Antenna array and antenna device

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna array and an antenna device, the antenna array comprises a plurality of array elements and a metasurface, the plurality of array elements are arranged at intervals along a first direction of the antenna array, and the metasurface and the array elements are arranged at intervals along a thickness direction of the antenna array; the metasurface comprises a plurality of metasurface units, the metasurface units are arranged in an array, each metasurface unit comprises a metasurface dielectric plate and a patch, the patches are arranged on the metasurface dielectric plates and used for adjusting the phase of electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements, and the sizes of the patches of at least part of columns of metasurface units are different in the first direction. Therefore, at least part of the metasurface has a specific phase gradient, single-beam deflection can be carried out on electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element located below the metasurface with the phase gradient, and the phase of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element is adjusted, so that the beam directions of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element during feeding tend to be consistent, and the radiation efficiency of the array element is improved. And the phase consistency of the antenna array is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of technologies such as wireless communications, the Internet of Things, and smart industry, there is a need for fast and accurate location information. Different positioning methods are often used for different scenarios, such as satellite-based positioning and vehicle-mounted radar for outdoor use, and Bluetooth, RFID, WiFi, and UWB positioning for indoor use. In a positioning system, the antenna is at the forefront, and the accuracy of position information measurement directly affects the ultimate positioning accuracy. Positioning systems often use angle estimation-based positioning methods, which place high demands on the phase consistency of the array. In multi-element array antennas, elements at different locations are easily affected by other elements and the environment, resulting in different amplitude and phase responses to incident electromagnetic waves for each element. This results in significant differences in the amplitude and phase of the received electrical signals, affecting the positioning accuracy of the wireless positioning system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides an antenna array and an antenna device to solve the problem in the prior art that the phases of array elements at different positions in the antenna array are significantly different.

[0004] An embodiment of the present application provides an antenna array, comprising a plurality of array elements and a metasurface, wherein the plurality of array elements are spaced apart along a first direction of the antenna array, and the metasurface and the array elements are spaced apart along a thickness direction of the antenna array; the metasurface comprises a plurality of metasurface units, and the plurality of metasurface units are arranged in an array, wherein the metasurface units comprise a metasurface dielectric plate and a patch, wherein the patch is arranged on the metasurface dielectric plate, and the patch is used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the array element, and along the first direction, the sizes of the patches of at least some columns of the metasurface units are different.

[0005] In the present application, along the first direction, the patches of at least part of the metasurface units in the column have different sizes in the first direction, so that at least part of the metasurface has a specific phase gradient, which can perform single-beam deflection on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element located below the metasurface with the phase gradient, adjust the phase of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element, and thus achieve the consistency of the beam pointing of the electromagnetic waves radiated by each array element when fed, thereby improving the phase consistency of the antenna array.

[0006] In one possible design, along the first direction, the metasurface includes a first control zone, a middle zone and a second control zone in sequence. In the first control zone, the size of the patches of at least part of the metasurface units in the first direction gradually increases along the direction approaching the second control zone. In the second control zone, the size of the patches of at least part of the metasurface units in the first direction gradually increases along the direction approaching the first control zone.

[0007] Along the first direction, the first control zone is located above the array element at the front end of the antenna array, and the second control zone is located above the array element at the end of the antenna array, so that the first control zone and the second control zone of the metasurface can perform phase control on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements at both ends of the antenna array. In the first control zone, the size of the patches of at least a portion of the metasurface units in the first direction gradually increases along the direction approaching the second control zone, so that the beam deflection of the electromagnetic waves in the positive direction of the first direction can be achieved, so that the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements at the front end of the antenna array in the positive direction of the first direction can be deflected in the positive direction of the first direction after passing through the first control zone of the metasurface, so as to compensate for the phase of the array elements when they are fed alone; in the second control zone, the size of the patches of at least a portion of the metasurface units in the first direction gradually increases along the direction approaching the first control zone, so that the beam deflection of the electromagnetic waves in the negative direction of the first direction can be achieved, so that the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements at the end of the antenna array in the positive direction of the first direction can be deflected in the negative direction of the first direction after passing through the second control zone of the metasurface, so as to compensate for the phase of the array elements when they are fed alone.

[0008] In one possible design, within the first control area, the sizes of the patches of at least some columns of the metasurface units in the first direction are equidistantly distributed along the direction close to the second control area, and within the second control area, the sizes of the patches of at least some columns of the metasurface units in the first direction are equidistantly distributed along the direction close to the first control area.

[0009] This structure can improve the phase control accuracy of the first control area and the second control area of ​​the metasurface on electromagnetic waves, ensure the stability of electromagnetic waves when passing through the first control area and the second control area, and reduce the impact on the radiation performance of the antenna device.

[0010] In a possible design, in the middle area, the patches of each metasurface unit have the same size in the first direction.

[0011] Along the first direction, the middle area of ​​the metasurface is located above the array element in the middle of the antenna array, wherein the patches of each metasurface in the middle area have the same size in the first direction, so that the middle area of ​​the metasurface has no phase gradient, thereby ensuring that the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element located below the middle area will not cause beam deflection when passing through the metasurface, thereby ensuring the stability of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element.

[0012] In one possible design, along the first direction, the metasurface includes a first control zone and a second control zone in sequence. In the first control zone, the size of the patches of at least part of the metasurface units in the first direction gradually decreases along the direction approaching the second control zone. In the second control zone, the size of the patches of at least part of the metasurface units in the first direction gradually decreases along the direction approaching the first control zone.

[0013] This structural metasurface can improve the beam scanning angle of the antenna array, thereby expanding the radiation range of the antenna array, which is beneficial to improving the antenna performance.

[0014] In a possible design, the size of the patch in the first direction is between 0.008λ0 and 0.088λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

[0015] When the size of the patch in the first direction is between 0.008λ0 and 0.088λ0, it can meet the phase gradient setting requirements of the metasurface, so that the metasurface can have the function of beam deflecting the electromagnetic waves radiated by multiple array elements. The size of the patch is moderate, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the metasurface unit.

[0016] In a possible design, the patch includes a first patch and a second patch. Along the thickness direction, the first patch and the second patch are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the metasurface dielectric plate.

[0017] The first patch and the second patch are electrically equivalent to capacitors and act as capacitors, so that the first patch and the second patch can regulate and influence the energy of the fluctuation speed during the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the phase of the electromagnetic wave can change after passing through the first patch and the patch, thereby enabling the metasurface to achieve phase control of the electromagnetic wave.

[0018] In one possible design, the first patch and the second patch are concentrically arranged along the central axis of the metasurface unit, and the first patch and the second patch have the same size.

[0019] This structure can ensure better coupling between the first patch and the second patch, and improve the phase control performance of the metasurface unit on electromagnetic waves.

[0020] In one possible design, the first patch and the second patch are in a shape of square, rectangular, or circular.

[0021] This structure can reduce the difficulty of preparing the first patch, improve the efficiency of metasurface preparation, and easily adjust the equivalent capacitance of the first patch, thereby improving the accuracy of phase control of electromagnetic waves. Of course, the first patch can also be a ring, arrow, or other irregular shape, which is not limited here.

[0022] In one possible design, the metasurface unit also includes a metal sheet, the metasurface dielectric plate includes a first dielectric plate and a second dielectric plate, the metal sheet is arranged between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate, the first patch is provided on the side of the first dielectric plate away from the metal sheet, and the second patch is provided on the side of the second dielectric plate away from the metal sheet.

[0023] The metal sheet is electrically equivalent to an inductor, acting as an inductor. This allows the metal sheet to regulate and influence the energy of electromagnetic wave propagation. By providing the metal sheet, the first, second, and third patches of the metasurface unit can be electrically equivalent to a capacitor-inductor-capacitor structure, thereby improving electromagnetic wave transmittance, extending bandwidth, and increasing the range of electromagnetic wave phase control.

[0024] In a possible design, the metal sheet includes a plurality of bending arms, and the plurality of bending arms are distributed in a ring array.

[0025] The structure is simple and easy to prepare, and the setting of the bent arm can extend the current path, thereby increasing the equivalent inductance of the metal sheet while keeping the volume of the metasurface unit unchanged, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the metasurface unit.

[0026] In a possible design, the length of the extended bending arm is between 0.056λ0 and 0.072λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

[0027] When the length of the bent arm is extended between 0.056λ0 and 0.072λ0, the metal sheet can have a larger equivalent inductance, and the structure is simple and easy to prepare, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the metasurface unit and can also ensure the transmittance of the metasurface unit.

[0028] In a possible design, the width of the bending arm is between 0.0056λ0 and 0.0072λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

[0029] When the width of the bent arm is between 0.0056λ0 and 0.0072λ0, the phase control range of the metasurface can be improved, and the transmittance of the metasurface can be improved, thereby reducing the impact on the antenna radiation performance.

[0030] In one possible design, the metal sheet is one of a cross-shaped structure, a swastika-shaped structure, a grid structure, a fishbone structure, and an anchor-shaped structure, so as to meet the design requirements of different metasurfaces and improve the design freedom of the metasurface.

[0031] In one possible design, the spacing distance between the metasurface and the array element in the thickness direction is between 0.12λ0 and 0.2λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

[0032] By ensuring the thickness distance between the metasurface and the array elements is between 0.12λ0 and 0.2λ0, the metasurface is positioned within the near-field of the array elements. This facilitates the reception of electromagnetic waves radiated by the elements, beam deflection of these waves, and phase adjustment of the waves radiated by each element without significantly impacting the radiation performance of the antenna device. Furthermore, the small size of the metasurface in this structure facilitates miniaturization of the antenna device.

[0033] In one possible design, the antenna array also includes an antenna dielectric plate and a ground plate. Along the thickness direction, a plurality of array elements are provided on the side surface of the antenna dielectric plate close to the metasurface, and the side surface of the antenna dielectric plate facing away from the metasurface is covered with the ground plate. The projection area of ​​the metasurface in the thickness direction is greater than the projection area of ​​the ground plate in the thickness direction.

[0034] When the projected area of ​​the metasurface in the thickness direction is less than or equal to the projected area of ​​the ground plane in the thickness direction, the metasurface can completely cover the electromagnetic waves radiated by multiple array elements, thereby accurately controlling the electromagnetic waves generated by each array element. In addition, the edge of the metasurface in this structure exceeds the edge of the ground plane, so that when the electromagnetic waves radiated by each array element are received by the metasurface, it is not easy to produce phase mutations at the edge of the metasurface, thereby ensuring the continuity of the electromagnetic waves and enabling the metasurface to achieve a better matching effect with the array elements located above the ground plane.

[0035] In one possible design, the antenna array further includes a side wall plate, and the side wall plate, the antenna dielectric plate and the metasurface are arranged to form a receiving space, and the plurality of array elements are located in the receiving space.

[0036] By providing side wall panels, the antenna array can be formed into a fully enclosed antenna array. In this structure, the metasurface can act as a radar cover, and together with the side wall panels and the antenna dielectric plate, it can form a storage space, thereby protecting multiple array elements located in the storage space, preventing the array elements from interfering with other components and causing damage, facilitating the use of the antenna array, and increasing the service life of the antenna device.

[0037] The present application also provides an antenna device, comprising a feed network and at least one antenna array as described in any of the above embodiments. The feed network is connected to array elements in the antenna array for feeding the elements. The antenna array has the above-described technical effects, and an antenna device including the antenna array should also have the same technical effects, which will not be further described here.

[0038] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0040] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna array in related technology;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a metasurface unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5 A graph showing the change in phase with the size of the patch at different frequencies provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 A graph showing the change in loss versus frequency for a metasurface patch of different sizes provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 A top view of a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8A beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when the metasurface is not loaded;

[0048] Figure 9 The phase difference between each array element of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when the metasurface is not loaded;

[0049] Figure 10 A beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 11 The phase difference between each array element of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0051] Figure 12 A directional pattern of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when no super-table is loaded;

[0052] Figure 13 The directional pattern of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 14 A return loss curve of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the isolation of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Figure 16 A schematic structural diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 17 A top view of another metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 18 A beam pointing cloud diagram of each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0058] Figure 19 Phase difference between each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0059] Figure 20 A beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0060] Figure 21 Phase difference between each array element after another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface;

[0061] Figure 22 A schematic structural diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 23 A top view of another metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 24 A beam pointing cloud diagram of each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0064] Figure 25 Phase difference between each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0065] Figure 26 A beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0066] Figure 27 Phase difference between each array element after another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface;

[0067] Figure 28 A schematic structural diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 29 A top view of another metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 30 Directional patterns of another antenna array loaded and unloaded metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 31 Another embodiment of the present invention provides beam scanning diagrams of an antenna array loaded with and unloaded metasurfaces;

[0071] Figure 32 A schematic structural diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 33 An exploded diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 34 for Figure 32 Schematic diagram of the structure when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0074] Figure 35 Phase difference between each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0075] Figure 36 Phase difference between each array element after another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface;

[0076] Figure 37A directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when no super-table is loaded;

[0077] Figure 38 Directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0078] Figure 39 A return loss curve of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0079] Figure 40 Phase difference between each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0080] Figure 41 Phase difference between each array element after another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface;

[0081] Figure 42 A directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when no super-table is loaded;

[0082] Figure 43 Directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0083] Figure 44 A return loss curve of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0084] Figure 45 Phase difference between each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface;

[0085] Figure 46 Phase difference between each array element after another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface;

[0086] Figure 47 A directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when no super-table is loaded;

[0087] Figure 48 Directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application after loading a metasurface;

[0088] Figure 49 A return loss curve diagram of another antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] Reference numerals:

[0090] 1'-working array element;

[0091] 2'-virtual array element;

[0092] 3'-metal partition;

[0093] 100-antenna array;

[0094] 10- array element;

[0095] 20-super surface;

[0096] 1-metasurface unit;

[0097] 11-metasurface dielectric plate;

[0098] 111-first dielectric plate;

[0099] 112 - second dielectric plate;

[0100] 12-patch;

[0101] 121-first patch;

[0102] 122-second patch;

[0103] 13-Metal sheet;

[0104] 131-bent arm;

[0105] 2-first regulatory region;

[0106] 3-Second regulatory region;

[0107] 4- Middle area;

[0108] 30-antenna dielectric board;

[0109] 40- ground plate;

[0110] 50-coaxial probe;

[0111] 60-side wall panel;

[0112] 601-first side wall panel;

[0113] 602-second side wall panel;

[0114] 70-upper dielectric plate;

[0115] X-first direction;

[0116] Y-second direction;

[0117] Z-thickness direction.

[0118] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0120] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "plurality" refers to two or more; the terms "connected" and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0121] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0122] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects.

[0123] The following explains the terms that may appear in the embodiments of the present application.

[0124] Coupling: can be understood as direct coupling and / or indirect coupling, and "coupling connection" can be understood as direct coupling connection and / or indirect coupling connection. Direct coupling can also be referred to as "electrical connection", which is understood as the physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as the form in which different components in the circuit structure are connected through physical lines such as printed circuit board (PCB) copper foil or wires that can transmit electrical signals; "indirect coupling" can be understood as two conductors being electrically conductive in an airless / non-contact manner. In one embodiment, indirect coupling can also be referred to as capacitive coupling, for example, signal transmission is achieved by forming an equivalent capacitance through coupling between the gap between two conductive parts.

[0125] Antenna pattern: also known as radiation pattern. This refers to a graph showing how the relative field strength (normalized modulus) of the antenna's radiation field varies with direction at a given distance from the antenna. It is usually represented by two perpendicular plane patterns passing through the antenna's direction of maximum radiation. Antenna patterns typically have multiple radiation beams. The beam with the highest radiation intensity is called the main lobe, while the remaining beams are called side lobes. Among the side lobes, those in the opposite direction of the main lobe are also called back lobes.

[0126] Beamwidth: It is divided into horizontal beamwidth and vertical beamwidth. The horizontal beamwidth refers to the angle between the two directions in the horizontal direction where the radiation power drops by 3dB on either side of the maximum radiation direction. The vertical beamwidth refers to the angle between the two directions in the vertical direction where the radiation power drops by 3dB on either side of the maximum radiation direction.

[0127] Antenna Gain: This is used to measure how well an antenna radiates input power. Generally, the narrower the main lobe of an antenna pattern and the smaller the side lobes, the higher the antenna gain.

[0128] Antenna return loss: This can be understood as the ratio of the signal power reflected back to the antenna port by the antenna circuit to the antenna port's transmitted power. The smaller the reflected signal, the larger the signal radiated from the antenna into space, and the greater the antenna's radiation efficiency. The larger the reflected signal, the smaller the signal radiated from the antenna into space, and the lower the antenna's radiation efficiency. The smaller the antenna return loss, the less energy reflected from the antenna itself, which means more energy actually enters the antenna and the higher the antenna's system efficiency. The larger the antenna return loss, the lower the antenna's system efficiency.

[0129] Antenna isolation refers to the ratio of the signal received by one antenna to the signal from the transmitting antenna. Isolation is a physical quantity used to measure the degree of mutual coupling between antennas. The greater the isolation, the less mutual coupling; the smaller the isolation between antennas, the greater the mutual coupling. Antenna isolation depends on factors such as the antenna radiation pattern, the spatial distance between antennas, and antenna gain.

[0130] Metasurface: A metasurface is a two-dimensional artificial electromagnetic material (or digitally coded metamaterial) that is composed of subwavelength structural units arranged periodically or non-periodically on a two-dimensional plane and has the ability to control electromagnetic waves. It can control the polarization, amplitude, phase, and transmission mode of electromagnetic waves.

[0131] With the development of technologies such as wireless communications, the Internet of Things, and smart industry, there is a need for fast and accurate location information. Different positioning methods are often used for different scenarios, such as satellite-based positioning and vehicle-mounted radar for outdoor use, and Bluetooth, RFID, WiFi, and UWB positioning for indoor use. In a positioning system, the antenna is at the forefront, and the accuracy of position information measurement directly affects the ultimate positioning accuracy. Positioning systems often use angle estimation-based positioning methods, which place high demands on the phase consistency of the array. In multi-element array antennas, elements at different locations are easily affected by other elements and the environment, resulting in different amplitude and phase responses to incident electromagnetic waves for each element. This results in significant differences in the amplitude and phase of the received electrical signals, affecting the positioning accuracy of the wireless positioning system.

[0132] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna array in the related art. Figure 1 As shown, the antenna array in the related art includes 6 antenna units arranged equidistantly along a straight line, wherein the 4 antenna units located in the middle of the antenna array are working array elements 1', and the antenna units at both ends are virtual array elements 2'. By adding virtual array elements 2' at both ends of multiple working array elements 1', the working environment of the working array elements 1' at both ends is balanced, so that each working array element 1' has a similar radiation environment, and the phase consistency of the electromagnetic waves radiated by each working array element 1' is improved. At the same time, in order to reduce the coupling between the antenna units, metal isolation plates 3' are provided around the antenna units. However, improving the phase consistency of the working array elements 1' by adding virtual array elements 2' and loading metal isolation plates 3' can easily lead to a larger overall volume of the antenna array and occupy more space.

[0133] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide an antenna device that can be used in fields such as radar, broadcasting, and communications. Specifically, the antenna device includes at least one antenna array and a feed network, wherein the feed network is connected to array elements in the antenna array for feeding the array elements.

[0134] For example, the feed network can be coupled to the array elements in the antenna array. Alternatively, the feed network can be connected to each array element in the antenna array via a coaxial probe to achieve individual feeding of each array element. Of course, the feed network can also be electrically connected to the array elements in the antenna array via other methods, which are not limited here.

[0135] The antenna device may be a millimeter wave antenna or other antenna device, which is not limited here.

[0136] The antenna array is described in detail below through specific embodiments. For ease of understanding, the length direction of the antenna array is defined as a first direction X, and the width direction of the antenna array is defined as a second direction Y.

[0137] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0138] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the antenna array 100 is composed of multiple components such as an antenna dielectric plate 30, a ground plate 40, multiple array elements 10, a coaxial probe 50 and a metasurface 20.

[0139] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, along the thickness direction Z of the antenna array 100, multiple array elements 10 are spaced apart on the surface of the antenna dielectric plate 30 on the side closest to the metasurface 20, for radiating electromagnetic waves. A ground plane 40 covers the surface of the antenna dielectric plate 30 on the side facing away from the metasurface 20 and serves as a ground. A coaxial probe 50 penetrates the antenna dielectric plate 30 and the ground plane 40 and is connected to the array element 10 for feeding power to the array element 10.

[0140] The antenna dielectric plate 30 can be a Rogers RO3003 dielectric plate, which provides better support. This dielectric plate has a dielectric constant of 3.0 and a loss tangent of 0.0013, and also offers the advantage of low dielectric loss. Of course, the antenna dielectric plate 30 can also be a flame-resistant material (FR-4) dielectric plate or other Rogers dielectric plate, or a hybrid of Rogers and FR-4, etc., without limitation.

[0141] The thickness of the antenna dielectric plate 30 can be between 0.1 mm and 1.6 mm, for example, 0.127 mm, 0.254 mm, 0.508 mm, 0.762 mm, 1.524 mm, etc., to ensure the mechanical strength of the antenna dielectric plate 30. Of course, the dimensions of the antenna dielectric plate 30 can also be other values, which can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0142] The dimensions of the antenna dielectric plate 30 in the second direction Y can range from 0.5λ0 to 2λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space, to facilitate assembly of components in the antenna array. For example, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and λ0 is 12.5 mm, the dimensions of the antenna dielectric plate 30 in the second direction Y can range from 0.5λ0, 1.1λ0, 1.3λ0, 1.5λ0, 1.6λ0, 1.8λ0, or 2λ0, i.e., 6.25 mm, 13.75 mm, 16.25 mm, 18.75 mm, 20 mm, 22.5 mm, or 25 mm, respectively. Of course, the dimensions of the ground plate 40 in the second direction Y can also be other values, which are not limited here.

[0143] It should be noted that the size of the antenna dielectric plate 30 in the first direction X is related to the number of array elements 10. The more array elements 10 there are, the larger the size of the antenna dielectric plate 30 in the first direction X can be designed to be. The specific setting can be based on actual needs.

[0144] The ground plate 40 is made of a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive material can be any of the following materials: copper, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and alloys thereof; copper foil on an insulating substrate; aluminum foil on an insulating substrate; gold foil on an insulating substrate; silver-plated copper; silver-plated copper foil on an insulating substrate; silver foil and tin-plated copper on an insulating substrate; cloth impregnated with graphite powder; a graphite-coated substrate; a copper-plated substrate; a brass-plated substrate; and an aluminum-plated substrate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ground plate 40 can also be made of other conductive materials, which is not a limitation herein.

[0145] The dimension of the ground plate 40 in the second direction Y can be 0.5λ0 to 0.6λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space. This ensures that the radiation performance of the antenna array 100 is maintained while preventing the antenna array from being too large. For example, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and λ0 is 12.5 mm, the dimension of the ground plate 40 in the second direction Y can be 0.5λ0, 0.52λ0, 0.55λ0, 0.6λ0, i.e., 6.25 mm, 6.5 mm, 6.875 mm, 7.5 mm, etc. Of course, the dimension of the ground plate 40 in the second direction Y can also be other values, which are not limited here.

[0146] It should be noted that the size of the ground plate 40 in the first direction X is related to the number of array elements 10. The more array elements 10 there are, the larger the size of the ground plate 40 in the first direction X can be designed to be. The specific setting can be based on actual needs.

[0147] The size of the antenna dielectric plate 30 may be greater than or equal to the size of the ground plate 40 , so that the antenna dielectric plate 30 can provide sufficient support for the ground plate 40 .

[0148] like Figure 3 As shown, the number of coaxial probes 50 can be the same as the number of array elements 10 , and they are connected to the array elements 10 in a one-to-one correspondence, so that each array element 10 can be fed separately, so as to obtain the phase distribution of each array element 10 .

[0149] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of array elements 10 are arranged at intervals along a first direction X of the antenna array 100 .

[0150] The array element 10 may be a microstrip patch in a square, circular or other irregular shape. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the array element 10 is a square microstrip patch, which reduces the structural complexity of the array element 10. Specifically, the multiple array elements 10 can be of the same size. For example, the dimensions of the array element 10 can be 3.1 mm × 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm × 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm × 3.3 mm, etc., and can be set according to actual needs to ensure that the multiple array elements 10 can operate at the same frequency. Of course, on the basis of ensuring that the multiple array elements 10 operate at the same frequency, the sizes of the multiple array elements can also vary slightly, and this is not limited here.

[0151] Specifically, the spacing between multiple array elements 10 can be the same, and the spacing distance is 0.5 to 0.6 times the wavelength of the center frequency. This prevents excessive coupling between adjacent elements due to a small spacing between the multiple array elements 10. It also prevents excessive spacing between the multiple array elements 10 from generating grating lobes and affecting the radiation performance of the antenna device. For example, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and the wavelength is 12.5 mm, the spacing between adjacent array elements 10 can be half the wavelength of the operating frequency (6.25 mm), 0.51 times the wavelength (6.375 mm), or 0.52 times the wavelength (6.5 mm). Specific settings can be made based on actual needs and are not limited here.

[0152] In addition, the number of array elements 10 can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc., and can be set according to actual needs, and is not limited here.

[0153] like Figure 2 As shown, the metasurface 20 and the plurality of antenna elements 10 are spaced apart along the thickness direction Z. Specifically, as Figure 2 As shown, metasurface 20 is a plane composed of multiple metasurface units 1 arranged in an array. This is low-cost and facilitates large-scale connectivity. For example, metasurface 20 can be a metasurface radome spaced along the thickness direction Z above the array elements 10. Of course, other configurations are also possible, and this is not a limitation.

[0154] Specifically, if Figure 2As shown, the metasurface unit 1 includes a metasurface dielectric plate 11 and a patch 12 arranged on the metasurface dielectric plate 11, wherein the patch 12 is used to receive the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10 and regulate the phase of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10. The metasurface dielectric plate 11 can adopt Rogers RO3003 dielectric plate, so as to improve the mechanical strength of the metasurface 20 and facilitate application. The dielectric constant of the dielectric plate is 3.0, the loss tangent is 0.0013, and it also has the advantage of low dielectric loss. Of course, the metasurface dielectric plate 11 can also be a flame-resistant material (FR-4) dielectric plate, Rogers dielectric plate, etc., or a mixed dielectric plate of Rogers and FR-4, etc. Among them, the metasurface dielectric plates 11 of multiple metasurface units 1 can be an integrally formed structure or can be formed separately, which is not limited here.

[0155] Wherein, along the first direction X, the sizes of the patches 12 of at least some columns of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X are different.

[0156] Since the metasurface units can cause different phase shifts in the incident wave, according to the generalized Snell's law, when the sizes of the metasurface units on the metasurface are arranged in a certain regular array so that the metasurface has a phase gradient, the incident wave will produce abnormal refraction on the metasurface, thereby achieving beam deflection.

[0157] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, along the first direction X, the patches 12 of at least part of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X are different in size, so that at least part of the metasurface 20 has a specific phase gradient, which can perform single-beam deflection on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10 located below the metasurface 20 with the phase gradient, and adjust the phase of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10, so as to achieve the consistency of the beam pointing direction of the electromagnetic waves radiated by each array element 10 when fed, thereby improving the phase consistency of the antenna array 100.

[0158] The period of the metasurface unit 1 can be between 0.08λ0 and 0.104λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free air. For example, the period of the metasurface unit 1 can be 0.08λ0, 0.088λ0, 0.1λ0 or 0.104λ0, etc. Of course, the period of the metasurface unit 1 can also be other values, which can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here. For example, when the operating frequency is 24GHz, the operating frequency wavelength λ0 is 12.5mm, and the period of the metasurface unit 1 can be 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.25mm, 1.3mm, etc. Of course, the period of the metasurface unit 1 can also be other values, which can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here. In a specific embodiment, when the operating frequency is 24GHz, the operating frequency wavelength is 12.5mm, and the period of the metasurface unit 1 can be 1.25mm, that is, 0.1 times the operating frequency wavelength, so as to facilitate the arrangement of the metasurface unit 1.

[0159] In addition, the thickness of the metasurface unit 1 can be between 0.08λ0 and 0.088λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space. For example, the thickness of the metasurface unit 1 can be 0.08λ0, 0.0808λ0, 0.081λ0, 0.084λ0, 0.088λ0, etc. Of course, the thickness of the metasurface unit 1 can also be other values, which can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here. For example, when the operating frequency is 24GHz, the operating frequency wavelength λ0 is 12.5mm, and the thickness of the metasurface unit 1 can be 1mm, 1.01mm, 1.016mm, 1.05mm, 1.1mm, etc., so as to ensure that the thickness of the metasurface 20 is moderate, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the antenna array 100.

[0160] In addition, the overall thickness of the antenna array 100 loaded with the metasurface 20 can be between 3.5mm and 4mm, such as 3.5mm, 3.6mm, 3.778mm, 3.8mm, 4mm, etc. Of course, the overall thickness of the antenna array 100 can also be other values, which can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0161] Further, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a metasurface unit provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the patch includes a first patch 121 and a second patch 122 . Along the thickness direction Z, the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the metasurface dielectric plate 11 .

[0162] In this embodiment, Figure 4As shown, the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 can be equivalent to capacitors in terms of electrical performance and play the role of capacitors, so that the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 play a role in regulating and affecting the energy of the fluctuation speed during the propagation of the electromagnetic wave. Therefore, the phase of the electromagnetic wave can change after passing through the first patch 121 and the patch 122, so that the metasurface 20 can achieve phase control of the electromagnetic wave.

[0163] The first patch 121 and the second patch 122 may be metal patches, so that the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 can play a better capacitor role.

[0164] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 are concentrically arranged along the central axis of the metasurface unit 1, and the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 are of the same size, thereby ensuring better coupling between the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 and improving the phase control performance of the metasurface unit 1 on electromagnetic waves.

[0165] like Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the shape of the first patch 121 is one of square, rectangular, and circular. This can reduce the difficulty of preparing the first patch 121, improve the efficiency of preparing the metasurface 20, and facilitate the adjustment of the equivalent capacitance of the first patch 121, thereby improving the accuracy of phase control of the electromagnetic wave. Of course, the first patch 121 can also be a ring, arrow, or other irregular shape, which is not limited here.

[0166] The second patch 122 can also be shaped like a square, rectangle, or circle, thereby reducing the difficulty of fabricating the second patch 122 and improving the efficiency of fabricating the metasurface 20. It also makes it easier to adjust the equivalent capacitance of the second patch 122, thereby improving the accuracy of phase control of electromagnetic waves. Of course, the second patch 122 can also be shaped like a ring, arrow, or other irregular shape, without limitation.

[0167] like Figure 4 As shown, the patch 12 in the embodiment of the present application is a square patch, so as to further reduce the difficulty of preparing the patch 12 and reduce the structural complexity of the metasurface 20.

[0168] Further, if Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the size l of the patch 12 in the first direction X is n It is between 0.1 mm and 1.1 mm, that is, between 0.008λ0 and 0.088λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

[0169] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, when the patch 12 is a square patch, the size of the patch 12 in the first direction X refers to the side length of the square patch, that is, the size of the patch 12 in the first direction X is the same as the size of the patch in the second direction Y, that is, when the size of the patch 12 in the first direction X changes, the size in the second direction Y may also change accordingly.

[0170] In other embodiments, for example, when the patch 12 is a rectangular patch, the size of the patch 12 in the first direction X refers to the length or width of the rectangular patch, that is, the size of the patch 12 in the first direction X is different from the size of the patch in the second direction Y. When the size of the patch in the first direction X changes, the size in the second direction Y may not change accordingly.

[0171] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 The phase variation curves of the metasurface unit provided in the embodiment of the present application with respect to the size of the patch at 23 GHz, 24 GHz and 25 GHz respectively. Figure 5 The horizontal axis in the figure represents the size of the patch 12 in mm, and the vertical axis represents the phase in degrees. Figure 3 As can be seen in the figure, when the size of the patch 12 changes from 0.1 mm to 1.1 mm, a phase change of approximately 90° can be achieved, thereby enabling phase control of the electromagnetic wave. However, if the size of the patch 12 is too small or too large, the metasurface unit 1 in the metasurface 20 cannot perform the function of controlling the phase of the electromagnetic wave.

[0172] Therefore, when the size l of the patch 12 in the first direction X is n When the size of the patch 12 is between 0.1 mm and 1.1 mm, that is, 0.008λ0 to 0.088λ0, the phase gradient setting requirements of the metasurface 20 can be met, so that the metasurface 20 can have the function of beam deflecting the electromagnetic waves radiated by multiple array elements 10, and the size of the patch 12 is l n Moderate, which is conducive to the miniaturized design of the metasurface unit 1.

[0173] Among them, according to the generalized Snell's law, the phase gradient corresponding to the beam deflection angle that the metasurface 20 needs to achieve for the electromagnetic wave can be expressed by the formula Calculated, where θ t is the beam deflection angle that the metasurface needs to achieve for electromagnetic waves, dx is the array element spacing, λ0 is the wavelength in free space, and dφ is the phase gradient required for the metasurface to achieve the beam deflection angle.

[0174] Further, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6The loss curves of electromagnetic waves after passing through the metasurface unit at different operating frequencies are shown respectively when the sizes of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 are 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm and 1 mm. Figure 6 The horizontal axis represents the operating frequency in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the loss of electromagnetic waves after passing through the metasurface unit in dB. Figure 6 As can be seen in the figure, at the same operating frequency, electromagnetic waves experience different losses after passing through metasurface units 1 with patches 12 of different sizes. Greater loss indicates lower electromagnetic wave transmittance, while less loss indicates higher electromagnetic wave transmittance. Therefore, when designing the phase gradient of the metasurface 20, depending on the operating frequency, a size range of patches 12 with minimal electromagnetic wave loss should be selected, thereby ensuring high electromagnetic wave transmittance and minimizing the impact on the radiation performance of the antenna device.

[0175] For example, the metasurface 20 operates at a frequency of 24 GHz, the wavelength λ0 in free space is 12.5 mm, and the deflection angle θ that the metasurface 20 needs to achieve is t When the array element spacing dx is 6.25 mm, the formula It can be calculated to achieve θ t A beam deflection of φ = 7° requires a phase gradient of dφ ≈ 21°, that is, the array composed of the metasurface units 1 arranged above the array element 10 needs to achieve a phase gradient of 21° along the first direction X, so that the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10 below can produce a beam deflection of 7° after passing through the metasurface 20.

[0176] Further, refer to Figure 6 When the operating frequency is 24 GHz, the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the metasurface unit 1 is low, and the transmittance exceeds 90%. Therefore, when designing the phase gradient of the metasurface 20 at an operating frequency of 24 GHz, the size of the patch 12 should be kept within the range of 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm to ensure high transmittance of electromagnetic waves and minimize the impact on the radiation performance of the antenna device.

[0177] Among them, according to the beam deflection angle θ that the metasurface 20 needs to achieve for the electromagnetic wave t In different directions, the size of the patch 12 in the first direction X can be increasing or decreasing, so as to achieve phase control of the beam in different directions and improve phase consistency. t In the positive direction, for example, θ t=7°, then the array composed of the metasurface units 1 arranged above the array element 10 needs to achieve a phase increment of 21° along the positive direction of the first direction X; if the beam deflection angle θ to be achieved is t In the negative direction, for example, θ t =-7°, then the array composed of the metasurface units 1 arranged above the array element 10 needs to achieve a phase decrease of 21° along the positive direction of the first direction X.

[0178] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 A top view of a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0179] like Figure 7 As shown in a specific embodiment, along the first direction X, the metasurface 20 sequentially includes a first control zone 2, an intermediate region 4, and a second control zone 3. In the first control zone 2, the size of the patches 12 of at least a portion of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X gradually increases in the direction approaching the second control zone 3. In the second control zone 3, the size of the patches 12 of at least a portion of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X gradually increases in the direction approaching the first control zone 2.

[0180] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 The beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when the metasurface is not loaded, Figure 9 An embodiment of the present application provides an antenna array with a phase difference between array elements when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface.

[0181] Figure 8 Shown as Figure 3 In the antenna array 100 including 4 elements, the beam pointing cloud diagram of each element 10 fed individually when no metasurface is loaded. From left to right are Figure 3 The beam pointing cloud diagram of the array elements 10 arranged in sequence along the positive direction of the first direction X when fed individually. Among them, along the first direction X, the corresponding field distributions of the two array elements 10 located in the middle of the four array elements 10 point in the vertical direction, that is, the beam pointing is almost vertically upward along the thickness direction Z, while the array elements 10 located at both ends of the four array elements 10 are respectively affected by the coupling of the array element 10 located in the middle. The field distribution of the array element 10 located at the front end along the positive direction of the first direction X points to the left, that is, the beam is deflected in the negative direction of the first direction X, and the field distribution of the array element 10 located at the end end along the positive direction of the first direction X points to the right, that is, the beam is deflected in the positive direction of the first direction X. Figure 8As can be seen in the figure, when the antenna array 100 is not loaded with the metasurface 20, the beam pointing directions of each element 10 vary significantly. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the elements 10 at the two ends along the first direction X are more significantly affected by the coupling between adjacent elements 10, resulting in more severe beam deflection. Therefore, to ensure consistent beam pointing directions for each element 10 in the antenna array 100 and improve the phase consistency of the antenna array 100, when each element 10 is fed individually, the metasurface 20 needs to perform phase control on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the elements 10 at the two ends along the first direction X.

[0182] Figure 9 Shown as Figure 3 In the antenna array 100 including four elements shown, when no metasurface is loaded, the phase difference of each individually fed element 10 in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 9 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 9 It can be seen that the phase differences between the array elements all exceed ±10° in large areas. Among them, although the phase consistency of the two array elements 10 located in the middle of the antenna array 100 is good, there is a small area where the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Among them, the maximum phase difference is -17.5°, and the phase consistency is poor.

[0183] In this embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, along the first direction X, the first control area 2 is located above the array element 10 at the front end of the antenna array 100, and the second control area 3 is located above the array element 10 at the end of the antenna array 100, so that the first control area 2 and the second control area 3 of the metasurface 20 can phase control the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements 10 located at both ends of the antenna array 100. Among them, in the first control zone 2, the size of the patch 12 of at least part of the metasurface unit 1 in the first direction X gradually increases along the direction approaching the second control zone 3, so that the beam deflection of the electromagnetic wave along the positive direction of the first direction X can be achieved, so that the electromagnetic wave radiated by the array element 10 located at the front end of the antenna array 100 along the positive direction of the first direction X can be deflected toward the positive direction of the first direction X after passing through the first control zone 2 of the metasurface 20, so as to compensate for the phase of the array element 10 when fed alone; in the second control zone 3, the size of the patch 12 of at least part of the metasurface unit 1 in the first direction X gradually increases along the direction approaching the first control zone 2, so as to achieve the beam deflection of the electromagnetic wave along the negative direction of the first direction X, so that the electromagnetic wave radiated by the array element 10 located at the end of the antenna array 100 along the positive direction of the first direction X can be deflected toward the negative direction of the first direction X after passing through the second control zone 3 of the metasurface 20, so as to compensate for the phase of the array element 10 when fed alone.

[0184] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 10 The beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 11 The present invention provides an embodiment of an antenna array provided with a metasurface and a phase difference between array elements.

[0185] Figure 10 Shown as Figure 3 In the antenna array 100 shown as comprising 4 elements, the beam pointing cloud diagram of each element 10 fed individually after loading the metasurface. From left to right are Figure 3 The beam pointing cloud diagram of the array elements 10 arranged in sequence along the positive direction of the first direction X when they are fed individually. Figure 10 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the beam directions of each array element 10 tend to be consistent, and are all roughly pointed upward along the thickness direction Z. The metasurface 20 performs better phase control on the beam deflection of the two array elements 10 located at both ends along the first direction X.

[0186] Figure 11 Shown as Figure 3 In the antenna array 100 including four elements shown, after loading the metasurface, the phase difference of each individually fed element 10 in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 11 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 11 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the phase difference between each array element 10 is basically within ±10°, and the phase consistency is significantly improved.

[0187] Please refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , Figure 12 The directional pattern of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when the super table is not loaded, Figure 13 The directional pattern of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 12 (b) shows the radiation pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 13 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 13 (b) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 12 and Figure 13It can be seen that there is no obvious change in the antenna radiation pattern before and after loading the metasurface 20. Therefore, loading the metasurface 20 will not have too much impact on the antenna gain, and the 3dB beam width is increased by 10° at most, thereby improving the radiation range of the antenna array 100.

[0188] It should be noted that the above-mentioned E-plane is also called the electric plane, which refers to a plane parallel to the direction of the electric field, and the H-plane is also called the magnetic plane, which refers to a plane parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.

[0189] Please refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , Figure 14 This is a return loss curve of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 15 This is a graph showing the isolation of an antenna array loaded with a metasurface according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0190] Figure 14 The horizontal axis represents the frequency in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the return loss in dB. Figure 14 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the frequency bandwidth in which the return loss values ​​(S11, S22, S33, and S44) of the four array elements are no greater than -10 dB is 23.2 GHz to 24.6 GHz, and the relative bandwidth relative to the center frequency reaches 5.9%. The array elements 10 of the antenna array 100 are well matched within the operating frequency band.

[0191] Figure 15 The horizontal axis represents the frequency in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the isolation between array elements in dB. Figure 15 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the isolation between two adjacent array elements 10 is less than -15 dB, and the radiation performance of the antenna array 100 is good.

[0192] In another specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the structure of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 17 This is a top view of another metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the number of array elements 10 in the antenna array 100 is 3, and the 3 array elements 10 are arranged along the first direction X at equal intervals.

[0193] Please also refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 The beam pointing cloud diagram of each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface, Figure 19Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application shows the phase difference between array elements when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface.

[0194] Figure 18 Shown as Figure 16 In the antenna array 100 including 3 array elements, the beam pointing cloud diagram of each array element 10 when no metasurface is loaded. From left to right are Figure 16 The beam pointing cloud diagram of the array elements 10 arranged in sequence along the positive direction of the first direction X when fed individually. Among them, along the first direction X, the corresponding field distribution of the array element 10 located in the middle of the three array elements 10 points in the vertical direction, that is, the beam pointing is almost vertically upward along the thickness direction Z, while the array elements 10 located at both ends of the three array elements 10 are respectively affected by the coupling of the array element 10 located in the middle. The field distribution of the array element 10 located at the front end along the positive direction of the first direction X points to the left, that is, the beam is deflected in the negative direction of the first direction X, and the field distribution of the array element 10 located at the end end along the positive direction of the first direction X points to the right, that is, the beam is deflected in the positive direction of the first direction X. Figure 18 It can be seen from the figure that when the antenna array 100 is not loaded with the metasurface 20, the beam pointing directions of the array elements 10 are quite different. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements 10 at both ends along the first direction X are more affected by the coupling of the adjacent array elements 10, and the beam deflection is more serious.

[0195] Figure 19 Shown as Figure 16 In the antenna array 100 including three elements shown, when no metasurface is loaded, the phase difference of each individually fed element 10 in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 19 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 19 It can be seen from the figure that the phase differences between the array elements all exceed ±10°. The maximum phase difference is -12.5°, and the phase consistency is poor.

[0196] Please refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 , Figure 20 The beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of another antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 21 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface and shows the phase difference between the array elements.

[0197] Figure 20 Shown as Figure 16 In the antenna array 100 shown as including 3 array elements, the beam pointing cloud diagram of each array element 10 fed individually after loading the metasurface. From left to right are Figure 16The beam pointing cloud diagram of the array elements 10 arranged in sequence along the positive direction of the first direction X when they are fed individually. Figure 20 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the beam directions of each array element 10 tend to be consistent, and are all roughly pointed upward along the thickness direction Z. The metasurface 20 performs better phase control on the beam deflection of the two array elements 10 located at both ends along the first direction X.

[0198] Figure 21 Shown as Figure 16 In the antenna array 100 including three elements shown, after loading the metasurface, the phase difference of each individually fed element 10 in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 21 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 21 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the phase difference between each array element 10 is reduced to within ±10°, the maximum phase difference is only 9.9°, and the phase consistency is significantly improved.

[0199] In another specific embodiment, the number of array elements 10 in the antenna array 100 is 5. Figure 22 and Figure 23 , Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the structure of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 23 This is a top view of another metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the number of array elements 10 in the antenna array 100 is 5, and the 5 array elements 10 are arranged along the first direction X at equal intervals.

[0200] Please also refer to Figure 24 and Figure 25 , Figure 24 The beam pointing cloud diagram of each array element when another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is not loaded with a metasurface, Figure 25 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application shows the phase difference between array elements when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface.

[0201] Figure 24 Shown as Figure 22 In the antenna array 100 shown as comprising five elements, the beam pointing cloud diagrams of each element 10 fed individually when no metasurface is loaded are as follows: Figure 16The beam pointing cloud diagram of the array elements 10 arranged in sequence along the positive direction of the first direction X when fed individually. Among them, along the first direction X, the corresponding field distributions of the three array elements 10 located in the middle of the five array elements 10 point in the vertical direction, that is, the beam pointing is almost vertically upward along the thickness direction Z, while the array elements 10 located at both ends of the five array elements 10 are respectively affected by the coupling of the array element 10 located in the middle. The field distribution of the array element 10 located at the front end along the positive direction of the first direction X points to the left, that is, the beam is deflected in the negative direction of the first direction X, and the field distribution of the array element 10 located at the end end along the positive direction of the first direction X points to the right, that is, the beam is deflected in the positive direction of the first direction X. Figure 24 It can be seen from the figure that when the antenna array 100 is not loaded with the metasurface 20, the beam pointing directions of the array elements 10 are quite different. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements 10 at both ends along the first direction X are more affected by the coupling of the adjacent array elements 10, and the beam deflection is more serious.

[0202] Figure 25 Shown as Figure 22 In the antenna array 100 including five elements shown, when no metasurface is loaded, the phase difference of each individually fed element 10 in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 25 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 25 It can be seen from the figure that the phase difference between the array elements exceeds ±10° in some areas, among which the maximum phase difference is -18.4°, and the phase consistency is poor.

[0203] Please refer to Figure 26 and Figure 27 , Figure 26 The beam pointing cloud diagram of each element of another antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 27 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface and shows the phase difference between the array elements.

[0204] Figure 26 Shown as Figure 22 In the antenna array 100 shown as comprising five elements, the beam pointing cloud diagrams of each element 10 fed individually after loading the metasurface are as follows: Figure 16 The beam pointing cloud diagram of the array elements 10 arranged in sequence along the positive direction of the first direction X when they are fed individually. Figure 26 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the beam directions of each array element 10 tend to be consistent, and are all roughly pointed upward along the thickness direction Z. The metasurface 20 performs better phase control on the beam deflection of the two array elements 10 located at both ends along the first direction X.

[0205] Figure 27Shown as Figure 22 In the antenna array 100 including five elements shown, after loading the metasurface, the phase difference of each individually fed element 10 in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 27 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 27 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the phase difference between the array elements 10 is basically reduced to within ±10°, and the phase consistency is significantly improved.

[0206] It should be noted that the positive direction is the direction pointed by the arrow in the coordinate system in the figure, and the negative direction is the direction opposite to the arrow.

[0207] In a specific embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, in the first control area 2, the sizes of the patches 12 of at least part of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X are equidistantly distributed along the direction close to the second control area 3, and in the second control area 3, the sizes of the patches 12 of at least part of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X are equidistantly distributed along the direction close to the first control area 2, thereby improving the phase control accuracy of the first control area 2 and the second control area 3 of the metasurface 20 for electromagnetic waves, ensuring the stability of the electromagnetic waves when passing through the first control area 2 and the second control area 3, and reducing the impact on the radiation performance of the antenna device.

[0208] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and the number of array elements 10 is 4, along the positive direction X, among the metasurface units 1 arranged in the first control area 2 of the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 at the front end of the antenna array 100, the sizes of the patches 12 of the five columns of metasurface units 1 close to the middle area 4 are l and l respectively. 11 、l 12 、l 13 、l 14 、l 15 , please also refer to Figure 6 When the operating frequency is 24 GHz, the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the metasurface unit 1 with a size of 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm is small, and the transmittance is high. 11 、l 12 、l 13 、l 14 、l 15 Can be set to l 11 =0.72mm, l 12 =0.74mm, l 13 =0.76mm, l 14=0.78mm, l 15 =0.8mm, so that the metasurface units 1 of at least part of the columns in the first control area 2 are distributed equidistantly and have a phase gradient, so that the first control area 2 can achieve phase control of electromagnetic waves. The size of the patches 12 of the metasurface units 1 of the remaining columns in the first control area 2 is the same as the size of the patches 12 of the metasurface units 1 of the adjacent columns, that is, the size of the patches 12 of the remaining three columns of metasurface units 1 in the first control area 2 away from the middle area 4 can all be l 11 =0.72 mm, thereby preventing the electromagnetic wave from passing through the first control area 2 and causing phase discontinuity.

[0209] Similarly, along the positive direction of the first direction X, among the metasurface units 1 arranged in the second control area 3 of the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 at the end of the antenna array 100, the sizes of the patches 12 of the five columns of metasurface units 1 close to the middle area 4 are l 41 、l 42 、l 43 、l 44 、l 45 , where l 41 、l 42 、l 43 、l 44 、l 45 Can be set to l 41 =0.8mm, l 42 =0.77mm, l 43 =0.74mm, l 44 =0.71mm, l 45 =0.68mm, so that the metasurface units 1 of at least part of the columns in the second control area 3 are distributed equidistantly and have a phase gradient, so that the second control area 2 can realize phase control of the electromagnetic wave, and the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 of the remaining columns in the second control area 3 is the same as the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 of its adjacent column, that is, the size of the patch 12 of the remaining three columns of the metasurface unit 1 in the second control area 2 away from the middle area 4 can all be l 45 =0.68 mm, thereby preventing the electromagnetic wave from passing through the second control area 3 and causing phase discontinuity.

[0210] For example, Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and the number of array elements 10 is 3, along the positive direction X, among the metasurface units 1 arranged in the first control area 2 of the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 at the front end of the antenna array 100, the sizes of the patches 12 of the five columns of metasurface units 1 close to the middle area 4 are l and l respectively. 11 、l 12 、l 13 、l14 、l 15 , please also refer to Figure 6 When the operating frequency is 24 GHz, the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the metasurface unit 1 with a size of 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm is small, and the transmittance is high. 11 、l 12 、l 13 、l 14 、l 15 Can be set to l 11 =0.72mm, l 12 =0.74mm, l 13 =0.76mm, l 14 =0.78mm, l 15 =0.8mm, so that the metasurface units 1 of at least part of the columns in the first control area 2 are distributed equidistantly and have a phase gradient, so that the first control area 2 can achieve phase control of electromagnetic waves. The size of the patches 12 of the metasurface units 1 of the remaining columns in the first control area 2 is the same as the size of the patches 12 of the metasurface units 1 of the adjacent columns, that is, the sizes of the patches 12 of the remaining two columns of metasurface units 1 in the first control area 2 away from the middle area 4 can both be l 11 =0.72 mm, thereby preventing the electromagnetic wave from passing through the first control area 2 and causing phase discontinuity.

[0211] Similarly, along the positive direction of the first direction X, among the metasurface units 1 arranged in the second control area 3 of the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 at the end of the antenna array 100, the sizes of the patches 12 of the five columns of metasurface units 1 close to the middle area 4 are l 31 、l 32 、l 33 、l 34 、l 35 , where l 31 、l 32 、l 33 、l 34 、l 35 Can be set to l 31 =0.8mm, l 32 =0.77mm, l 33 =0.74mm, l 34 =0.71mm, l 35=0.68mm, so that the metasurface units 1 of at least part of the columns in the second control area 3 are distributed equidistantly and have a phase gradient, so that the second control area 2 can realize phase control of the electromagnetic wave, and the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 of the remaining columns in the second control area 3 is the same as the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 of its adjacent column, that is, the size of the patch 12 of the remaining two columns of the metasurface unit 1 in the second control area 2 away from the middle area 4 can both be l 35 =0.68 mm, thereby preventing the electromagnetic wave from passing through the second control area 3 and causing phase discontinuity.

[0212] For example, Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and the number of array elements 10 is 5, along the positive direction of the first direction X, among the metasurface units 1 arranged in the first control area 2 of the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 at the front end of the antenna array 100, the sizes of the patches 12 of the five columns of metasurface units 1 close to the middle area 4 are l and l respectively. 11 、l 12 、l 13 、l 14 、l 15 , please also refer to Figure 6 When the operating frequency is 24 GHz, the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the metasurface unit 1 with a size of 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm is small, and the transmittance is high. 11 、l 12 、l 13 、l 14 、l 15 Can be set to l 11 =0.72mm, l 12 =0.74mm, l 13 =0.76mm, l 14 =0.78mm, l 15 =0.8mm, so that the metasurface units 1 of at least part of the columns in the first control area 2 are distributed equidistantly and have a phase gradient, so that the first control area 2 can achieve phase control of electromagnetic waves. The size of the patches 12 of the metasurface units 1 of the remaining columns in the first control area 2 is the same as the size of the patches 12 of the metasurface units 1 of the adjacent columns, that is, the sizes of the patches 12 of the remaining two columns of metasurface units 1 in the first control area 2 away from the middle area 4 can both be l 11 =0.72 mm, thereby preventing the electromagnetic wave from passing through the first control area 2 and causing phase discontinuity.

[0213] Similarly, along the positive direction of the first direction X, among the metasurface units 1 arranged in the second control area 3 of the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 at the end of the antenna array 100, the sizes of the patches 12 of the five columns of metasurface units 1 close to the middle area 4 are l 51 、l 52 、l 53 、l 54 、l 55 , where l 51 、l 52 、l 53 、l 54 、l 55 Can be set to l 51 =0.8mm, l 52 =0.77mm, l 53 =0.74mm, l 54 =0.71mm, l 35 =0.68mm, so that the metasurface units 1 of at least part of the columns in the second control area 3 are distributed equidistantly and have a phase gradient, so that the second control area 2 can realize phase control of the electromagnetic wave, and the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 of the remaining columns in the second control area 3 is the same as the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 of its adjacent column, that is, the size of the patch 12 of the remaining two columns of the metasurface unit 1 in the second control area 2 away from the middle area 4 can both be l 55 =0.68 mm, thereby preventing the electromagnetic wave from passing through the second control area 3 and causing phase discontinuity.

[0214] Of course, in other working frequency environments, the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 in the first control area 2 and the second control area 3 can also be other values, which can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0215] In a specific embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, in the middle area 4 , the sizes of the patches 12 of each metasurface unit 1 in the first direction X are the same.

[0216] like Figure 8 、 Figure 18 and Figure 24 As shown, along the first direction X, since the corresponding field distribution of the array element 10 located in the middle of the antenna array 100 when fed individually points to the vertical direction, that is, the beam pointing is almost vertically upward along the thickness direction Z, therefore, when each array element 10 in the antenna array 100 is fed individually, the electromagnetic wave radiated by the array element 10 located in the middle does not require phase control by the metasurface 20.

[0217] In this embodiment, Figure 7As shown, along the first direction X, the middle region 4 of the metasurface 20 is located above the array element 10 in the middle of the antenna array 100, wherein the patches 12 of each metasurface 20 in the middle region 4 have the same size in the first direction X, so that the middle region 4 of the metasurface 20 does not have a phase gradient, thereby ensuring that the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10 located below the middle region 4 will not generate beam deflection when passing through the metasurface 20, thereby ensuring the stability of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10.

[0218] like Figure 10 、 Figure 20 and Figure 26 As shown, after the metasurface 20 is loaded, the middle region 4 has no phase gradient, so that the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10 located below the middle region 4 will not be affected by beam deflection, thereby ensuring phase consistency.

[0219] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and the number of array elements 10 is 4, along the first direction X, the sizes of the metasurface units 1 arranged in the middle area of ​​the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 in the middle of the antenna array 100 are l2 and l3 respectively. Please also refer to Figure 6 When the operating frequency is 24 GHz, the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the metasurface unit 1 with a size of 0.8 mm in the patch 12 is small, and the transmittance is the highest at this time. The size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 in the middle area can be l2=l3=0.8 mm, so that the middle area of ​​the metasurface 20 has no phase gradient and will not deflect the beam, further improving the phase consistency and radiation effect of the antenna array 100.

[0220] For example, Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and the number of array elements 10 is 3, along the first direction X, the size of the metasurface unit 1 arranged in the middle area of ​​the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 in the middle of the antenna array 100 is l2. Figure 6 When the operating frequency is 24 GHz, the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the metasurface unit 1 with a size of 0.8 mm in the patch 12 is small, and the transmittance is the highest at this time. The size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 in the middle area can be l2 = 0.8 mm, so that the middle area of ​​the metasurface 20 has no phase gradient and will not deflect the beam, further improving the phase consistency and radiation effect of the antenna array 100.

[0221] For example, Figure 22 and Figure 23As shown, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz and the number of array elements 10 is 5, along the first direction X, the sizes of the metasurface units 1 arranged in the middle area of ​​the metasurface 20 above the array element 10 in the middle of the antenna array 100 are l2, l3, and l4 respectively. Please also refer to Figure 6 When the operating frequency is 24 GHz, the loss of electromagnetic waves passing through the metasurface unit 1 with a size of 0.8 mm in the patch 12 is small, and the transmittance is the highest at this time. The size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 in the middle area can be l2=l3=l4=0.8 mm, so that the middle area of ​​the metasurface 20 has no phase gradient and will not deflect the beam, further improving the phase consistency and radiation effect of the antenna array 100.

[0222] Of course, in other working frequency environments, the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 in the middle area 4 can also be other values, which can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0223] Please refer to Figure 28 and Figure 29 , Figure 28 A schematic diagram of the structure of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 29 This is a top view of another metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the number of array elements 10 in the antenna array 100 is two, and the two array elements 10 are arranged along the first direction X at intervals.

[0224] In another specific embodiment, Figure 29 As shown, along the first direction X, the metasurface includes a first control zone 2 and a second control zone 3 in sequence. Within the first control zone 2, the size of the patch 12 of at least a portion of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X gradually decreases along the direction approaching the second control zone 3. Within the second control zone 3, the size of the patch 12 of at least a portion of the metasurface units 1 in the first direction X gradually decreases along the direction approaching the first control zone 2.

[0225] like Figure 29 As shown, the size of the patch 12 of the metasurface unit 1 on the metasurface 20 is l and l and l respectively from both ends inward along the first direction X. 01 、l 02 、l 03 、l 11 、l 12 、l 13 、l 14 、l 15 Can be set to l 01 =0.95mm, l 02 =0.9mm, l 03=0.85mm, l 11 =0.8mm, l 12 =0.75mm, l 13 =0.7mm, l 14 =0.65mm, l 15 =0.6mm, so that the metasurface units 1 of at least part of the columns in the first control area 2 and the second control area 3 are distributed equidistantly and have a phase gradient, so that the first control area 2 and the second control area 3 can realize phase control of electromagnetic waves.

[0226] Please also refer to Figure 30 , Figure 30 Another antenna array provided in the embodiment of the present application is loaded with and unloaded with a metasurface. Figure 30 (a) shows the directional patterns of the metasurface when the array element 10 located below the first control area 2 is fed and when it is loaded and unloaded, Figure 30 (b) shows the directional pattern of the array element 10 located below the second control area 3 when it is fed. Figure 30 It can be seen from the figure that after the metasurface 20 is loaded, the elements 10 of the antenna array 100 are well matched within the working frequency band, and the radiation pattern does not change significantly.

[0227] Please refer to Figure 31 , Figure 31 Another embodiment of the present application provides an antenna array with and without a metasurface loaded with a beam scanning diagram, wherein the horizontal axis represents the beam scanning angle in degrees, and the vertical axis represents the antenna gain in dB. Figure 31 It can be seen from the figure that the array elements are fed with a Δφ phase difference. After loading the metasurface 20, the beam scanning angle is expanded. Taking the sidelobe -6dB as the standard, the first sidelobe level remains almost unchanged, and the beam scanning angle is expanded from ±24° to ±30°, thereby improving the radiation range of the antenna array 100.

[0228] Therefore, the structural metasurface 20 can improve the beam scanning angle of the antenna array 100, thereby expanding the radiation range of the antenna array 100, which is beneficial to improving the antenna performance.

[0229] In the area above each array element 10 for arranging the array of metasurface units 1, n columns of metasurface units 1 can be arranged, where 3≤n≤10, to achieve a specific phase gradient, thereby achieving beam deflection of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the specific array element 10. If the number n of columns of metasurface units 1 is too small, for example, n<3, the phase control accuracy decreases, and it is difficult to cover the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10, resulting in phase discontinuity. If the number n of columns of metasurface units 1 is too large, for example, n>10, the overall size of the metasurface 20 is easily too large, which places high demands on the miniaturization of the metasurface units 1 and increases the structural complexity of the metasurface 20.

[0230] Therefore, when the number n of columns of the metasurface units 1 in the area of ​​the metasurface units 1 arranged above each array element 10 satisfies the above range, the accuracy of controlling the phase of the electromagnetic wave can be guaranteed, and the continuity of the phase can be guaranteed. At the same time, the miniaturization requirements for the metasurface units 1 are low, and the structural complexity of the metasurface 20 can be reduced.

[0231] Furthermore, depending on the location of the array element 10 and the radiation environment, the number of columns of metasurface units 1 in the area above different array elements 10 for arranging the metasurface units 1 can be different. That is, the number of columns of metasurface units 1 in the first control area 2, the second control area 3, and the middle area 4 of the metasurface can be different.

[0232] like Figure 8 As shown, when the antenna array 100 is not loaded with the metasurface 20, the beam pointing directions of the array elements 10 are quite different. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the array elements 10 at the two ends along the first direction X are more affected by the coupling of the adjacent array elements 10, and the beam deflection is more serious. Therefore, when setting the number of columns of metasurface units 1 arranged above each array element 10, the number of columns of metasurface units 1 arranged above the array elements 10 located in the middle along the first direction X can be set to be smaller, that is, the number of columns of metasurface units 1 in the middle area 4 can be set to be smaller, and the number of columns of metasurface units 1 arranged above the array elements 10 at the two ends can be set to be larger, that is, the number of columns of metasurface units 1 in the first control area 2 and the second control area 3 can be set to be larger, so that the metasurface 20 can achieve better matching.

[0233] For example, Figure 7 As shown, along the first direction X, as Figure 2 and Figure 7 In the specific embodiment shown, along the first direction X, the number n of columns of the metasurface units 1 arranged in the middle area 4 above the array element 10 located in the middle can be 5, and the number n of columns of the metasurface units 1 arranged in the first control area 2 and the second control area 3 above the array elements 10 located at both ends can be 8, so as to avoid phase discontinuity in the control area of ​​the metasurface 20.

[0234] In some other embodiments, the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 may also be of different shapes and sizes, and the first patch 121 and the second patch 122 may also be non-concentric structures to enhance the design freedom of the metasurface 20. The specific settings can be made according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0235] like Figure 4As shown, in a specific embodiment, the metasurface unit 1 also includes a metal sheet 13, the metasurface dielectric plate 11 includes a first dielectric plate 111 and a second dielectric plate 112, the metal sheet 13 is arranged between the first dielectric plate 111 and the second dielectric plate 112, and a first patch 121 is provided on the side of the first dielectric plate 111 away from the metal sheet 13, and a second patch 122 is provided on the side of the second dielectric plate 112 away from the metal sheet 13.

[0236] In this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the metal sheet 13 can be electrically equivalent to an inductor, acting as an inductor. This allows the metal sheet 13 to regulate and influence the energy of the wave velocity during electromagnetic wave propagation. By providing the metal sheet 13, the first patch 121, the metal sheet 13, and the second patch 122 of the metasurface unit 1 can be electrically equivalent to a capacitor-inductor-capacitor structure, thereby improving electromagnetic wave transmittance, expanding bandwidth, and increasing the range of electromagnetic wave phase control.

[0237] In a specific embodiment, the metal sheet 13 can be one of a cross-shaped structure, a swastika-shaped structure, a grid structure, a fishbone structure, and an anchor-shaped structure to meet the design requirements of different metasurfaces and improve the design freedom of the metasurface 20. Of course, the metal sheet 13 can also be other irregular shapes, which can be designed according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0238] like Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the metal sheet 13 includes a plurality of bending arms 131 , and the plurality of bending arms 131 are distributed in a ring array.

[0239] In this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the structure is simple and easy to prepare, and the setting of the bending arm 131 can extend the current path, thereby increasing the equivalent inductance of the metal sheet 13 while keeping the volume of the metasurface unit 1 unchanged, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the metasurface unit 1.

[0240] Among them, the number of bending arms 131 can be 4, 8, 12, etc., and can be set according to actual needs to enhance the design freedom of the metasurface 20 and meet the design requirements of different antenna devices. There is no restriction here.

[0241] like Figure 4 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the number of bending arms 131 can be 4, and the 4 bending arms 131 are distributed in a circular array with the central axis of the metasurface unit 1 as the center, and the intervals are 90°. This structure is simple and facilitates the connection of the metal sheets 13 of two adjacent metasurface units 1, thereby further improving the transmittance of the metasurface 20 and enhancing the control range of electromagnetic waves.

[0242] like Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the extended length of the bending arm 131 can be between 0.056λ0 and 0.072λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space. For example, the extended length of the bending arm 131 can be 0.056λ0, 0.06λ0, 0.064λ0, 0.0656λ0, 0.072λ0, etc. For example, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz, λ0 is 12.5 mm, and the extended length of the bending arm 131 can be 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.82 mm, 0.9 mm, etc. The specific length can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0243] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, if the extended length of the bending arm 131 is too short, for example, less than 0.056λ0, it is easy to cause the equivalent inductance of the metal sheet 13 to be too small, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the metasurface unit 1. If the extended length of the bending arm 131 is too long, for example, greater than 0.072λ0, the area of ​​the metal sheet 13 is too large, which is not conducive to the preparation of the bending arm 131 and will affect the transmittance of the metasurface unit 1.

[0244] Therefore, when the length of the bent arm 131 is extended between 0.056λ0 and 0.072λ0, the metal sheet 13 can have a larger equivalent inductance, and the structure is simple and easy to prepare, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the metasurface unit 1 and can also ensure the transmittance of the metasurface unit 1.

[0245] like Figure 4 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the width t of the bending arm 131 can be between 0.0056λ0 and 0.0072λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space. For example, the width t can be 0.0056λ0, 0.006λ0, 0.0064λ0, 0.0068λ0, 0.0072λ0, etc. For example, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz, λ0 is 12.5 mm, and the width t of the bending arm 131 can be 0.07 mm, 0.075 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.085 mm, 0.09 mm, etc. The specific setting can be based on actual needs and is not limited here.

[0246] Among them, if the width of the bending arm 131 is too wide or too narrow, it is easy to cause the phase control range to be reduced, reduce the transmittance of the metasurface 20, and thus affect the radiation performance of the antenna.

[0247] Therefore, when the width t of the bending arm 131 is between 0.0056λ0 and 0.0072λ0, the phase control range of the metasurface 20 can be improved, and the transmittance of the metasurface 20 can be improved, thereby reducing the impact on the antenna radiation performance.

[0248] Further, if Figure 2 As shown, the projected area of ​​the metasurface 20 in the thickness direction Z is larger than the projected area of ​​the ground plate 40 in the thickness direction Z. That is, the size of the metasurface 20 in the first direction X is larger than the size of the ground plate 40 in the first direction X, and the size of the metasurface 20 in the second direction Y is larger than the size of the ground plate 40 in the second direction Y.

[0249] Among them, if the projected area of ​​the metasurface 20 in the thickness direction Z is less than or equal to the projected area of ​​the ground plate 40 in the thickness direction Z, the metasurface 20 cannot completely cover the electromagnetic waves radiated by the multiple array elements 10 located above the ground plate 40, and the control of the electromagnetic waves is not ideal. In addition, the electromagnetic waves are prone to contact with the edge of the metasurface 20 during the radiation process, which makes the electromagnetic waves prone to phase discontinuity and worsens the phase consistency.

[0250] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, when the projected area of ​​the metasurface 20 in the thickness direction Z is less than or equal to the projected area of ​​the ground plate 40 in the thickness direction Z, the metasurface 20 can completely cover the electromagnetic waves radiated by multiple array elements 10, thereby being able to accurately control the electromagnetic waves generated by each array element 10, and the edge of the metasurface 20 in this structure exceeds the edge of the ground plate 40, so that when the electromagnetic waves radiated by each array element 10 are received by the metasurface 20, it is not easy to generate a phase mutation at the edge of the metasurface 2, thereby ensuring the continuity of the electromagnetic waves, so that the metasurface 20 can achieve a better matching effect with the array element 10 located above the ground plate 20.

[0251] Furthermore, the size of the metasurface 20 in the first direction X can be the same as the size of the antenna dielectric plate 30 in the first direction X, and the size of the metasurface 20 in the second direction Y can be the same as the size of the antenna dielectric plate 30 in the second direction Y, so as to facilitate the assembly of the antenna array.

[0252] In a specific embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the separation distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element 10 in the thickness direction Z is between 0.12λ0 and 0.2λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space. For example, the separation distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element 10 in the thickness direction Z is 0.12λ0, 0.144λ0, 0.16λ0, 0.176λ0, 0.2λ0, etc. For example, when the operating frequency is 24 GHz, λ0 is 12.5 mm, and the separation distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element 10 in the thickness direction Z can be 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.5 mm, etc., or other values ​​within this range. The specific setting can be based on actual needs and is not limited here.

[0253] like Figure 2 As shown, if the spacing distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element 10 in the thickness direction Z is too small, for example, less than 0.12λ0, the distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element 10 is too close, and the patch 12 on the metasurface 20 is likely to couple or interfere with the array element 10, thereby reducing the radiation performance of the antenna device; if the spacing distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element 10 in the thickness direction Z is too large, for example, greater than 0.2λ0, the distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element is too far, and the area of ​​the metasurface 20 needs to be larger to cover the electromagnetic waves radiated by each array element 10, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the antenna device and will also increase the design complexity of the metasurface 20.

[0254] In this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, by setting the separation distance between the metasurface 20 and the array element 10 in the thickness direction Z between 0.12λ0 and 0.2λ0, the metasurface 20 can be placed within the near-field of the array element 10. This facilitates receiving the electromagnetic waves radiated by the array element 10, performing beam deflection on the electromagnetic waves, and adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic waves radiated by each array element 10, without significantly affecting the radiation performance of the antenna device. Furthermore, the small size of the metasurface 20 in this structure facilitates miniaturization of the antenna device.

[0255] Please refer to Figure 32 and Figure 33 , Figure 32 A schematic diagram of the structure of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 33 An exploded diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0256] In a specific embodiment, Figure 32 and 33 As shown, the antenna array 100 further includes a side wall plate 60 . The side wall plate 60 , the antenna dielectric plate 30 and the metasurface 20 are arranged to form an accommodation space, and a plurality of array elements 10 are located in the accommodation space.

[0257] In this embodiment, Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, by providing a side wall plate 60, the antenna array 100 forms a fully enclosed antenna array. In this structure, the metasurface 20 can play the role of an antenna cover, and together with the side wall plate 60 and the antenna dielectric plate 30, it is enclosed to form a receiving space, thereby protecting the multiple array elements 10 located in the receiving space, preventing the array elements 10 from interfering with other components and causing damage, facilitating the use of the antenna array 100, and improving the service life of the antenna device.

[0258] like Figure 33As shown, the side wall panels 60 include first side wall panels 601 that are relatively arranged at both ends of the antenna array 100 along a first direction X, and second side wall panels 602 that are relatively arranged on both sides of the antenna array 100 along a second direction Y. The first side wall panels 601 can be dielectric panels made of non-metallic materials, such as flame-resistant material (FR-4) dielectric panels, Rogers dielectric panels, or mixed dielectric panels of Rogers and FR-4, etc., or metal panels. The specific configuration can be based on actual needs and is not limited here. The second side wall panels 602 can be dielectric panels made of non-metallic materials, such as flame-resistant material (FR-4) dielectric panels, Rogers dielectric panels, or mixed dielectric panels of Rogers and FR-4, etc., or metal panels. The specific configuration can be based on actual needs and is not limited here.

[0259] Among them, the thickness of the side wall plate 60 can be set differently depending on the material of the side wall plate 60. For example, when the side wall plate 60 is a dielectric plate, the thickness of the side wall plate 60 can be between 0.4mm and 0.6mm, such as 0.4mm, 0.45mm, 0.508mm, 0.55mm, 0.6mm, etc., to ensure that the side wall plate 60 has sufficient strength and improves the structural stability of the antenna array 100. Of course, the side wall plate 60 can also be other values, which are not limited here. For example, when the side wall plate 60 is a metal plate, the thickness of the side wall plate 60 can be between 0.08mm and 0.12mm, such as 0.08mm, 0.09mm, 0.1mm, 0.11mm, 0.12mm, etc., to ensure that the side wall plate 60 has sufficient strength and improves the structural stability of the antenna array 100. Of course, the side wall plate 60 can also be other values, which are not limited here.

[0260] In addition, the dimension of the side wall plate 60 in the thickness direction Z can be the same as the overall thickness of the antenna array 100 , or slightly higher or lower than the overall thickness of the antenna array 100 , which is not limited here.

[0261] Exemplarily, the first side wall plate 601 and the second side wall plate 602 may both be dielectric plates, thereby avoiding coupling between the first side wall plate 601 and the second side wall plate 602 and the array element 10 , thereby improving the radiation performance of the antenna array 100 .

[0262] Please refer to Figure 34 , Figure 34 for Figure 32 Schematic diagram of the structure when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface. Figure 34 As shown, when the full-enclosed antenna array 100 is not loaded with the metasurface 20, the upper dielectric plate 70 can be loaded above the array element 10 to act as a radome.

[0263] Please refer to Figure 35 , Figure 35 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application shows the phase difference between array elements when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface. Figure 35 Shown as Figure 34 The full-enclosed antenna array 100 without the metasurface 20 is shown, and when each array element 10 is fed individually, the phase difference in the elevation and azimuth angles is within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 35 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 35 It can be seen from the figure that the phase difference between the array elements exceeds ±10° in some areas, among which the maximum phase difference is -18.4°, and the phase consistency is poor.

[0264] Please also refer to Figure 36 , Figure 36 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface and shows the phase difference between the array elements. Figure 36 Shown as Figure 32 The full-enclosed antenna array 100 loaded with the metasurface 20 shown has a phase difference in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45° when each array element 10 is fed individually. Figure 36 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 36 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the phase difference between the array elements 10 is basically reduced to within ±10°, and the phase consistency is significantly improved.

[0265] Please refer to Figure 37 and Figure 38 , Figure 37 The directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when the super table is not loaded, Figure 38 Another antenna array provided in the embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface. Figure 37 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 37 (b) shows the radiation pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 38 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 38 (b) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 37 and Figure 38It can be seen that there is no obvious change in the antenna radiation pattern before and after loading the metasurface 20. Therefore, loading the metasurface 20 will not have too much impact on the antenna gain, and the 3dB beam width is increased by 26° at most, thereby improving the radiation range of the antenna array 100.

[0266] Please refer to Figure 39 , Figure 39 A return loss curve diagram of another antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 39 The horizontal axis represents the frequency in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the return loss in dB. Figure 39 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the frequency bandwidth in which the return loss values ​​(S11, S22, S33, and S44) of the four array elements are no greater than -10 dB is 23.3 GHz to 24.7 GHz, and the relative bandwidth relative to the center frequency reaches 5.83%. The array elements 10 of the antenna array 100 are well matched within the operating frequency band.

[0267] Exemplarily, the first side wall plate 601 may be a dielectric plate, and the second side wall plate 602 may be a metal plate.

[0268] Please refer to Figure 40 , Figure 40 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application shows the phase difference between array elements when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface. Figure 40 Shown as Figure 34 The full-enclosed antenna array 100 without the metasurface 20 is shown, and when each array element 10 is fed individually, the phase difference in the elevation and azimuth angles is within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 40 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 40 It can be seen that the phase differences between the array elements often exceed ±10°. Although the phase consistency of the two array elements 10 located in the middle of the antenna array 100 is good, there is a small area where the phase difference exceeds ±10°. The maximum phase difference is -31.8°, indicating poor phase consistency.

[0269] Please also refer to Figure 41 , Figure 41 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface and shows the phase difference between the array elements. Figure 41 Shown as Figure 32 The full-enclosed antenna array 100 loaded with the metasurface 20 shown has a phase difference in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45° when each array element 10 is fed individually. Figure 41The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 41 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the phase difference between the array elements 10 is basically reduced to within ±10°, and the phase consistency is significantly improved.

[0270] Please refer to Figure 42 and Figure 43 , Figure 42 The directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when the super table is not loaded, Figure 43 Another antenna array provided in the embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface. Figure 42 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 42 (b) shows the radiation pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 43 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 43 (b) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 42 and Figure 43 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the depression of the directional pattern on the E-plane is repaired, and the 3dB beamwidth is increased by 40° at most, thereby improving the radiation range of the antenna array 100 and being beneficial to improving the antenna performance.

[0271] Please refer to Figure 44 , Figure 44 A return loss curve diagram of another antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 44 The horizontal axis represents the frequency in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the return loss in dB. Figure 44 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the frequency bandwidth in which the return loss values ​​(S11, S22, S33, and S44) of the four array elements are no greater than -10 dB is 23.3 GHz to 24.7 GHz, and the relative bandwidth relative to the center frequency reaches 5.83%. The array elements 10 of the antenna array 100 are well matched within the operating frequency band.

[0272] Exemplarily, the first side wall plate 601 may be a metal plate, and the second side wall plate 602 may be a dielectric plate.

[0273] Please refer to Figure 45 , Figure 45 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application shows the phase difference between array elements when the antenna array is not loaded with a metasurface. Figure 45 Shown as Figure 34The full-enclosed antenna array 100 without the metasurface 20 is shown, and when each array element 10 is fed individually, the phase difference in the elevation and azimuth angles is within the range of -45° to 45°. Figure 45 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 45 It can be seen that the phase differences between the array elements often exceed ±10°. Although the phase consistency of the two array elements 10 located in the middle of the antenna array 100 is good, there is a small area where the phase difference exceeds ±10°. The maximum phase difference is -28.7°, indicating poor phase consistency.

[0274] Please also refer to Figure 46 , Figure 46 Another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface and shows the phase difference between the array elements. Figure 46 Shown as Figure 32 The full-enclosed antenna array 100 loaded with the metasurface 20 shown has a phase difference in the elevation and azimuth angles within the range of -45° to 45° when each array element 10 is fed individually. Figure 46 The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle, the unit is deg, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle, the unit is deg. The shaded area in the figure indicates that the phase difference exceeds ±10°. Figure 46 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the phase difference between the array elements 10 is significantly reduced, and the phase consistency is significantly improved.

[0275] Please refer to Figure 47 and Figure 48 , Figure 47 The directional pattern of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of the present application when the super table is not loaded, Figure 48 Another antenna array provided in the embodiment of the present application is loaded with a metasurface. Figure 47 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 47 (b) shows the radiation pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane when the metasurface is not loaded. Figure 48 (a) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array 100 on the E-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 48 (b) shows the directional pattern of the antenna array on the H-plane after loading the metasurface. Figure 47 and Figure 48 It can be seen that the depression in the directional pattern after loading the metasurface 20 is slightly repaired, and the 3dB beamwidth is increased by a maximum of 10°, thereby improving the radiation range of the antenna array 100, and the backlobe is also significantly reduced, thereby improving the radiation performance of the antenna array 100.

[0276] Please refer to Figure 49 , Figure 49 A return loss curve diagram of another antenna array loaded with a metasurface provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 49 The horizontal axis represents the frequency in GHz, and the vertical axis represents the return loss in dB. Figure 49 It can be seen from the figure that after loading the metasurface 20, the frequency bandwidth in which the return loss values ​​(S11, S22, S33, and S44) of the four array elements are no greater than -10 dB is 23.2 GHz to 25.7 GHz, and the relative bandwidth relative to the center frequency reaches 7.9%. The array elements 10 of the antenna array 100 are well matched within the operating frequency band.

[0277] In this specification, reference can be made to the same or similar parts between the various embodiments. In particular, for the device embodiment and the terminal embodiment, since they are basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiment.

[0278] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application shall be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna array, characterized in that: include: A plurality of array elements, wherein the plurality of array elements are spaced apart along a first direction of the antenna array; a metasurface, wherein the metasurface and the array elements are spaced apart from each other along a thickness direction of the antenna array; The metasurface includes a plurality of metasurface units, and the plurality of metasurface units are arranged in an array; the metasurface unit includes a metasurface dielectric plate and a patch, and the patch is arranged on the metasurface dielectric plate; The patch is used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the array element; Along the first direction, the sizes of the patches of the metasurface units in at least some columns are different.

2. The antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: Along the first direction, the metasurface includes a first control area, a middle area and a second control area in sequence; In the first control area, the size of the patches of the metasurface units of at least a part of the columns in the first direction gradually increases in a direction approaching the second control area; In the second control area, the size of the patches of the metasurface units in at least part of the columns in the first direction gradually increases along a direction approaching the first control area.

3. The antenna array according to claim 2, wherein: In the first control area, the sizes of the patches of the metasurface units of at least a portion of the columns in the first direction are equidistantly distributed along a direction close to the second control area; In the second control area, the sizes of the patches of at least part of the columns of the metasurface units in the first direction are equidistantly distributed along a direction close to the first control area.

4. The antenna array according to claim 2, wherein: In the middle area, the patches of each metasurface unit have the same size in the first direction.

5. The antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: Along the first direction, the metasurface includes a first control area and a second control area in sequence; In the first control area, the size of the patches of the metasurface units of at least part of the columns in the first direction gradually decreases along the direction approaching the second control area; In the second control area, the size of the patches of the metasurface units in at least part of the columns in the first direction gradually decreases along the direction approaching the first control area.

6. The antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The size of the patch in the first direction is between 0.008λ0 and 0.088λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

7. The antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The patch includes a first patch and a second patch. Along the thickness direction, the first patch and the second patch are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the metasurface dielectric plate.

8. The antenna array according to claim 7, characterized in that The first patch and the second patch are concentrically arranged along the central axis of the metasurface unit, and the first patch and the second patch have the same size.

9. The antenna array according to claim 7, characterized in that The shapes of the first patch and the second patch are one of square, rectangular and circular.

10. The antenna array according to claim 7, characterized in that The metasurface unit further includes a metal sheet, the metasurface dielectric plate includes a first dielectric plate and a second dielectric plate, and the metal sheet is arranged between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate; The first patch is provided on a side of the first dielectric plate away from the metal sheet; The second patch is provided on a side of the second dielectric plate away from the metal sheet.

11. The antenna array according to claim 10, characterized in that The metal sheet includes a plurality of bending arms, and the plurality of bending arms are distributed in a ring array.

12. The antenna array according to claim 11, characterized in that The extended length of the bending arm is between 0.056λ0 and 0.072λ0, wherein λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

13. The antenna array according to claim 11, characterized in that The width of the bending arm is between 0.0056λ0 and 0.0072λ0, wherein λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

14. The antenna array according to claim 10, characterized in that The metal sheet is one of a cross-shaped structure, a swastika-shaped structure, a grid structure, a fishbone structure, and an anchor-shaped structure.

15. The antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The spacing distance between the metasurface and the array element in the thickness direction is between 0.12λ0 and 0.2λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in free space.

16. The antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The antenna array further includes an antenna dielectric plate and a ground plate; Along the thickness direction, a surface of the antenna dielectric plate close to the metasurface is provided with a plurality of the array elements, and a surface of the antenna dielectric plate away from the metasurface is covered with the ground plate; A projected area of ​​the metasurface in the thickness direction is larger than a projected area of ​​the ground plate in the thickness direction.

17. The antenna array according to claim 16, characterized in that The antenna array further includes a side wall plate, wherein the side wall plate, the antenna dielectric plate and the metasurface are arranged to form a receiving space; A plurality of array elements are located in the accommodating space.

18. An antenna device, characterized in that: The antenna device comprises a feeding network and at least one antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the feeding network is connected to array elements in the antenna array and is used to feed the array elements.

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