The tuning frequency range supported by antenna unit 100A is 10.4 GHz - 11.5 GHz, and an operating bandwidth of approximately 1.1 GHz can be achieved. The tuning frequency range supported by antenna unit 100B is 12.8 GHz - 14.2 GHz, and an operating bandwidth of approximately 1.4 GHz can be achieved.

[0142] In the case where the liquid crystal antenna includes antenna unit 100A and antenna unit 100B, as Figure 13A shown, the resonant frequency situation of the liquid crystal antenna when the liquid crystal dielectric constants at antenna units 100A and 100B are both 3.5 is shown by the dashed curve, and the resonant frequency situation of the liquid crystal antenna when the liquid crystal dielectric constants at antenna units 100A and 100B are both 2.5 is shown by the solid curve.

[0143] When a liquid crystal antenna uses a single antenna element, it is difficult to support a wider operating bandwidth or the requirements of multi-frequency operation. The liquid crystal antenna provided by the embodiment of the present application includes an antenna element 100A and an antenna element 100B. Among them, the size of the patch electrode of the antenna element 100A in the orthographic projection on the second substrate is the same as the size of the patch electrode of the antenna element 100B in the orthographic projection on the second substrate. The size of the slot structure of the antenna element 100A in the orthographic projection on the second substrate may be different from the size of the slot structure of the antenna element 100B in the orthographic projection on the second substrate. For example, the length of the slot structure of the antenna element 100B in the orthographic projection on the second substrate is 2.5 mm, and the width is 0.2 mm. The length of the slot structure of the antenna element 100A in the orthographic projection on the second substrate is greater than 2.5 mm.

[0144] Alternatively, the size of the patch electrode of the antenna element 100A in the orthographic projection on the second substrate is different from the size of the patch electrode of the antenna element 100B in the orthographic projection on the second substrate. The size of the slot structure of the antenna element 100A in the orthographic projection on the second substrate may be the same as the size of the slot structure of the antenna element 100B in the orthographic projection on the second substrate.

[0145] As Figure 13B shown, the antenna elements 100A and 100B in the liquid crystal antenna make the overall operating bandwidth of the antenna larger. When the liquid crystal dielectric constant at the slot structure of the antenna element 100B changes between 2.5 and 3.5, the resonant frequency of the simulation result of the liquid crystal antenna is in the range of 12.8 GHz to 14.2 GHz. If continuous wideband coverage is required, the size parameters of the patch electrode in the antenna element 100B can be adjusted so that the lowest resonant frequency of the antenna element 100B is continuous with the highest resonant frequency band of the antenna element 100A.

[0146] In a possible implementation manner, the plurality of antenna elements 100 may include an antenna element 100A and an antenna element 100B. Among them, the resonant frequency change range of the antenna element 100A is the same as the resonant frequency change range of the antenna element 100B.

[0147] The operating frequency of the antenna element provided by the present application is related to the size of the patch electrode, the size of the slot structure, and the number of patch electrodes in the antenna element. By adjusting one or more of the size of the patch electrode, the size of the slot structure, and the number of patch electrodes in the antenna element, it is possible to make the operating frequency range of the antenna element 100A the same as the operating frequency range of the antenna element 100B.

[0148] In a possible implementation manner, the plurality of antenna elements 100 may include an antenna element 100A and an antenna element 100B. Among them, the resonant frequency change range of the antenna element 100A is different from the resonant frequency change range of the antenna element 100B.

[0149] The extension direction of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A intersects with the extension direction of the fourth slot structure in the antenna unit 100B. Optionally, the third slot structure can be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100A. The fourth slot structure can be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100B.

[0150] In a possible design, in a liquid crystal antenna, there are multiple possible implementation manners for the arrangement of multiple antenna units 100. The multiple antenna units 100 can be arranged in an array.

[0151] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 14 shown, the antenna units 100 can be arranged in a one-dimensional array, that is, the antenna units 100 can be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide, or as Figure 15 shown, the antenna units 100 can also be arranged in a two-dimensional array, that is, the antenna units 100 can also be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide and the direction perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0152] In some examples, in the liquid crystal antenna, the extension directions of the slot structures in each antenna unit 100 are parallel to each other.

[0153] For example, as Figure 16 shown, the multiple antenna units 100 can be arranged in a one-dimensional array, that is, the antenna units 100 can be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide, and the extension directions of the slot structures in each antenna unit 100 are all perpendicular to the extension direction of the planar waveguide. Similarly, the multiple antenna units 100 can be arranged in a two-dimensional array, and the antenna units 100 can also be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide and the direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and the extension directions of the slot structures in each antenna unit 100 are all perpendicular to the extension direction of the planar waveguide.

[0154] Again, for example, as Figure 17 shown, the multiple antenna units 100 can be arranged in a one-dimensional array, that is, the antenna units 100 can be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide, and the extension directions of the slot structures in each antenna unit 100 are all parallel to the extension direction of the planar waveguide. Similarly, the multiple antenna units 100 can be arranged in a two-dimensional array, and the antenna units 100 can also be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide and the direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and the extension directions of the slot structures in each antenna unit 100 are all parallel to the extension direction of the planar waveguide.

[0155] Once again, for example, as Figure 18As shown, multiple antenna units 100 can be arranged in a one-dimensional array, that is, the antenna units 100 can be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide. The extension direction of the slot structure in each antenna unit 100 intersects with the extension direction of the planar waveguide, and the included angles are the same. Similarly, multiple antenna units 100 can be arranged in a two-dimensional array, and the antenna units 100 can also be arranged along the extension direction of the planar waveguide and the direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The extension direction of the slot structure in each antenna unit 100 intersects with the extension direction of the planar waveguide, and the included angles are the same.

[0156] For an antenna unit, the extension direction of the slot structure and the electric field formed by the antenna unit jointly affect the polarization direction of the antenna unit.

[0157] In some other examples, multiple antenna units 100 may include at least one resonant group. A resonant group may include an antenna unit 100A and an antenna unit 100B. The extension direction of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A intersects with the extension direction of the fourth slot structure in the antenna unit 100B, as Figure 19 shown. The arrows in the figure represent the polarization directions of the antenna units. The polarization direction of each antenna unit is related to the extension direction of the slot structure in the antenna unit. Optionally, the third slot structure may be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100A. The fourth slot structure may be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100B. Optionally, the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the third slot structure of the antenna unit 100A may be the same as or different from the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the fourth slot structure of the antenna unit 100B.

[0158] The extension direction of the fourth slot structure in the antenna unit 100B is different from the extension direction of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A. The included angle between the extension direction of the fourth slot structure in the antenna unit 100B and the extension direction of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A is related to the polarization direction of the resonant group. By adjusting the included angle between the extension direction of the fourth slot structure in the antenna unit 100B and the extension direction of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A, the polarization direction of the resonant group can be adjusted, and thus the polarization direction of the liquid crystal antenna can be adjusted.

[0159] Optionally, in this example, multiple antenna units 100 may include multiple resonant groups. The multiple resonant groups can be arranged in an array.

[0160] In still some other examples, multiple antenna units 100 may include at least one resonant group. A resonant group may include an antenna unit 100A and an antenna unit 100B. As Figure 20As shown, the extension direction of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A intersects and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the fourth slot structure in the antenna unit 100B, that is, the polarization direction of the antenna unit 100A is perpendicular to the polarization direction of the antenna unit 100B. Optionally, the third slot structure can be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100A. The fourth slot structure can be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100B. For an antenna unit, the slot structure in the antenna unit cuts the radiation surface induction current of the antenna unit to radiate energy, and the length direction of the slot structure is usually perpendicular to the polarization direction of the antenna unit. By adjusting the positions of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A and the fourth slot structure of the antenna unit 100B, the polarization direction of the whole antenna unit 100A and the antenna unit 100B can be reconstructed into vertical polarization, as Figure 20 shown by the thick arrow in Figure 20 indicating the polarization direction after the overall reconstruction of the antenna unit 100A and the antenna unit 100B.

[0161] The electric field formed by the antenna unit 100A can be the same as or different from the electric field formed by the antenna unit 100B.

[0162] For example, the electric field formed by the antenna unit 100A can be the same as the electric field formed by the antenna unit 100B. Among them, the extension direction of the third slot structure in the antenna unit 100A forms an angle of -45° with the second direction Y. The extension direction of the fourth slot structure in the antenna unit 100B forms an angle of +45° with the second direction Y. Optionally, the third slot structure can be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100A. The fourth slot structure can be any slot structure in the antenna unit 100B. It can be seen that the polarization direction of the antenna unit 100A is different from the polarization direction of the antenna unit 100B. And the polarization direction of the resonance group in this example is the same as the second direction Y, that is, the polarization mode of this resonance group is vertical polarization.

[0163] In the embodiments of the present application, by adjusting the extension direction of the slot structure in each antenna unit of the resonance group, various polarization reconfigurable effects can be achieved. It is beneficial to flexibly adjust the polarization direction of the resonance group, and then adjust the polarization direction of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0164] Optionally, in this example, multiple antenna units 100 can include multiple resonance groups. The multiple resonance groups can be arranged in an array.

[0165] In some other examples, the multiple antenna units 100 may include at least one resonant group. A resonant group may include antenna unit 100A and antenna unit 100B. The extending direction of the third slot structure in antenna unit 100A intersects and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the fourth slot structure in antenna unit 100B. Optionally, the third slot structure may be any slot structure in antenna unit 100A. The fourth slot structure may be any slot structure in antenna unit 100B. The third slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, and the fourth slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode. As Figure 21 shown. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the third slot structure in antenna unit 100A may be the same as the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the fourth slot structure in antenna unit 100B, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by antenna unit 100A and the electric field formed by antenna unit 100B is 90°, and circularly polarized radiation can be achieved.

[0166] The distance between the center position of the patch electrode corresponding to the third slot structure in antenna unit 100A and the center position of the patch electrode corresponding to the fourth slot structure in antenna unit 100B has a proportional relationship with the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by antenna unit 100A and antenna unit 100B, that is, the distance between the center position of the patch electrode corresponding to the third slot structure in antenna unit 100A and the center position of the patch electrode corresponding to the fourth slot structure in antenna unit 100B has a proportional relationship with the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center position of the patch electrode in antenna unit 100A and the center position of the patch electrode in antenna unit 100B is approximately λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0167] In some other examples, the multiple antenna units 100 may include at least one resonant group. A resonant group may include antenna unit 100A, antenna unit 100B, antenna unit 100C, and antenna unit 100D. When the position distribution and operating frequency of the target slot structures in each antenna unit in the resonant group meet the following relationship, the resonant group may have the effect of circularly polarized radiation. The target slot structure in an antenna unit may be any slot structure in the antenna unit, and the target slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, denoted as the target patch electrode.

[0168] As Figure 22As shown, the extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100A intersects and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100B. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100A can be the same as the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100B, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by antenna unit 100A and the electric field formed by antenna unit 100B is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B is proportional to the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by antenna unit 100A and antenna unit 100B, that is, the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B is proportional to the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B is approximately waveguide wavelength λg / 4.

[0169] The extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100C intersects and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100B. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100C can be the same as the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100B, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by antenna unit 100C and the electric field formed by antenna unit 100B is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100C and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B is proportional to the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by antenna unit 100C and antenna unit 100B, that is, the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100C and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B is proportional to the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100C and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100B is approximately waveguide wavelength λg / 4.

[0170] The extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100C intersects and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100D. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100C can be the same as the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100D, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by antenna unit 100C and the electric field formed by antenna unit 100D is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100C and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100D is proportional to the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by antenna unit 100C and antenna unit 100D, that is, the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100C and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100D is proportional to the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100C and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100D is approximately λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0171] The extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100A intersects and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the target slot structure in antenna unit 100D. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100A can be the same as the resonant frequency of the resonant structure formed by the target slot structure in antenna unit 100D, and the phase difference between the electric field formed by antenna unit 100A and the electric field formed by antenna unit 100D is 90°. The distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100D is proportional to the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by antenna unit 100A and antenna unit 100D, that is, the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100D is proportional to the waveguide wavelength, where the distance between the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100A and the center positions of the target patch electrodes in antenna unit 100D is approximately λg / 4 of the waveguide wavelength.

[0172] In the above liquid crystal antenna and electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application, liquid crystal is encapsulated by the first substrate and the second substrate in the antenna unit, and the patch electrode on the first substrate and the electrode layer on the second substrate form a resonant structure. By changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal between the two, the operating frequency of the antenna unit can be changed. In the liquid crystal antenna, by adjusting the number of patch electrodes, the number of slot structures, and the patch electrode corresponding to the slot mechanism in the antenna unit, the operating frequency range of the liquid crystal antenna is improved, that is, the operating frequency reconstruction of the liquid crystal antenna, or the polarization reconstruction of the liquid crystal antenna is realized. Through the antenna unit structure with a slot structure proposed in the present application, the adjustment flexibility of the operating frequency and polarization direction of the liquid crystal antenna is improved.

[0173] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalent technologies, this application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal antenna, wherein, Comprising at least one antenna unit; The antenna unit includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a patch electrode located on the side of the first substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, an electrode layer located on the side of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, and a slit structure formed in the electrode layer; The number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is at least two, and / or the number of slit structures in the antenna unit is at least two, wherein any one slit structure corresponds to at least one patch electrode, the any one slit structure is opposite to any one of the corresponding patch electrodes, the positive projection of any one patch electrode on the second substrate covers at least a partial area of the any one slit structure, and the positive projection of any one slit structure on the first substrate covers at least a partial area of the any one patch electrode.

2. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, In a first direction, the length of the positive projection of any one patch electrode on the second substrate is less than the length of the positive projection of any one slit structure on the second substrate; and / or, in a second direction, the width of the positive projection of any one patch electrode on the second substrate is greater than the width of the positive projection of any one slit structure on the second substrate; wherein, the first direction is the length direction of any one slit structure, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

3. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The positive projection of any one slit structure on the second substrate covers the central position of the positive projection of any one patch electrode on the second substrate.

4. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, Any one slit structure corresponding to at least one patch electrode includes a plurality of patch electrodes; The plurality of patch electrodes are arranged along the length direction of the slit structure.

5. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The positive projection of any one slit structure on the second substrate is rectangular; and / or, The positive projection of any one patch electrode on the second substrate is rectangular.

6. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The number of slit structures in any one antenna unit is at least two, and the at least two slit structures include a first slit structure and a second slit structure; The size of the first slit structure is different from the size of the second slit structure, or the size of the patch electrodes corresponding to the first slit structure is different from the size of the patch electrodes corresponding to the second slit structure, or the number of patch electrodes corresponding to the first slit structure is different from the number of patch electrodes corresponding to the second slit structure.

7. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The number of slit structures in any one antenna unit is at least two, and the at least two slit structures include a first slit structure and a second slit structure; The extending direction of the first slit structure is parallel to the extending direction of the second slit structure.

8. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The number of slit structures in any one antenna unit is at least two, and the at least two slit structures include a first slit structure and a second slit structure; The extending direction of the first slit structure intersects with the extending direction of the second slit structure.

9. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 8, wherein, The length of the first slit structure is the same as the length of the second slit structure; the extending direction of the first slit structure intersects with the extending direction of the second slit structure, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees.

10. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 8, wherein, The length of the first slot structure is the same as that of the second slot structure; the extending direction of the first slot structure intersects with that of the second slot structure, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees; the phase difference between the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the first slot structure and the electrode layer and the electric field formed by the patch electrode corresponding to the second slot structure and the electrode layer is 90 degrees; The first slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, the second slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, and the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes corresponding to the first slot structure and the second slot structure has a proportional relationship with the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave resonated by the antenna element to which the first slot structure and the second slot structure belong.

11. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one antenna element includes a plurality of antenna elements, which are arranged in an array.

12. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 11, wherein, The extending directions of the slot structures in each antenna element are parallel to each other.

13. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one antenna element includes a plurality of antenna elements; the plurality of antenna elements include a first antenna element and a second antenna element, the first antenna element includes a slot structure, and the second antenna element includes a slot structure; Wherein, the size of the slot structure in the first antenna element is different from that of the slot structure in the second antenna element, or the size of the patch electrode in the first antenna element is different from that of the patch electrode in the second antenna element, or the number of patch electrodes in the first antenna element is different from the number of patch electrodes in the second antenna element.

14. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of antenna elements include a first antenna element and a second antenna element; The extending direction of the third slot structure in the first antenna element intersects with the extending direction of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna element.

15. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one antenna element includes a plurality of antenna elements; the plurality of antenna elements include a first antenna element and a second antenna element; The length of the third slot structure in the first antenna element is the same as that of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna element; the extending direction of the third slot structure in the first antenna element intersects with the extending direction of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna element, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees.

16. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one antenna element includes a plurality of antenna elements; the plurality of antenna elements include a first antenna element and a second antenna element; The length of the third slot structure in the first antenna element is the same as that of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna element; the extending direction of the third slot structure in the first antenna element intersects with the extending direction of the fourth slot structure in the second antenna element, and the included angle is approximately 90 degrees; the phase difference between the electric field formed by the first antenna element and the electric field formed by the second antenna element is 90 degrees; The third slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, the fourth slot structure corresponds to a patch electrode, and the distance between the center positions of the patch electrodes corresponding to the third slot structure and the patch electrodes corresponding to the fourth slot structure has a proportional relationship with the electromagnetic wave wavelength resonated by the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit.

17. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is two, the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is one, and the one slot structure corresponds to the two patch electrodes.

18. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is two, the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is two, and one slot structure corresponds to one patch electrode.

19. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The number of patch electrodes in the antenna unit is four, the number of slot structures in the antenna unit is two, and one slot structure corresponds to two patch electrodes.

20. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein, The liquid crystal antenna further includes a metal layer located on the side of the second substrate of the antenna unit facing away from the first substrate, and a waveguide medium filled between the metal layer and the second substrate, and the waveguide medium includes at least one dielectric layer.

21. An electronic device, wherein, The electronic device includes the liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1-20.

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