Directional coupler and antenna

Abstract

The invention provides a directional coupler and an antenna, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The directional coupler comprises a first dielectric substrate, a second dielectric substrate, an adjustable dielectric layer, a main signal line, a coupling signal line, a first branch structure and a first reference electrode layer, wherein the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate are oppositely arranged; the adjustable dielectric layer, the main signal line, the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are arranged between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate; at least one of the main signal line and the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on the two sides of the adjustable dielectric layer in the thickness direction of the adjustable dielectric layer respectively; when the main signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on the two sides of the adjustable dielectric layer in the thickness direction of the adjustable dielectric layer respectively, the orthographic projection of the first branch structure and the orthographic projection of the main signal line on the first dielectric substrate are at least partially overlapped. When the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on the two sides of the adjustable dielectric layer in the thickness direction of the adjustable dielectric layer respectively, the orthographic projection of the first branch structure and the orthographic projection of the coupling signal line on the first dielectric substrate are at least partially overlapped.

Description

Directional coupler and antenna TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a directional coupler and an antenna. BACKGROUND

[0002] A directional coupler is composed of a main signal line and a coupling signal line, and is widely applied in power monitoring systems, measurement systems, power distribution and synthesis systems. As shown in FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of the basic structure of a directional coupler in the prior art, the main signal line of the coupler has two ports, which are an input end and a straight-through end, and the coupling signal line also has two ports, which are a coupling end and an isolation end. When an alternating current signal is input from the input end to the main signal line, due to the action of the parasitic capacitance and the parasitic inductance between the main signal line and the coupling signal line, a coupling signal will be generated on the coupling signal line, which is output from the coupling end and the isolation end. The conventional directional coupler has the problems of fixed coupling degree and isolation degree, and poor universality, and thus the internal structure needs to be adjusted or the directional coupler needs to be redesigned, resulting in a complex and tedious debugging process and high cost.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and provides a directional coupler and an antenna.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a directional coupler, which comprises oppositely arranged first and second dielectric substrates, an adjustable dielectric layer arranged between the first and second dielectric substrates, a main signal line, a coupling signal line and a first branch structure, and a first reference electrode layer arranged on the side of the first dielectric substrate away from the adjustable dielectric layer; wherein,

[0006] At least one of the main signal line and the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on opposite sides of the adjustable dielectric layer along the thickness direction of the adjustable dielectric layer.

[0007] When the main signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on opposite sides of the adjustable dielectric layer along the thickness direction of the adjustable dielectric layer, the first branch structure and the main signal line at least partially overlap in the orthographic projection on the first dielectric substrate.

[0008] When the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on opposite sides of the adjustable dielectric layer along the thickness direction of the adjustable dielectric layer, the first branch structure and the coupling signal line at least partially overlap in the orthographic projection on the first dielectric substrate.

[0009] The main signal line is located on the side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the first dielectric substrate, the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are both located on the side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the second dielectric substrate, and the first branch structure is connected on one side of the extension direction of the coupling signal line.

[0010] The main signal line comprises a main body part and a second branch structure connected in the extension direction of the main body part, and the first branch structure and the second branch structure have overlapping projections on the first dielectric substrate.

[0011] The main signal line and the coupling signal line are both located on the side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the first dielectric substrate, and the first branch structure is located on the side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the second dielectric substrate.

[0012] The directional coupler has a coupling region, and the first branch structure is located in the coupling region; the coupling directional coupler further comprises a third dielectric substrate arranged on the side of the reference layer away from the first dielectric substrate, and a first slot part located in the coupling region and penetrating through the first reference electrode layer and part of the thickness of the third dielectric substrate.

[0013] The coupling signal line is alternately arranged and connected with at least one first coupling section and at least one second coupling section along the extension direction thereof; the distance between the first coupling section and the main signal line is different from the distance between the second coupling section and the main signal line.

[0014] The coupling signal line is alternately arranged and connected with at least one first coupling section and at least one second coupling section along the extension direction thereof; the widths of the first coupling section and the second coupling section are different.

[0015] The coupling signal line comprises a coupling end, an isolation end, and a coupling section connected between the coupling end and the isolation end; the branch structure is connected to the coupling section, and the coupling section is a meandering line.

[0016] The coupling signal line comprises a coupling end, an isolation end, and a coupling section connected between the coupling end and the isolation end;

[0017] The main signal line comprises a first sub-signal section and a second sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction thereof, and a first connecting section connecting the first sub-signal section and the second sub-signal section;

[0018] The coupling section comprises a third sub-signal section and a fourth sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction thereof, and a second connecting section connecting the third sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section;

[0019] The first connection section and the second connection section are arranged in cross on the normal projection of the first dielectric substrate.

[0020] The directional coupler comprises N coupling units, and each coupling unit comprises a first transmission line and a second transmission line.

[0021] The second end of the i-th first transmission line is connected to the first end of the i+1-th first transmission line to form the main signal line.

[0022] The fourth end of the i-th second transmission line is connected to the third end of the i+1-th second transmission line to form the coupling signal line.

[0023] The first transmission section comprises a first sub-signal section and a second sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the first transmission section, and a first connection section connecting the first sub-signal section and the second sub-signal section.

[0024] The second transmission section comprises a third sub-signal section and a fourth sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the second transmission section, and a second connection section connecting the third sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section.

[0025] The first connection section and the second connection section are arranged in cross on the normal projection of the first dielectric substrate.

[0026] The coupling signal line comprises a coupling end, an isolation end, and a coupling section connecting the coupling end and the isolation end.

[0027] The main signal line comprises a first sub-signal section and a second sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the main signal line and connected.

[0028] The coupling section comprises a third sub-signal section and a fourth sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the coupling section and connected.

[0029] The second sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section are arranged in cross on the normal projection of the first dielectric substrate.

[0030] The extension direction of the first sub-signal section is parallel to the extension direction of the fourth sub-signal section, and the extension direction of the second sub-signal section is parallel to the extension direction of the third sub-signal section.

[0031] The present disclosure provides an antenna comprising the directional coupler as described above.

[0032] The main signal line comprises an input end and a through end, and the coupling signal line comprises a coupling end and an isolation end; the antenna further comprises a first radiating structure and a second radiating structure.

[0033] The first radiating structure is connected to the through end, and the second radiating structure is connected to the coupling end.

[0034] The first radiating structure comprises a fourth dielectric substrate and at least one first radiating electrode disposed on the fourth dielectric substrate; and the second radiating structure comprises a fifth dielectric substrate and at least one second radiating electrode disposed on the fifth dielectric substrate.

[0035] The first dielectric substrate, the fourth dielectric substrate, and the fifth dielectric substrate are shared. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a basic structure of a directional coupler in the prior art.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a first example of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of A-A' of FIG. 2.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the directional coupler of FIG. 2.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a second example of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a third example of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a fourth example of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a fifth example of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a sixth example of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a seventh example of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a top view of a directional coupler according to an eighth example of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of B-B' of FIG. 11.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a directional coupler according to a ninth example of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a tenth example of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of C-C' of FIG. 14.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In order for those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used in the present disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms "first", "second" and similar terms used in the present disclosure do not represent any order, number or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "one", "an" or "the" and similar terms do not represent a quantity limitation, but represent the existence of at least one. The terms "include" or "contain" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects before the terms encompass the elements or objects listed after the terms and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "connected" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to represent relative positional relationships, and when the absolute positions of the described objects are changed, the relative positional relationships may also be changed accordingly.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a directional coupler, which includes a first dielectric substrate, a second dielectric substrate, an adjustable dielectric layer, a first reference electrode layer, a main signal line, a coupling signal line and a first branch structure. Wherein the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate are oppositely arranged, the adjustable dielectric layer is arranged between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and the first reference electrode layer is arranged on the side of the first dielectric substrate away from the adjustable dielectric layer; the main signal line and the coupling signal line are both arranged between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and at least one of the main signal line and the coupling signal line is arranged with the first branch structure on both sides of the adjustable dielectric layer along its thickness direction. When the main signal line is arranged with the first branch structure on both sides of the adjustable dielectric layer along its thickness direction, the orthographic projection of the first branch structure on the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlaps the main signal line. When the coupling signal line is arranged with the first branch structure on both sides of the adjustable dielectric layer along its thickness direction, the orthographic projection of the first branch structure on the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlaps the coupling signal line.

[0055] It is to be noted that the distance between the main signal line and the coupling signal line satisfies that the signal transmitted by the main signal line can be coupled to the coupling signal line. Specifically, the main signal line has two ports, one being an input end and the other being a through end. The coupling signal line has two ports, one being a coupling end and the other being an isolation end. When an alternating current signal is input from the input end of the main signal line, due to the parasitic capacitance and the parasitic inductance between the main signal line and the coupling signal line, a coupling signal is generated on the coupling signal line and is output from the coupling end and the isolation end.

[0056] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first branch structure and the main signal line have an overlap in the orthographic projection on the first dielectric substrate, the two form an adjustable capacitor at the overlapping position. At this time, the coupling coefficient of the coupling signal line can be changed by changing the dielectric constant of the adjustable dielectric layer between the first branch structure and the main signal line through changing the bias voltage loaded on the first branch structure and the main signal line, so as to realize the adjustable coupling degree of the directional coupler.

[0057] In some examples, the adjustable dielectric layer includes but is not limited to a liquid crystal layer, that is, is composed of liquid crystal molecules. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, only the liquid crystal layer is taken as an example of the adjustable dielectric.

[0058] In some examples, the first reference electrode layer is selected as a first ground electrode, which is convenient for control. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, only the first ground electrode is taken as an example of the first reference electrode layer.

[0059] The following is described in combination with specific examples for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the structure of the directional coupler in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] The first example: FIG. 2 is a top view of the directional coupler of the first example of the embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a sectional view of A-A' of FIG. 2; as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the directional coupler includes oppositely arranged first dielectric substrate 10 and second dielectric substrate 20, liquid crystal layer 30 arranged between the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20, main signal line 1 arranged on the side of the adjustable dielectric layer close to the first dielectric substrate 10, first ground electrode 4 arranged on the side of the first dielectric substrate 10 away from the main signal line 1, coupling signal line 2 and first branch structure 3 arranged on the side of the adjustable dielectric layer close to the second dielectric substrate 20. Among them, the number of the first branch structure 3 is multiple, the multiple first branch structures 3 are connected on one side of the extension direction of the coupling signal line 2, and the multiple first branch structures 3 are arranged at intervals, and each first branch structure 3 has an overlap with the orthographic projection of the main signal line 1 on the first dielectric substrate 10.

[0061] It should be noted that the area where the coupling between the main signal line 1 and the coupling signal line 2 occurs is referred to as a coupling area, and the first branch structure 3 is located in the coupling area. Generally, the length of the coupling area along the extension direction of the main signal line 1 is one quarter of a wavelength.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the directional coupler of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 4, the capacitance to ground formed by the coupling signal line 2 and the first ground electrode 4 is denoted as Cg, the mutual inductance capacitance formed by the main signal line 1 is denoted as C1, the mutual inductance and self inductance are denoted as M and L respectively. The adjustable capacitance formed by the main signal line 1 and the first branch structure 3 is denoted as C2. When a bias voltage is input to the coupling signal line 2 and the main signal line 1, the first branch structure 3 and the main signal line 1 form an electric field due to the overlap between the first branch structure 3 and the orthographic projection of the first branch structure 3 on the first dielectric substrate 10, and the liquid crystal molecules are driven to deflect, thereby adjusting the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 30, so as to change C2, and further change the coupling coefficient of the coupling signal line 2, so as to realize the adjustable coupling degree of the directional coupler.

[0063] In some examples, the first branch structure 3 and the coupling signal line 2 can be an integrated structure, that is, the two are arranged in the same layer and are made of the same material. In this way, the directional coupler can be made thinner, and the first branch structure 3 and the coupling signal line 2 can be formed in one patterning process, which is simple and can reduce costs. Of course, the first branch structure 3 and the coupling signal line 2 can be arranged in different layers, and an interlayer insulating layer is arranged between the two layers. The first branch structure 3 and the coupling signal line 2 can be coupled or electrically connected through a conductive via hole penetrating the interlayer insulating layer.

[0064] In some examples, the spacing between the first branch structures 3 can be equal or arranged periodically. The overlapping areas of the orthographic projections of the first branch structures 3 on the first dielectric substrate 10 can be equal or not equal. In FIG. 2, only the case where the overlapping areas of the orthographic projections of the first branch structures 3 on the first dielectric substrate 10 are equal is taken as an example.

[0065] In some examples, a spacer 40 is arranged between the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20, for maintaining the cell gap of the liquid crystal cell formed by the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20.

[0066] In the first example, the first branch structure 3 is connected to the coupling signal line 2. Similarly, the first branch structure 3 can also be connected to one side of the main signal line 1 in the extension direction, and the orthographic projection of the first branch structure 3 on the first dielectric substrate 10 overlaps the coupling signal line 2. As for the working principle, it is the same as the above-mentioned connection of the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3, and thus is not repeated here.

[0067] Second example: Fig. 5 is a top view of a directional coupler according to a second example of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 5, the structure of this example is substantially the same as that of the first example, and the only difference is that, in this example, the main signal line 1 includes a main body portion 11 and a second branch structure 12 connected to the side of the main body portion 11 in the extension direction. The orthographic projections of one first branch structure 3 and one second branch structure 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10 overlap. For example, the first branch structures 3 and the second branch structures 12 are arranged one-to-one in correspondence, and the orthographic projections of the corresponding first branch structures 3 and second branch structures 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10 overlap.

[0068] In this example, because the orthographic projections of the first branch structures 3 and the second branch structures 12 overlap, an adjustable capacitor is formed in the overlapping region of the two, and the size of the bias voltage loaded on the first branch structures 3 and the second branch structures 12 is changed to adjust the size of the adjustable capacitor, thereby changing the coupling coefficient of the coupling signal line 2 and achieving adjustable coupling of the directional coupler.

[0069] In some examples, the second branch structures 12 of the main signal line 1 are arranged in the same way as the first branch structures 3. The overlapping areas of the orthographic projections of the corresponding first branch structures 3 and second branch structures 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10 can be equal or not equal. In this example, only the case where the overlapping areas of the orthographic projections of the corresponding first branch structures 3 and second branch structures 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10 are equal is taken as an example. This structure is easier to control.

[0070] In some examples, the main body portion 11 and the second branch structure 12 of the main signal line 1 are connected as an integral structure, which is simple in structure and easy to achieve thinning of the directional coupler. Of course, the main body portion 11 and the second branch structure 12 can be located at different layers, and an interlayer insulating layer is arranged between the two. The main body portion 11 and the second branch structure 12 can be coupled or electrically connected through a conductive via hole penetrating the interlayer insulating layer.

[0071] For other structures of the directional coupler in this example, the same structures as in the first example can be used, and therefore they will not be repeated here.

[0072] Third example: Fig. 6 is a top view of a directional coupler of a third example of an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Fig. 6, the structure of this example is substantially the same as that of the second example, the difference being that the coupling signal line 2 comprises a coupling segment 21 connected between its coupling end 201 and isolation end 202, and the first branch structure 3 is connected to the coupling segment 21; the coupling segment 21 is located in the coupling region, which comprises at least one first coupling segment and at least one second coupling segment arranged alternately. In Fig. 6, only an example in which the coupling segment 21 comprises one first coupling segment and one second coupling segment is given, wherein the first coupling segment 21 is closer to the coupling segment 21 than the second coupling segment, and the distance between the first coupling segment and the main signal line 1 is greater than the distance between the second coupling segment and the main signal line 1; the first coupling segment is referred to as the main coupling segment 211, and the second coupling segment is referred to as the secondary coupling segment 212. When the input end 101 of the main signal line 1 is written with an alternating signal, the main coupling segment 211 is used to generate a main coupling signal, and the secondary coupling segment 212 is used to generate a cancellation signal. The main coupling signal on the main coupling segment 211 and the cancellation signal on the secondary coupling segment 212 cancel each other out, thereby improving the directivity of the coupler.

[0073] In some examples, in order to achieve different distances between the main coupling segment 211 and the secondary coupling segment 212 and the main signal line 1, the widths of the main coupling segment 211 and the secondary coupling segment 212 can be set to different line widths, for example, the line width of the main coupling segment 211 is smaller than that of the secondary coupling segment 212.

[0074] In the above structure, the distances between the main coupling segment 211 and the secondary coupling segment 212 and the main signal line 1 are different, thereby achieving the mutual cancellation of the main coupling signal on the main coupling segment 211 and the cancellation signal on the secondary coupling segment 212, thereby improving the directivity of the coupler. In some examples, by designing the lengths of the main coupling segment 211 and the secondary coupling segment 212 to be different, the mutual cancellation of the main coupling signal on the main coupling segment 211 and the cancellation signal on the secondary coupling segment 212 can also be achieved, thereby improving the directivity of the coupler.

[0075] For other structures of the directional coupler in this example, the same structures as in the second example can be adopted, and therefore they will not be repeated here.

[0076] Fourth example: Fig. 7 is a top view of a directional coupler of a fourth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Fig. 7, the structure of this example is substantially the same as that of the second example, the difference being that the coupling signal line 2 comprises a coupling segment 21 connected between its coupling end 201 and isolation end 202; and the first branch structure 3 is connected to the coupling segment 21. The first branch structure 3 and the coupling segment 21 are located in the coupling region. The coupling segment 21 adopts a meandering line. The adoption of the meandering line by the coupling segment 21 of the coupling signal line 2 can reduce the overall size of the coupler while improving the directivity.

[0077] In some examples, the meandering line includes at least two directional line segments, and the two directional line segments are arranged alternately and connected in sequence. For example, the extension directions of the two directional line segments are perpendicular to each other, and the extension direction of one of the two directional line segments is the same as the extension direction of the main signal line 1.

[0078] The same structure in the second example can be adopted for other structures of the directional coupler in this example, and thus is not repeated here.

[0079] Fifth example: FIG. 8 is a top view of a directional coupler of a fifth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG. 8, the first branch structure 3 in this example is connected with the coupling signal line 2, the main signal line 1 includes a main body part 11 and a second branch structure 12 connected with the main body part 11, and the orthographic projection of one second branch structure 12 and one first branch structure 3 on the first dielectric substrate 10 overlaps. For example, the first branch structure 3 and the second branch structure 12 are arranged one by one.

[0080] Specifically, the main signal line 1 includes a first sub-signal segment 111 and a second sub-signal segment 112 arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the main signal line 1, and a first connecting segment 113 connecting the first sub-signal segment 111 and the second sub-signal segment 112. The end of the first sub-signal segment 111 away from the second sub-signal segment 112 is used as the input end 101 of the signal line, and the end of the second sub-signal segment 112 away from the first sub-signal segment 111 is used as the through end 102.

[0081] The coupling signal line 2 includes a coupling end 201, an isolation end 202, and a coupling segment 21 connected between the coupling end 201 and the isolation end 202; the coupling segment 21 includes a third sub-signal segment 213 and a fourth sub-signal segment 214 arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the coupling segment 21, and a second connecting segment 215 connecting the third sub-signal segment 213 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214. The orthographic projection of the first connecting segment 113 and the second connecting segment 215 on the first dielectric substrate 10 is arranged crossly.

[0082] In some examples, the through end 102 of the main signal line 1 and the coupling segment 21 of the coupling signal line 2 are located on the same side, which facilitates wiring.

[0083] In some examples, the extension directions of the first sub-signal segment 111 and the second sub-signal segment 112 of the main signal line 1 are the same, the extension directions of the third sub-signal segment 213 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214 are the same, and the extension directions of the first sub-signal segment 111 and the third sub-signal segment 213 are the same. This kind of arrangement facilitates the coupling of the main signal line 1 and the coupling signal line 2 of the coupler, and also facilitates the miniaturization of the coupler.

[0084] In some examples, the second branch structure 12 is connected on both the first sub-signal segment 111 and the second sub-signal segment 112, the first branch structure 3 is connected on both the third sub-signal segment 213 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214, and the second branch structure 12 is not arranged on the first connection segment 113, and the first branch structure 3 is not arranged on the second connection segment 215. The second branch structure 12 connected on the first sub-signal segment 111 is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the first branch structure 3 on the fourth sub-signal segment 214, and the second branch structure 12 connected on the second sub-signal segment 112 is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the first branch structure 3 on the third sub-signal segment 213. The first branch structure 3 and the second branch structure 12 arranged in one-to-one correspondence have overlapping projections on the first dielectric substrate 10.

[0085] The other structures of the directional coupler in this example can adopt the same structures in the second example, and thus are not repeated here.

[0086] Sixth example: FIG. 9 is a top view of a directional coupler of a sixth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the directional coupler in this example includes N coupling units A, and each coupling unit A has the same structure as the coupling unit in the fifth example. Specifically, the coupling unit A includes a first transmission line 100 and a second transmission line 200. The first transmission line 100 includes a first end, a second end, and a first transmission segment connected between the first end and the second end. The second transmission line 200 includes a third end, a fourth end, and a second transmission segment connected between the third end and the fourth end. The second end of the ith first transmission line 100 is connected to the first end of the (i+1)th first transmission line 100 to form the main signal line 1. The first end of the first first transmission line 100 serves as the input end 101 of the main signal line 1, and the second end of the Nth first transmission line 100 serves as the through end 102 of the main signal line 1. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and i is 1 to N-1. The fourth end of the ith second transmission line 200 is connected to the third end of the (i+1)th second transmission line 200 to form the coupling signal line 2. The third end of the first second transmission line 200 serves as the coupling end 201 of the coupling signal line 2, and the fourth end of the Nth second transmission line 200 serves as the isolation end 202 of the coupling signal line 2.

[0087] In some examples, for any of the coupling units A, the first transmission section includes a first sub-signal section 111 and a second sub-signal section 112 arranged in sequence along the extension direction thereof, and a first connecting section 113 connecting the first sub-signal section 111 and the second sub-signal section 112; the second branch structure 12 is connected to the first sub-signal section 111 and the second sub-signal section 112. The second transmission section includes a third sub-signal section 213 and a fourth sub-signal section 214 arranged in sequence along the extension direction thereof, and a second connecting section 215 connecting the third sub-signal section 213 and the fourth sub-signal section 214; the first branch structure 3 is connected to the third sub-signal section 213 and the fourth sub-signal section 214. The first connecting section 113 and the second connecting section 215 are arranged in intersection in the orthographic projection on the first dielectric substrate 10, and the second branch structure 12 is not arranged on the first connecting section 113, and the first branch structure 3 is not arranged on the second connecting section 215. The second branch structure 12 connected to the first sub-signal section 111 is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the first branch structure 3 on the fourth sub-signal section 214, and the second branch structure 12 connected to the second sub-signal section 112 is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the first branch structure 3 on the third sub-signal section 213. The orthographic projection of the first branch structure 3 and the second branch structure 12 arranged in one-to-one correspondence on the first dielectric substrate 10 overlaps.

[0088] For the directional coupler in the sixth example being composed of a plurality of coupling units A, for each coupling unit A, the structure is substantially the same as that in the fifth example, and thus the coupler in this example is a kind of wideband coupler.

[0089] For other structures of the directional coupler in this example, the same structures in the fifth example can be adopted, and thus are not repeated here.

[0090] The seventh example: Fig. 10 is a top view of the directional coupler of the seventh example of the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Fig. 10, the structure of the directional coupler of this example is substantially the same as that of the fifth example, the difference is that the main signal line 1 in this example includes a first sub-signal segment 111 and a second sub-signal segment 112 arranged and connected in sequence along the extension direction thereof; the extension directions of the first sub-signal segment 111 and the second sub-signal segment 112 are different. The coupling segment 21 includes a third sub-signal segment 213 and a fourth sub-signal segment 214 arranged and connected in sequence along the extension direction thereof; the extension directions of the third sub-signal segment 213 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214 are different; the second sub-signal segment 112 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214 are arranged in cross projection on the first dielectric substrate 10. That is, the main signal line 1 includes two sub-signal line segments in the extension direction, and the coupling segment 21 of the coupling signal line 2 also includes two sub-signal segments in the extension direction. Among them, the end of the first sub-signal segment 111 away from the second sub-signal line segment serves as the input end 101 of the main signal line 1, and the end of the second sub-signal segment 112 away from the first sub-signal segment 111 serves as the through end 102 of the main signal line 1. The coupling end 201 of the coupling signal line 2 is connected to the end of the third sub-signal segment 213 away from the fourth sub-signal segment 214, and the isolation end 202 is connected to the end of the fourth sub-signal segment 214 away from the third sub-signal segment 213. In this example, the through end 102 and the coupling end 201 are located on the same side, which is helpful for wiring.

[0091] Continuing to refer to Fig. 10, the second branch structure 12 is connected on both the first sub-signal segment 111 and the second sub-signal segment 112, and the first branch structure 3 is connected on both the third sub-signal segment 213 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214. The orthogonal projection of one first branch structure 3 and one second branch structure 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10 overlaps, for example: the first branch structure 3 and the second branch structure 12 are arranged one by one.

[0092] In some examples, the first branch structure 3 and the coupling segment 21 are connected as an integral structure, and the second branch structure 12 and the main signal line 1 are connected as an integral structure. This helps to realize the thinning of the directional coupler. Of course, the first branch structure 3 and the coupling segment 21 can also be arranged in layers, and an interlayer insulating layer is arranged between them, and the first branch structure 3 and the coupling segment 21 can be coupled or electrically connected through a conductive via penetrating the interlayer insulating layer. Similarly, the second branch structure 12 and the main signal line 1 can also be arranged in layers, and an interlayer insulating layer is arranged between them, and the second branch structure 12 and the main signal line 1 can be coupled or electrically connected through a conductive via penetrating the interlayer insulating layer.

[0093] In some examples, the first sub-signal segment 111 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214 extend in parallel; the second sub-signal segment 112 and the third sub-signal segment 213 extend in parallel. In this way, the miniaturization of the directional coupler is facilitated. Further, the first sub-signal segment 111 and the second sub-signal segment 112 extend in perpendicular to each other, and are chamfered at the connection position to reduce energy loss. Similarly, the third sub-signal segment 213 and the fourth sub-signal segment 214 extend in perpendicular to each other, and are also chamfered at the connection position to reduce energy loss.

[0094] For other structures of the directional coupler in the seventh example, the same structures as the fifth example can be adopted, and thus are not repeated here.

[0095] The eighth example: FIG. 11 is a top view of a directional coupler of an eighth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is a sectional view of B-B' of FIG. 11; as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, this example is different from the structures of the directional couplers in the above examples in that, in this example, the main signal line 1 and the coupled signal line 2 are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer 30, and the first branch structure 3 is located on the side of the liquid crystal layer 30 away from the main signal line 1. For example, the main signal line 1 and the coupled signal line 2 are located on the side of the liquid crystal layer 30 close to the first dielectric substrate 10, and the first branch structure 3 is located on the side of the liquid crystal layer 30 close to the second dielectric substrate 20. The first ground electrode 4 is arranged on the side of the first dielectric substrate 10 away from the liquid crystal layer 30. The two ends of the first branch structure 3 respectively overlap the orthographic projections of the main signal line 1 and the coupled signal line 2 on the first dielectric substrate 10, that is, the overlapping positions of the main signal line 1 and the first branch structure 3 can form an adjustable capacitor, and the overlapping positions of the coupled signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3 can form an adjustable capacitor. By loading a bias voltage to the main signal line 1 and the coupled signal line 2, and the first branch structure 3, the capacitance of the formed adjustable capacitor is changed, so that the coupling coefficient of the coupled signal line 2 is changed, and the adjustable coupling degree of the directional coupler is realized.

[0096] In some examples, the number of the first branch structures 3 is multiple, and the multiple first branches are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the main signal line 1. The spacing between the first branch structures 3 can be equal or periodically arranged.

[0097] For other structures of this example, the same structures as the above directional coupler can be adopted, and thus are not repeated here.

[0098] The ninth example: Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the directional coupler of the ninth example of the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Fig. 13, the example is substantially the same as the structure of the eighth example, the difference is only that a second reference electrode is arranged on the side of the second dielectric substrate 20 away from the liquid crystal layer 30, the second reference electrode can also be a ground electrode, in order to facilitate the description, the ground electrode is referred to as the second ground electrode 5.

[0099] In this example, since the second ground electrode 5 is arranged on the side of the second dielectric substrate 20 away from the liquid crystal layer 30, the relative permittivity of the odd mode electromagnetic field and the even mode electromagnetic field distribution region is almost equal, the odd mode phase velocity decreases, equal to the coupled mode phase velocity, and the directivity of the coupler is improved

[0100] The tenth example: Fig. 14 is a top view of the directional coupler of the tenth example of the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of C-C' of Fig. 14; as shown in Fig. 14 and 15, the directional coupler in this example is substantially the same as the above directional coupler structure, the difference is that the directional coupler can be added on the basis of the structure of the above eight examples, and a third dielectric substrate 50 and a first slot part 6. The third dielectric substrate 50 is located on the side of the first ground electrode 4 away from the first dielectric substrate 10, and the first slot part 6 is located in the coupling region and penetrates through the first ground electrode 4 and part of the thickness of the third dielectric substrate 50. The first slot part 6 is filled with air, and the even mode electromagnetic field is distributed in the air in the first slot part 6 and the liquid crystal layer 30, which is equivalent to reducing the equivalent relative dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 30 in the coupling region, the even mode phase velocity is accelerated, close to the odd mode phase velocity, thereby improving the directivity of the coupler.

[0101] It should be noted that the coupler in the tenth example is only taken as an example of adding a third dielectric substrate 50 and a first slot part 6 on the basis of the eighth coupler, but it should be understood that adding a third dielectric substrate 50 and a first slot part 6 on the basis of any of the above couplers is within the protection scope of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and will not be listed one by one here.

[0102] In some examples, regardless of the directional coupler adopting any of the above structures, the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20 therein can be selected from glass substrates, sapphire substrates, polyethylene terephthalate substrates, triallyl cyanurate substrates, and polyimide transparent flexible substrates, and printed circuit boards (PCB). Specifically, the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20 can adopt high-purity quartz glass with extremely low dielectric loss. Compared with ordinary glass substrates, the use of quartz glass for the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20 can effectively reduce the loss of microwaves, making the coupler have low power consumption and high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0103] In some examples, no matter which structure the directional coupler adopts, the materials of the main signal line 1, the coupling signal line 2, the first branch structure 3, and the first ground electrode 4 can be made of metals such as aluminum, silver, gold, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, or iron.

[0104] The disclosure also provides a preparation method of the directional coupler. For ease of description and understanding, the main signal line 1 is provided on the first dielectric substrate 10, and the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3 are provided on the second dielectric substrate 20. Specifically, the preparation method of the directional coupler includes forming the first substrate, the second substrate, the spacer 40, and the liquid crystal layer 30 between the first substrate and the second substrate. The order of forming the first substrate and the second substrate is not limited in the disclosure, and only the first substrate is formed first, and then the second substrate is formed as an example. The spacer 40 can be formed on the first substrate, or on the second substrate, or part of the structure of the spacer 40 is formed on the first substrate, and the other part of the structure is formed on the second substrate. In the disclosure, only the spacer 40 formed on the first substrate is described as an example. Next, the specific forming process of the first substrate, the second substrate, the spacer 40, and the liquid crystal layer 30 is described.

[0105] First, the formation of the first substrate is described. The steps of forming the first substrate include:

[0106] S11, providing a first dielectric substrate 10.

[0107] S12, forming a first protective layer on the first dielectric substrate 10.

[0108] In some examples, the material of the first protective layer can be a silicon nitride (SiNx) film layer. The dielectric constant of the SiNx film layer is controlled to be between 2 and 4. The first protective layer can be formed on the first dielectric substrate 10 by a method including but not limited to vapor deposition.

[0109] S13, forming a first bias signal line on the side of the first protective layer away from the first dielectric substrate 10.

[0110] In some examples, the material of the first bias signal line can be indium tin oxide (ITO). The first bias signal line is electrically connected to the subsequently formed main signal line 1 and is configured to provide a bias voltage to the main signal line 1. The formation of the first bias signal line can include forming a first conductive film layer by a method including but not limited to sputtering, then forming a photoresist layer, and forming a pattern including the first bias signal line by exposure, development, etching, and the like.

[0111] S14, forming a main signal line 1 on the side of the first bias signal line away from the first protective layer.

[0112] In some examples, the step of forming the main signal line 1 includes depositing a first metal film layer on the side of the first bias signal line facing away from the first protective layer as a first seed layer, electroplating the first seed layer to grow the first seed layer, growing the film layer thickness to a desired film layer thickness, and then forming a pattern including the main signal line 1 through a patterning process.

[0113] S15. Forming a first negative stress film layer on the side of the main signal line 1 facing away from the first protective layer.

[0114] In some examples, the first negative stress film layer can be selected from a silicon nitride (SiNx) film layer and the like, which is used to relieve the internal stress of the main signal line 1 due to the relatively thick thickness, and also protects the main signal line 1 from chemical reactions with the liquid crystal layer 30 formed subsequently and with air.

[0115] S16. Forming a spacer 40 on the side of the first negative stress film layer facing away from the main signal line 1.

[0116] In some examples, the material of the spacer 40 can be selected from resin, and the height of the spacer 40 can be 1-100 um. It should be noted that if the spacer 40 is respectively prepared on the first substrate and the second substrate, the heights of the structures of the spacer 40 on the first substrate and the second substrate can have a certain height difference, which can generally be 0.5-5 um.

[0117] S17. After the preparation of the spacer 40 is completed, a first alignment layer is formed.

[0118] In some examples, the first alignment layer can be formed in an optical alignment manner.

[0119] Next, the preparation of the second substrate is described, and the steps of forming the second substrate include:

[0120] S21. Providing a second dielectric substrate 20.

[0121] S22. Forming a second protective layer on the second dielectric substrate 20.

[0122] In some examples, the material of the second protective layer can be selected from a silicon nitride (SiNx) film layer and the like. The dielectric constant of the SiNx film layer is controlled to be between 2-4. The second protective layer can be formed on the second dielectric substrate 20 by a method including but not limited to vapor deposition.

[0123] S23. Forming a second bias signal line on the side of the second protective layer facing away from the second dielectric substrate 20.

[0124] In some examples, the material of the second bias signal line can be indium tin oxide (ITO), and the second bias signal line is electrically connected with the subsequently formed coupling signal line 2 and configured to provide a bias voltage to the coupling signal line 2. The formation of the second bias signal line can include forming a second conductive film layer by a method including but not limited to sputtering, and then forming a photoresist layer, and forming a pattern including the second bias signal line by exposure, development, etching and the like.

[0125] S24, forming the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3 on the side of the second bias signal line away from the second protective layer.

[0126] In some examples, the step of forming the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3 includes depositing a second metal film layer on the side of the second bias signal line away from the second protective layer as a second seed layer, and electroplating the two seed layers to grow the first seed layer to a desired film thickness, and then forming a pattern including the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3 by a patterning process.

[0127] S25, forming a first negative stress film layer on the side of the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3 away from the second protective layer.

[0128] In some examples, the second negative stress film layer can be a silicon nitride (SiNx) film layer or the like, which is used to relieve the internal stress of the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3 due to the relatively thick thickness, and also protects the main signal line 1 from chemical reactions with the subsequently formed liquid crystal layer 30 and air.

[0129] S16, forming a second alignment layer on the side of the second negative stress film layer away from the coupling signal line 2 and the first branch structure 3.

[0130] In some examples, the second alignment layer can be formed by photo-alignment.

[0131] Finally, the peripheral region of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is coated with a frame sealant, the first substrate and the second substrate are aligned, liquid crystal is dropped, and the preparation of the directional coupler is completed.

[0132] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an antenna, and FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the antenna according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG. 16, the antenna includes the above-described directional coupler, and the antenna can realize adjustable beam width. Of course, the antenna also includes a first radiation structure 300 and a second radiation structure 400, the first radiation structure 300 is connected with the through end 102 of the main signal line 1, and the second radiation structure 400 is connected with the coupling end 201 of the coupling signal line 2. Through the change of the coupling degree of the coupler, the horizontal plane beam width can be self-defined and adjusted.

[0133] In some examples, the first radiating structure 300 includes a fourth dielectric substrate 301 and at least one first radiating electrode 302 disposed on the fourth dielectric substrate 301, and the second radiating structure 400 includes a fifth dielectric substrate 401 and at least one second radiating electrode 402 disposed on the fifth dielectric substrate 401. When the number of first radiating electrodes 302 and the number of second radiating electrodes 402 are both plural, each first radiating electrode 302 is connected to the through end 102 of the main signal line 1 through a power divider or a combiner, and each second radiating electrode 402 is connected to the coupling end 201 of the coupling signal line 2 through a power divider or a combiner. For example, the number of first radiating electrodes 302 and the number of second radiating electrodes 402 are both plural, each first radiating electrode 302 is connected to three branches of a one-to-three power divider, and the main branch of the one-to-three power divider is connected to the through end 102 of the main signal line 1; correspondingly, each second radiating electrode 402 is connected to three branches of another one-to-three power divider, and the main branch of the one-to-three power divider is connected to the coupling end 201 of the coupling signal line 2.

[0134] Further, the fourth dielectric substrate 301 of the first radiating structure 300 and the fifth dielectric substrate 401 of the second radiating structure 400 are integrated structures with the first dielectric substrate 10, that is, the first radiating electrode 302 and the second radiating electrode 402 can be disposed on the first dielectric substrate 10, so that the coupler can be integrally processed. Of course, the fourth dielectric substrate 301 and the fifth dielectric substrate 401 can also use other material substrates, for example, printed circuit boards PCB, etc. When the fourth dielectric substrate 301 and the fifth dielectric substrate 401 are not shared with the first dielectric substrate 10, the connection between the main signal line 1 of the coupler and the first radiating electrode 302 can be achieved by coupling, jumper, etc., and the connection between the coupling signal and the second radiating electrode 402 can also be achieved by coupling, jumper, etc.

[0135] The antenna in the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a transceiving unit, a radio frequency transceiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filter unit. The antenna in the antenna system can serve as a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna. The transceiving unit can include a baseband and a receiving end. The baseband provides at least one frequency band of signals, such as 2G signals, 3G signals, 4G signals, 5G signals, etc., and sends the at least one frequency band of signals to the radio frequency transceiver. After the antenna in the antenna system receives the signals, the signals can be transmitted to the receiving end in the transceiving unit after being processed by the filter unit, the power amplifier, the signal amplifier, and the radio frequency transceiver. The receiving end can be a smart gateway, etc.

[0136] Further, the radio frequency transceiver is connected with the transceiving unit, and is used for modulating the signal sent by the transceiving unit, or is used for demodulating the signal received by the antenna and then transmitting to the transceiving unit. Specifically, the radio frequency transceiver can include a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a modulating circuit and a demodulating circuit. After the transmitting circuit receives the multiple types of signals provided by the baseband, the modulating circuit can modulate the multiple types of signals provided by the baseband, and then transmit to the antenna. The receiving circuit of the radio frequency transceiver transmits the signal received by the antenna to the demodulating circuit, and the demodulating circuit demodulates the signal and then transmits to the receiving end.

[0137] Further, the radio frequency transceiver is connected with the signal amplifier and the power amplifier, the signal amplifier and the power amplifier are further connected with the filtering unit, and the filtering unit is connected with at least one antenna. In the process of transmitting the signal by the antenna system, the signal amplifier is used for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal output by the radio frequency transceiver and then transmitting to the filtering unit; the power amplifier is used for amplifying the power of the signal output by the radio frequency transceiver and then transmitting to the filtering unit; the filtering unit can specifically include a duplexer and a filtering circuit, and the filtering unit combines and filters the signals output by the signal amplifier and the power amplifier and then transmits to the antenna, and the antenna radiates the signal. In the process of receiving the signal by the antenna system, the antenna transmits the received signal to the filtering unit, the filtering unit filters the signal received by the antenna and then transmits to the signal amplifier and the power amplifier, the signal amplifier increases the gain of the signal received by the antenna to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal, and the power amplifier amplifies the power of the signal received by the antenna. The signal received by the antenna is processed by the power amplifier and the signal amplifier and then transmitted to the radio frequency transceiver, and the radio frequency transceiver transmits to the transceiving unit.

[0138] In some examples, the signal amplifier can include multiple types of signal amplifiers, such as a low noise amplifier, without limitation.

[0139] In some examples, the antenna provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a power management unit, and the power management unit is connected with the power amplifier and provides the voltage used for amplifying the signal for the power amplifier.

[0140] It can be understood that the above implementation is only an exemplary implementation adopted for illustrating the principles of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and essence of the present application, and these modifications and improvements are also considered as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A directional coupler comprising a first dielectric substrate and a second dielectric substrate arranged oppositely, a tunable dielectric layer arranged between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, a main signal line, a coupling signal line and a first branch structure, and a first reference electrode layer arranged on a side of the first dielectric substrate away from the tunable dielectric layer; wherein, at least one of the main signal line and the coupling signal line is arranged on a side of the tunable dielectric layer away from the first branch structure; when the main signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on two sides of the tunable dielectric layer along a thickness direction of the tunable dielectric layer, a projection of the first branch structure on the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlaps a projection of the main signal line on the first dielectric substrate; when the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on two sides of the tunable dielectric layer along a thickness direction of the tunable dielectric layer, a projection of the first branch structure on the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlaps a projection of the coupling signal line on the first dielectric substrate.

2. The directional coupler of claim 1, wherein, the main signal line is arranged on a side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the first dielectric substrate, the coupling signal line and the first branch structure are arranged on a side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the second dielectric substrate, and the first branch structure is connected to a side of the coupling signal line in an extension direction of the coupling signal line.

3. The directional coupler of claim 2, wherein, the main signal line comprises a main body portion and a second branch structure connected to the main body portion in an extension direction of the main body portion, and a projection of one of the first branch structure and the second branch structure on the first dielectric substrate overlaps a projection of the other of the first branch structure and the second branch structure on the first dielectric substrate.

4. The directional coupler of claim 1, wherein, the main signal line and the coupling signal line are arranged on a side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the first dielectric substrate, and the first branch structure is arranged on a side of the tunable dielectric layer close to the second dielectric substrate.

5. The directional coupler of claim 1, wherein, the directional coupler has a coupling region, and the first branch structure is arranged in the coupling region; the directional coupler further comprises a third dielectric substrate arranged on a side of the reference layer away from the first dielectric substrate, and a first slot portion arranged in the coupling region and penetrating a partial thickness of the first reference electrode layer and the third dielectric substrate.

6. The directional coupler of any of claims 2-5, wherein, the coupling signal line comprises at least one first coupling segment and at least one second coupling segment arranged alternately and connected in an extension direction of the coupling signal line; a distance between the first coupling segment and the main signal line is different from a distance between the second coupling segment and the main signal line.

7. The directional coupler of any of claims 2-5, wherein, the coupling signal line comprises at least one first coupling segment and at least one second coupling segment arranged alternately and connected in an extension direction of the coupling signal line; a width of the first coupling segment is different from a width of the second coupling segment.

8. The directional coupler of any of claims 2-5, wherein, the coupling signal line comprises a coupling end, an isolation end, and a coupling segment connected between the coupling end and the isolation end; the branch structure is connected to the coupling segment, and the coupling segment is a meander line.

9. The directional coupler of any of claims 2-5, wherein, the coupling signal line comprises a coupling end, an isolation end, and a coupling segment connected between the coupling end and the isolation end; the main signal line comprises a first sub-signal segment and a second sub-signal segment arranged sequentially in an extension direction of the main signal line, and a first connecting segment connected between the first sub-signal segment and the second sub-signal segment. The coupling section comprises a third sub-signal section and a fourth sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the coupling section, and a second connecting section connecting the third sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section. The normal projection of the first connecting section and the second connecting section on the first dielectric substrate is arranged in intersection.

10. The directional coupler of any of claims 2-5, wherein, The directional coupler comprises N coupling units, each of which comprises a first transmission line and a second transmission line; the first transmission line comprises a first end, a second end, and a first transmission section connected between the first end and the second end; the second transmission line comprises a third end, a fourth end, and a second transmission section connected between the third end and the fourth end; The second end of the i-th first transmission line is connected to the first end of the i+1-th first transmission line, constituting the main signal line; The fourth end of the i-th second transmission line is connected to the third end of the i+1-th second transmission line, constituting the coupling signal line; N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; i is 1 to N-1. For any coupling unit, the first transmission section comprises a first sub-signal section and a second sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the first transmission section, and a first connecting section connecting the first sub-signal section and the second sub-signal section; 11. The directional coupler of claim 10, wherein, The second transmission section comprises a third sub-signal section and a fourth sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the second transmission section, and a second connecting section connecting the third sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section; The normal projection of the first connecting section and the second connecting section on the first dielectric substrate is arranged in intersection. The coupling signal line comprises a coupling end, an isolation end, and a coupling section connected between the coupling end and the isolation end; 12. The directional coupler of any of claims 2-5, wherein, The main signal line comprises a first sub-signal section and a second sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the main signal line and connected; the extension directions of the first sub-signal section and the second sub-signal section are different; The coupling section comprises a third sub-signal section and a fourth sub-signal section arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the coupling section and connected; the extension directions of the third sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section are different; The normal projection of the second sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section on the first dielectric substrate is arranged in intersection. The extension directions of the first sub-signal section and the fourth sub-signal section are parallel; the extension directions of the second sub-signal section and the third sub-signal section are parallel.

13. The directional coupler of claim 12, wherein, 14. An antenna comprising the directional coupler of any one of claims 1-13. The main signal line comprises an input end and a through end, and the coupling signal line comprises a coupling end and an isolation end; the antenna further comprises a first radiating structure and a second radiating structure; 15. The antenna of claim 14, wherein, The first radiating structure is connected to the through end, and the second radiating structure is connected to the coupling end. The first radiating structure comprises a fourth dielectric substrate and at least one first radiating electrode arranged on the fourth dielectric substrate; 16. The antenna of claim 15, wherein, The second radiating structure comprises a fifth dielectric substrate and at least one second radiating electrode arranged on the fifth dielectric substrate; The first dielectric substrate, the fourth dielectric substrate, and the fifth dielectric substrate are shared. ​

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