Patch antenna unit, patch antenna array and communication equipment

By designing a sandwich short-circuit patch structure and a coupled grounding metal sheet, the phased array antenna achieved wide beam and self-decoupling functions, solved the problem of impedance matching and isolation performance degradation caused by inter-unit coupling, broadened the operating bandwidth, and simplified the structure.

CN121812934APending Publication Date: 2026-04-07SOUTH CHINA UNIV OF TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-01-05
Publication Date
2026-04-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When implementing wide-angle scanning, existing phased array antennas suffer from reduced impedance matching and isolation performance due to inter-element coupling. Existing decoupling technologies have limited bandwidth and complex structures, making them difficult to apply to beam-scanning phased arrays.

Method used

A sandwich short-circuit patch structure is adopted. Wide beam is achieved by superimposing the reverse radiated current on the radiating patch and the short-circuit patch. Combined with the coupling-type grounding metal plate to control the coupling path, the self-decoupling function is realized, simplifying the structure.

Benefits of technology

It achieves wide beam characteristics and high self-decoupling capability, broadens the operating bandwidth, improves port isolation and scanning angle, reduces antenna structure complexity, and is suitable for millimeter wave and microwave frequency bands.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a patch antenna unit, a patch antenna array and communication equipment, and belongs to the technical field of wireless communication. The patch antenna unit comprises a dielectric substrate, and a radiation patch, an interlayer short circuit patch and a floor which are arranged in sequence. The radiation current generated by the radiation patch and the coupling current induced by the short-circuit patch are opposite in direction, and the radiation electric fields of the radiation patch and the short-circuit patch are superposed to realize the wide-beam characteristic. In the array, the second coupling path introduced by the short-circuit patch and the original first coupling path between the radiation patches are reversely cancelled, so that self-decoupling is realized, and the port isolation is improved. And the coupling type grounding metal sheet is loaded at the edge of the short circuit patch, so that the isolation degree is further improved. According to the phased-array antenna constructed based on the unit, the isolation degree is larger than 25 dB within the working bandwidth exceeding 20%, and wide-angle scanning not smaller than + / -74 degrees is achieved. In the wave beam scanning process, the active reflection coefficient in the working frequency band is basically kept below-10 dB.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a patch antenna element, a patch antenna array, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Phased arrays, with their wide-angle scanning characteristics, play a crucial role in modern 5G mobile communication systems. According to phased array theory, while smaller element spacing enables a wide scanning angle, it also leads to strong coupling between adjacent antenna elements. This inter-element coupling negatively impacts impedance matching and isolation performance, thus affecting scanning performance.

[0003] Many researchers have investigated decoupling techniques for phased arrays, including the use of decoupling feed networks, defective ground plane structures, additional decoupling structures, and self-decoupling structures. The first prior art solution uses a defective ground plane structure to suppress surface waves on the ground plane, improving the isolation between elements by 5-7 dB. However, this method has limited decoupling bandwidth. The second prior art solution arranges additional partially reflective metasurfaces above the array; the introduced reflection paths cancel out the original coupling paths, thereby improving decoupling performance. However, this method increases the array complexity, and the decoupling bandwidth remains limited.

[0004] Self-decoupling technology achieves decoupling without introducing additional decoupling structures, thus significantly reducing antenna structural complexity and attracting attention from researchers both domestically and internationally. In the third existing technical solution, self-decoupling is achieved by changing the feed point's position. However, current self-decoupling technologies still suffer from limited operating bandwidth and are difficult to effectively apply to beam-scanning phased arrays. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to propose a patch antenna unit, patch antenna array, and communication device with self-decoupling and wide-angle scanning functions. The aim is to simultaneously achieve the wide beam characteristics of the antenna unit, the high self-decoupling capability of the array, and ultimately realize wide-angle scanning in the phased array, while possessing a wide operating bandwidth and a simple structure.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this application provides a patch antenna element, comprising: Dielectric substrate; A radiating patch disposed on the top layer of the dielectric substrate; A sandwich short-circuit patch disposed between the different dielectric substrates; and A floor disposed on the bottom layer of the dielectric substrate; The short-circuit patch is electrically connected to the ground plane through one or more short-circuit metal structures; The radiating patch is configured to excite and generate a radiating current, and the short-circuit patch is configured to induce and generate a coupling current. The radiating current on the radiating patch J 1. Determines beamwidth and radiated current J The height of 1 is h 1; There is a reverse coupling current on the short-circuit patch. J 2, its height is h 2. Radiation current at distance from the top layer J The height of 1 is h 3. The radiated electric fields of the two currents superimpose in the far field, exhibiting a wider beam radiation characteristic. The formula for the electric field of the radiated current on the radiating patch. E 1 is: (1) in λ 0 is the wavelength of the center frequency in free space. The electric field formula for the double-layer reverse radiation current mode in this design is... E 2 is: (2) According to the calculation results of formulas (1) and (2), the 3-dB beamwidth of the double-layer reverse radiation current mode is wider than that of the single-layer radiation current mode, with a value of 148°. Therefore, the radiation current and the coupling current are in opposite directions, and their radiated electric fields are superimposed in the far field, thereby giving the patch antenna element a broadened radiation beamwidth.

[0007] In some embodiments, the short-circuit patch is a polygonal metal patch with one or more slits etched on its surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, a probe-feeding method is used, in which a feeding probe passes through a gap in the short-circuit patch and is directly connected to the radiating patch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the surface of the radiating patch is etched with slits to increase the operating bandwidth of the patch antenna unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the slits on the radiating patch operate in a mode where the center frequency corresponds to half the wavelength.

[0011] In some embodiments, the width of the broadened radiating beam is determined by the relative distance between the radiating patch, the short-circuiting patch, and the floor.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the embodiments of this application proposes a patch antenna array, including a plurality of patch antenna elements as described above; A first coupling path is formed between the radiating patch of the first patch antenna unit and the radiating patch of the second patch antenna unit; A second coupling path is formed between the short-circuit patch of the first patch antenna element and the radiating patch of the second patch antenna element; A third coupling path is formed by coupling from the short-circuit patch of the first patch antenna element, through the short-circuit patch of the second patch antenna element, to the radiating patch of the second patch antenna element; Specifically, the second coupling path cancels out the first coupling path, thereby improving the port isolation between the first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit and achieving self-decoupling function.

[0013] A coupled grounding metal plate is loaded at the edge of the short-circuit patch to reduce the negative impact of the third coupling path.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of patch antenna elements are arranged linearly, staggered, or in a two-dimensional arrangement.

[0015] In some embodiments, good active impedance matching is achieved during beam scanning due to the high port isolation between the first patch antenna element and the second patch antenna element.

[0016] In some embodiments, a coupling grounding metal plate is loaded at the edge of the short-circuit patch, the coupling grounding metal plate being configured to reduce the influence of the third coupling path, thereby further improving the port isolation.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of this application proposes a wide-angle scanning phased array antenna, including the patch antenna array described above. By controlling the phase difference between adjacent patch antenna elements, the beam of the antenna array is made to scan in free space. The wide beam characteristics of the patch antenna elements and the self-decoupling function of the patch antenna array are fully utilized to achieve wide-angle scanning of the phased array antenna. The phased array antenna has a port isolation greater than 25 dB within a working bandwidth wider than 20%, and can achieve a beam scanning range of not less than ±74°.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the embodiments of this application proposes a wireless communication device, characterized in that it includes the patch antenna unit described above, or the patch antenna array described above, or the wide-angle scanning phased array antenna described above.

[0019] The embodiments of this application include at least the following beneficial effects: 1) Functional integration and structural simplification: The innovative sandwich short-circuit patch structure of this application realizes both beam widening and self-decoupling functions simultaneously without the need to introduce any additional decoupling structure, which greatly simplifies antenna and array design and reduces profile and cost.

[0020] 2) Excellent wide beam performance: By superimposing the far-field currents of the reverse radiated currents on the radiating patch and the short-circuit patch, the beamwidth of the antenna's E-plane or H-plane is effectively widened (for example, from 107° to more than 126°), laying the foundation for wide-angle scanning.

[0021] 3) High-efficiency broadband self-decoupling: By introducing a reverse second coupling path, the inherent mutual coupling between units is effectively canceled, and the unfavorable third coupling path in the same direction is suppressed by the coupled grounding metal plate, which significantly improves the isolation between array units by more than 10 dB in a wide frequency band.

[0022] 4) Good active impedance matching: Based on the self-decoupling method proposed above, the active reflection coefficient of the proposed phased array antenna in the working frequency band is basically kept below -10 dB during the beam scanning to the maximum scanning angle of -75° or 75°, achieving good active impedance matching effect.

[0023] 5) Excellent radiation performance: The phased array antenna built based on this antenna element achieves high isolation (>25 dB) and ultra-wide-angle scanning (≥±74°) within more than 20% of the operating bandwidth, while maintaining high gain and radiation efficiency, and its performance is superior to existing technologies in all aspects.

[0024] 6) Design flexibility and universality: This invention can be flexibly applied to different frequency bands such as millimeter waves and microwaves by adjusting the gap shape (U-shaped, V-shaped, etc.), feeding method (probe feeding, coupling feeding) and dielectric layer structure, and has wide applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of the patch antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 A top view of the upper surface of the first dielectric layer provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view of the upper surface of the third dielectric layer provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the lower surface of the third dielectric layer provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the beam widening principle provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 Simulation results of the current distribution of the patch antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application during operation.

[0031] Figure 7Comparative calculation results regarding whether or not a beam widening method is applied, provided for the first embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 8 The calculation results regarding the influence of the height of the interlayer short-circuit patch on the beamwidth are provided for the first embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 9 Comparative simulation results regarding whether or not beam widening methods are applied, provided for the first embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 10 The simulation results provided for the first embodiment of this application regarding the influence of the height of the interlayer short-circuit patch on the beamwidth.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a top view of the upper surface of the third dielectric layer provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the lower surface of the third dielectric layer provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the coupling path between general patch antenna elements, provided for the second embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the coupling path between self-decoupling antenna elements, provided for the second embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 15 The simulation results comparing the S-parameters of the arrays composed of general patch antenna elements provided in the first and second embodiments of this application with respect to the first and second embodiments are shown.

[0040] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of an extended 1×8 phased array structure provided for the second embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing the simulation and test results of the active reflection coefficient of the extended 1×8 phased array under beam scanning conditions provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 18 Simulation and test results of beam scanning for the 1×8 phased array provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 19 Simulation and test curves of the normal gain and efficiency of the 1×8 phased array provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of an antenna unit operating in the microwave frequency band, provided for the third embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 21 This is a structural diagram of an antenna unit operating in the microwave frequency band, provided for the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the patch antenna unit provided in the first embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit it. In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this application; they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0048] 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 application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0049] Phased array antennas play a crucial role in modern 5G mobile communications, radar detection, satellite communications, and the Internet of Things (IoT) systems due to their flexible beam scanning and high gain characteristics. According to phased array theory, to achieve wide-angle scanning without high grating lobes, the spacing between antenna elements typically needs to be less than half a wavelength. However, small element spacing leads to strong mutual coupling between adjacent elements. This mutual coupling severely degrades the impedance matching of antenna elements, reduces port isolation, and causes a sharp drop in gain and beam pointing deviation during beam scanning, thus limiting the overall performance of the phased array.

[0050] To suppress mutual coupling between antenna elements, researchers have proposed various decoupling techniques, mainly including: a) Decoupling feeder network: A compensation signal is introduced through a complex feeder network, but the design is complex and the bandwidth is narrow.

[0051] b) Defective floor structure: Surface wave propagation is suppressed by etching gaps in the floor. For example, the literature (A. Askarian et al., “Surface-wave control technique for mutual couplingmitigation in array antenna,” IEEE Micro. Wireless Compon. Lett., vol. 32, no. 6, pp. 623-626, Jun. 2022.) uses this method to improve isolation by 5-7 dB, but its decoupling bandwidth is limited.

[0052] c) Additional decoupling structures: Introducing additional resonant structures or metasurfaces above the array or between elements. For example, the literature (Z. Wang et al., “Decoupling and wide-angle scanning design of a millimeter-wave phased array using square-ring metasurface,” IEEE Antennas WirelessPropag. Lett., vol. 22, no. 8, pp. 1828-1832, Aug. 2023.) uses a square-ring metasurface to introduce a reflection path to cancel the original coupling path. While effective, this method increases the profile height, structural complexity, and manufacturing cost, and the decoupling bandwidth remains limited.

[0053] d) Self-decoupling technology: By cleverly designing the antenna element itself, it can possess decoupling capability while radiating, without the need for additional structures, which is beneficial for system miniaturization and integration. For example, the literature (H. Lin et al., “Weak-field-based self-decoupling patch antennas,” IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag., vol. 68, no.6, pp. 4208–4217, Jun. 2020.) achieves self-decoupling by optimizing the feed point location. However, existing self-decoupling technologies often have narrow operating bandwidths and are difficult to apply to scanning phased array antennas.

[0054] In view of this, this application provides a patch antenna array with self-decoupling and wide-angle scanning functions, belonging to the fields of mobile communication, radar detection, satellite communication, and the Internet of Things. The antenna array includes several linearly arranged patch antenna elements and a ground plane. Each patch antenna element consists of a top radiating patch and a sandwich short-circuit patch. A radiating current is generated on the radiating patch, and a coupling current is generated on the short-circuit patch. The radiating current and the coupling current are in opposite directions, and their radiated electric fields are superimposed in the far field, achieving wide-beam radiation characteristics. A first coupling path is formed between the radiating patch of the first patch antenna element and the radiating patch of the second patch antenna element; a second coupling path is introduced between the short-circuit patch of the first patch antenna element and the radiating patch of the second patch antenna element; a third coupling path couples from the short-circuit patch of the first patch antenna element, through the short-circuit patch of the second patch antenna element, to the radiating patch of the second patch antenna element. The second coupling path cancels out the first coupling path, thereby improving the port isolation between adjacent antenna elements. A coupled grounding metal plate is loaded at the edge of the short-circuit patch to reduce the negative impact of the third coupling path. Based on the described broadband antenna element, beam widening method, and self-decoupling implementation method, a wide-angle scanning phased array antenna is developed. This phased array antenna utilizes a simple structure to achieve high isolation over a wide operating bandwidth, while simultaneously realizing a wide scanning range.

[0055] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0056] For ease of description, the following text and accompanying drawings will use a patch antenna array based on a broadband antenna element, beam widening method, and self-decoupling implementation method as an example to illustrate the structure of the self-decoupling and wide-angle scanning phased array antenna provided in the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to patch antenna arrays based on broadband antenna elements, beam widening method, and self-decoupling implementation method, but should include all self-decoupling wide-beam antenna elements with the features of the present invention and their corresponding self-decoupling and wide-angle scanning phased array antennas.

[0057] First embodiment: like Figure 1 As shown, in the first embodiment, the first dielectric substrate 1 and the third dielectric substrate 3 used are Rogers 5880 dielectric substrates, and the second dielectric substrate is an adhesive layer, which is a Rogers 4450 dielectric substrate.

[0058] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 22As shown, a U-shaped slot structure 12 is loaded on the surface of the square radiating patch 11 on the upper surface of the first dielectric substrate 1, as... Figure 1 As shown by the central vertical double solid lines, a feed metal pillar 13 penetrates the three-layer dielectric substrate, connecting the top radiating patch and the bottom feed patch 41 together. The radiating patch 11 with the U-shaped slot structure 12 has both patch resonant mode and slot resonant mode, expanding the operating bandwidth of the antenna element.

[0059] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a square slot 32 is etched on the surface of the sandwich short-circuit patch 31 on the third dielectric substrate 3, and a metal short-circuit post 33 is connected to the metal ground plane on the lower surface of the third dielectric substrate 3 near each of the four sides of the slot.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the left figure is a schematic diagram of the radiation principle of a common patch antenna, which is determined by the radiated current on the radiating patch. J 1. Determines beamwidth and radiated current J The height of 1 is h 1; The right figure is a schematic diagram of the radiation principle of the wide-beam antenna element of the first embodiment, with a reverse coupling current on the short-circuit patch. J 2, its height is h 2. Radiation current at distance from the top layer J The height of 1 is h 3. The radiated electric fields of the two currents superimpose in the far field, exhibiting a wider beam radiation characteristic.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the simulation results of the current on the wide beam antenna unit when it is working show that the coupling current on the short-circuit patch 31 is opposite to the radiation current of the top radiating patch 11.

[0062] Furthermore, the electric field formula for the radiated current of a typical patch antenna... E 1 is: (1) in λ 0 is the wavelength of the center frequency in free space. The electric field formula for the double-layer reverse radiation current mode in this design is... E 2 is: (2) like Figure 7 As shown, according to the calculation results of formulas (1) and (2), the 3 dB beamwidth of the double-layer reverse radiation current mode is wider than that of the single-layer radiation current mode, with a value of 148°.

[0063] Further, see Figure 8According to formula (2), the beamwidth of the double-layer reverse radiation current mode in this design is given. h The relationship between 2, when h 2 from 0.015 λ 0 increased to 0.06 λ At 0°, its beamwidth increases from 124° to 134°.

[0064] like Figure 9 As shown, simulated radiation patterns of the xoz plane are presented for a conventional patch antenna and the designed wide-beam antenna element. The 3 dB beamwidth is increased from 107° to 126°. Figure 7 The calculation results are basically consistent. Figure 10 The simulation results show that the radiation pattern of the designed wide-beam antenna element varies with... h It widens with the increase of 2, and Figure 8 The calculation results show a consistent trend.

[0065] Second embodiment: like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the second embodiment provided in this application improves the decoupling capability of the antenna element in the array by changing the sandwich short-circuit patch structure 31 in the third dielectric substrate 3 and adding multiple short-circuit metal pillars 52 surrounded by slots 51. The second embodiment loads a coupling-type grounding metal sheet at the edge of the short-circuit patch structure.

[0066] like Figure 13 As shown, the coupling principle between ordinary patch antenna elements can be represented by the first coupling path, where the radiated current on the excited antenna element... J 1. Reverse coupling currents were generated on adjacent coupled antenna elements spaced half a wavelength apart. J 1 ’ The coupling principle between the designed self-decoupling antenna elements is as follows: Figure 14 As shown, compared to a regular patch antenna, it has two additional coupling paths. The second coupling path is the coupling current on the short-circuit patch of the excited antenna element. J 2. Radial patches pointing towards adjacent coupling units generate reverse coupling currents. J 2 ’ , J 2 ’ and J 1 ’ In reverse, self-decoupling can be achieved. The third coupling path is the coupling current on the short-circuit patch cell of the excited cell. J 2. A short-circuit patch pointing to an adjacent coupling unit generates a coupling current. J 3. Then, it is coupled to the top radiating patch of the coupling unit, generating a coupling current.J 3 ’ , J 3 ’ and J 1 ’ The same direction weakens the self-decoupling effect of the second coupling path.

[0067] Furthermore, to eliminate the weakening effect of the third coupling path and ensure the original self-decoupling effect, the coupling-type grounding metal sheet of the second embodiment plays a role. The purpose of the coupling-type grounding metal sheet is to reduce the coupling current on the coupling unit. J 3. However, this does not affect the coupling current on the excited unit that can broaden the beam. J 2. According to Figure 15 The S-parameter simulation results of the array composed of the ordinary patch antenna element, the first embodiment, and the second embodiment shown can be seen that the isolation of the first embodiment is improved by 4.9 dB compared with the ordinary patch antenna; the isolation of the second embodiment is improved by 10.7 dB.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 16 As shown, according to the self-decoupling and wide-beam antenna proposed in the second embodiment, a 1×8 antenna array distributed along the X-axis is extended, and an SMPM metal base 6 is welded under the ground for feeding. Figure 17 Simulation and test results of the active reflection coefficient of this extended 1×8 phased array under beam scanning conditions are presented. This antenna array possesses beam scanning capability. Figure 18 Simulation and test results of the phased array antenna's scanning performance at 27 GHz are presented. It can be seen that its maximum scanning angle can reach ±74°, with gain dropout within 3 dB and sidelobe level controlled below -9.2 dB. Figure 19 As shown, the proposed phased array antenna exhibits stable gain within the operating frequency band, with simulation results remaining within 13.4~14.5 dBi and test results remaining within 12.4~14.2 dBi, and the two curves showing good agreement. Furthermore, the efficiency is stable within the operating frequency band, with simulation results remaining within 89%~96% and test results remaining within 78%~91%, and the two curves showing good agreement.

[0069] Third embodiment: like Figure 20 As shown, the second embodiment provided in this application can shift the millimeter-wave frequency band in the first embodiment to the microwave frequency band by changing the size and structure, thus obtaining the third embodiment. Figure 1 In the third embodiment, the three-layer dielectric substrate is a non-essential structure. The U-shaped gap 12 in the top radiating patch can be replaced with other shapes, such as a V-shaped gap 71, and the square gap 32 on the short-circuit patch can be replaced with a circular gap 72.

[0070] Fourth embodiment: like Figure 21 As shown, this application provides a fourth embodiment operating in the microwave frequency band. The feeding method of the first embodiment is changed to a coupled feeding method in the fourth embodiment, using an L-shaped metal feeding probe 81 to couple the signal to the top radiating patch. The short-circuit metal post of the coupled grounding metal sheet structure of the second embodiment can be replaced with a short-circuit metal sheet 82.

[0071] Fifth embodiment: This embodiment also provides a communication device, which is a transmitting and receiving device for a wireless communication system, including the aforementioned broadband self-decoupling wide-angle scanning phased array antenna. This device can be a 5G base station, a satellite communication terminal, a radar module, or an IoT gateway, etc. This device includes the patch antenna unit, patch antenna array, or wide-angle scanning phased array antenna described in any of the above embodiments, thereby achieving excellent communication performance and scanning capability.

[0072] In summary, this application designs a patch antenna array with self-decoupling and wide-angle scanning capabilities, achieving wide beamforming and self-decoupling of the patch antenna element. The wide beam effect is achieved because the double-layer reverse radiated current on the radiating patch and the short-circuit patch exhibits a wide beam radiation pattern in the far field. Simultaneously, the short-circuit patch structure introduces additional coupling paths, which are effectively controlled by adding a coupling-type grounding metal plate, ultimately achieving optimal self-decoupling. Finally, based on this broadband self-decoupling wide-beam antenna element, a 1×8 phased array antenna was configured, achieving a scanning range of ±75° with 22% operating bandwidth.

Claims

1. A patch antenna element, characterized in that, include: The top layer operates in half-wavelength mode radiation patch; The floor located at the bottom; The short-circuit patch is located between the radiating patch and the floor layer; The short-circuit patch is electrically connected to the ground plane through one or more short-circuit metal structures; The radiating patch is configured to excite and generate a radiating current, and the short-circuiting patch is configured to induce and generate a coupling current. The relative distance between the short-circuiting patch and the floor is adjusted to 0.015 – 0.

06. λ 0, λ 0 is the guided wave wavelength corresponding to the center frequency. The direction of the radiated current is opposite to that of the coupled current. The radiated electric fields of the two are superimposed in the far field, thereby widening the beamwidth of the patch antenna element.

2. The patch antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, A probe-feeding method is adopted, in which the feeding probe passes through the gap on the short-circuit patch and is directly connected or coupled to the radiating patch for feeding.

3. The patch antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The short-circuit patch is a polygonal metal patch with one or more slits etched on its surface.

4. The patch antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the radiating patch is etched with slots, which increase the operating bandwidth of the patch antenna element.

5. The patch antenna unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The slits on the radiating patch operate in a mode where the center frequency corresponds to half the wavelength.

6. The patch antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, A slot structure is loaded on the short-circuit patch to ensure that the power supply probe is not directly connected to the short-circuit patch.

7. A patch antenna array comprising a plurality of patch antenna elements as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: A first coupling path is formed between the radiating patch of the first patch antenna unit and the radiating patch of the second patch antenna unit; A second coupling path is formed between the short-circuit patch of the first patch antenna element and the radiating patch of the second patch antenna element; A third coupling path is formed by coupling from the short-circuit patch of the first patch antenna element, through the short-circuit patch of the second patch antenna element, to the radiating patch of the second patch antenna element; Specifically, the second coupling path cancels out the first coupling path, thereby improving the port isolation between the first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit and achieving self-decoupling function. A coupled grounding metal plate is loaded at the edge of the short-circuit patch to reduce the negative impact of the third coupling path.

8. The patch antenna array according to claim 7, characterized in that, The multiple patch antenna elements are arranged linearly, staggered, or in a two-dimensional arrangement.

9. The patch antenna array according to claim 7, characterized in that, Based on the high port isolation between the first patch antenna element and the second patch antenna element, good active impedance matching is achieved during beam scanning.

10. A wide-angle scanning phased array antenna, characterized in that, The patch antenna array, including any one of claims 7 to 9, enables the beam of the antenna array to scan in free space by controlling the phase difference between adjacent patch antenna elements; and fully utilizes the wide beam characteristics of the patch antenna elements and the self-decoupling function of the patch antenna array to achieve wide-angle scanning of the phased array antenna.

11. A wireless communication device, characterized in that, It includes the patch antenna element as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the patch antenna array as described in any one of claims 7 to 9, or the wide-angle scanning phased array antenna as described in claim 10.