A millimeter wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure

Abstract

The application provides a millimeter wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure, which comprises an antenna array body with a working frequency range of 24-33 GHz, wherein the antenna array body is composed of a plurality of metal claddings in a specific arrangement mode, and the antenna array body further comprises a substrate and a mounting leaf. The side plates arranged on both sides of the antenna unit can mount the antenna unit to the outside of the threaded rod, the antenna unit can be limited through bolts, the connecting plate can be telescoped on the top of the substrate through the telescoping action of the electric telescopic rod, the movable rod mounted on the top of the connecting plate can move up and down, the top plate arranged on the top of the movable rod can extrude the flexible plate, the sliding sleeve arranged on both sides of the flexible plate can slide along the outside of the sliding rod during the force receiving process at the bottom of the flexible plate, the flexible plate can be bent, and the antenna unit can be formed into a convex shape, so that the scanning performance of the antenna array can be continuously improved to meet the use requirement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure, belonging to the technical field of antenna array structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, the application of millimeter-wave frequency bands is becoming increasingly widespread, such as in 5G millimeter-wave communication, automotive millimeter-wave radar, and satellite communication. These applications place higher demands on the performance and functionality of antenna arrays, especially in terms of wide-angle scanning capability, miniaturization, high integration, and good electrical performance. Millimeter-wave antennas are a commonly used communication electromagnetic wave between mobile terminals; however, due to the limitations of individual millimeter-wave antenna elements, they cannot adequately meet the needs of the communication field. Therefore, it is necessary to array individual antenna elements to form millimeter-wave antenna arrays. To improve the wireless communication capabilities of existing millimeter-wave antenna arrays, it is essential to enhance their phase scanning capability.

[0003] In related technologies, to address the problem that in existing technologies, the spacing between the periodic metal cladding structure and the millimeter-wave antenna array remains uniform regardless of the adjustment method using bolts and nuts, which, while improving the wide-angle scanning performance of the millimeter-wave antenna array, offers only limited performance enhancement, patent CN116826365B provides a millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning antenna array. This application relates to a millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning antenna array applied in the field of wireless communication. It includes an array body fixed within a housing, with a metal cladding layer on top of the array body. The metal cladding layer is fixed to the array body by studs, with a gap between the metal cladding layer and the array body. The studs are hollow, forming a cavity, within which an adjustment component is located. One end of the adjustment component is fixed to the bottom of the cavity, and the other end abuts against the side of the metal cladding layer facing the array body. The adjustment component pushes the metal cladding layer closer to or away from the array body. This application effectively improves antenna performance.

[0004] Traditional millimeter-wave antenna array structures often have several limitations. Firstly, many antenna array designs fail to achieve a sufficiently wide scanning angle, making it difficult to meet the signal coverage requirements in complex environments. For example, some antenna arrays can only perform beam scanning within a narrow angular range. In scenarios requiring monitoring or communication over large areas, such as ambient awareness in autonomous driving or multi-user coverage by 5G base stations, this can lead to insufficient signal coverage or blind spots. Secondly, traditional antenna arrays have low integration with RF circuits, typically designing and assembling the antenna and RF circuits as independent modules. This structure not only increases the system's size and weight but also, at high frequencies, can easily lead to low signal transmission efficiency due to transmission line losses and mismatches between modules, affecting the overall communication system performance. Existing integrated antenna structures also have areas for improvement in electrical performance. For instance, in the millimeter-wave band, signal transmission loss is significant, and traditional feed network designs may not effectively control signal loss, thus reducing antenna radiation efficiency and signal quality. Meanwhile, the reliability and stability of traditional antenna arrays also face challenges when facing complex and ever-changing working environments. For example, under conditions such as temperature changes and vibration shocks, problems such as performance parameter drift and signal transmission interruption may occur, affecting the normal operation of the system.

[0005] To address this, a millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure to solve or alleviate the technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provides a beneficial alternative.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: It includes an antenna array body operating in the 24-33GHz frequency band. The antenna array body is composed of multiple metal cladding layers arranged in a specific manner. The antenna array body also includes a substrate and mounting blades. The mounting blades are fixedly mounted on both sides of the substrate. A threaded rod is fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting blades. An antenna unit is fixedly mounted on the top of the antenna array body. A base layer is provided on the antenna unit. Side plates corresponding to the threaded rods are fixedly mounted on both sides of the antenna unit. Bolts are threaded onto the outer sides of the threaded rods at both ends of the side plates. A support base is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the mounting blades. Mounting plates are fixedly mounted on the outer sides of the substrate. A flexible plate is slidably mounted on the inner side of the mounting plate via a sliding rod. A sliding sleeve cooperating with the sliding rod is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the flexible plate. A movable rod is movably mounted on the inner side of the sliding rod. A top plate for pressing the flexible plate is fixedly mounted on the top of the movable rod.

[0008] A power supply network is mounted on a substrate. The power supply network is designed on the substrate through a microstrip line or coplanar waveguide transmission line structure to distribute and transmit the signals output by the radio frequency circuit to each metal cladding layer, and to collect the signals received by the metal cladding layer and transmit them back to the radio frequency circuit.

[0009] The packaging structure employs advanced packaging technology to integrate the antenna array body, feed network, and radio frequency circuitry together, forming a compact, integrated antenna array body module. The packaging structure provides mechanical protection for internal components and effectively controls electromagnetic compatibility. The antenna array body is capable of wide-angle scanning at 45 degrees.

[0010] More preferably, the feeding network achieves wide-angle scanning of the antenna beam within a 45-degree range by controlling the length and width of the microstrip line and the phase difference between each branch.

[0011] More preferably, the packaging structure is made of packaging materials with excellent electromagnetic and mechanical properties to ensure the stability and reliability of the packaging structure, while facilitating connection and integration with external systems.

[0012] More preferably, the antenna array body and the radio frequency circuit are tightly integrated into the same package, which reduces the size and weight of the entire antenna system and improves the system integration.

[0013] More preferably, the metal coating is a patch metal coating.

[0014] More preferably, the power supply network employs an impedance matching design to ensure that signal loss is minimized during transmission and that each metal cladding layer receives appropriate excitation amplitude and phase.

[0015] More preferably, the connection between the power supply network and the radio frequency circuit uses impedance-matched microstrip lines or coplanar waveguide transmission lines to ensure the stability and efficiency of signal transmission.

[0016] More preferably, the movable rods are fixedly installed together by a connecting plate, and the connecting plate is movably connected to the inner side of the base plate by an electric telescopic rod.

[0017] More preferably, the metal cladding is arranged in a rectangular regular pattern.

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions:

[0019] I. This invention allows the antenna unit to be mounted to the outside of the threaded rod via side plates on both sides of the antenna unit. Bolts can limit the antenna unit's position. The telescopic action of the electric telescopic rod allows the connecting plate to extend and retract at the top of the substrate, enabling the movable rod mounted on the top of the connecting plate to move up and down. The top plate on the top of the movable rod can compress the flexible plate. During the process of the flexible plate being stressed at its bottom, the sliding sleeves on both sides of the flexible plate can slide along the outside of the sliding rod, causing the flexible plate to bend and the antenna unit to form a protrusion. This further improves the phase scanning performance of the antenna array to meet usage requirements.

[0020] Second, through optimized design of the feed network and phase control, this invention enables the antenna array to achieve a 45-degree wide-angle scan, meeting the requirements for antenna beam scanning range in different application scenarios, such as 5G millimeter-wave communication, automotive millimeter-wave radar, and satellite communication. This effectively expands the system's coverage and flexibility. At the same time, by adopting an advanced antenna-in-package (AIP) approach, the antenna array, feed network, and RF circuitry are integrated into a single package, greatly reducing the overall size and weight of the antenna system, improving system integration, and facilitating installation and integration in various terminal devices or complex systems. This meets the demands of modern electronic devices for miniaturized, high-performance antennas.

[0021] Third, this invention employs a microstrip line or coplanar waveguide transmission line structure in the feed network and uses impedance matching design to ensure minimal signal loss during transmission. This guarantees good electrical performance indicators such as VSWR and insertion loss of the antenna array in the 24-33GHz frequency band, ensuring high-quality signal transmission and reception, and improving the performance and reliability of the communication system. The packaging structure uses packaging materials with excellent electromagnetic and mechanical properties, fully considering factors such as mechanical stability, thermal stability, and electromagnetic compatibility. It can ensure the stability and reliability of the antenna array structure under various harsh working environments such as temperature changes, vibration and shock, extending its service life and reducing system maintenance costs and risks. This millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure is suitable for various application scenarios, such as base stations and terminal equipment in 5G millimeter-wave communication, vehicle-mounted sensors in automotive millimeter-wave radar, and user terminals in satellite communication. It provides a universal and effective solution for the development of antenna technology in different fields and has broad application prospects and market potential.

[0022] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional integral structural diagram of a first appearance disclosed in a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second appearance of an integral structure disclosed in a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the movable rod and connecting plate installation according to a preferred embodiment of this application.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Antenna array body; 101. Base plate; 102. Mounting leaf; 103. Threaded rod; 104. Bolt; 105. Support base; 106. Metal cladding; 2. Antenna element; 201. Base layer; 202. Side plate; 3. Mounting plate; 301. Sliding rod; 302. Flexible plate; 303. Sliding sleeve; 304. Movable rod; 305. Top plate; 306. Connecting plate; 307. Electric telescopic rod. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figures 1-3As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure, including: an antenna array body 1 with an operating frequency band of 24-33 GHz, the antenna array body 1 being composed of multiple metal cladding layers 106 arranged in a specific manner, the antenna array body 1 also including a substrate 101 and mounting blades 102, the two sides of the mounting blades 102 being fixedly mounted on the two sides of the substrate 101, the top of the mounting blades 102 being fixedly mounted with threaded rods 103, the top of the antenna array body 1 being limited and mounted with an antenna element 2, the antenna element 2 being provided with a base layer 201, the two sides of the antenna element 2 being fixedly mounted with side plates 202 corresponding to the threaded rods 103, the outer sides of the threaded rods 103 at both ends of the side plates 202 being threaded with bolts 104, the bottom of the mounting blades 102 being fixedly mounted with a support base 105, the outer sides of the substrate 101 being fixedly mounted with mounting plates 3, the inner side of the mounting plates 3 being slidably mounted with a flexible plate 302 via a sliding rod 301, the bottom of the flexible plate 302 being fixedly mounted with a support base 105 corresponding to the sliding rod. The sliding sleeve 303 of 301 is used for cooperation. The sliding rod 301 has a movable rod 304 movably installed on the inner side of the sliding rod 301. The top plate 305 for extruding the flexible plate 302 is fixedly installed on the top of the movable rod 304. The movable rods 304 are fixedly installed through the connecting plate 306. The connecting plate 306 is movably connected to the inner side of the substrate 101 through the electric telescopic rod 307. The feed network is installed on the substrate 101. The feed network is designed on the substrate 101 through a microstrip line or coplanar waveguide transmission line structure. It is used to distribute and transmit the signal output by the RF circuit to each metal cladding 106, and to collect the signal received by the metal cladding 106 and transmit it back to the RF circuit. The packaging structure adopts advanced packaging technology to integrate the antenna array body 1, the feed network and the RF circuit together to form a compact and integrated antenna array body 1 module. The packaging structure provides mechanical protection for the internal components and effectively controls electromagnetic compatibility. The antenna array body 1 can achieve a wide-angle scan of 45 degrees.

[0031] The antenna element 2 can be limited by the bolt 104. The telescopic action of the electric telescopic rod 307 allows the connecting plate 306 to extend and retract on the top of the base plate 101, and the movable rod 304 installed on the top of the connecting plate 306 can move up and down. The top plate 305 set on the top of the movable rod 304 can squeeze the flexible plate 302. During the process of the flexible plate 302 being stressed at the bottom, the sliding sleeves 303 set on both sides of the flexible plate 302 can slide along the outside of the sliding rod 301, so that the flexible plate 302 can bend and the antenna element 2 can form a protrusion. This can further improve the phase scanning performance of the antenna array to meet the usage requirements. The optimized feed network and phase control enable the antenna array to achieve a 45-degree wide-angle scan, which meets the requirements of antenna beam scanning range in different application scenarios, such as 5G millimeter-wave communication, automotive millimeter-wave radar and satellite communication, effectively expanding the coverage and flexibility of the system.

[0032] Reference Figure 1-3 Furthermore, the feed network achieves wide-angle scanning of the antenna beam within a 45-degree range by controlling the length and width of the microstrip line and the phase difference between each branch. The packaging structure uses packaging materials with excellent electromagnetic and mechanical properties to ensure the stability and reliability of the packaging structure, while facilitating connection and integration with external systems. The antenna array body 1 is tightly integrated with the radio frequency circuit in the same package, which reduces the size and weight of the entire antenna system and improves the system integration.

[0033] It should be noted that the optimized feed network and phase control enable the antenna array to achieve a 45-degree wide-angle scan, meeting the requirements for antenna beam scanning range in different application scenarios, such as 5G millimeter-wave communication, automotive millimeter-wave radar, and satellite communication. This effectively expands the system's coverage and flexibility. At the same time, the advanced antenna-in-package design integrates the antenna array, feed network, and RF circuitry into a single package, significantly reducing the overall size and weight of the antenna system and improving the system's integration.

[0034] Reference Figure 1-3 Furthermore, the metal cladding 106 is a patch metal cladding 106, and the power supply network adopts an impedance matching design to ensure that the signal loss is minimized during transmission, and each metal cladding 106 can obtain a suitable excitation amplitude and phase. The connection between the power supply network and the RF circuit adopts an impedance-matched microstrip line or a coplanar waveguide transmission line to ensure the stability and efficiency of signal transmission. The metal cladding 106 is arranged in a rectangular regular pattern.

[0035] It should be noted that the packaging structure uses packaging materials with excellent electromagnetic and mechanical properties, and fully considers factors such as mechanical stability, thermal stability, and electromagnetic compatibility. It can ensure the stability and reliability of the antenna array structure under various harsh working environments such as temperature changes, vibration and shock, extend its service life, and reduce system maintenance costs and risks. This millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure is suitable for a variety of application scenarios, such as base stations and terminal equipment in 5G millimeter-wave communication, vehicle-mounted sensors in automotive millimeter-wave radar, and user terminals in satellite communication, providing a universal and effective solution for the development of antenna technology in different fields.

[0036] In operation, this invention: the antenna element 2 is limited by bolt 104; the connecting plate 306 extends and retracts on top of the substrate 101 via the telescopic action of the electric telescopic rod 307; the movable rod 304 mounted on top of the connecting plate 306 moves up and down; the top plate 305 on top of the movable rod 304 compresses the flexible plate 302; during the process of the flexible plate 302 being subjected to force at its bottom, the sliding sleeves 303 on both sides of the flexible plate 302 slide along the outside of the sliding rod 301, causing the flexible plate 302 to bend and the antenna element 2 to form a protrusion, thereby further improving the phase scanning performance of the antenna array to meet usage requirements. Through optimized feed network and phase control, the antenna array can achieve a 45-degree wide-angle scan, meeting the requirements of antenna beam scanning range in different application scenarios, such as 5G millimeter-wave communication, automotive millimeter-wave radar, and satellite communication, effectively expanding the system's coverage and flexibility. Simultaneously, advanced packaged antennas are used. The packaged form factor integrates the antenna array, feed network, and RF circuitry into a single package, significantly reducing the overall size and weight of the antenna system, improving system integration, and facilitating installation and integration in various terminal devices or complex systems. This meets the demands of modern electronic devices for miniaturized, high-performance antennas. The feed network employs a microstrip line or coplanar waveguide transmission line structure and utilizes impedance matching design to minimize signal loss during transmission, ensuring good VSWR, insertion loss, and other electrical performance indicators for the antenna array in the 24-33GHz frequency band. This guarantees high-quality signal transmission and reception, improving the performance and reliability of the communication system. The packaging structure uses packaging materials with excellent electromagnetic and mechanical properties, and fully considers factors such as mechanical stability, thermal stability, and electromagnetic compatibility. It can ensure the stability and reliability of the antenna array structure under various harsh working environments such as temperature changes, vibration and shock, extend its service life, and reduce system maintenance costs and risks. This millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure is suitable for a variety of application scenarios, such as base stations and terminal equipment in 5G millimeter-wave communication, vehicle-mounted sensors in automotive millimeter-wave radar, and user terminals in satellite communication. It provides a universal and effective solution for the development of antenna technology in different fields and has broad application prospects and market potential.

[0037] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A millimeter wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure, characterized in that: The application relates to an antenna array body (1) with a working frequency band of 24-33 GHz, which is composed of a plurality of metal claddings (106) in a specific arrangement mode, and further comprises a substrate (101) and mounting leaves (102) fixedly arranged on the two sides of the substrate (101), a threaded rod (103) fixedly arranged on the top of the mounting leaves (102), an antenna unit (2) limitingly arranged on the top of the antenna array body (1), a base layer (201) arranged on the antenna unit (2), side plates (202) fixedly arranged on the two sides of the antenna unit (2) and corresponding to the threaded rod (103), bolts (104) threadedly arranged on the outer sides of the threaded rods (103) at the upper and lower ends of the side plates (202), a supporting seat (105) fixedly arranged on the bottom of the mounting leaves (102), mounting plates (3) fixedly arranged on the outer sides of the substrate (101), a flexible plate (302) slidingly arranged on the inner side of the mounting plate (3) through a sliding rod (301), a sliding sleeve (303) fixedly arranged on the bottom of the flexible plate (302) and matched with the sliding rod (301), and a movable rod (304) movably arranged on the inner side of the sliding rod (301) and having a top plate (305) fixedly arranged on the top of the movable rod (304) and used for extruding the flexible plate (302). A feeding network is arranged on the substrate (101) and is designed on the substrate (101) through a microstrip line or a coplanar waveguide transmission line structure, and is used for distributing and transmitting signals output by a radio frequency circuit to each metal cladding (106) and transmitting signals received by the metal cladding (106) back to the radio frequency circuit. An encapsulation structure is adopted to integrate and encapsulate the antenna array body (1), the feeding network and the radio frequency circuit together to form a compact and integrated antenna array body (1) module, the encapsulation structure provides mechanical protection for internal elements and effectively controls electromagnetic compatibility, and the antenna array body (1) can realize wide-angle scanning of 45 degrees. 2.The millimeter wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure of claim 1, wherein: The feeding network realizes wide-angle scanning of 45 degrees of an antenna beam by controlling the length, width and phase difference between branches of a microstrip line.

3. The millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The encapsulation structure selects an encapsulation material with excellent electromagnetic performance and mechanical performance to ensure the stability and reliability of the encapsulation structure and facilitate connection and integrated application with external systems.

4. The millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The antenna array body (1) and the radio frequency circuit are closely integrated in the same encapsulation body, so that the volume and weight of the whole antenna system are reduced, and the integration degree of the system is improved.

5. The millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal cladding (106) is a patch metal cladding (106).

6. The millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure of claim 1, wherein: The feeding network adopts impedance matching design to ensure that the loss of signals in the transmission process is minimized and each metal cladding (106) can obtain a suitable excitation amplitude and phase.

7. The millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection between the feeding network and the radio frequency circuit adopts impedance-matched microstrip line or co-planar waveguide transmission line to ensure stability and high efficiency of signal transmission. 8.The millimeter wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure of claim 1, wherein: The movable rods (304) are fixedly installed through connecting plates (306), and the connecting plates (306) are movably connected to the inner side of the base plate (101) through electric telescopic rods (307).

9. The millimeter-wave wide-angle scanning integrated antenna array structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The arrangement mode of the metal coating (106) is rectangular regular arrangement.

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