Dual-beam microwave and millimeter wave antenna

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a dual-beam microwave and millimeter wave antenna, which comprises a first metal layer, a first insulating layer, a second metal layer, a second insulating layer, a metal grounding layer, a third insulating layer and a feed layer which are stacked in sequence, and is characterized in that the first metal layer comprises two symmetrically arranged first radiation patches and at least one second radiation patch; the second radiation patch is located between the two first radiation patches; the second metal layer comprises at least one driving patch aligned with the second radiation patch, and the driving patch is connected to the metal grounding layer; the first radiation patch is connected to the feed layer through a feed probe, and generates a first bidirectional radiation wave beam in a microwave frequency band through a metalized via hole wall connected with the metal grounding layer; and the second radiation patch is electromagnetically coupled with the driving patch and generates a second bidirectional radiation wave beam in the millimeter wave frequency band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, microwave and millimeter-wave antennas mainly adopt a single-beam design. Their core objective is to integrate microwave and millimeter-wave antennas into the same radiating aperture through stacking, embedding, mode composite transmission lines, or structural reuse, so as to reduce size and meet the requirements of dual-band communication.

[0003] However, such single-beam schemes have significant limitations: stacked structures increase the profile height and cause radiation blockage; embedded designs can easily damage microwave antenna performance; mode composite transmission lines are difficult to achieve symmetrical structures and independent feeding, thus limiting beam scanning; and multiplexed structures weaken the independence and flexibility of the design due to mutual constraints between antennas, especially restricting the realization of millimeter-wave phased array beam scanning capabilities.

[0004] Because single-beam antennas have problems such as limited coverage area and limited scanning capability, they are difficult to meet the requirements of two-way real-time communication. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna that can achieve two-way radiation, improve coverage flexibility and channel capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna, which aims to solve the technical problems of single-beam antennas in related technologies, such as limited coverage area and limited scanning capability, making it difficult to meet the requirements of two-way real-time communication.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna, comprising a first metal layer, a first insulating layer, a second metal layer, a second insulating layer, a metal ground layer, a third insulating layer, and a feed layer stacked sequentially: The first metal layer includes two symmetrically arranged first radiating patches and at least one second radiating patch; the second radiating patch is located between the two first radiating patches; The second metal layer includes at least one driving patch aligned with the second radiating patch, the driving patch being connected to the metal ground layer; The first radiating patch is connected to the feed layer via a feed probe and generates a first bidirectional radiating beam in the microwave band via a metallized via wall connected to the metal ground layer. The second radiating patch is electromagnetically coupled to the driving patch, and generates a second bidirectional radiating beam in the millimeter-wave band.

[0007] The at least one technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention can achieve the following technical effects: In this embodiment of the invention, by employing a structure of sequentially stacked first metal layer, first insulating layer, second metal layer, second insulating layer, metal ground layer, third insulating layer, and feed layer, and integrating two symmetrically arranged first radiating patches and at least one second radiating patch located between them on the first metal layer, the microwave and millimeter-wave antennas achieve profile sharing in terms of radiation aperture. This structurally avoids the high profile problem of traditional stacked designs and the performance degradation caused by embedded designs. By connecting the first radiating patch to the feed layer via a feed probe and utilizing the metallized via wall connected to the metal ground layer to generate a first bidirectional radiating beam in the microwave band, and by electromagnetically coupling the second radiating patch to the driving patch connected to the metal ground layer in the second metal layer to generate a second bidirectional radiating beam in the millimeter-wave band, both frequency bands can independently generate high-quality bidirectional radiating beams, solving the problem of limited coverage of traditional single-beam antennas. In addition, the metallized via wall of the first radiating patch extends naturally in structure, effectively suppressing surface wave propagation in the millimeter-wave band and helping to reduce electromagnetic coupling between the two band antennas. Thus, while sharing the same physical profile and maintaining a compact structure, the microwave and millimeter-wave antennas do not deteriorate in overall radiation performance compared to when they work independently, thus better meeting the requirements of two-way real-time communication. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 One of the structural schematic diagrams of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided as an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first metal layer of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second radiating patch of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second metal layer of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a driving patch for a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A second schematic diagram of the structure of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 One of the scenario diagrams of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided as an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A second schematic diagram of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided as an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 A third schematic diagram of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided as an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 A fourth schematic diagram of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided as an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 Fifth schematic diagram of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is the sixth scenario diagram of a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna provided as an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0009] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0010] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna, including a first metal layer 1, a first insulating layer 2, a second metal layer 3, a second insulating layer 4, a metal ground layer 5, a third insulating layer 6, and a feed layer 7.

[0012] The first metal layer 1 at the top is the main radiating part of the antenna, which integrates two types of radiating structures with different functions in the horizontal direction. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the first part consists of two rectangular first radiating patches 1-1 arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, which are the radiators of the microwave antenna. On the side of each first radiating patch 1-1 near the center of the antenna, there is a row of metallized via walls 1-2. The via walls extend vertically downward and connect to the lowest metal ground layer 5. The first radiating patches 1-1, the metallized via walls 1-2 and the microwave feed probe 1-3 work together to generate a first bidirectional radiating beam in the microwave frequency band.

[0013] The second part of the first metal layer 1 is at least one second radiation patch 1-4 located between the two first radiation patches 1-1. In a preferred embodiment, the second radiation patch 1-4 is a "field" shaped metal structure, which is composed of a square metal patch 1-4-1, and four small square grooves 1-4-2 symmetrically distributed at the center are etched in the middle. This structure is the radiation part of the millimeter-wave antenna unit.

[0014] Immediately below the first metal layer 1 is the second metal layer 3. At least one driving patch 3-1-1 that is vertically projected and aligned with the second radiation patch 1-4 above is provided on this layer. A plurality of metallized blind vias 3-1-2 connected to the metal ground layer 5 are provided on each driving patch 3-1-1. The second radiation patch 1-4 on the top layer and the driving patch 3-1-1 on the second metal layer 3 work together through electromagnetic coupling. The signal is fed into the driving patch 3-1-1 through the millimeter-wave feeding probe 3-1-3. The metallized blind vias 3-1-2 loaded thereon are used to disturb the current distribution and excite the working mode. Among them, the current distribution of the driving patch is disturbed to support bidirectional radiation, and at the same time, the energy is coupled to the top-layer 'field' shaped patch to excite it to generate a quasi-TM20 resonance mode, so that the millimeter-wave antenna unit generates second bidirectional radiation beams pointing in opposite directions in the millimeter-wave band. Among them, the small square grooves 1-4-2 on the 'field' shaped structure are used to precisely adjust the coupling degree between the two layers of patches to optimize the impedance matching and working bandwidth of the antenna.

[0015] In addition, it should be noted that in the embodiment of the present invention, the first insulating layer 2, the second insulating layer 4, and the third insulating layer 6 can be composed of a dielectric substrate.

[0016] In the embodiment of the present invention, the two first radiation patches 1-1 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the second radiation patch 1-4. The metallized via wall 1-2 of the first radiation patch 1-1 extends naturally in structure, effectively suppressing the propagation of surface waves in the millimeter-wave band and helping to weaken the electromagnetic coupling between the two-band antennas, thus ensuring their respective radiation performances under highly integrated conditions.

[0017] In the embodiment of the present invention, through the above multi-layer structure design and functional reuse of the core components, dual-band and dual-beam radiation can be achieved within an ultra-thin aperture, thus effectively solving the electromagnetic compatibility problem in highly integrated antennas. In the embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 2 shown, the first metal layer 1 located at the top layer of the antenna can be divided into two functional areas in the horizontal direction. Two first radiation patches 1-1 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. The patch is rectangular and is the radiator of the microwave antenna unit. The size of the first radiation patch 1-1 is based on the guided wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the microwave band Optimize the design, and its length along the horizontal direction is preferably 0.22 to 0.25 and its length along the vertical direction is preferably 0.45 to 0.5 . On one side of each first radiation patch 1-1 close to the antenna center, a row of metallized via walls 1-2 are provided respectively. These via walls extend vertically downward and finally connect to the metal ground layer 5. The first radiation patch 1-1 forms a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA). At least one second radiation patch 1-4 is located between two first radiation patches 1-1 and serves as the top radiation part of the millimeter-wave antenna unit.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 3 shown, the second radiation patch 1-4 includes a square metal patch 1-4-1, and its length and width dimensions are determined based on the guided wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the millimeter-wave band and the preferred range is 0.73 to 0.77 . Four small square grooves 1-4-2 symmetrically distributed about the center are etched in the middle thereof, thus forming a "field" pattern. The preferred range of the length and width of these grooves is 0.17 to 0.18 , and the distance between the centers of every two small square grooves is preferably 0.23 to 0.25 . The main purpose of etching these grooves is to finely adjust the electromagnetic coupling strength between the top radiation patch and the lower driving patch, so as to significantly optimize the impedance matching characteristics of the antenna and broaden its operating bandwidth on the premise of ensuring the excitation of the required radiation mode.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 4 shown, at least one driving patch 3-1-1 which is vertically projected in alignment with the second radiation patch 1-4 above is provided on the second metal layer 3.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 5 shown, the driving patch 3-1-1 itself is a small square metal patch, and its length and width dimensions are determined based on and the preferred range is 0.52 to 0.55 . On this driving patch, a plurality of metallized blind vias 3-1-2 connected to the metal ground layer 5 are provided. In one embodiment, four metallized blind vias can be provided and are symmetrically distributed about the center. The diameter of the metallized blind via 3-1-2 is determined based on the guided wavelength and the preferred range is 0.06 to 0.08 In the horizontal direction, the center-to-center spacing between the two blind holes is preferably 0.40 to 0.44 In the vertical direction, the center-to-center spacing between the two blind holes is preferably 0.20 to 0.23 .

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding layer 7 located at the bottom of the antenna includes precision feeding metal strips fabricated on the lower surface of the third insulating layer 6, and these strips form independent microwave feeding networks and millimeter-wave feeding networks. The microwave feeding network is connected to the two first radiation patches 1-1 through independent microwave feeding probes 1-3, and the millimeter-wave feeding network is connected to each driving patch 3-1-1 through independent millimeter-wave feeding probes 3-1-3.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna is operating, for the microwave band, the signal is fed into the two first radiation patches 1-1 through the microwave network and the probes 1-3 of the feeding layer 7, exciting them to operate in the TM mode to form a two-way radiation beam in the horizontal plane. For the millimeter-wave band, the signal is fed into the driving patch 3-1-1 through the millimeter-wave network and the probes 3-1-3, and the metallized blind holes 3-1-2 loaded thereon disturb the current to excite the TM20 mode, and the energy is then coupled to the "field" - shaped patch 1-4 on the top layer, and finally the second two-way radiation beam is radiated. The metallized via wall 1-2 of the first radiation patch 1-1 extends structurally, effectively suppressing the surface wave propagation in the millimeter-wave band and helping to weaken the electromagnetic coupling between the antennas of the two bands.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 6 shown, in the antenna, the microwave and millimeter-wave antennas are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, the two microwave antennas are symmetrically arranged, the feeding paths between the dual-band and multiple units are independent, and phase control can be freely achieved for multiple ports. Finally, the dual-beam microwave and millimeter-wave highly integrated antenna can achieve flexible beamforming.

[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, by employing a structure of sequentially stacked first metal layer, first insulating layer, second metal layer, second insulating layer, metal ground layer, third insulating layer, and feed layer, and integrating two symmetrically arranged first radiating patches and at least one second radiating patch located between them on the first metal layer, the microwave and millimeter-wave antennas achieve profile sharing in terms of radiation aperture. This structurally avoids the high profile problem of traditional stacked designs and the performance degradation caused by embedded designs. By connecting the first radiating patch to the feed layer via a feed probe and utilizing the metallized via wall connected to the metal ground layer to generate a first bidirectional radiating beam in the microwave band, and by electromagnetically coupling the second radiating patch to the driving patch connected to the metal ground layer in the second metal layer to generate a second bidirectional radiating beam in the millimeter-wave band, both frequency bands can independently generate high-quality bidirectional radiating beams, solving the problem of limited coverage of traditional single-beam antennas. In addition, the metallized via wall of the first radiating patch extends naturally in structure, effectively suppressing surface wave propagation in the millimeter-wave band and helping to reduce electromagnetic coupling between the two band antennas. Thus, while sharing the same physical profile and maintaining a compact structure, the microwave and millimeter-wave antennas do not deteriorate in overall radiation performance compared to when they work independently, thus better meeting the requirements of two-way real-time communication.

[0025] In one example, such as Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the reflection coefficient (i.e., ) of the dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna in the microwave frequency band from 4.75 GHz to 5.05 GHz according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The S-parameters and gain simulation results are shown in the figure. Figure 7 It can be seen that the planar inverted-F antenna element, composed of the symmetrical first radiating patch 1-1 and its metallized via wall 1-2, has a 10-dB impedance matching band covering 4.84 GHz to 4.96 GHz, a center frequency of 4.9 GHz, and a relative bandwidth of 2.4%. The antenna gain within the operating band is stable above 4 dBi, with a maximum gain of 4.97 dBi. This result verifies that this microwave antenna has good impedance matching characteristics and stable radiation performance in the microwave band, laying the foundation for generating a high-quality first bidirectional radiating beam.

[0026] In one example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the radiation patterns of the aforementioned microwave antenna at three specific frequency points: 4.87 GHz, 4.9 GHz, and 4.93 GHz are illustrated. Figure 8It can be clearly seen that the main polarization pattern forms strong radiation lobes in two opposite directions, such as near 0° and 180°. This confirms that the first bidirectional radiation beam is generated by the fusion of two symmetric planar inverted-F antenna elements. At the same time, within the entire observation angle, the cross-polarization level is always below -50 dB, showing a huge contrast with the main polarization signal. This result not only proves the stability of the antenna radiation pattern but also verifies its excellent cross-polarization suppression ability in the microwave band, ensuring the purity of signal radiation.

[0027] In one example, as Figure 9 shown, the simulation results of the reflection coefficient and array gain of the antenna in the embodiment of the present invention in the millimeter-wave band from 26 GHz to 30 GHz are shown. From Figure 9 it can be seen that the millimeter-wave antenna array composed of the "field" - shaped second radiation patches 1 - 4 on the top layer and the driving patch 3 - 1 - 1 on the middle layer through electromagnetic coupling has a 10-dB impedance matching frequency band covering 26.8 GHz to 29.3 GHz for each port, with a center frequency of 28 GHz and a relative bandwidth of 9%. The array gain can reach up to 11.5 dBi within the frequency band. This result verifies that the millimeter-wave antenna with this stacked structure design realizes the ability of wide-band matching and high-gain radiation in the millimeter-wave band.

[0028] In one example, as Figure 10 shown, the radiation patterns of the millimeter-wave antenna array at three frequency points of 27.5 GHz, 28 GHz, and 28.5 GHz are shown. From Figure 10 it can be seen that its main polarization pattern also presents a clear and stable bidirectional radiation pattern, proving that it can effectively generate the second bidirectional radiation beam. At the same time, its cross-polarization level is suppressed below -15 dB at most angles, showing good radiation directivity. This result is in contrast with Figure 8 which reflects the independent and excellent radiation performance of the dual-band antenna in its respective frequency bands.

[0029] In one example, as Figure 11 shown, the beam scanning performance of the millimeter-wave antenna array achieved by independently controlling the feeding phase of each unit is shown. From Figure 11 it can be seen that when different phase shifts such as 0°, ±15°, ±30° are applied to each unit of the array, the direction of the main radiation beam of the array can be accurately deflected accordingly. For example, when scanning from 0°, the center direction can be offset to approximately 150° and 210° directions when phase-scanning at ±30°. This fully proves that each unit of the millimeter-wave antenna in the embodiment of the present invention, based on the independent feeding network and the millimeter-wave feeding probe 3 - 1 - 3, has flexible beam shaping and scanning capabilities, greatly expanding the application scenarios of the antenna.

[0030] In one example, as Figure 12 The figure shows the simulation results of the isolation between the microwave band feed port and each millimeter-wave band port. Figure 12 It can be seen that, across the entire wideband range from 4 GHz to 30 GHz, the transmission coefficient between microwave ports, such as port 1, and all millimeter-wave array ports, such as ports 3 to 6, is |S|. 13 |、|S 14 The isolation level is below -35dB in the microwave band and even below -43dB in the millimeter-wave band. This superior isolation level directly verifies the effectiveness of the isolation structure formed by the metallized via wall 1-2 of the first radiating patch 1-1. This structure successfully suppresses surface wave propagation of the millimeter-wave array and significantly reduces near-field electromagnetic coupling between the two frequency band antennas, thereby ensuring that the microwave and millimeter-wave antennas can operate independently with minimal mutual interference despite high integration and shared profile.

[0031] The various embodiments in this disclosure are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0032] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A dual-beam microwave / millimeter-wave antenna, comprising a first metal layer, a first insulating layer, a second metal layer, a second insulating layer, a metal ground layer, a third insulating layer, and a feed layer stacked sequentially, characterized in that: The first metal layer includes two symmetrically arranged first radiating patches and at least one second radiating patch; the second radiating patch is located between the two first radiating patches; The second metal layer includes at least one driving patch aligned with the second radiating patch, the driving patch being connected to the metal ground layer; The first radiating patch is connected to the feed layer via a feed probe and generates a first bidirectional radiating beam in the microwave band via a metallized via wall connected to the metal ground layer. The second radiating patch is electromagnetically coupled to the driving patch, and generates a second bidirectional radiating beam in the millimeter-wave band.

2. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second radiating patch and the driving patch form a stacked structure, including the second radiating patch at the top layer and the driving patch at the middle layer, and the cross-sectional height of the stacked structure is the same as the cross-sectional height of the first radiating patch.

3. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving patch has four metallized blind holes, which are centrally symmetrically distributed on the driving patch.

4. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second radiating patch is a grid-shaped metal patch, which is composed of a square metal patch with four centrally symmetrical square grooves etched on it.

5. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first radiating patch constitutes a planar inverted F antenna.

6. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two first radiating patches are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the second radiating patch, and the metallized via walls of the first radiating patches constitute an electromagnetic barrier to suppress surface waves.

7. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed layer includes feed metal strips for forming independent microwave feed networks and millimeter-wave feed networks.

8. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The microwave feed network and the millimeter-wave feed network are respectively connected to the corresponding antenna elements through independent probes.

9. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the metallized blind aperture is determined based on the waveguide wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the millimeter-wave band.

10. The dual-beam microwave millimeter-wave antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dimensions of the square groove are determined based on the waveguide wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the millimeter-wave band.

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