Modularized X-waveband small broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna

Abstract

The invention discloses a modularized X-waveband small-sized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna, which comprises an antenna unit and a modularized assembly base, and is characterized in that the antenna unit is composed of a microstrip feeder and a 3D printing dielectric rod structure; a grounding plate of microstrip feed is provided with a DGS integrated with a V-shaped groove and a CSRR, a microstrip patch is slotted to adjust a feed point, a dielectric rod adopts an EH11 / HE11 mode, the refractive index of a core part is higher, the sectional area of the core part is gradually changed, a gap is reserved between the dielectric rod and the dielectric rod to optimize coupling, and a base is provided with an adaptive groove to insert an antenna unit. The small-size broadband high gain of the X-band dielectric antenna is realized, and the array is modularized and quickly spliced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of X-band dielectric antenna technology, specifically relating to a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of technologies such as wireless communication, radar detection, and satellite links, the performance requirements for antenna systems are becoming increasingly demanding. Achieving high gain and wide bandwidth, especially under small-size conditions, has become a key research direction. However, existing conventional microstrip antennas and dielectric rod / dielectric core antennas still face certain technical bottlenecks in terms of bandwidth and gain. Microstrip antennas are widely used in modern communication systems due to their advantages such as lightweight, low profile, and ease of integration. Their basic structure consists of a patch conductor, a dielectric substrate, and a ground layer, allowing for direct integration with microstrip transmission lines, resulting in significant manufacturing and cost advantages. However, microstrip antennas inherently suffer from narrow bandwidth and moderate to low gain. The typical bandwidth of traditional microstrip antennas is usually only a few percentage points, and as the size shrinks, their radiation efficiency and directivity cannot meet high-gain requirements. To broaden the bandwidth, researchers have introduced methods such as slot coupling, differential feeding, and substrate stacking, but it remains difficult to simultaneously achieve high gain and wide bandwidth under small dimensions.

[0003] Dielectric surface wave antennas (SWATEs) utilize the surface wave characteristics of dielectric materials to achieve high directivity and high radiation efficiency. Compared to open-feed structures, SWATEs exhibit significant gain and strong directivity, achieving better performance when forming end-fire radiation modes. By designing the length and lateral characteristics of the dielectric rod, some studies have achieved high-gain radiation across the K / Ka band. Simultaneously, compact SWATEs have expanded bandwidth and gain while maintaining a small size by introducing air-dielectric hybrid structures. To simultaneously achieve the integration of microstrip antennas and the high gain and wide bandwidth characteristics of SWATEs, microstrip-fed SWATE / dielectric antenna structures have emerged in recent years. These structures effectively couple energy into the dielectric volume or surface waveguide structure via microstrip lines, exciting surface wave modes and thus achieving high end-fire gain radiation and improving bandwidth response.

[0004] While existing solutions have made breakthroughs in bandwidth or gain, they still fall short in achieving a balance between small size, high gain, and wide bandwidth. Traditional microstrip antennas, although simple in structure, have limited bandwidth, making it difficult to achieve high gain under small size conditions; while surface wave antennas have high gain, they usually require long radiators or complex feeding methods, affecting integration; existing microstrip-dielectric coupling designs have not yet fully resolved the trade-off between bandwidth, size, and gain.

[0005] Existing miniaturized high-gain X-band antennas (especially surface wave antennas and their arrays) generally suffer from several objective technical drawbacks in engineering implementation: First, to obtain higher gain and wider operating bandwidth, longer radiators or multi-stage matching / loading structures are often required, making it difficult to compress the overall size. Increased element volume further restricts the compact array arrangement. Second, broadband designs often rely on coaxial probes, waveguide / cavity coupling, or complex transition structures, which require high processing accuracy and assembly consistency, thus increasing manufacturing and debugging costs. Furthermore, using waveguides for feeding significantly increases element weight, making it unsuitable for applications requiring lightweight antennas. The presence of many array elements further increases array weight, and inconsistencies directly cause discrepancies in standing wave and radiation performance. Third, in array applications, traditional solutions typically require redesigning the feeding network, power divider structure, or fixed connectors for different array sizes. Array expansion and reconfiguration are cumbersome, and it is difficult to quickly change array configurations while maintaining consistent element electromagnetic boundary conditions.

[0006] The Chinese patent application CN118738819A, published on June 21, 2024, describes a broadband coaxial-fed dielectric surface wave antenna and its design method. Although the antenna is small in size, its gain can only reach 9.3 dBi. Moreover, if the antenna is arrayed, the entire design needs to be redesigned, which is time-consuming, inconvenient, and costly.

[0007] Chinese Patent Application No. CN110600868A, published on September 12, 2019, discloses an ultra-wideband dielectric surface wave antenna for the 18-40GHz frequency band. The antenna has a size of 88mm. At lower frequency bands, the antenna needs to be larger to achieve the desired performance. The antenna design is relatively complex, employing gradient perforation technology and combining multiple processes such as metal plate fixing. If the antenna is to be arrayed, the entire design needs to be redesigned.

[0008] Currently, there is an urgent need to address how to achieve broadband matching and high gain of dielectric surface wave antenna elements within a relatively small physical size under constraints in the X-band, while reducing the reliance on complex feed transitions and high-precision manufacturing; and in array engineering applications, how to use a modular approach to enable antenna elements to be quickly assembled into arrays of different sizes / arrangements in a low-cost and repeatable manner, thereby reducing the repetitive design and manufacturing work of feed networks and connection structures when array schemes are changed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problem of how to achieve small size, wide bandwidth, high gain, and modular fast assembly of X-band dielectric antennas, and proposes a modular, small-sized, wide bandwidth, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna for X-band.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna, including an antenna element and a modular assembly base, wherein the antenna element includes a microstrip feeding structure and a 3D printed dielectric rod structure. The microstrip feed structure includes a coaxial line, a dielectric layer, a microstrip patch, and a ground plane. The inner conductor of the coaxial line passes through the dielectric layer and connects to the microstrip patch, while the outer conductor of the coaxial line is connected to the ground plane. A defective ground structure (DGS) is provided on the ground plane, which integrates a V-groove and a complementary open-loop resonator (CSRR). Slots are provided on the microstrip patch to adjust the feed point position. The basic propagation mode of the 3D printed medium rod structure adopts the EH11 mode or HE11 mode. The refractive index of the core of the 3D printed medium rod structure is higher than that of the external environment medium. The electromagnetic wave is confined to propagate along the axial direction of the 3D printed medium rod structure itself through the total internal reflection mechanism. The 3D printed medium rod structure is designed with a gradually changing cross-sectional area, and is divided into a feeding gradually changing section, a uniform section and a terminal gradually changing section along the axial direction. The uniform section is the area where the surface wave is completely established. A gap is set between the microstrip fed structure and the 3D printed medium rod structure to optimize electromagnetic coupling. The electromagnetic waves output by the microstrip fed structure excite the 3D printed medium rod structure to generate surface waves and radiate outward. The modular assembly base has an adapter slot, through which the antenna unit is inserted into the modular assembly base.

[0011] Furthermore, in the DGS, the two arms of the V-groove are of equal length, the included angle between the two arms is adjustable, and the width of the V-groove is gradually set along the extension direction of the groove arm.

[0012] Furthermore, DGS is a hollow structure etched onto the ground plane, CSRR is embedded inside the hollow structure, CSRR is distributed in a single or multiple array, the opening direction of CSRR is consistent with or perpendicular to the opening direction of the V-groove, the cross-sectional area gradient structure of the 3D printed media rod structure is a conical gradient structure or a stepped gradient structure, the gradient section of the 3D printed media rod structure is a conical or stepped gradient structure, and the terminal gradient section of the 3D printed media rod structure is a frustum or stepped frustum structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the length of the gradient section of the 3D printed medium rod structure is 20% of the total length of the antenna, the length of the uniform section is not less than the minimum length required for the surface wave to be fully established in the medium, and the length of the terminal gradient section is 1 / 2 of the surface wave wavelength at the corresponding operating frequency.

[0014] Furthermore, the dielectric constant of the dielectric material in the core of the 3D printed dielectric rod structure is higher than that of the outer dielectric layer.

[0015] Furthermore, the gap between the microstrip power supply structure and the 3D printed media rod structure is adjustable, and the gap can be adjusted by using a shim or a base protrusion structure.

[0016] Furthermore, the grooves on the microstrip patch are strip-shaped or arc-shaped, and the extension direction of the grooves forms a preset angle with the edge of the microstrip patch.

[0017] Furthermore, the modular assembly base is made of 3D printed insulating medium material, with multiple adapter slots distributed along the surface of the modular assembly base in a preset array layout.

[0018] Secondly, the present invention provides a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna array, which uses a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna, and the array includes a planar array or a spherical array.

[0019] Thirdly, a method for using a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna is provided, comprising the following steps: Based on the target radiation requirements, determine the number of antenna elements and the array layout, and plan the number and location of adapter slots on the modular assembly base. The preset antenna elements are inserted one by one into the matching slots of the modular assembly base. The antenna elements and the modular assembly base are stably attached to each other, completing the basic assembly of a single array or multiple arrays. The antenna element is composed of a microstrip feeding structure and a 3D printed medium rod structure, with a preset gap between them. Connect the external feed link to the coaxial line of the antenna element accordingly; Electromagnetic waves are output through a microstrip feeding structure to excite the 3D printed medium rod structure to propagate electromagnetic waves in EH11 or HE11 mode. The frequency band response is optimized by the DGS structure with V-groove and CSRR integrated on the ground plane. After the electromagnetic waves are confined and propagated by the 3D printed medium rod structure, they radiate outward in the form of surface waves. Based on changes in actual application requirements, the array layout can be reconstructed by increasing or decreasing the number of antenna elements and adjusting the installation position of the antenna elements in the adapter slot of the modular assembly base.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: This invention proposes a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna. Through structural optimization, it achieves a balance between performance and practicality in a small volume (unit size of only about 76.6mm), providing an efficient, flexible, and low-cost solution for X-band antennas and effectively breaking through the bottlenecks of traditional technologies.

[0021] The antenna employs a combination of microstrip feeding and 3D-printed dielectric rods, consisting of a planar microstrip and a three-dimensional dielectric radiator. This significantly simplifies the complex feeding transition structure of traditional antennas, reducing reliance on high-precision machining and complex assembly. The microstrip feeding design not only reduces signal loss and improves energy transmission efficiency but also broadens the frequency response range. Combined with the precise fabrication of the 3D-printed dielectric rods, the antenna achieves excellent performance (peak gain of approximately 12.6dB and relative bandwidth of approximately 35%), overcoming the technical limitations of achieving both gain and bandwidth in small-size applications. Incorporating a modular array concept, the antenna elements can be quickly and modularly assembled through pre-set slots and positioning structures. Without redesigning the feeding network and connection structure, the array size and layout can be flexibly adjusted, significantly simplifying the array manufacturing and debugging process, reducing production costs, and improving the antenna's adaptability and reconfiguration flexibility for different application scenarios. In summary, this invention comprehensively solves the problems of excessive size, insufficient gain, high manufacturing cost, and inconvenient array adjustment of traditional X-band antennas by integrating three core technologies: microstrip feeding, 3D printed dielectric rods, and modular array design. In addition to miniaturization, broadband, and high gain characteristics, it also has the advantages of easy processing, easy assembly, and controllable consistency, and has significant engineering application value. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely schematic to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. In the drawings: Figure 1 It has a V-groove structure.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a DGS (Defect Ground Structure) structure for a complementary open-loop resonator (CSRR).

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the propagation mode at the boundary of a surface wave medium antenna.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a surface wave dielectric antenna structure.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a dielectric rod combined with a microstrip feeding structure.

[0027] Figure 6 This is the antenna radiation pattern.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a line graph showing the antenna gain.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a diagram of antenna S11.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a slot for an eight-element planar array antenna.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an eight-element planar array antenna.

[0032] Figure 11 It is the bottom slot of the spherical array antenna.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a rendering of a spherical array antenna.

[0034] Among them, 1 is the antenna unit, 2 is the modular assembly base, 3 is the microstrip feeding structure, and 4 is the 3D printed dielectric rod structure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0039] Example 1 A modular, miniaturized, broadband, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna for X-band includes an antenna element 1 and a modular assembly base 2. The antenna element 1 includes a microstrip feed structure 3 and a 3D-printed dielectric rod structure 4. The microstrip feed structure 3 includes a coaxial line, a dielectric layer, a microstrip patch, and a ground plane. The inner conductor of the coaxial line passes through the dielectric layer and connects to the microstrip patch, while the outer conductor of the coaxial line is connected to the ground plane. A defective ground structure (DGS) is provided on the ground plane, integrating a V-groove and a complementary open-loop resonator (CSRR). A slot is formed on the microstrip patch for adjusting the feed point position. The basic propagation mode of the 3D-printed dielectric rod structure 4 adopts either the EH11 mode or the HE11 mode. The core refractive index of the printed medium rod structure 4 is higher than that of the external environment medium, and electromagnetic waves are confined to propagate along the axial direction of the 3D printed medium rod structure through total internal reflection. The 3D printed medium rod structure 4 is set with a cross-sectional area gradient structure, which is divided into a feeding gradient section, a uniform section and a terminal gradient section along the axial direction. The uniform section is the area where the surface wave is completely established. A gap is set between the microstrip feeding structure 3 and the 3D printed medium rod structure 4 to optimize electromagnetic coupling. The electromagnetic waves output by the microstrip feeding structure 3 excite the 3D printed medium rod structure 4 to generate surface waves and radiate outward. The modular assembly base 2 has an adapter slot, and the antenna unit 1 is spliced ​​with the modular assembly base 2 through the adapter slot.

[0040] The V-groove in the DGS has two arms of equal length, and the included angle between the arms is adjustable. The width of the V-groove gradually changes along the extension direction of the groove arms. The DGS is a hollow structure etched onto the ground plane. The CSRR is embedded inside the hollow structure. The CSRR can be single or in an array. The opening of the CSRR is aligned with or perpendicular to the opening of the V-groove. The 3D printed dielectric rod structure 4 has a tapered or stepped tapered cross-section. The tapered sections of the 3D printed dielectric rod structure 4 are conical or stepped, and the terminal tapered section is frustum-shaped or stepped. The length of the tapered section of the 3D printed dielectric rod structure 4 is 20% of the total antenna length. The length of the uniform section is not less than the minimum length required for the surface wave to fully establish itself in the medium. The length of the terminal tapered section is half the wavelength of the surface wave at the corresponding operating frequency. The dielectric constant of the dielectric material in the core of the 3D printed dielectric rod structure 4 is higher than that of the outer dielectric layer.

[0041] The modular assembly base 2 is made of 3D printed insulating medium material, with multiple adapter slots distributed in a preset array layout along the surface of the modular assembly base.

[0042] The gap between the microstrip feeding structure 3 and the 3D printed media rod structure 4 is adjustable, and the gap can be adjusted by a shim or a base protrusion structure. The grooves on the microstrip patch are strip grooves or arc grooves, and the extension direction of the grooves forms a preset angle with the edge of the microstrip patch.

[0043] I. Microstrip Feed Structure Design The antenna design of this invention employs microstrip feeding technology, achieving matching between the antenna input impedance and the characteristic impedance of the feed line by adjusting the position of the feed point. Specifically, the position of the feed point can be adjusted by changing the edge of the patch or by creating slots in the patch to alter the depth of the microstrip line, thereby achieving precise control of the resonant frequency. This method, by controlling the coupling degree of the feed point, ensures the stability of the antenna's dominant mode, thus guaranteeing the consistency of the antenna's radiation pattern.

[0044] For the feeding method, a coaxial cable feeding design is used. The inner conductor of the coaxial cable passes through the dielectric and is connected to the microstrip patch, while the outer conductor is directly connected to the ground plane. This feeding method offers greater flexibility, allowing feeding at any location on the patch, thus facilitating impedance matching and avoiding the adverse effects of feed cables on antenna performance.

[0045] To improve the antenna's broadband characteristics and miniaturization performance, this invention incorporates a Defective Ground Structure (DGS) combining a V-groove and a Complementary Open-Loop Resonator (CSRR). Specifically, the V-groove effectively extends the antenna's bandwidth and reduces its size through meandering and multi-resonance principles. The slot lengthens the surface current path of the antenna, thereby lowering the resonant frequency. The V-groove also introduces multiple resonant frequencies into the antenna, further enhancing its bandwidth performance. See also... Figure 1 .

[0046] Combining complementary open-loop resonators (CSRR) with DGS structures can effectively optimize the electromagnetic characteristics of antennas. CSRR enhances the local electric field by introducing a negative capacitance effect, optimizing the antenna's resonant frequency and bandwidth, especially advantageous in small-size designs. DGS, on the other hand, improves the antenna's bandwidth response and increases bandwidth and gain by locally perturbing the current path in the etched defect area of ​​the ground plane, thus adjusting the ground impedance distribution. By adjusting the shape and size of the defect, the DGS structure can further optimize the antenna's operating frequency and radiation performance. See also Figure 2 .

[0047] This invention combines CSRR with DGS, effectively reducing antenna size while improving the ground electromagnetic environment and significantly enhancing the antenna's bandwidth and frequency response range. This design maintains high antenna performance while achieving miniaturization, meeting the demands of modern communication and radar systems for small size, high gain, and wide bandwidth.

[0048] II. 3D Printing Media Rod Structure Design The dielectric rod antenna of this invention is based on the propagation mode of a dielectric waveguide, with the EH11 (or HE11) mode as the fundamental propagation mode. This mode has no low-frequency cutoff frequency and is suitable for transmitting surface waves efficiently. In the dielectric rod structure, electromagnetic waves are confined within the dielectric core and propagate axially through total internal reflection. The high refractive index of the core helps to enhance the confinement capability and ensure efficient wave propagation. However, the high refractive index may lead to increased losses.

[0049] In the design, the core diameter of the dielectric rod has a significant impact on the number of supported modes and waveguide dispersion. A larger core diameter supports more modes, but the dispersion effect may increase. To optimize the propagation efficiency of electromagnetic waves, the structural design of the dielectric rod focuses on gradually changing the cross-sectional area through a gradient structure (such as a conical or stepped shape), thereby optimizing the phase velocity of the electromagnetic wave and reducing the impact of the termination effect on wave propagation.

[0050] Mode conversion and radiation are among the key design features of this invention. By designing a mode conversion section, such as a conical structure, the electromagnetic wave smoothly transitions from the TE11 mode to the HE11 mode, effectively reducing reflections during mode conversion and improving radiation efficiency. Impedance matching structures (such as frustum-shaped or stepped frustum designs) further optimize the radiation effect of the electromagnetic wave from the end of the dielectric rod to free space, ensuring better radiation directionality. During the propagation of the electromagnetic wave, due to the finite length of the dielectric rod and the termination effect, the electromagnetic wave radiates from the end into free space. To optimize this process, a gradient structure is designed to smoothly transition, reducing reflection and radiation losses caused by the termination effect and ensuring efficient energy transfer. See also Figure 3 .

[0051] Based on the above surface wave principle, the specific dimensions of the surface wave dielectric antenna are designed as follows: Minimum length for surface waves to fully establish It can be calculated using the following formula:

[0052] Where, β z is the propagation constant of the surface wave, and k0 is the wave number in free space. According to this formula, the minimum length is one of the design parameters of the antenna, which determines the starting position of the uniform segment.

[0053] To achieve optimal gain, the antenna length is closely related to the propagation characteristics of surface waves. For maximum gain design, the phase difference between the surface wave and the free-space wave should satisfy the following condition (Hansen-Woodyard condition):

[0054] Here, λ0 is the free-space wavelength at the operating frequency. This condition helps to ensure that the phase relationship of the radiation is optimized, thereby achieving maximum gain.

[0055] The gradient section serves to improve excitation efficiency and also influences the shape of the feed pattern. The length of the feed gradient section is typically 20% of the total antenna length; therefore, for a 70mm antenna, the feed gradient section is approximately 14mm. The gradient section... Figure 4 To the left.

[0056] Uniform Section (Main Radiating Section): The uniform section is the area where surface waves fully establish themselves, ensuring effective antenna radiation. The text mentions that the uniform section is typically the minimum length for complete surface wave establishment, usually about half the total antenna length. Therefore, for a 70mm antenna, the length of the uniform section is approximately 35mm. The uniform section... Figure 4 In the middle.

[0057] The purpose of the taper section is to reduce the influence of reflected waves, thereby optimizing the radiometric pattern and bandwidth. The length of the taper section is typically half the wavelength of a surface wave, approximately 15 mm in the X-band. Figure 4 To the right of.

[0058] III. Antenna Performance Design and Optimization This study uses co-simulation of a microstrip feed and a dielectric rod antenna to optimize the dimensions of certain structures. Initially, the microstrip feed was directly coupled to the designed dielectric rod antenna during simulation. The change in coupling method affected the energy transfer efficiency between the feed line and the antenna. The contact point between the microstrip feed line and the dielectric rod is often a crucial "interface" for the antenna. If the interface is too close, it can lead to uneven electric field distribution, resulting in unwanted surface wave reflections or mode mismatches, thus affecting antenna performance. Appropriately increasing the gap can reduce this interference and improve energy transfer from feed to radiation. A well-designed gap helps improve the mode matching between the microstrip feed and the dielectric rod antenna, optimizing radiation efficiency and antenna performance.

[0059] Then, the structural parameters of the DGS (Defected Ground Structure) of the V-groove and complementary open-loop resonator (CSRR) are adjusted, as are the length and radius of the gradient section, uniform section, and terminal gradient section of the dielectric rod antenna. The V-groove structure is then... Figure 1 As shown, the defective ground structure is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the dielectric rod combined with the microstrip feed structure is inserted into... Figure 5 As shown. The final antenna effect diagram is as follows. Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown.

[0060] This invention relates to a modular X-band small broadband high-gain surface wave antenna, based on microstrip feeding and 3D-printed dielectric rods. It addresses two major industry pain points: first, the technical bottleneck of traditional microstrip-fed surface wave dielectric antennas in achieving both high gain and wide bandwidth under small size conditions; and second, the problems of complex design and manufacturing, high cost, and poor flexibility of traditional antenna arrays. This invention provides an efficient solution for modern communications, radar, and other fields.

[0061] In the design of a single antenna element, this invention achieves a balance between performance and miniaturization by combining microstrip feeding with a 3D-printed dielectric rod. The microstrip feeding structure significantly simplifies the feeding transition of traditional antennas, reduces reliance on high-precision machining and complex assembly, and effectively improves energy transmission efficiency and frequency response range. The dielectric rod manufactured by 3D printing technology not only precisely controls the antenna shape and reduces the overall size (only 76.6mm), but also optimizes electromagnetic performance, ultimately enabling the antenna to achieve a 12.6dB gain and 29% relative bandwidth in the X-band, breaking through the performance limitations of traditional designs.

[0062] In array construction, this invention adopts a modular splicing design, enabling rapid assembly and reconfiguration of antenna elements through a customized base with adapter slots. This completely eliminates the need for redesigning complex feed circuits and power divider networks required by traditional arrays. The base can be rapidly prototyping via 3D printing after modeling according to array size and layout requirements. Antenna elements can be tested individually and directly inserted into the base slots for fixation during array assembly. Disassembly and reassembly are convenient, allowing for the construction of various forms such as planar and spherical arrays. The array size can also be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different application scenarios.

[0063] This invention boasts four significant advantages: First, it simplifies the design and manufacturing process, eliminating the need to develop complex power supply and power divider structures; only a customized 3D-printed base is required, reducing design time and the probability of errors. Second, it offers strong cost control, as the base and antenna unit can be mass-produced, with 3D printing technology further reducing manufacturing costs and avoiding the high processing costs of traditional structures. Third, it facilitates assembly and maintenance, with modular assembly requiring no professional personnel; subsequent maintenance allows for individual unit replacement without disassembling the entire system, extending equipment lifespan. Fourth, it exhibits outstanding reconfigurability, quickly adapting to different scenario requirements and significantly improving the system's adaptability and scalability.

[0064] In summary, this invention, through unit performance optimization and array structure design, takes into account the core requirements of miniaturization, broadband, and high gain, while achieving application value of low cost, easy deployment, and flexible reconfigurability. It is particularly suitable for the stringent requirements of modern communication, radar detection, satellite links, and other applications for high-performance antennas, and has broad engineering application prospects.

[0065] Example 2 A modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna array is provided, using a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna as described in Embodiment 1. The array includes a planar array or a spherical array.

[0066] Taking an eight-element array antenna as an example, designing such a base slot is quick and easy; simply export the model and 3D print it. See [link / reference]. Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 This method can also be used to assemble planar arrays, spherical arrays, etc.

[0067] Example 3 A method for using a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna, utilizing the modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna of Embodiment 1, includes the following steps: Based on the target radiation requirements, determine the required number of antenna elements 1 and the array layout, and plan the number and position of the adapter slots on the modular assembly base 2. Insert the pre-set antenna elements 1 one by one into the adapter slots of the modular assembly base 2, ensuring stable contact between the antenna elements 1 and the modular assembly base 2, thus completing the basic assembly of a single or multiple arrays. The antenna element 1 consists of a microstrip feed structure 3 and a 3D-printed dielectric rod structure 4, with a pre-set gap between them. Connect the external feed link to the coaxial line of the antenna element 1. Output electromagnetic waves through the microstrip feed structure 3 to excite the 3D-printed dielectric rod structure 4 to propagate electromagnetic waves in EH11 or HE11 mode. Optimize the frequency response using the DGS structure with integrated V-groove and CSRR on the ground plane. After being confined and propagated by the 3D-printed dielectric rod structure 4, the electromagnetic waves radiate outwards in the form of surface waves. Reconstruct the array layout by increasing or decreasing the number of antenna elements 1 and adjusting the installation position of the antenna elements 1 in the adapter slots of the modular assembly base 2, according to changes in actual application requirements.

[0068] The above content provides a further detailed description of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to this. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such deductions or substitutions should be considered to fall within the defined protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular, miniaturized, broadband, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna for the X-band, characterized in that, It includes an antenna unit (1) and a modular assembly base (2), wherein the antenna unit (1) includes a microstrip feeding structure (3) and a 3D printed dielectric rod structure (4). The microstrip feeding structure (3) includes a coaxial line, a dielectric layer, a microstrip patch, and a ground plane. The inner conductor of the coaxial line passes through the dielectric layer and is connected to the microstrip patch. The outer conductor of the coaxial line is connected to the ground plane. A defective ground structure (DGS) is provided on the ground plane. The DGS integrates a V-groove and a complementary open-loop resonator (CSRR). A slot is provided on the microstrip patch to adjust the position of the feeding point. The basic propagation mode of the 3D printed medium rod structure (4) adopts the EH11 mode or the HE11 mode. The core refractive index of the 3D printed medium rod structure (4) is higher than that of the external environment medium. The electromagnetic wave is bound to propagate along the axial direction of the 3D printed medium rod structure itself through the total internal reflection mechanism. The 3D printed medium rod structure (4) is provided with a cross-sectional area gradient structure, and is divided into a power feeding gradient section, a uniform section and a terminal gradient section along the axial direction. The uniform section is the area where the surface wave is completely established. A gap is provided between the microstrip feeding structure (3) and the 3D printing medium rod structure (4) to optimize electromagnetic coupling. The electromagnetic waves output by the microstrip feeding structure (3) excite the 3D printing medium rod structure (4) to generate surface waves and radiate outward. The modular assembly base (2) has an adapter slot, and the antenna unit (1) is inserted into the modular assembly base (2) through the adapter slot.

2. The modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The V-groove in the DGS has two arms of equal length, the included angle between the two arms is adjustable, and the width of the V-groove is gradually set along the extension direction of the groove arm.

3. The modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The DGS is a hollow structure etched on the ground plane. The CSRR is embedded inside the hollow structure. The CSRR is distributed in a single or multiple array. The opening direction of the CSRR is consistent with or perpendicular to the opening direction of the V-groove. The cross-sectional area gradient structure of the 3D printing media rod structure (4) is a conical gradient structure or a stepped gradient structure. The gradient section of the 3D printing media rod structure (4) is a conical or stepped gradient structure. The terminal gradient section of the 3D printing media rod structure (4) is a frustum or a stepped frustum structure.

4. The modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the gradient section of the 3D printed medium rod structure (4) is 20% of the total length of the antenna. The length of the uniform section is not less than the minimum length required for the surface wave to be fully established in the medium. The length of the terminal gradient section is 1 / 2 of the surface wave wavelength at the corresponding operating frequency.

5. A modular, miniaturized, broadband, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric constant of the dielectric material in the core of the 3D printed dielectric rod structure (4) is higher than that of the dielectric layer wrapped around it.

6. A modular, miniaturized, broadband, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap between the microstrip power supply structure (3) and the 3D printing medium rod structure (4) is adjustable, and the gap can be adjusted by a gasket or a base protrusion structure.

7. A modular, miniaturized, broadband, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grooves on the microstrip patch are either strip-shaped or arc-shaped, and the extension direction of the grooves forms a preset angle with the edge of the microstrip patch.

8. A modular, miniaturized, broadband, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modular assembly base (2) is made of 3D printed insulating medium material. There are multiple adapter slots, which are distributed along the surface of the modular assembly base (2) in a preset array layout.

9. A modular, miniaturized, broadband, high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna array, characterized in that, The modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna according to any one of claims 1-8 is used, wherein the array comprises a planar array or a spherical array.

10. A method of using a modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna, comprising the modular X-band miniaturized broadband high-gain surface wave dielectric antenna as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Based on the target radiation requirements, determine the number and array layout of the required antenna units (1), and plan the number and location of the adapter slots on the modular assembly base (2). The preset antenna units (1) are inserted one by one into the adapter slots of the modular assembly base (2). The antenna units (1) and the modular assembly base (2) are stably attached to each other, and the basic assembly of a single array or multiple arrays is completed. The antenna unit (1) is composed of a microstrip feeding structure (3) and a 3D printed medium rod structure (4), and a preset gap is maintained between the two. Connect the external feed link to the coaxial line of the antenna element (1); Electromagnetic waves are output through the microstrip feeding structure (3) to excite the 3D printed media rod structure (3) to propagate electromagnetic waves in EH11 mode or HE11 mode. The frequency band response is optimized by the DGS structure with V-groove and CSRR integrated on the ground plane. After the electromagnetic waves are bound and propagated by the 3D printed media rod structure (3), they radiate outward in the form of surface waves. Based on changes in actual application requirements, the array layout can be reconstructed by increasing or decreasing the number of antenna units and adjusting the installation position of the antenna units (1) in the adapter slot of the modular assembly base (2).

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