Feed structure and phase shift unit

Abstract

The invention provides a feed structure and a phase shift unit, and belongs to the technical field of microwave communication. The feeder line is positioned on one side of the dielectric layer; the metal layer is positioned on one side, deviating from the feeder line, of the dielectric layer; the coupling gap is formed in the metal layer, and the orthographic projection of the coupling gap on the dielectric layer is overlapped with the orthographic projection of the feeder line on the dielectric layer; wherein the coupling slot comprises a strip-shaped first slot and a plurality of slot branches connected with the first slot, and a plurality of H-shaped sub-slots which are sequentially connected in series are formed between the first slot and the plurality of slot branches.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of microwave communication technology, and in particular to a feeding structure and a phase shifting unit. Background Art

[0002] With the development of modern communication technology, the demand for miniaturization, integration, and low loss in microwave devices is increasing. Microwave devices can include microwave antennas, which in turn can include phase shifters and other components. Microwave antennas require low loss and wide bandwidth. Loss refers to the difference between input power and output power. The smaller the difference, the lower the loss, and vice versa. A wider bandwidth allows microwave antennas to be used in communications across multiple frequency bands, providing wider coverage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the background technology, the present disclosure proposes a feeding structure and a phase shifting unit.

[0004] First, the feeding structure, applied to the phase shifter, includes:

[0005] dielectric layer;

[0006] a feeder line, located on one side of the dielectric layer;

[0007] a metal layer, located on a side of the dielectric layer facing away from the feed line; and

[0008] A coupling slot is provided on the metal layer, wherein an orthographic projection of the coupling slot on the dielectric layer overlaps with an orthographic projection of the feed line on the dielectric layer;

[0009] The coupling slot includes a strip-shaped first slot and a plurality of slot branches connected to the first slot, and a plurality of H-shaped sub-slots connected in series are formed between the first slot and the plurality of slot branches.

[0010] Exemplarily, the branch lengths of the plurality of slit branches in a target direction are the same or not exactly the same; wherein the target direction is an orthogonal direction of the first slit.

[0011] Exemplarily, the lengths of the plurality of slit branches in the target direction are not completely the same; wherein,

[0012] In the extension direction of the first slit, the branch lengths of the plurality of slit branches located on the same side of the first slit vary in at least one of a staggered variation, a linear variation, a sinusoidal function variation, and a trigonometric function variation.

[0013] Exemplarily, the plurality of slit branches are symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the first slit.

[0014] Exemplarily, in the extension direction, the lengths of the plurality of slit branches located on the first side of the first slit vary in a first linear manner, and the lengths of the plurality of slit branches located on the second side of the first slit vary in a second linear manner;

[0015] The first linear change is a linear increasing change, and the second linear change is a linear decreasing change.

[0016] Exemplarily, a difference in branch lengths between every two adjacent slit branches on the first side is equal to a difference in branch lengths between every two adjacent slit branches on the second side.

[0017] Exemplarily, the plurality of slit branches include second slits connected to both ends of the first slit branch, and a plurality of third slits distributed between two of the second slits;

[0018] Wherein, in the extension direction, the branch lengths of the plurality of third slits located on the same side of the first slit vary in a trigonometric function.

[0019] Exemplarily, among the plurality of third slits, there is at least one third slit whose branch length is greater than the branch length of the second slit.

[0020] Exemplarily, a sub-slot is formed between every two adjacent slot branches; wherein the plurality of sub-slots include a first sub-slot and / or a second sub-slot;

[0021] Among them, the branch lengths of the slit branches in the first sub-slit located on the same side of the first slit in the target direction are the same, and the branch lengths of the slit branches in the second sub-slit located on the same side of the first slit in the target direction are different, and the target direction is the orthogonal direction of the first slit.

[0022] Exemplarily, the plurality of slit branches include second slits connected to both ends of the first slit branch, and a plurality of third slits distributed between two of the second slits;

[0023] wherein the first gap includes a first gap segment adjacent to the second gap, and a second gap segment connected between the first gap segments;

[0024] The size of the first slit segment in the target direction is larger than the size of the second slit segment in the target direction, and a plurality of the third slits are loaded onto the second slit segment;

[0025] The target direction is an orthogonal direction of the first gap.

[0026] Exemplarily, the ends of the plurality of third slits and the end of the first slit segment in the target direction are located on the same horizontal line; wherein the horizontal line is a line in the plane where the metal layer is located and parallel to the extension direction of the first slit.

[0027] Exemplarily, ends of some or all of the slit branches are connected with end slits;

[0028] The size of the end slit in the extension direction of the first slit is different from the size of the connected slit branch in the extension direction of the first slit, and / or the shape of the end slit is different from the shape of the slit branch.

[0029] Exemplarily, the shape of the end slit is different from the shape of the slit branch; wherein the shape of the end slit includes at least one of a triangle, a circle, an ellipse and a trapezoid.

[0030] Exemplarily, the size of the end gap in the extension direction of the first gap increases as the distance from the first gap increases; wherein, the two side edges of the end gap connected to the gap branches are stepped.

[0031] Secondly, a phase shift unit is also provided, comprising:

[0032] a first substrate;

[0033] a second substrate, disposed opposite to the first substrate;

[0034] Liquid crystal, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein electrodes are provided on the side of the first substrate and the second substrate close to the liquid crystal; and

[0035] The feeding structure in any of the above examples is provided on a side of the first substrate or the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal;

[0036] The orthographic projection of the coupling slot in the feeding structure on the first substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode on the substrate.

[0037] The feed structure provided by the present disclosure can be applied to a phase shifter. The feed structure may include a dielectric layer, a feed line, a metal layer, and a coupling slot. The feed line and the metal layer are located on opposite sides of the dielectric layer. The coupling slot begins on the metal layer, and its orthographic projection on the dielectric layer overlaps with the feed line. The coupling slot includes a first strip-shaped slot and multiple slot branches connected to the first slot. Multiple H-shaped sub-slots are formed in series between the first slot and the multiple slot branches.

[0038] When using this feeding structure, on the one hand, because the coupling slot involves multiple H-shaped sub-slots connected in series, the sub-slots share the first slot, and the slot branches loaded therein exhibit inductive effects, while the slot branches can be equivalent to a capacitor. This not only enhances the coupled signal strength but also widens the impedance bandwidth of the phase shifter, thereby ensuring stable operation. On the other hand, the multiple H-shaped sub-slots enhance the coupling strength and increase the operating bandwidth. Furthermore, compared to traditional waveguide feeding, this feeding structure has the advantages of being small and easy to integrate. Finally, compared to traditional feeding structures, this feeding structure has lower losses. Therefore, using this feeding structure can make the microwave antenna have a wider bandwidth and lower losses.

[0039] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present disclosure. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present disclosure, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present disclosure more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present disclosure are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or related technologies, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or related technologies. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive efforts. It should be noted that the scales in the drawings are for illustration only and do not represent the actual scale.

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a feeding structure in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic top views of two feeding structures are shown respectively;

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Schematic top views of two feeding structures in embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a plurality of slit branches linearly loaded onto a first slit in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a plurality of slit branches loaded onto a first slit in a sinusoidal function in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a plurality of slit branches loaded onto a first slit in a trigonometric function in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0047] Figure 9 A schematic top view of another coupling gap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0048] Figure 10 shows the traditional H-type slot coupling feeding structure, and Figure 9 Comparison curve of the reflection coefficient S11 of the proposed coupling slot;

[0049] Figure 11 shows the traditional H-type slot coupled feeding structure and Figure 9 Comparison curve of the transmission coefficient S21 of the proposed coupling gap;

[0050] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a coupling slot with an equilateral triangle end slot is shown;

[0051] Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of a coupling gap with a trapezoidal end gap is shown;

[0052] Figure 14 Shown Figure 13 An enlarged schematic diagram of the end gap in FIG;

[0053] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a coupling gap with a circular end gap is shown;

[0054] Figure 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a phase shift unit in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 17 Shown Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the feed line, coupling gap and electrode in the phase shift unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] To make the above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0057] With the development of modern communication technology, miniaturized and highly integrated microwave devices, such as microwave antennas, are generally required. For example, microwave antennas must be able to operate simultaneously in multiple frequency bands. For phase shifters, a high FoM is one performance metric. FoM is the ratio of maximum phase shift to maximum insertion loss. Therefore, designing a high-performance phase shifter requires low loss. Loss is closely related to impedance matching. When impedance matching is good, less energy is reflected, more energy is transmitted, and loss is lower. When a microwave antenna has a wide operating bandwidth and good S11 across the operating bandwidth, the microwave device also exhibits low loss.

[0058] Among them, microwave devices are generally equipped with a feeding structure. The feeding methods include direct feeding and feeding through slots. Slot feeding generally includes straight slots, cross slots, H-shaped slots and butterfly slots. However, when using these slots for feeding, there is still a problem of high loss, and low loss has always been the focus of improvement of microwave antennas.

[0059] In view of this, in order to reduce the loss of microwave devices (microwave antennas, phase shifters, etc.) and expand the bandwidth, the structure of the coupling slot has been improved. Specifically, the traditional H-shaped slot has been improved. The improved coupling slot can include multiple H-shaped sub-slots connected in series. Thus, the coupling slot can be constructed into a fishbone-like structure. By utilizing the capacitance and inductance effects, the impedance bandwidth can be widened, the loss can be reduced, and the signal bandwidth can be expanded.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a feeding structure in this embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shows a schematic top view of two feeding structures, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the feeding structure of this embodiment can be applied to a phase shifter, including:

[0061] dielectric layer 11;

[0062] The feed line 13 is located on one side of the dielectric layer 11;

[0063] The metal layer 12 is located on the side of the dielectric layer facing away from the feed line; and

[0064] The coupling slot 14 is provided on the metal layer 12, and the orthographic projection of the coupling slot on the dielectric layer overlaps with the orthographic projection of the feed line on the dielectric layer;

[0065] The coupling slot includes a strip-shaped first slot 141 and a plurality of slot branches 142 connected to the first slot 141 . A plurality of H-shaped sub-slots connected in series are formed between the first slot and the plurality of slot branches.

[0066] In this embodiment, the metal layer can serve as the grounding metal layer of the feed structure, used for grounding the microwave device. Specifically, the metal layer can cover the entire dielectric layer or a portion of the dielectric layer. The metal layer can be provided with a coupling slot, which can be formed by etching or drilling the metal layer. Alternatively, in some examples, a mask plate with a pattern of coupling slots can be laminated on the dielectric layer, and then the metal layer and the coupling slot can be simultaneously formed on the dielectric layer through a process such as vapor deposition.

[0067] Among them, the metal layer and the feeder are made of metal materials, for example, low-loss metal materials such as gold, silver, and copper can be used. When forming the metal layer and the feeder, they can be prepared by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating, etc. The dielectric layer can be made of commonly used low-loss PCB (Printed Circuit Board) boards such as polytetrafluoroethylene and F4BM, or hard materials with low-loss performance such as quartz, ceramics, graphene, and glass.

[0068] The thickness of the metal layer can be set as required, and the dimensions of the feeder, such as line width and length, can be set as required.

[0069] The orthographic projection of the coupling slot on the dielectric layer overlaps the orthographic projection of the feed line on the dielectric layer. This overlap may be caused by the coupling slot and the feed line intersecting, and the electrical signal on the feed line is coupled to the signal receiving structure in the microwave device via the coupling slot. For example, if the microwave device is a microwave antenna, the electrical signal on the feed line is coupled to the radiating element in the microwave antenna via the coupling slot. For another example, if the microwave device is a liquid crystal phase shifter, the electrical signal on the feed line is coupled to the phase shifting element in the liquid crystal phase shifter via the coupling slot, thereby achieving phase shifting of the signal.

[0070] In this embodiment, the coupling slit may include a first strip-shaped slit and a plurality of slit branches connected to the first slit, wherein the first slit and the plurality of slit branches form a plurality of serially connected H-shaped sub-slits. Specifically, the first slit may be a straight slit in the shape of a straight line, or a curved slit with a certain curvature, and the plurality of slit branches may be connected to the first slit at intervals. Since an H-shaped slit is to be formed, the plurality of slit branches may be distributed on opposite sides of the first slit. Figure 2As shown, multiple gap branches can be distributed on the upper and lower sides of the first gap, wherein an H-shaped sub-gap can be formed between every four gap branches and the first gap. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, multiple H-shaped sub-gaps share the first gap, that is, the first gap can be used as a horizontal gap in multiple H-shaped sub-gaps.

[0071] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the multiple slot branches can include slot branches located at both ends of the first slot. The four slot branches at both ends and the first slot branch can form a large H-shaped sub-slot, and multiple small H-shaped sub-slots are further included between the large H-shaped sub-slot. In another example, the slot branches can be disconnected at both ends of the first slot. In this way, the coupling slot can resemble a fence structure, that is, the two ends of the first slot become free ends, and the middle slot section of the first slot forms multiple serially connected H-shaped sub-slots.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, in another example, one end of the first slot may be connected to a slot branch, and the other end may not be connected to a slot branch, so that one end of the first slot is a free end. In this way, a T-shaped slot is formed between the first slot and the two slot branches at the end, and a plurality of H-shaped sub-slots are formed between the remaining part and the slot branches.

[0073] It should be noted that the two ends of the first gap may refer to the end portion and the end portion of the first gap.

[0074] The sizes of the first slit and the slit branches can be set according to requirements, and the spacing between the slit branches can be equal or unequal.

[0075] Among them, the gap branch can intersect with the first gap vertically, for example, the angle between the gap branch and the first gap is 90 degrees. Of course, in practice, due to the influence of the process, the angle between the gap branch and the first gap is not necessarily 90 degrees, but can be an angle between 89 degrees and 91 degrees, which is roughly vertical.

[0076] Among them, whether using Figure 2 The coupling gap is still used Figure 3The coupling slots each have multiple H-shaped sub-slots connected in series. The four slot branches of the H-shaped sub-slots can be equivalent to a capacitor, and the loaded slot branches exhibit inductive effects, which can widen the impedance bandwidth, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the microwave device. In addition, the multiple H-shaped sub-slots connected in series can enhance the coupling strength, thereby widening the operating bandwidth of the microwave device. When using this coupling slot, the loss of energy input from the feed line to the microwave device can also be reduced, reducing the difference between the energy output and the energy input of the microwave device, thereby reducing the loss of the microwave device. Therefore, the feed junction structure of this embodiment can enable the microwave device to have a wider operating bandwidth and lower loss.

[0077] It should be noted that the feeding structure can be used as a feeding structure for a microwave antenna, a liquid crystal phase shifter, etc. The microwave antenna can include a linearly polarized antenna, a circularly polarized antenna, etc.

[0078] In some examples, the plurality of slit branches are evenly spaced on the first slit, thereby being arranged at equal intervals. The spacing between the slit branches can be slightly larger than the line width of the slit branches in the extension direction of the first slit, or can be equal to the line width of the slit branches in the extension direction of the first slit, or can be smaller than the line width of the slit branches in the extension direction of the first slit.

[0079] In some examples, the sizes of the plurality of slit branches in a target direction are the same or different, and the target direction is an orthogonal direction of the first slit.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the target direction can be a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the first slit. For example, if the extension direction of the first slit is the x direction, the target direction is the y direction. The size of the slit branch in the target direction can be understood as the branch length of the slit branch, wherein the branch lengths of multiple slit branches can be consistent or inconsistent. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shown is the case where the branch lengths of the gap branches are completely consistent.

[0081] When the lengths of multiple gap branches are exactly the same, the gap branches can be equally spaced.

[0082] In this example, the sizes of the plurality of slit branches in the target direction are not completely the same may mean that one or more slit branches have the same size in the target direction, while the sizes of the remaining slit branches in the target direction are different.

[0083] Among them, when the branch lengths of multiple gap branches are not completely consistent, multiple gap branches with different branch lengths can be arranged periodically, referring to Figure 4As shown, a top plan view of another feeding structure is shown, as shown in Figure 4 As shown, the eight slit branches have two branch lengths, and the slit branches with large branch lengths and the slit branches with small branch lengths are arranged alternately. Of course, in some other examples, the plurality of slit branches can be arranged in the order of short to long branch lengths in the extension direction of the first slit, referring to Figure 5 As shown, the lengths of multiple slit branches are arranged in order from short to long.

[0084] In another example, the lengths of the multiple slit branches are not completely uniform. In the extension direction of the first slit, the multiple slit branches can be arranged in order from short to long, or from long to short. The dimensions of the multiple slit branches in the extension direction of the first slit can be the same or different, and are not particularly limited here.

[0085] Specifically, in another example of this embodiment, when the branch lengths of multiple slit branches are not completely consistent, the branch lengths of multiple slit branches located on the same side of the first slit in the extension direction of the first slit can change in at least one of staggered, linear, sinusoidal and trigonometric function patterns.

[0086] In this example, the plurality of slit branches can be linearly loaded, sinusoidally loaded, trigonometrically loaded, or staggeredly arranged on the first slit according to the branch length.

[0087] Specifically, when linearly loaded, the lengths of the multiple slit branches increase or decrease linearly. For example, if there are N slit branches, there are N types of branch lengths. The linear loading may mean that in the extension direction of the first slit, the multiple slit branches are arranged in the order of branch length from short to long, or in the order of branch length from long to short. Thus, the line connecting the ends of the multiple slit branches is a slant line. Figure 6 As shown, a schematic diagram of multiple slit branches linearly loaded onto the first slit is shown, as Figure 6 As shown, the lengths of the multiple slit branches located on the same side of the first slit are arranged from long to short, or from short to long.

[0088] When this example is used, the branch length of the loaded slot branches is set to a linearly increasing or decreasing form. Slot branches with different branch lengths can form coupled resonance points at different frequencies to achieve the effect of expanding the bandwidth.

[0089] For further examples in this example, please refer to Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the linear variation modes of the plurality of slit branches located on opposite sides of the first slit may be opposite. For example, Figure 6As shown, the multiple slit branches located on the first side of the first slit show a first linear change in the extension direction, and the multiple slit branches located on the second side of the first slit show a second linear change in the extension direction;

[0090] The first linear change is a linear increase in the length of the branch, and the second linear change is a linear decrease in the length of the branch.

[0091] Specifically, the first side and the second side are opposite sides of the first slit, and the lengths of the multiple slit branches on the first side vary linearly, and the lengths of the multiple slit branches on the second side also vary linearly, but the linear variation on the first side is opposite to the linear variation on the second side. Figure 6 As shown, the first side may be the upper side of the first slit in the y-direction, and the multiple slit branches on the first side exhibit a first linear variation in the extension direction, which may be the x-direction. The first linear variation is a linear increase in branch length, that is, the multiple slit branches on the first side sequentially increase in length in the x-direction. The second side may be the lower side of the first slit in the y-direction, and the multiple slit branches on the second side exhibit a second linear variation in the extension direction, which is a linear decrease in branch length, that is, the multiple slit branches on the second side sequentially decrease in length in the x-direction.

[0092] With this structure of coupling slots, since the linear variation rules of the lengths of the slot branches on opposite sides of the first slot are opposite, it can be ensured that the size of the multiple H-shaped sub-slots does not vary much, which can achieve a wider impedance bandwidth.

[0093] In a further example, a difference between the branch lengths of every two adjacent slit branches on the first side is equal to a difference between the branch lengths of every two adjacent slit branches on the second side.

[0094] In this example, continue to refer to Figure 6 As shown, the variation gradient of the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches on the first side can be consistent with the variation gradient of the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches on the second side, thereby making the sizes of each two adjacent sub-slits consistent. Assuming that the two slit branches on opposite sides of the first slit are a branch group, the sum of the branch lengths of the slit branches in the two adjacent branch groups is equal. Figure 6 As shown, each sub-slot consists of four slot branches and the first slot. The four slot branches comprise two branch groups, and the total length of the two slot branches in one branch group is the same as the total length of the two slot branches in the other branch group. Thus, the sub-slot dimensions of each sub-slot can be consistent. This allows coupled resonance points to be formed at different frequencies, thereby expanding the bandwidth.

[0095] Specifically, when the sine function is loaded, the line connecting the ends of the plurality of slit branches on the same side of the first slit in the plane direction of the metal layer can be a line similar to a sine wave, that is, the length of the branches changes in a sinusoidal function. Figure 7 As shown, a schematic diagram of multiple slit branches being loaded onto the first slit in a sinusoidal function is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the ends of multiple slit branches located on the same side of the first slit are connected to form a sine curve.

[0096] When the trigonometric function is loaded, the connecting line of the ends of the plurality of slit branches on the same side of the first slit in the plane direction of the metal layer may be a triangle, that is, the length of the branches changes in a trigonometric function. Figure 8 As shown, a schematic diagram of multiple slit branches being loaded onto the first slit in a trigonometric function is shown, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the ends of multiple slit branches located on the same side of the first slit are connected to form a triangle.

[0097] Specifically, in this example, the branch lengths of the slit branches may vary in the shape of a right-angled triangle, an obtuse-angled triangle, or an acute-angled triangle.

[0098] In this example, the triangular-shaped slot branches are structurally symmetrical compared to the simply increasing or decreasing length coupling branches. The symmetrical structure has more symmetrical and balanced current, magnetic, and electric field distributions, making it easier to balance the feed.

[0099] In another example of this embodiment, multiple slit branches on the same side of the first slit can be arranged in a symmetrical triangle in the extension direction according to the length of the branches. The symmetrical triangle means that the lengths of the multiple slit branches first increase to a certain length value, then decrease from the length value, and the difference in the lengths of each two adjacent slit branches is the same. Figure 8 shown.

[0100] This structure can achieve gradual impedance matching in the entire feeding structure. Since it is a symmetrical triangle, the length of the branches in the middle gap is longer, and the corresponding resonance point is low-frequency, while the lengths on both sides gradually decrease, which can match a slightly higher-frequency point. By optimizing the spacing and length difference between the branches, multi-point resonance can be achieved and the bandwidth can be expanded.

[0101] In some other examples, when the lengths of the multiple slit branches are not completely consistent, the multiple slit branches of different lengths can be arranged in a staggered manner in the extension direction of the first slit. Figure 4 As shown, multiple slit branches are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0102] In a further example of this embodiment, regardless of whether the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches located on the same side of the first slit are in any of the staggered arrangement, linear arrangement, sinusoidal function arrangement and trigonometric function arrangement, the multiple slit branches located on both sides of the first slit can be symmetrical, that is, the multiple slit branches can be symmetrically distributed on the opposite sides of the first slit.

[0103] Continue to refer Figure 8 As shown, the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches vary in a trigonometric manner along the extension direction of the first slit, but the multiple slit branches can still be symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the first slit. In this case, the variation pattern of the branch lengths of the slit branches on opposite sides of the first slit can be consistent, thereby achieving a symmetrical distribution of the multiple slit branches. Similarly, when the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches vary linearly, the multiple slit branches can also be symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the first slit. In this case, the variation pattern of the branch lengths of the slit branches on opposite sides of the first slit is consistent, thereby achieving a symmetrical distribution of the multiple slit branches.

[0104] It should be noted that regardless of whether the lengths of the multiple slot branches are completely or inconsistently aligned, the multiple slot branches can be symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the first slot. This allows the slot branches to present an axisymmetric pattern. The symmetrical structure results in more symmetrical and balanced current, magnetic, and electric field distributions, making feeding balance easier. This in turn improves the coupling capability of the electrical signal fed into the feeder, reduces energy coupling loss, and thus reduces microwave device losses.

[0105] In conjunction with the above example, the branch lengths of multiple slit branches can be the same or different, and thus, the sizes of the multiple serially connected sub-slits can also be exactly the same or different. In one example, a sub-slit is formed between every two adjacent slit branches; wherein the multiple sub-slits include a first sub-slit and / or a second sub-slit.

[0106] Specifically, the slot branches in the first sub-slot located on the same side of the first slot have the same size in the target direction, and the slot branches in the second sub-slot located on the same side of the first slot have different sizes in the target direction, and the target direction is the orthogonal direction of the first slot.

[0107] In this example, the plurality of sub-slots may include only the plurality of first sub-slots, or only the plurality of second sub-slots, or both the first sub-slots and the second sub-slots. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, each includes 4 H-shaped sub-slots connected in series. Since the sizes of multiple slot branches in the target direction are consistent, for each sub-slot, it is the first sub-slot, and the branch lengths of the two slot branches in the sub-slot located on the same side of the first slot are consistent.

[0108] For example, continue to refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, Figure 4 For example, it includes four H-shaped sub-slots connected in series, each of which is a second sub-slot. For each sub-slot, the branch lengths of two slot branches located on the same side of the first slot in the sub-slot are inconsistent.

[0109] For another example, continue to refer to Figure 5 As shown, it includes 4 H-shaped sub-slots connected in series, and the four slots include three first sub-slots and one second sub-slot. For example, the third H-shaped sub-slot starting from the left is the second sub-slot, and the slot branches on the same side of the first slot in the sub-slot have different branch lengths.

[0110] In some examples, since all sub-slits are H-shaped, the H-shaped sub-slits include the first slit, and all slits except the first slit are slit branches, one sub-slit includes four slit branches. Among the four slits, two slit branches located on opposite sides of the first slit can constitute a branch group, thus including two branch groups. For the second sub-slit, since the branch lengths of the two slit branches located on the same side of the first slit in the second sub-slit are inconsistent, the branch lengths of the two branch groups in the second sub-slit can be inconsistent or consistent.

[0111] For example, the second sub-slit includes a first branch group and a second branch group, wherein the sum of the branch lengths of the slit branches in the first branch group located on opposite sides of the first slit in the target direction is the same as the sum of the branch lengths of the slit branches in the second branch group located on opposite sides of the first slit in the target direction.

[0112] In this example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 In the embodiment, the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches vary linearly in the extension direction of the first slit. Since the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches located on the first side of the first slit increase, the branch lengths of the multiple slit branches located on the second side of the first slit decrease, and the difference in branch lengths between each two adjacent slit branches on the first side is consistent with the difference in branch lengths between each two adjacent slit branches on the second side, the total branch lengths of the two branch groups in each sub-slit are consistent.

[0113] In conjunction with the above example, the multiple slit branches may include slit branches located at both ends of the first slit. Then, the four slit branches located at both ends of the first slit may form a large H-shaped slit together with the first slit. In another specific example of this example, the multiple slit branches 142 may include a second slit 421 connected to both ends of the first slit 141, and a plurality of third slits 422 distributed between the two second slits 421.

[0114] The dimension of the third slit 422 in the extending direction of the first slit is smaller than the dimension of the second slit 421 in the extending direction of the first slit.

[0115] Please refer to Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, the second slit may refer to the slits located at both ends of the first slit, including four second slits, wherein the four second slits and the first slit form a large H-shaped slit, and the third slits form a small H-shaped slit.

[0116] The size of the second slit in the direction of extension of the first slit can be understood as the slit width of the second slit. Similarly, the size of the third slit in the direction of extension of the first slit can be understood as the slit width of the third slit. The slit width of the second slit can be greater than the slit width of the third slit. Specifically, the slit widths of the plurality of third slits can be equal.

[0117] When using this type of coupling slot, it can be understood that a large H-shaped slot is loaded with many small H-shaped sub-slots connected in series. Compared with the traditional H-slot feeding structure, the loss is significantly improved, and the impedance bandwidth is also greatly improved.

[0118] In this embodiment, multiple third gaps can be loaded between the second gaps. Combined with the above example, since the branch lengths of multiple gap branches can change linearly, trigonometrically, or sinusoidally in the extension direction of the first gap, in this example, the branch lengths of multiple third gaps can change linearly, trigonometrically, or sinusoidally in the extension direction of the first gap.

[0119] Specifically, the lengths of the branches of the plurality of third slits vary in a trigonometric manner in the extending direction of the first slit. For example, reference may be made to Figure 8 As shown, the second slits may not participate in the trigonometric function variation of the branch length, and only the branch lengths of the plurality of third slits may vary in a trigonometric function.

[0120] In a further example of this example, the branch lengths of the plurality of third slits may be arranged in a symmetrical triangle, and the branch length of at least one third slit among the plurality of third slits may be greater than the branch length of the second slit.

[0121] Continue to refer Figure 8 As shown, the branch length of the third slit located at the vertex of the symmetrical triangle among the multiple third slits is greater than the branch length of the second slit; and the branch length of the third slit located on both sides of the vertex is greater than the branch length of the second slit, while the slit length of the remaining third slits can be less than the branch length of the second slit.

[0122] In a further example of this embodiment, the size of the first slit may be non-uniform, and the slit width of the portion connected to the second slit may be greater than the slit width of the portion not connected to the second slit. In this example, the branch length of the third slit in the target direction loaded by the first slit is based on not exceeding the maximum slit width of the first slit in the target direction.

[0123] Specifically, refer to Figure 9 As shown, a top view schematic diagram of another coupling gap is shown, as shown in Figure 9 As shown, the first slit 141 includes a first slit segment 411 adjacent to the second slit, and a second slit segment 412 connected between the first slit segments; wherein the size of the first slit segment 411 in the target direction is larger than the size of the second slit segment 412 in the target direction, and a plurality of third slits 422 are loaded on the second slit segment 412;

[0124] The target direction is the orthogonal direction of the first gap.

[0125] In this example, the second slit has a greater width than the third slit. The first slit includes a first slit section 411 with a larger width and a second slit section 412 with a smaller width. The third slits 422 are all loaded onto the second slit section 412.

[0126] In this example, the size of the H-shaped gap formed by the second gap and the first gap is much larger than the size of the H-shaped gap formed by the third gap and the first gap.

[0127] In the further examples of this example, continue to refer to Figure 9 As shown, the ends of the plurality of third slits and the end of the first slit segment in the target direction are located on the same horizontal line; wherein the horizontal line is a line in the plane where the metal layer is located and parallel to the extension direction of the first slit.

[0128] In this example, the branches of the plurality of third slits in the target direction have the same length. Furthermore, the ends of the third slits and the ends of the first slit segments in the target direction are located on the same horizontal line.

[0129] The feeding structure with the coupling gap is simulated, and its simulation structure can be referred to Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 shows the traditional H-type slot coupled feeding structure and Figure 9 The comparison curve of the reflection coefficient S11 of the proposed coupling gap is shown in Figure 2. Figure 10 It can be seen that when working at 11~13GHz, Figure 9 Compared with the traditional H-type coupling, the reflection coefficient S11 of the proposed coupling gap is significantly reduced by about 5dB.

[0130] Reference Figure 11 As shown, the traditional H-type slot coupling feeding structure and Figure 9 The comparison curve of the transmission coefficient S21 of the proposed coupling gap shows that the insertion loss is reduced by about 1dB. Figure 9 The slot feeding structure shown has significantly improved loss compared to the traditional H-slot feeding structure, and the impedance bandwidth has also been greatly improved.

[0131] It should be noted that the above Figure 10 and Figure 11 The simulation result is that the feeding structure is applied to the structure of the liquid crystal phase shifter. The loss of the entire liquid crystal phase shifter, including microstrip line loss, glass loss, liquid crystal loss and metal loss, is 3 to 5 dB in total. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The control variable method given in it only changes the coupling structure, while keeping everything else unchanged, and the loss is greatly improved.

[0132] In some other examples of this embodiment, the ends of some or all of the slot branches may be loaded with end slots of different shapes or sizes. The end slots may further expand the operating bandwidth of the microwave device.

[0133] Specifically, the ends of some or all of the gap branches 142 are connected with end gaps 423; wherein, the size of the end gap 423 in the extension direction of the first gap 141 is different from the size of the gap branch 142 in the extension direction of the first gap 141, and / or, the shape of the end gap is different from the shape of the gap branch.

[0134] In this example, the shape of the loaded end slit can be different from the shape of the slit branch, and / or the size of the loaded end slit can be different from the size of the slit branch. Specifically, the difference in size can refer to the size in the extension direction of the first slit, which can be understood as the slit width of the slit.

[0135] Specifically, the shape of the loaded end gap can be different from the shape of the gap branch. For example, if the gap branch is a strip-shaped gap, the end gap can be a gap different from the strip-shaped gap, such as a circular gap, a triangular gap, an elliptical gap or other polygonal gap.

[0136] Specifically, the size of the loaded end gap may be different from the size of the gap branch. For example, the size of the gap branch in the extension direction of the first gap may be larger than the size of the gap branch in the extension direction of the first gap.

[0137] Reference Figure 12-14 As shown, the structural schematic diagrams of three coupling gaps are shown, such as Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 As shown, the end gap is an equilateral triangle, which can be loaded at the end of each gap branch. The gap width of the end gap of the triangle is smaller than the gap width of the gap branch. Specifically, the size of the end gap in the extension direction of the first gap decreases as the distance from the first gap increases.

[0138] In this example, the gap branches with triangular length changes are structurally symmetrical relative to the gap branches with simply increasing or decreasing lengths, and triangular branches are designed at the ends of the branches to increase the current cutoff effect. The current at the ends of the triangle can form currents of different frequencies due to the different lengths of the triangle sides, further expanding the coupling frequency bandwidth, and the distance between the ends of adjacent gap branches gradually increases, which can provide continuously changing different capacitances within a certain range, increasing the adjustability of the coupling structure.

[0139] The coupling slot structure in this example can achieve gradual impedance matching in the entire feeding structure. For example, the length of the branch in the middle is longer, and the corresponding resonance point is lower in frequency, while the lengths on both sides gradually decrease, which can match a slightly higher frequency point. By optimizing the spacing and length difference between the branches, multi-point resonance can be achieved and the bandwidth can be expanded.

[0140] like Figure 13 As shown, the shape of the end gap includes at least one of a triangle, a circle, an ellipse and a trapezoid. For example, the end gap is a trapezoid, and its gap width can be greater than the gap width of the connected gap branch.

[0141] In a further example of this example, in the orthogonal direction of the first gap, the size of the end gap in the extension direction of the first gap increases in a step-like manner as the distance from the first gap increases; wherein, the edges on both sides where the end gap connects to the gap branches are stepped.

[0142] Reference Figure 14 As shown, it shows Figure 13 An enlarged schematic diagram of a gap branch selected by the dotted box, as shown in Figure 14As shown, the end gap is in an inverted trapezoidal shape as a whole, and in this inverted trapezoidal end gap, the size of the end gap in the extension direction of the first gap increases in a step-like manner as the distance from the first gap increases. As a result, the edge of the end gap can be constructed in a stepped shape, so that the edge appears stepped.

[0143] Specifically, in this example, the end gap can be a triangle or an inverted trapezoid. In the case of a triangle, the end gap of the triangle can be inverted on the gap branch, wherein the size of the end gap in the extension direction of the first gap increases in a step-like manner with increasing distance from the first gap. That is to say, the size of the end gap in the extension direction of the first gap increases linearly and also increases in a step-like manner. Generally speaking, the edges on both sides where the end gap is connected to the gap branch can be made into a stepped shape.

[0144] In this example, since the end of the slot branch is loaded with an inverted trapezoidal end slot, the distance between the slot branches changes in a step-like manner. The end slot can provide a continuously changing resonant frequency, and the continuously changing resonant frequency can play a role in expanding the bandwidth. Due to the introduction of the end slot, the spacing between the two slot branches presents different distances in different steps. Different distances have different equivalent capacitances. End branches of different lengths can provide different inductance effects. Since inductance and capacitance can form resonance, different resonant frequencies can be constructed to achieve the effect of expanding the bandwidth.

[0145] Furthermore, multiple slot branches can form a symmetrical pattern, and the current distribution, magnetic field distribution, and electric field distribution of the symmetrical structure are more symmetrical and balanced. This structure can achieve gradual impedance matching throughout the entire feed structure. For example, the length of the branch in the middle is longer, and the corresponding resonance point is lower in frequency, while the gradually decreasing length on both sides can match the slightly higher frequency point. By optimizing the spacing and length difference between the branches, multi-point resonance can be achieved, expanding the bandwidth.

[0146] like Figure 15 As shown, the end slit is elliptical, and its slit width can be greater than the slit width of the connected slit branch.

[0147] Among them, when the branch lengths of multiple slot branches change linearly, trigonometrically, or sinusoidally, end slots can be loaded on the multiple slot branches, thereby further helping to broaden the working bandwidth.

[0148] Of course, in some other examples, the loaded end gap can have the same shape as the gap branch, but at a certain angle to the gap branch. For example, the end gap can be formed by bending the end of the gap branch in a certain direction. This can also help widen the working bandwidth.

[0149] Based on the same inventive concept, a phase shift unit is also provided, referring to Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, Figure 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a phase shift unit, Figure 17 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the feed line, coupling slot and electrode in the phase shift unit 2. Figure 16 and 17 As shown, the phase shift unit 2 includes:

[0150] a first substrate 21;

[0151] A second substrate 22 is disposed opposite to the first substrate 21;

[0152] Liquid crystal 23, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein electrodes 24 are provided on the side of the first substrate and the second substrate close to the liquid crystal; and

[0153] The feeding structure 1 is arranged on a side of the first substrate or the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal;

[0154] The orthographic projection of the coupling slot in the feeding structure on the first substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode on the substrate.

[0155] The electrode on the side of the first substrate 21 close to the liquid crystal is the electrode 241, and the electrode on the side of the second substrate 22 close to the liquid crystal is the electrode 242. The coupling gap overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode 241 on the first substrate. The overlapping method can be referred to Figure 16 As shown, the coupling slot 14 may overlap with the electrode 241 in an orthogonal manner, wherein the feeding line 13 and the coupling slot 14 may also overlap in an orthogonal manner.

[0156] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal, the first substrate and the second substrate, and the electrodes located on the first substrate and the second member together constitute the liquid crystal layer, and the preparation process of the liquid crystal box is as follows: ① glass input and cleaning; ② metal magnetron sputtering or electroplating; ③ CF film production process: cleaning, gluing, Photo, developing, cleaning, and post-baking; ④ Strip peeling; ⑤ PS column preparation: CF film production process * 2; ⑥ Testing the height of the PS column; ⑦ CELL process: Pl, Rubbing, gluing, ODF alignment, liquid crystal filling, vacuum annealing; ⑧ Cutting and molding; ⑨ Testing.

[0157] When using this phase shifter unit, since the coupling slots of the feeding structure adopted are multiple H-shaped sub-slots connected in series, the loaded slot branches exhibit an inductive effect, and the slot branches can be equivalent to a capacitor, which can not only enhance the coupled signal strength, but also widen the impedance bandwidth of the phase shifter, thereby ensuring a stable working state, expanding the working bandwidth of the phase shifter, and reducing losses.

[0158] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0159] Finally, it should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, commodity, or device that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or device that includes the element.

[0160] The above is a detailed introduction to a feeding structure and a phase shifting unit provided by the present disclosure. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present disclosure. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present disclosure. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the ideas of the present disclosure, there may be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present disclosure.

[0161] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

[0162] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

[0163] References herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "one or more embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, please note that instances of the phrase "in one embodiment" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0164] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are described. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0165] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The present disclosure may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a unit claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third etc. does not indicate any order. These words may be interpreted as names.

[0166] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, rather than to limit them. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A feeding structure, characterized in that: include: dielectric layer; a feeder line, located on one side of the dielectric layer; a metal layer, located on a side of the dielectric layer facing away from the feed line; as well as A coupling slot is provided on the metal layer, wherein an orthographic projection of the coupling slot on the dielectric layer overlaps with an orthographic projection of the feed line on the dielectric layer; The coupling slot includes a strip-shaped first slot and a plurality of slot branches connected to the first slot, and a plurality of H-shaped sub-slots connected in series are formed between the first slot and the plurality of slot branches.

2. The feeding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The branch lengths of the plurality of slit branches in a target direction are the same or not completely the same; wherein the target direction is an orthogonal direction of the first slit.

3. The feeding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lengths of the plurality of slit branches in the target direction are not completely the same; wherein, In the extension direction of the first slit, the branch lengths of the plurality of slit branches located on the same side of the first slit vary in at least one of a staggered variation, a linear variation, a sinusoidal function variation, and a trigonometric function variation.

4. The feeding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of slit branches are symmetrically distributed on two opposite sides of the first slit.

5. The feeding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the extension direction, the lengths of the plurality of slit branches located on the first side of the first slit vary in a first linear manner, and the lengths of the plurality of slit branches located on the second side of the first slit vary in a second linear manner; The first linear change is a linear increasing change, and the second linear change is a linear decreasing change.

6. The feeding structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: A difference between the branch lengths of every two adjacent slit branches on the first side is equal to a difference between the branch lengths of every two adjacent slit branches on the second side.

7. The feeding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of slit branches include second slits connected to both ends of the first slit branch, and a plurality of third slits distributed between two of the second slits; Wherein, in the extension direction, the branch lengths of the plurality of third slits located on the same side of the first slit vary in a trigonometric function.

8. The feeding structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: Among the plurality of the third slits, at least one third slit has a branch length greater than a branch length of the second slit.

9. The feeding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The sub-slot is formed between every two adjacent slot branches; wherein the plurality of sub-slots include a first sub-slot and / or a second sub-slot; Among them, the branch lengths of the slit branches in the first sub-slit located on the same side of the first slit in the target direction are the same, and the branch lengths of the slit branches in the second sub-slit located on the same side of the first slit in the target direction are different, and the target direction is the orthogonal direction of the first slit.

10. The feeding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of slit branches include second slits connected to both ends of the first slit branch, and a plurality of third slits distributed between two of the second slits; wherein the first gap includes a first gap segment adjacent to the second gap, and a second gap segment connected between the first gap segments; The size of the first slit segment in the target direction is larger than the size of the second slit segment in the target direction, and a plurality of the third slits are loaded onto the second slit segment; The target direction is an orthogonal direction of the first gap.

11. The feeding structure according to claim 10, characterized in that: The ends of the plurality of third slits and the end of the first slit segment in the target direction are located on the same horizontal line; wherein the horizontal line is a line in the plane where the metal layer is located and parallel to the extension direction of the first slit.

12. The feeding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The ends of some or all of the slit branches are connected with end slits; The size of the end slit in the extension direction of the first slit is different from the size of the connected slit branch in the extension direction of the first slit, and / or the shape of the end slit is different from the shape of the slit branch.

13. The feeding structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The shape of the end slit is different from the shape of the slit branch; wherein the shape of the end slit includes at least one of a triangle, a circle, an ellipse and a trapezoid.

14. The feeding structure according to claim 12, characterized in that: The size of the end gap in the extension direction of the first gap increases as the distance from the first gap increases; wherein, the two side edges of the end gap connected to the gap branches are stepped.

15. A phase shift unit, characterized in that: include: a first substrate; a second substrate, disposed opposite to the first substrate; Liquid crystal, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein electrodes are provided on the side of the first substrate and the second substrate close to the liquid crystal; and The feeding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14, arranged on a side of the first substrate or the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal; The orthographic projection of the coupling slot in the feeding structure on the first substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode on the substrate.

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