Millimeter wave dielectric lens antenna device

Abstract

The invention relates to a millimeter wave dielectric lens antenna device which comprises a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed source and a dielectric lens antenna, the dielectric lens antenna is placed in front of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed source, and wide-angle scanning of wave beams is achieved by switching different feed sources and changing the irradiation position of electromagnetic waves on the dielectric lens. According to the millimeter wave dielectric lens antenna device, the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array is adopted as a feed source, the dielectric lens is placed in front of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array, and wide-angle and low-gain-loss beam scanning is achieved by switching the position of the feed source and combining the phase distribution optimization design of the dielectric lens. According to the invention, the scanning range of the antenna is obviously expanded, the gain loss in the scanning process is greatly reduced, the radiation efficiency and stability of the antenna are improved, miniaturization and light weight of the antenna are realized, the gain of the antenna unit is improved, the sensitivity of the antenna unit to external interference factors is reduced, and the anti-interference capability of the antenna is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more particularly to the field of millimeter-wave antennas and arrays, specifically to a millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of wireless communication technology, the requirements for antenna performance are also constantly increasing. Especially in critical fields such as satellite communication, radar detection, and space remote sensing, high-gain antennas have become a core component of wireless communication systems, playing a crucial role in optimizing and improving the overall performance of these systems. As an emerging antenna technology, planar transmission arrays, with their low profile, lightweight design, and excellent beam control capabilities, have demonstrated significant application potential in wireless communication and radar detection. Their design concept integrates the advantages of traditional parabolic antennas and microstrip array antennas. Through innovative planar array design, they not only achieve antenna miniaturization and lightweighting but also significantly improve antenna gain and efficiency.

[0003] Furthermore, the introduction of beam scanning technology has brought more possibilities to the application of planar reflective arrays. Beam scanning technology enables precise scanning of the antenna beam within a specific spatial range. Applying this technology to planar transmission arrays allows for rapid switching and comprehensive coverage of the antenna beam in different directions, thereby improving the flexibility and reliability of wireless communication systems.

[0004] For the application of moving feeds in beam-scanning planar arrays, various innovative methods have been developed, such as multi-focal designs and arc-shaped moving paths. Furthermore, designs have incorporated flexible media to construct conveyor belt-like reflective arrays. By rotating the rollers of this conveyor belt, the feed can flexibly illuminate different areas, simulating the effect of a translational feed. In these design explorations, phase compensation is particularly crucial. However, because moving feeds employ off-focus scanning, existing designs often face limitations in scanning angle or significant gain fluctuations during the scanning process.

[0005] Therefore, designing a wide-angle array antenna with low scan gain loss is of great significance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device that is highly flexible, reliable, and widely applicable.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention is as follows: The main feature of this millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device is that the device includes a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed and a dielectric lens antenna. The dielectric lens antenna is placed in front of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed. By switching different feeds, the illumination position of the electromagnetic wave on the dielectric lens is changed, thereby achieving wide-angle beam scanning. The magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed consists of a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, and a fourth metal layer stacked sequentially from bottom to top. The first metal layer includes a metal ground and a coaxial feed port for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic wave signals. The second metal layer includes a slot for feeding the magnetoelectric dipole. The third metal layer includes a magnetoelectric dipole radiating patch for radiating coupled electromagnetic wave energy. The fourth metal layer includes a metal horn for improving the feed gain, with rounded edges around the horn.

[0008] Preferably, the dielectric lens antenna is made of PLA material with a relative permittivity of 2.54.

[0009] Preferably, the dielectric lens antenna calculates the phase value that needs to be compensated for for each transmission element based on the phase distribution, specifically as follows: The phase value that needs to be compensated for for each transmission element is calculated using the following formula: ; ; Where phase(i,j) refers to the phase that needs to be compensated in the i-th row and j-th column cell, and received_efield refers to the magnitude of the field strength of the feed received in the i-th row and j-th column cell. The phase value that needs to be compensated for for each transmission unit.

[0010] Preferably, both the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer are made of TLY-5 dielectric substrate with a thickness of 0.787 mm, a relative permittivity of 2.2, and a dielectric loss of 0.0009.

[0011] Preferably, the graph gain of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed is 15 dBi.

[0012] Preferably, the scanning range of the dielectric lens antenna is ±60°, and the scanning gain loss is 4dB.

[0013] The millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of this invention solves the problems of limited scanning angle and significant scanning gain loss faced by traditional mobile feeds during beam scanning. Specifically, this invention uses a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array as the feed, with a dielectric lens placed in front of it. By switching the position of the feed and optimizing the phase distribution of the dielectric lens, wide-angle, low-gain-loss beam scanning is achieved. This design not only significantly expands the antenna's scanning range but also greatly reduces gain loss during scanning, improving the antenna's radiation efficiency and stability. Furthermore, the antenna structure employs a multi-layered metal and dielectric layer design, achieving miniaturization and lightweight design, facilitating integration into various wireless communication systems. By adding a metal horn structure to the outside of the magnetoelectric dipole unit, the antenna unit's gain is further improved, and its sensitivity to external interference is reduced, enhancing the antenna's anti-interference capability. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetoelectric dipole feeding unit structure of the millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array structure of the millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a measured graph showing the S-parameter variation of the magnetoelectric dipole feed unit of the millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention with frequency.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a measured radiation pattern of the magnetoelectric dipole feed unit of the millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 The measured diagram shows the beam scanning of the switching feed of the millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure label: 1 First metal layer 2 First dielectric layer 3 Second metal layer 4 Second dielectric layer 5 Third metal layer 6. Fourth metal layer Detailed Implementation

[0021] To more clearly describe the technical content of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0022] The millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of the present invention includes a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed and a dielectric lens antenna. The dielectric lens antenna is placed in front of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed. By switching different feeds, the illumination position of electromagnetic waves on the dielectric lens is changed, thereby achieving wide-angle beam scanning. The magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed consists of a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, and a fourth metal layer stacked sequentially from bottom to top. The first metal layer includes a metal ground and a coaxial feed port for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic wave signals. The second metal layer includes a slot for feeding the magnetoelectric dipole. The third metal layer includes a magnetoelectric dipole radiating patch for radiating coupled electromagnetic wave energy. The fourth metal layer includes a metal horn for improving the feed gain, with rounded edges around the horn.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric lens antenna is made of PLA material with a relative permittivity of 2.54.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric lens antenna calculates the phase value that needs to be compensated for each transmission element based on the phase distribution, specifically as follows: The phase value that needs to be compensated for for each transmission element is calculated using the following formula: ; ; Where phase(i,j) refers to the phase that needs to be compensated in the i-th row and j-th column cell, and received_efield refers to the magnitude of the field strength of the feed received in the i-th row and j-th column cell. The phase value that needs to be compensated for for each transmission unit.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer are made of TLY-5 dielectric substrate with a thickness of 0.787 mm, a relative permittivity of 2.2, and a dielectric loss of 0.0009.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the graph gain of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed is 15 dBi.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scanning range of the dielectric lens antenna is ±60° and the scanning gain loss is 4dB.

[0028] The purpose of this invention is to realize a millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna that achieves wide-angle low scanning gain loss by switching feed sources, covering the 76~81GHz frequency band used by millimeter-wave radar, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0029] This invention relates to a dielectric lens antenna for achieving wide-angle beam scanning by switching feed sources, applicable to millimeter-wave automotive radar testing systems. The feed source employs a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array, with a dielectric lens placed in front of the feed source. Wide-angle beam scanning with low gain loss is achieved by switching feed sources.

[0030] This invention provides a millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna, which includes a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed and a dielectric lens antenna. (See attached diagram) Figure 1 As shown: Regarding the magnetoelectric dipole feed unit, the antenna is stacked from bottom to top as follows: first metal layer 1, first dielectric layer 2, second metal layer 3, second dielectric layer 4, third metal layer 5, and fourth metal layer 6. A [further details about the antenna structure are needed]. Figure 3 The dielectric lens antenna shown achieves beam scanning by switching different feed sources.

[0031] The feed section employs a structure consisting of a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, and a fourth metal layer stacked sequentially. The first metal layer includes a metal ground and a coaxial feed port, responsible for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic wave signals. Both the first and second dielectric layers utilize TLY-5 dielectric substrates with a thickness of 0.787 mm, a relative permittivity of 2.2, and a dielectric loss of 0.0009, serving to support and isolate the metal layers. The second metal layer incorporates gaps for feeding the magnetoelectric dipole, achieving efficient energy coupling. The third metal layer is a magnetoelectric dipole radiating patch, responsible for radiating the coupled electromagnetic wave energy. The fourth metal layer is a metal horn structure designed to improve feed gain, with rounded edges to reduce manufacturing complexity.

[0032] The lower dielectric substrate serves as the SIW resonant cavity, while the upper dielectric substrate has a magnetoelectric dipole radiation structure printed on it. Both substrates are 0.787 mm thick. To ensure that the SIW can transmit only the TE10 fundamental mode within the target wavelength band (76–81 GHz), the width of the SIW can be adjusted.

[0033] To optimize energy coupling efficiency by placing the coupling gap at the location of maximum electric field strength, the distance between the coupling gap and the adjacent metallized via should be set to approximately 0.5 wavelengths.

[0034] To improve the gain of the antenna element and reduce its sensitivity to external interference, a metal horn structure was added to the outside of the magnetoelectric dipole element. Considering the feasibility of actual manufacturing processes, the edges of the horn were rounded.

[0035] Parasitic capacitance is introduced between the coaxial probe and the upper surface of the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW). To ensure good impedance matching of the antenna, the insertion depth of the coaxial probe into the SIW needs to be precisely adjusted. In addition, to ensure that the coaxial probe can be smoothly inserted into the SIW, the diameter of the through-hole in the SIW should be slightly larger than the diameter of the inner conductor of the coaxial probe to meet the assembly process requirements.

[0036] The millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna of this invention achieves wide-angle beam scanning by switching feed sources, comprising: a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed source and a dielectric lens antenna. Regarding the magnetoelectric dipole feed antenna, energy is fed into the SIW resonant cavity through a coaxial probe and coupled to the magnetoelectric dipole element via a specific slot on the SIW, thereby achieving radiation. To improve the gain of the antenna element and reduce its sensitivity to external interference, a metal horn structure is added to the outside of the magnetoelectric dipole element. Considering the feasibility of actual manufacturing processes, the four edges of the horn are rounded. Regarding the dielectric lens portion, a larger scanning angle and smaller scanning gain loss are achieved through the design and optimization of an exponential phase distribution.

[0037] The dielectric lens section uses PLA material with a relative permittivity of 2.54, enabling a larger beam scanning angle and lower beam scanning gain loss. The specific phase distribution design formula is as follows: ; Here, phase(i,j) refers to the phase that needs to be compensated for in the i-th row and j-th column cell to achieve the focusing function. `received_efield` refers to the magnitude of the field strength received by the feed source in the i-th row and j-th column cell.

[0038] ; in, This refers to the phase value that needs to be compensated for for each transmission unit.

[0039] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric layer uses a TLY-5 dielectric substrate, both dielectric substrates have a thickness of 0.787 mm, a relative permittivity of 2.2, and a dielectric loss of 0.0009.

[0040] In the dielectric lens antenna, the dielectric lens is made of PLA material with a relative permittivity of 2.54 and a dielectric loss of 0.005.

[0041] The dielectric lens antenna is manufactured using 3D printing technology, which is inexpensive. Through its exponential phase distribution design, it can achieve good scanning performance and has significant advantages in high-frequency millimeter-wave applications.

[0042] The distance between the dielectric lens antenna and the magnetoelectric dipole feed is 75mm.

[0043] A dielectric lens is placed 75mm in front of the feed source to change the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves through refraction, thus achieving beam scanning. For feed source switching, the illumination position of electromagnetic waves on the dielectric lens is changed by switching feed source units at different positions, thereby achieving wide-angle beam scanning. To ensure impedance matching and energy transmission efficiency of the feed source, the depth of the coaxial probe inserted into the SIW (substrate integrated waveguide) is precisely adjusted, and the perforation diameter of the SIW is slightly larger than the diameter of the inner conductor of the coaxial probe to meet assembly process requirements. The phase distribution of the dielectric lens is designed so that, in different illumination areas, electromagnetic waves, after refraction by the dielectric lens, can form the required beam direction and shape. The phase distribution design fully considers the electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics within the target frequency band (76–81 GHz), ensuring the accuracy and stability of beam scanning.

[0044] As attached Figure 4 As shown, the S-parameters of the magnetoelectric dipole feed unit are below -14 dB in the 76–81 GHz frequency band. Here, the S-parameters refer to the S11 parameter, i.e., the return loss.

[0045] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the pattern gain of the magnetoelectric dipole feed unit is 15 dBi.

[0046] As attached Figure 6 As shown, by switching the feed source, the scanning range of the medium lens can reach ±60°, with a scanning gain loss of 4dB.

[0047] The dielectric lens antenna of this invention can be effectively applied to the millimeter-wave radar band. By designing the phase distribution of the transmission element, the problems of limited lens scanning angle and significant scanning gain loss when using a shifted feed are solved, thereby improving the antenna's scanning performance and stability. Experimental results show that the dielectric lens achieves a scanning range of ±60° with a scanning gain loss of approximately 4dB. Furthermore, the dielectric lens is manufactured using 3D printing, resulting in low cost and significant advantages in high-frequency millimeter-wave applications.

[0048] This invention requires only one complete lens antenna, and beam scanning can be achieved by switching the feed position.

[0049] The phase distribution algorithm of this invention is specifically designed for beam scanning, and can ensure that the beam has high gain characteristics while achieving beam scanning.

[0050] For the specific implementation scheme of this embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0051] It is understood that the same or similar parts in the above embodiments can be referred to each other, and the contents not described in detail in some embodiments can be referred to the same or similar contents in other embodiments.

[0052] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means at least two.

[0053] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0054] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution device. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The corresponding program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0056] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0057] The storage media mentioned above can be read-only memory, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0058] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0059] The millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device of this invention solves the problems of limited scanning angle and significant scanning gain loss faced by traditional mobile feeds during beam scanning. Specifically, this invention uses a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array as the feed, with a dielectric lens placed in front of it. By switching the position of the feed and optimizing the phase distribution of the dielectric lens, wide-angle, low-gain-loss beam scanning is achieved. This design not only significantly expands the antenna's scanning range but also greatly reduces gain loss during scanning, improving the antenna's radiation efficiency and stability. Furthermore, the antenna structure employs a multi-layered metal and dielectric layer design, achieving miniaturization and lightweight design, facilitating integration into various wireless communication systems. By adding a metal horn structure to the outside of the magnetoelectric dipole unit, the antenna unit's gain is further improved, and its sensitivity to external interference is reduced, enhancing the antenna's anti-interference capability.

[0060] In this specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device, characterized by, The device comprises a magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed source and a dielectric lens antenna, the dielectric lens antenna is placed in front of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed source, by switching different feed sources, the irradiation position of electromagnetic waves on the dielectric lens is changed, and wide-angle scanning of the beam is realized. The magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed source comprises a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer and a fourth metal layer which are stacked from bottom to top, the first metal layer comprises a metal ground and a coaxial feed port for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic wave signals, the second metal layer comprises a gap for feeding the magnetoelectric dipole, the third metal layer comprises a magnetoelectric dipole radiation patch for radiating coupled electromagnetic wave energy, and the fourth metal layer comprises a metal horn mouth for improving the gain of the feed source, and the periphery of the metal horn mouth is circularly arc-shaped.

2. The millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna device according to claim 1, characterized by, The dielectric lens antenna is made of PLA material, and the relative dielectric constant is 2.

54.

3. The millimeter-wave meta-lens antenna apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The dielectric lens antenna calculates the phase value that each transmission unit needs to compensate according to the phase distribution, and the specific calculation formula is as follows: The phase value that each transmission unit needs to compensate is calculated according to the following formula: ； ； Wherein, phase(i, j) means the phase that the i-th row and j-th column unit needs to compensate, and received_efield means the field strength of the feed received by the i-th row and j-th column unit. The phase value that each transmission unit needs to compensate.

4. The millimeter-wave meta-lens antenna apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer both adopt TLY-5 dielectric substrates, the thickness is 0.787 mm, the relative dielectric constant is 2.2, and the dielectric loss is 0.0009.

5. The millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The pattern gain of the magnetoelectric dipole antenna array feed source is 15dBi.

6. The millimeter-wave dielectric lens antenna apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The scanning range of the dielectric lens antenna is ±60°, and the scanning gain loss is 4dB.

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