Dual circularly polarized antenna unit, antenna and antenna array

Abstract

The invention relates to a dual circularly polarized antenna unit, an antenna and an antenna array. The dual-circularly-polarized antenna unit comprises a circularly-polarized generator, a waveguide structure, a four-ridge waveguide power divider and a radiation unit, the circularly-polarized generator is provided with a hollow cavity, a first end of the cavity of the circularly-polarized generator is provided with a first port, the cavity of the circularly-polarized generator is internally provided with a step-shaped partition plate, and a second end of the cavity of the circularly-polarized generator is provided with a second port. The step-shaped partition plate divides the second end of the cavity of the circular polarization generator into a second port and a third port which are isolated from each other. The first end of the circular polarization generator is connected with the waveguide structure, the waveguide structure is connected with one end of the four-ridge waveguide power divider, and the other end of the four-ridge waveguide power divider is connected with the radiation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a dual circularly polarized antenna element, antenna, and antenna array. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, microwave spectrum resources are becoming increasingly congested, and signal interference within the band is becoming more and more serious, greatly limiting the improvement of communication quality and capacity. Therefore, millimeter-wave band has become a key focus for the industry. Millimeter-wave band has abundant spectrum resources, which can effectively alleviate the spectrum shortage. However, atmospheric transmission loss in this band is relatively high, and circuit loss is also much higher than in microwave band. To meet the needs of long-distance communication, high-gain array antennas are required, and waveguide transmission methods are needed to reduce circuit loss.

[0003] Circularly polarized electromagnetic waves are indispensable in communication systems, especially satellite communication systems, due to their unique advantages. They can be decomposed into the superposition of two orthogonally linearly polarized waves and can be received by various polarization antennas. They also have the ability to resist rain and fog attenuation and multipath effects, ensuring communication stability in complex environments. Among them, dual circular polarization technology can increase the number of communication channels and the isolation between channels within a limited space, becoming one of the key technologies for millimeter-wave communication.

[0004] Existing waveguide circular polarization implementation schemes generally rely on an external 3dB bridge and orthogonal mode coupler. The 3dB bridge generates two signals with a 90° phase difference, which are then synthesized into a circularly polarized wave via the orthogonal mode coupler. In this technical solution, the additional 3dB bridge and connecting waveguide not only increase the device size and manufacturing cost but also introduce additional insertion loss. Furthermore, the axial ratio performance of the antenna is affected by the interaction of multiple components such as the radiating element, feed network, and 3dB bridge, making it difficult to achieve high-efficiency circular polarization transmission over a wide bandwidth. This fails to meet the requirements of millimeter-wave communication for miniaturization, low loss, and wideband stability. Therefore, a new circular polarization technology is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, and in response to the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a dual circular polarization antenna element, antenna, and antenna array that can achieve dual circular polarization without using a 3dB bridge and an orthogonal mode coupler.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a circularly polarized antenna element, including a circular polarization generator, a waveguide structure, a four-ridged waveguide power divider, and a radiating element. The circular polarization generator has a hollow cavity, and a first port is provided at the first end of the cavity. A stepped partition is disposed within the cavity of the circular polarization generator, dividing the second end of the cavity into a mutually isolated second port and a third port. The first end of the circular polarization generator is connected to the waveguide structure, the waveguide structure is connected to one end of the four-ridged waveguide power divider, and the other end of the four-ridged waveguide power divider is connected to the radiating element.

[0007] The circularly polarized antenna unit in this application achieves linear-polarized wave to circular-polarized wave conversion without the need for an external 3dB bridge and orthogonal mode coupler by setting a common first interface at the first end of the circular polarization generator, setting a stepped partition in the cavity, and dividing the second end of the cavity into a second port and a third port that are isolated from each other. This reduces the size and manufacturing cost of the equipment and also reduces the insertion loss caused by external components and connecting waveguides. By setting the stepped partition, the linearly polarized waves input to the second and third ports form spatially orthogonal signals with a phase difference of ±90° in the cavity, directly generating circularly polarized waves with opposite rotation directions. This avoids axial ratio performance fluctuations caused by the collaboration of multiple components and improves broadband polarization purity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first port is a square port, and the second and third ports are both rectangular ports, with the second and third ports symmetrically distributed on both sides of the stepped gradient structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the waveguide structure includes a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity are connected, and the opening of the second cavity is larger than the opening of the first cavity. The first cavity is connected to a first port, and the second cavity is connected to a four-ridge waveguide power divider.

[0010] In one embodiment, the four-ridge waveguide power divider includes a third cavity, each inner wall surface of which is provided with a metal ridge. The metal ridges are arranged along the axial direction of the third cavity and are located at the center line of the inner wall surface of the third cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity are all square cavities. The opening size of the first cavity is the same as the opening size of the first port, and the opening size of the second cavity is the same as the opening size of the third cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the metal ridges on each inner wall surface of the third cavity are of the same specification, dividing the third cavity into four power distribution cavities. The radiation unit includes four independent radiation sub-units, each corresponding to a power distribution cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the height of the stepped partition is less than the height of the cavity of the circular polarization generator. The stepped partition includes a first partition and a second partition, with the second partition connected to one end of the first partition. The first partition is rectangular in shape, and the second partition is stepped in shape. The length of the first partition is the same as the length of the cavity of the circular polarization generator.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second partition includes multiple steps.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a dual circularly polarized antenna, including a first feeding network, a second feeding network, and a circularly polarized antenna element as described in the first aspect and any embodiment thereof. The first feeding network is a left-hand circularly polarized feeding network, and the second feeding network is a right-hand circularly polarized feeding network. A second port of the circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the first feeding network, and a third port of the circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the second feeding network.

[0016] Thirdly, this application provides a circularly polarized antenna array, including a first feeding network, a second feeding network, and a plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements as described in the first aspect and any one of its embodiments. The first feeding network is a left-hand circularly polarized feeding network, and the second feeding network is a right-hand circularly polarized feeding network. The second port of each circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the first feeding network, and the third port of each circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the second feeding network.

[0017] It is understood that the beneficial effects achieved by the dual circularly polarized antenna provided in the second aspect and the circularly polarized antenna array provided in the third aspect can be referred to as the beneficial effects in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A top view schematic diagram of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This application provides an exploded view of a dual-circularly polarized antenna element from one perspective, as shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a dual-circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a dual circularly polarized antenna element along the AA direction is shown.

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a dual circularly polarized antenna element along the BB direction is shown.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stepped partition in a dual-circularly polarized antenna unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the standing wave ratio of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 9 A diagram showing the axial ratio of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application embodiment;

[0028] Figure 10 A axial ratio curve of the right-hand circular polarization of the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application embodiment;

[0029] Figure 11 This application provides a 2D radiation pattern of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element with left-hand circular polarization.

[0030] Figure 12 A 2D radiation pattern of right-hand circular polarization at the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application embodiment;

[0031] Figure 13 A 3D radiation pattern of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application embodiment is a left-hand circularly polarized pattern.

[0032] Figure 14 A 3D radiation pattern of right-hand circular polarization at the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application embodiment;

[0033] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a dual circularly polarized antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 16 A axial ratio curve of the second port left-hand circular polarization of a dual circularly polarized antenna array is provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 17A axial ratio curve of the right-hand circular polarization of the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array is provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 18 This application provides a 2D radiation pattern of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array with left-hand circular polarization, as shown in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 19 A 2D radiation pattern of right-hand circular polarization at the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array is provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 20 A 3D radiation pattern of left-hand circular polarization at the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array is provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 21 This application provides a 3D radiation pattern of the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array with right-hand circular polarization.

[0040] In the picture:

[0041] 110 - Circular polarization generator; 120 - Waveguide structure; 130 - Four-ridged waveguide power divider; 140 - Radiation element;

[0042] 111 - First port; 112 - Stepped partition; 113 - Second port; 114 - Third port;

[0043] 1121 - First partition; 1122 - Second partition;

[0044] 121 - First cavity; 122 - Second cavity;

[0045] 131 - Third cavity; 132 - Metal ridge; 133 - Function distribution cavity;

[0046] 141-Radiative subunit. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0050] It should be understood that the terminology used in the description of the various examples herein is for the purpose of describing the particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various examples, the singular forms “a” (“a”, “an”) and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0051] In this application, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0052] It should also be understood that, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a sliding connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0053] It should also be understood that the term “comprising” (also referred to as “includes”, “including”, “comprises” and / or “comprising”) as used in this specification specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0054] It should be understood that the terms "an embodiment," "another embodiment," and "an implementation" used throughout the specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment or implementation is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, phrases such as "in one embodiment of this application," "in another embodiment of this application," and "a possible design" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0055] It should also be understood that the specific values ​​mentioned in the embodiments of this application are not intended to limit the specific dimensions of particular features or structures. The relevant values ​​may be illustrative examples for ease of understanding, or they may represent the theoretically optimal value for a certain feature. In practice, the relevant dimensions may be a range of values, and the appropriate value shall prevail in practice as long as the corresponding technical effect can be achieved.

[0056] With the rapid development of wireless communication technology, microwave spectrum resources are becoming increasingly congested, and signal interference within the band is becoming more and more serious, greatly limiting the improvement of communication quality and capacity. Therefore, millimeter-wave band has become a key focus for the industry. Millimeter-wave band has abundant spectrum resources, which can effectively alleviate the spectrum shortage. However, atmospheric transmission loss in this band is relatively high, and circuit loss is also much higher than in microwave band. To meet the needs of long-distance communication, high-gain array antennas are required, and waveguide transmission methods are needed to reduce circuit loss.

[0057] Circularly polarized electromagnetic waves are indispensable in communication systems, especially satellite communication systems, due to their unique advantages. They can be decomposed into the superposition of two orthogonally linearly polarized waves and can be received by various polarization antennas. They also have the ability to resist rain and fog attenuation and multipath effects, ensuring communication stability in complex environments. Among them, dual circular polarization technology can increase the number of communication channels and the isolation between channels within a limited space, becoming one of the key technologies for millimeter-wave communication.

[0058] Existing waveguide circular polarization implementation schemes generally rely on an external 3dB bridge and orthogonal mode coupler. The 3dB bridge generates two signals with a 90° phase difference, which are then synthesized into a circularly polarized wave via the orthogonal mode coupler. In this technical solution, the additional 3dB bridge and connecting waveguide not only increase the device size and manufacturing cost but also introduce additional insertion loss. Furthermore, the axial ratio performance of the antenna is affected by the interaction of multiple components such as the radiating element, the feed network, and the 3dB bridge, making it difficult to achieve high-efficiency circular polarization transmission over a wide bandwidth and failing to meet the requirements of millimeter-wave communication for miniaturization, low loss, and wideband stability.

[0059] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a dual-circularly polarized antenna element. (See reference...) Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a dual-circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of a dual-circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a dual-circularly polarized antenna element from one perspective, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0060] like Figure 1, Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a circularly polarized antenna element includes a circular polarization generator 110, a waveguide structure 120, a four-ridged waveguide power divider 130, and a radiating element 140. The circular polarization generator 110 has a hollow cavity. A first port 111 is provided at the first end of the cavity. A stepped partition 112 is provided within the cavity, dividing the second end of the cavity into a mutually isolated second port 113 and a third port 114. The first end of the circular polarization generator 110 is connected to the waveguide structure 120. The waveguide structure 120 is connected to one end of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130, and the other end of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130 is connected to the radiating element 140.

[0061] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the circular polarization generator 110, as a key component for realizing dual circular polarization, adopts a hollow cavity structure. The first port 111 at the first end of the cavity serves as the signal output / input interface after polarization conversion, used to establish a connection with the waveguide structure 120. The stepped partition 112 inside the cavity divides the second end of the cavity into a second port 113 and a third port 114 that are isolated from each other, making the two ports independent linear polarization signal input / output channels. This helps to avoid signal crosstalk between the two channels and provides a structural basis for the independent generation of dual-rotational circular polarization.

[0062] When a linearly polarized wave is input to the second port 113, the stepped partition 112, through its own structure and the coupling effect with the signal, decomposes the signal into two spatially orthogonal components with a 90° phase difference within the cavity. Similarly, when a linearly polarized wave is input to the third port 114, orthogonal components with a -90° phase difference are formed. The conversion from linearly polarized wave to circularly polarized wave with different rotation directions can be directly realized without the need for an external 3dB bridge, which simplifies the structure and reduces the losses caused by additional components.

[0063] The first end of the circular polarization generator 110 is fixedly connected to the waveguide structure 120. This connection method helps reduce energy leakage of the converted circularly polarized wave during transmission. The waveguide structure 120 itself adopts waveguide propagation, which can effectively reduce circuit loss in the millimeter-wave band, meeting the low-loss transmission requirements of millimeter-wave communication. The end of the waveguide structure 120 away from the circular polarization generator 110 is connected to the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130. The main function of the waveguide structure 120 is to realize impedance transformation. Since there is a difference between the output impedance of the circular polarization generator 110 and the input impedance of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130, the waveguide structure 120 achieves a smooth impedance transition through its own structural design, avoiding signal reflection due to impedance abrupt changes at the junction, thus ensuring excellent standing wave performance in a wide bandwidth. The end of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130 furthest from the waveguide structure 120 is connected to the radiating unit 140. Its function is to evenly distribute the single-channel energy transmitted by the circular polarization generator 110 to the radiating unit 140, ensuring that the radiating unit 140 receives a balanced energy supply, thereby guaranteeing the circular polarization purity of the radiated electromagnetic wave. As the terminal component for signal radiation, the radiating unit 140 receives the evenly distributed energy from the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130 and converts the circularly polarized electrical signal into a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave for outward radiation.

[0064] The circularly polarized antenna unit provided in this application provides a simplified overall structural layout by connecting the various components sequentially, avoiding the need for additional connecting waveguide structures and thus reducing insertion loss. Simultaneously, by incorporating a circular polarization generator 110, the polarization conversion function is integrated within the generator, avoiding axial ratio performance fluctuations caused by the collaborative operation of multiple components, ensuring stable circular polarization performance of the antenna unit across a wide bandwidth. Furthermore, since the circularly polarized waves generated by the second port 113 and the third port 114 have opposite rotation directions, this antenna unit can simultaneously achieve independent transmission of left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized signals, increasing the number of communication channels within a limited space. The port isolation design ensures high isolation between channels, meeting the requirements of millimeter-wave communication, especially satellite communication, for multi-channel operation, low interference, and high stability.

[0065] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first port 111 is a square port, and the second port 113 and the third port 114 are both rectangular ports, and the second port 113 and the third port 114 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the stepped gradient structure.

[0066] In the dual circularly polarized antenna unit of this embodiment, the first port 111 of the circular polarization generator 110 is designed as a square port, and the second port 113 and the third port 114 are both rectangular ports. The two rectangular ports are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the stepped gradient structure, forming a layout with a square common port on one side and two symmetrical rectangular independent ports on the other side.

[0067] The first port 111 serves as the common port connecting the circular polarization generator 110 and the waveguide structure 120, achieving a good dimensional fit with the square cavity of the subsequent waveguide structure 120. The electromagnetic field distribution of the square cross-section is characterized by strong symmetry and concentrated energy, minimizing signal reflection and distortion at the connection point between the port and the waveguide structure 120 compared to other port shapes. After the circular polarization generator 110 converts the linearly polarized wave into a circularly polarized wave, the square first port 111 ensures that the electric field component of the circularly polarized wave is uniformly distributed within the transverse cross-section, smoothly entering the waveguide structure 120 within the square cavity. This avoids impedance abrupt changes caused by cross-sectional shape mismatch, facilitating the achievement of a standing wave ratio (SWR) of less than or equal to 1.5 over a wide bandwidth. Furthermore, the square port's manufacturing process is mature, and the docking accuracy with the waveguide structure 120 is easily controlled, reducing energy leakage caused by assembly errors and ensuring signal transmission efficiency.

[0068] The second port 113 and the third port 114 serve as independent input / output channels for linearly polarized waves, employing a rectangular port design to suit the transmission characteristics of linearly polarized waves in waveguides. Rectangular waveguides are classic carriers for linearly polarized signal transmission; their elongated cross-section effectively constrains the electric field direction of the linearly polarized wave, preventing energy diffusion during transmission and ensuring that the linearly polarized wave enters the circular polarization generator 110 cavity with a stable field distribution, providing a pure signal source for subsequent polarization conversion. The two rectangular ports are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the stepped gradient structure. This symmetrical layout ensures that the linearly polarized waves input at both ports are uniformly coupled by the stepped structure within the cavity. When a linearly polarized wave is input at the second port 113, the stepped structure decomposes it into two spatially orthogonal components with a 90° phase difference through coupling. When the third port 114 inputs a line-polarized wave, two orthogonal components with a phase difference of -90° are similarly formed. The symmetrical design helps to control the phase difference accuracy of the two types of circularly polarized waves at a low level (e.g., within ±5°), avoids phase imbalance caused by port position offset, and thus ensures the purity of circular polarization rotation, which helps to stabilize the axial ratio performance within a range of less than or equal to 2dB.

[0069] Furthermore, the symmetrically distributed rectangular ports enhance the isolation between the two independent channels. The symmetrical rectangular ports on both sides are isolated by a stepped partition 112, ensuring that the signals from the second port 113 and the third port 114 do not interfere with each other during transmission, avoiding crosstalk-induced confusion of dual-polarized signals. This port distribution works synergistically with the stepped coupling structure of the circular polarization generator 110 and the impedance transformation function of the waveguide structure 120. Specifically, the rectangular ports ensure clean linear polarization signal input, the symmetrical layout ensures accurate and independent dual-rotation polarization conversion, and the square common port ensures efficient circular polarization signal output. This allows the dual-circular polarization antenna element to achieve independent and stable transmission of left-hand and right-hand circular polarization within a wide frequency band of 17.5GHz to 31.0GHz, while maintaining low loss and high isolation, thus meeting the multiple requirements of millimeter-wave communication for the number of dual-polarization channels, signal quality, and structural compactness.

[0070] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the waveguide structure 120 includes a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122. The first cavity 121 is connected to the second cavity 122, and the opening of the second cavity 122 is larger than the opening of the first cavity 121. The first cavity 121 is connected to the first port 111, and the second cavity 122 is connected to the four-ridge waveguide power divider 130.

[0071] In the dual circularly polarized antenna unit of this embodiment, the waveguide structure 120 adopts a stepped design, consisting of a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122 that are interconnected, forming a gradually changing structure with a narrow input and a wide output. The end of the first cavity 121 furthest from the second cavity 122 is fixedly connected to the first port 111 of the circular polarization generator 110, and the end of the second cavity 122 furthest from the first cavity 121 is connected to the input terminal of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130. This connection method makes the waveguide structure 120 a signal transmission bridge between the circular polarization generator 110 and the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130, ensuring that the circularly polarized wave after polarization conversion can be transmitted to the energy distribution structure without obstruction and with low loss.

[0072] The first cavity 121 is mainly used to adapt to the first port 111 of the circular polarization generator 110, so as to eliminate the gap and size change at the junction of the first port 111 and the first cavity 121, and avoid signal reflection or energy leakage at this point. After the circular polarization generator 110 converts the linearly polarized wave into a circularly polarized wave, the square first cavity 121 can maintain the symmetry of the electric field distribution of the circularly polarized wave, so that the signal enters the waveguide structure 120 in a stable field mode, laying the foundation for subsequent transmission.

[0073] The opening size of the second cavity 122 is larger than that of the first cavity 121. This gradual design serves to achieve impedance transformation. Since there is an inherent difference between the output impedance of the circular polarization generator 110 and the input impedance of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130, directly connecting them using waveguides of equal cross-section would increase the signal reflection coefficient due to impedance abrupt changes, resulting in energy waste and deteriorating the standing wave ratio (VSWR) performance of the antenna element. The gradual change in opening size from the first cavity 121 to the second cavity 122 allows the impedance to gradually transition from the output impedance of the circular polarization generator 110 to the input impedance of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130. This ensures a continuous and smooth impedance change experienced by the signal during transmission, thereby reducing reflection loss and stabilizing the VSWR within a wide bandwidth to a range less than or equal to 1.5.

[0074] Furthermore, the waveguide structure 120 employs a waveguide transmission mode, which inherently possesses the advantage of low circuit loss in the millimeter-wave band. Compared to adding additional waveguide connections, the integrated waveguide structure 120 in this embodiment reduces additional connection nodes, thus helping to reduce insertion loss. Simultaneously, the interconnected design between the second cavity 122 and the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130 provides ample energy input space for the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130, making the subsequent energy distribution process smoother and avoiding uneven distribution problems caused by limited energy input.

[0075] A waveguide structure 120, composed of a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122, is employed to form a cooperative working mode with the square first port 111 of the circular polarization generator 110 and the four-ridge waveguide power divider 130. The first cavity 121 ensures stable signal input, the gradually changing second cavity 122 achieves smooth impedance transition, and the second cavity 122 ensures efficient signal output to the power divider. The combined effect of these three components reduces signal loss during transmission, ensuring that the energy and polarization characteristics of the circularly polarized wave are not compromised, thus improving the broadband standing wave performance of the dual-circularly polarized antenna element.

[0076] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the four-ridge waveguide power divider 130 includes a third cavity 131. Each inner wall surface of the third cavity 131 is provided with a metal ridge 132. The metal ridge 132 is arranged along the axial direction of the third cavity 131 and is located at the center line of the inner wall surface of the third cavity 131.

[0077] The four-ridge waveguide power divider 130 includes a third cavity 131 for transmitting and distributing energy. On the four inner walls of the third cavity 131, there are metal ridges 132 extending along the cavity axis. Each metal ridge 132 is located at the center line of the corresponding inner wall, forming a symmetrically distributed structure of four metal ridges 132.

[0078] The metal ridge 132 can be made of a high-conductivity metal or other materials coated with a high-conductivity metal layer. Its axial arrangement can stably constrain the electromagnetic field within the cavity during signal transmission. Since the electromagnetic field in the millimeter-wave band is sensitive to boundary conditions and is prone to field distribution distortion due to boundary irregularities, the axially extending metal ridge 132, as a regular conductive boundary, can force the electromagnetic field to be transmitted in an orderly manner along the cavity axis, preventing energy from spreading laterally and ensuring that the polarization characteristics of the circularly polarized wave do not shift during the distribution process.

[0079] The metal ridges 132 are located at the centerline of the inner wall, forming a centrally symmetrical field constraint structure within the third cavity 131. The four metal ridges 132 are positioned and extend in the same direction, resulting in a uniform distribution of electromagnetic field constraint strength. This ensures that the incoming circularly polarized wave energy forms a symmetrical field distribution within the cavity. Under symmetrical constraint, the electric field component of the circularly polarized wave can be uniformly divided into four energy flows of equal power and consistent phase, preventing local energy concentration or uneven distribution.

[0080] Waveguide structure 120 smoothly transmits low-loss circularly polarized waves into third cavity 131 through impedance smoothing. Metal ridge 132, through symmetrical constraint, uniformly distributes energy to radiating element 140. This synergistic effect ensures balanced energy reception by radiating element 140, thereby maintaining high consistency in power and phase of the radiated electromagnetic waves. The resulting total radiation field exhibits high circular polarization purity, and its axial ratio performance can be stably maintained within a range of less than or equal to 2 dB. Simultaneously, the presence of metal ridge 132 optimizes the impedance matching characteristics of third cavity 131, reduces reflection loss during energy distribution, and further improves the coupling efficiency of the antenna element. Together with the polarization conversion function of circular polarization generator 110 and the low-loss transmission function of waveguide structure 120, it forms an efficient transmission link, enabling the dual circularly polarized antenna element to maintain high gain (≥12 dBi), low loss, and high stability performance across a wide frequency band of 17.5 GHz to 31.0 GHz.

[0081] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first cavity 121, the second cavity 122 and the third cavity 131 are all square cavities. The opening size of the first cavity 121 is the same as the opening size of the first port 111, and the opening size of the second cavity 122 is the same as the opening size of the third cavity 131.

[0082] In the dual circularly polarized antenna unit of this embodiment, the first cavity 121 and the second cavity 122 of the waveguide structure 120, as well as the third cavity 131 of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130, all adopt a square cavity design. Compared with other cross-sectional shapes, square cavities have the advantages of symmetrical electromagnetic field distribution, mature manufacturing technology, and strong structural rigidity. The symmetrical square cross-section enables the electric field component of the circularly polarized wave to be uniformly distributed laterally, avoiding field distortion caused by irregular cross-sections and ensuring stable polarization characteristics during transmission. Mature manufacturing technology can precisely control the cavity size accuracy, reducing the impact of individual differences on antenna performance and lowering the cost of mass production. The high-strength structural characteristics can improve the mechanical stability of the antenna unit and avoid signal transmission abnormalities caused by structural deformation during assembly or use.

[0083] The opening size of the first cavity 121 is the same as the opening size of the first port 111 of the circular polarization generator 110. This matching design helps to eliminate abrupt changes in size at the junction of the two. After the square first cavity 121 and the square first port 111 are connected, the signal output from the circular polarization generator 110 can directly enter the waveguide structure 120 without undergoing cross-section or size conversion. This avoids energy leakage and signal reflection caused by connection gaps or size mismatch, ensuring that the circularly polarized wave enters the transmission link in a low-loss state.

[0084] The opening size of the second cavity 122 is consistent with that of the third cavity 131, also based on the design purpose of impedance matching and smooth energy transmission. The second cavity 122 of the waveguide structure 120 serves as the output terminal of the tapered impedance, and its square opening connects to the square third cavity 131 of the four-ridged waveguide power divider 130. This allows the signal, after the tapered transition, to be smoothly transmitted to the power divider, avoiding secondary impedance abrupt changes at the junction of the waveguide structure 120 and the power divider. This design ensures continuous and unobstructed signal transmission from the waveguide structure 120 to the third cavity 131, reducing reflection loss and optimizing VSWR performance over a wide bandwidth.

[0085] Furthermore, the square third cavity 131 provides a regular mounting reference for the four symmetrically distributed metal ridges 132, ensuring that the ridges can be positioned at the center line of the inner wall, thereby forming a uniform field confinement environment and allowing the energy to be evenly divided into four parts. At the same time, the standardized square structure reduces the assembly difficulty of each component, improves assembly accuracy, avoids the positional displacement of the metal ridges 132 due to assembly deviations, ensures the uniformity of energy distribution, and makes the energy received by the radiation unit 140 even and consistent.

[0086] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the metal ridges 132 on each inner wall surface of the third cavity 131 are of the same specification, and the metal ridges 132 divide the third cavity 131 into four power distribution cavities 133. The radiation unit 140 includes four independent radiation subunits 141, which correspond to the power distribution cavities 133.

[0087] In the dual circularly polarized antenna unit of this embodiment, the third cavity 131 of the four-ridge waveguide power divider 130 serves as an energy distribution cavity. The metal ridges 132 on its four inner walls are designed with completely identical specifications, including uniform height, width, length, and cross-sectional shape. This uniform design facilitates uniform energy distribution. If the specifications of the metal ridges 132 differ, it will lead to uneven electromagnetic field constraint strength on each inner wall surface, resulting in an unbalanced energy distribution within the cavity and making accurate power distribution impossible. The identical metal ridges 132 can form a symmetrical field constraint environment within the third cavity 131, allowing the circularly polarized wave energy transmitted from the waveguide structure 120 to be uniformly divided into four parts under symmetrical constraint. Each part of the energy has equal power and consistent phase, laying the foundation for the coordinated operation of the subsequent radiating unit 140.

[0088] Four metal ridges 132, arranged symmetrically, divide the third cavity 131 into four independent power distribution cavities 133 of identical specifications. These four power distribution cavities 133 are centrally symmetrically distributed and each receives an equal share of energy. The radiating element 140 consists of four independent radiating sub-units 141, each corresponding to a power distribution cavity 133. That is, the energy output of each power distribution cavity 133 is directly connected to the energy input of a radiating sub-unit 141. This correspondence ensures unbiased energy transfer. After receiving equal energy from its corresponding power distribution cavity 133, each radiating sub-unit 141 converts the circularly polarized electrical signal into a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave and radiates it outwards. Because the energy received by the four radiating sub-units 141 is consistent in power and phase, the characteristics of the radiated electromagnetic waves are also synchronized. The resulting total radiation field has extremely high circular polarization purity, effectively avoiding axial ratio degradation caused by uneven energy distribution, allowing the axial ratio performance of the antenna element to remain stable within a range of less than or equal to 2 dB. Meanwhile, the coordinated radiation of multiple radiating sub-units 141 also helps to improve the gain of the antenna unit, enabling the antenna unit to meet the high gain requirements of millimeter-wave communication.

[0089] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 5 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a dual-circularly polarized antenna element along the AA direction. Figure 6 for Figure 2The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a dual-circularly polarized antenna element along the BB direction. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the stepped partition in a dual circularly polarized antenna unit provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the height of the stepped partition 112 is less than the height of the cavity of the circular polarization generator 110. The stepped partition 112 includes a first partition 1121 and a second partition 1122. The second partition 1122 is connected to one end of the first partition 1121. The first partition 1121 is rectangular in shape, and the second partition 1122 is stepped in shape. The length of the first partition 1121 is the same as the length of the cavity of the circular polarization generator 110.

[0091] In the dual circularly polarized antenna unit of this embodiment, the hollow cavity of the circular polarization generator 110 provides the core space for signal polarization conversion. The stepped partition 112 disposed within the cavity is a key component for phase adjustment, and its height is designed to be less than the height of the cavity. If the height of the stepped partition 112 is the same as the height of the cavity, it will block the lateral interaction of signals within the cavity, making it impossible to form orthogonal signal components. However, since the height of the partition is less than the height of the cavity, sufficient coupling space can be reserved above the partition, allowing the linearly polarized wave input from the second port 113 or the third port 114 to form effective electromagnetic coupling with the partition. This creates conditions for subsequent decomposition into two spatially orthogonal signal components. At the same time, this space can also buffer changes in the distribution of the electromagnetic field, avoiding energy loss due to excessive coupling.

[0092] The stepped partition 112 consists of a first partition 1121 and a second partition 1122. The first partition 1121 and the second partition 1122 can be integrally formed or connected by bonding or other methods. The first partition 1121 adopts a rectangular structure, and its length is consistent with the cavity length of the circular polarization generator 110. This design allows the first partition 1121 to run through the axial transmission path of the cavity, providing a stable guiding channel for the linearly polarized wave. The regularity of the rectangular structure ensures that the electromagnetic field will not be distorted due to irregular boundaries during transmission. The length being consistent with the cavity ensures that the signal is uniformly constrained and guided throughout the entire process from port input to polarization conversion completion, avoiding phase disorder caused by transmission path offset, and providing a basis for subsequent phase difference control.

[0093] The second partition 1122 is connected to the end of the first partition 1121 near the first end of the cavity and adopts a stepped structure, which is a key design for achieving phase difference adjustment. Traditional technology achieves a 90° phase difference using a 3dB bridge. In this embodiment, the stepped structure of the second partition 1122 changes the transmission path length of the electromagnetic field, allowing the two coupled orthogonal signals to naturally form a stable phase difference. When a linearly polarized wave is input to the second port 113, the signal is guided from the first partition 1121 to the second partition 1122. The stepped structure causes a difference in the transmission paths of the two orthogonal components, ultimately forming a 90° phase difference. Similarly, when a linearly polarized wave is input to the third port 114, a -90° phase difference is formed, thus directly generating circularly polarized waves with opposite rotation directions, eliminating the need for an external 3dB bridge. This integrated design of the circular polarization generator 110 not only simplifies the overall structure and reduces the increased device size and cost caused by additional components, but also avoids insertion loss caused by external bridges and connecting waveguides, reducing the overall loss of the antenna element.

[0094] The first partition 1121 ensures stable transmission and uniform guidance of the linearly polarized wave, while the second partition 1122 achieves phase difference adjustment through a stepped structure. Together, they enable the circular polarization generator 110 to stably output a high-purity circularly polarized wave. Simultaneously, the stepped partition 112 divides the second end of the cavity into two isolated ports, a second port 113 and a third port 114. Due to the isolation effect of the partition, signal crosstalk between the two ports is significantly reduced, which helps improve port isolation, avoids a decrease in circular polarization rotation purity caused by crosstalk, and ensures good axial ratio performance.

[0095] In one embodiment of this application, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second partition 1122 includes multiple steps.

[0096] In the dual circularly polarized antenna unit of this embodiment, the second partition 1122 within the circular polarization generator 110 adopts a multi-stage stepped design and is integrally formed with the first partition 1121 to form a complete stepped partition 112 structure. This integral design avoids structural gaps and dimensional deviations caused by splicing, ensuring seamless connection between the rectangular guiding structure of the first partition 1121 and the multi-stage stepped structure of the second partition 1122. This improves the rigidity of the overall structure and ensures the continuity of the electromagnetic field transmission path, laying a structural foundation for stable signal coupling and phase adjustment. The multi-stage stepped design of the second partition 1122 is crucial for phase adjustment, achieving precise phase compensation for signals of different frequencies through a progressively advancing structural design.

[0097] The step parameters (number of steps, length of each step, height of each step) of the second partition 1122 are related to the antenna's operating frequency band, the waveguide dimensions of the circular polarization generator 110, and the target phase difference accuracy. Electromagnetic waves of different frequencies within the millimeter-wave band have different wavelengths; the lower the frequency, the longer the wavelength. The corresponding step length and height need to be adjusted to match the signal transmission path difference, ensuring the phase difference meets the requirements. The cavity width and height of the circular polarization generator 110 directly determine the distribution range of the electromagnetic field. The step height needs to be adapted to the cavity height (smaller than the cavity height to reserve coupling space), while the step length needs to be coordinated with the cavity length and the length of the first partition 1121 to avoid exceeding the transmission path and causing coupling failure. Furthermore, the higher the target phase difference accuracy requirement, the more appropriately the number of steps needs to be increased, reducing the phase adjustment error of a single step through segmented compensation. In addition, the step parameters also need to take into account the coupling efficiency and port isolation requirements of the circular polarization generator 110, and coordinate with the area size of the stepped partition 112 to ensure that the signal coupling strength and port isolation effect are not affected while achieving phase adjustment.

[0098] Traditional single-stage stepped structures can achieve a 90° or -90° phase difference at a specific frequency. When the frequency deviates from this point, the phase difference fluctuates significantly due to transmission path mismatch caused by wavelength changes, thus deteriorating the circular polarization purity. Multi-stage stepped structures, however, decompose the total phase difference requirement into segmented phase adjustments at each stage, allowing each frequency signal within a wide bandwidth to be compensated through its corresponding stage segment. For example, in the 17.5GHz~31.0GHz operating frequency band, low-frequency signals undergo major phase shifting through the first few stages, while high-frequency signals are finely calibrated through the later stages. Ultimately, all frequency signals, after multi-stage stepped coupling, can form a stable ±90° phase difference, with phase difference accuracy controlled within ±5°. This segmented compensation mechanism not only ensures phase stability across a wide bandwidth but also improves tolerance to manufacturing errors. Even with minor manufacturing deviations, the redundant compensation space of the multi-stage stepped structure can effectively offset them, ensuring product consistency and reliability.

[0099] The performance of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in the embodiments of this application will be simulated and analyzed below.

[0100] Taking the second port 113 of the dual circularly polarized antenna element connected to a left-hand circularly polarized feed network and the third port 114 of the dual circularly polarized antenna element connected to a right-hand circularly polarized feed network as an example, simulation analysis is performed.

[0101] refer to Figure 8 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the standing wave curve of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in eight embodiments of this application. Figure 8As shown in the diagram, after left-hand circular polarization of the second port and right-hand circular polarization of the third port of the dual-circular polarized antenna element, the standing wave ratio (SWR) curves reveal that the dual-circular polarized antenna element in this embodiment achieves a SWR of less than or equal to 1.5 within the frequency range of 17.5 GHz to 31 GHz. This indicates that the operating frequency band of the dual-circular polarized antenna element in this embodiment can simultaneously cover both the 17.5~21.0 GHz and 27.2~31.0 GHz frequency ranges.

[0102] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 This application provides an embodiment of an axial ratio curve for the left-hand circular polarization of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element. Figure 10 The axial ratio curve of the right-hand circular polarization of the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application embodiment is shown.

[0103] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10 It can be seen that in the embodiments of this application, the axial ratio of the second port of left-hand circular polarization and the third port of right-hand circular polarization implemented based on the circular polarization generator is less than or equal to 2dB, which meets the application requirements.

[0104] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 This application provides a 2D radiation pattern of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element with left-hand circular polarization. Figure 12 The third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application has a right-hand circularly polarized 2D radiation pattern.

[0105] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the simulation pattern, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the dual-circularly polarized antenna unit implemented based on the circular polarization generator can meet the requirement of having a gain greater than or equal to 12dBi for both left-hand and right-hand circular polarization, thus achieving high-gain and wide-bandwidth performance of the dual-circularly polarized antenna unit.

[0106] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 This application provides a 3D radiation pattern of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element with left-hand circular polarization. Figure 14 The third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna element provided in this application has a right-hand circularly polarized 3D radiation pattern.

[0107] like Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown in the simulation results of the 3D radiation pattern, it can be seen that in the embodiment of this application, the dual circularly polarized antenna element based on the circular polarization generator has good directional radiation performance, normal 3D radiation pattern performance, and no distortion.

[0108] In one embodiment of this application, a dual-circularly polarized antenna is also provided. This dual-circularly polarized antenna includes a first feed network, a second feed network, and a circularly polarized antenna element as described in any of the preceding embodiments. The first feed network is a left-hand circularly polarized feed network, and the second feed network is a right-hand circularly polarized feed network. The second port 113 of the circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the first feed network, and the third port 114 of the circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the second feed network.

[0109] This dual-circularly polarized antenna includes a first feed network, a second feed network, and the circularly polarized antenna element described in the previous embodiment. These three components work together through port matching and signal link design. The first feed network is designed as a left-hand circularly polarized feed network. Its function is to generate and output a linearly polarized excitation signal that meets the requirements of left-hand circular polarization conversion. The impedance characteristics of the feed network are matched with the input impedance of the circularly polarized antenna element, ensuring that the excitation signal can be transmitted to the antenna element with low reflection and low loss, avoiding energy waste and signal distortion caused by impedance mismatch. The second feed network is correspondingly designed as a right-hand circularly polarized feed network. Its function is the same as the first feed network, but the excitation signal parameters need to be optimized for the right-hand circular polarization conversion requirements to ensure that the excitation signal can be transmitted to the antenna element with low reflection and low loss.

[0110] The second port 113 of the circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the first feed network, and the third port 114 is connected to the second feed network. When the linearly polarized signal from the first feed network is input to the second port 113, the stepped partition 112 within the circularly polarized generator 110 causes electromagnetic coupling, decomposing the signal into two spatially orthogonal components with a 90° phase difference. After impedance smoothing by the waveguide structure 120 and uniform energy distribution by the four-ridge waveguide power divider 130, a left-hand circularly polarized wave is radiated by the radiating element 140. Similarly, when the linearly polarized signal from the second feed network is input to the third port 114, the stepped partition 112 causes electromagnetic coupling, decomposing the signal into two spatially orthogonal components with a -90° phase difference, which are ultimately radiated by the radiating element 140 as a right-hand circularly polarized wave. The one-to-one connection between the two feed networks and their corresponding ports ensures that the generation paths of the left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized waves are independent, achieving dual-channel transmission.

[0111] refer to Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a dual circularly polarized antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 15The image shows a dual-circularly polarized planar antenna array consisting of 20*12 dual-circularly polarized antenna elements.

[0112] like Figure 15 As shown in one embodiment of this application, a circularly polarized antenna array is provided, including a first feeding network, a second feeding network, and a plurality of circularly polarized antenna elements as described in the first aspect and any of the foregoing embodiments. The first feeding network is a left-hand circularly polarized feeding network, and the second feeding network is a right-hand circularly polarized feeding network. The second port 113 of each circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the first feeding network, and the third port 114 of each circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the second feeding network.

[0113] This dual-circularly polarized antenna array consists of a first feed network, a second feed network, and multiple dual-circularly polarized antenna elements. The first feed network is a left-hand circularly polarized feed network, whose function is to generate a highly synchronized and impedance-matched linear polarization excitation signal, providing consistent left-hand circular polarization drive to all dual-circularly polarized antenna elements through a unified link. The second feed network is a right-hand circularly polarized feed network, complementing the first feed network in function. It optimizes signal parameters for right-hand circular polarization requirements, ensuring uniform right-hand circular polarization output characteristics for each element. Both feed networks employ low-loss transmission structures, adapted to the input impedance of the dual-circularly polarized antenna elements, avoiding energy reflection and phase disturbances caused by impedance mismatch.

[0114] Multiple dual-circularly polarized antenna elements can be arranged according to a preset rule (such as a rectangular array) to form a large-scale radiating array. The second port 113 of each dual-circularly polarized antenna element is connected to the first feed network, and the third port 114 is connected to the second feed network to ensure that the polarization conversion paths of all elements are consistent. When the excitation signal from the first feed network is input to the second port 113 of each dual-circularly polarized antenna element, the circular polarization generator 110 of each dual-circularly polarized antenna element converts the linearly polarized wave into a left-hand circularly polarized wave. After impedance smoothing through the waveguide structure 120 and energy equalization through the four-ridge waveguide power divider 130, the wave is synchronously radiated by the radiating element 140. Similarly, the signal from the second feed network is input to the dual-circularly polarized antenna element through the third port 114, and each dual-circularly polarized antenna element synchronously outputs a right-hand circularly polarized wave.

[0115] The superposition of radiated energy from multiple dual-circularly polarized antenna elements significantly enhances the array gain. Compared to the gain of a single dual-circularly polarized antenna element, the array gain is greater, effectively offsetting atmospheric transmission loss and circuit loss in the millimeter-wave band, thus meeting the requirements for long-distance communication. Furthermore, the unified feed network ensures that the excitation signals of each element are in phase, resulting in a well-defined and distortion-free radiation pattern after superposition. The 3D radiation pattern is regular and rounded, exhibiting excellent directional radiation performance and avoiding gain reduction or pattern shift caused by phase differences between elements.

[0116] Meanwhile, the antenna array inherits the wideband characteristics and high isolation advantages of a single dual-circularly polarized antenna element. For example, in the 17.5GHz~31.0GHz frequency band, the antenna array's VSWR is less than or equal to 1.5, and the axial ratios of both left-hand and right-hand circular polarization are less than or equal to 2dB, maintaining stable polarization purity over a wide frequency band. The port isolation design of each dual-circularly polarized antenna element, combined with the spatial isolation of the antenna array arrangement, further suppresses crosstalk between channels, ensuring that the left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized communication channels operate independently. In addition, the antenna array design does not change the structure of a single dual-circularly polarized antenna element, eliminating the need for additional components such as a 3dB bridge, thus balancing structural compactness and low cost.

[0117] This embodiment achieves high-gain, wide-bandwidth, and low-interference dual-circular polarization transmission through a unified feeding network and the collaborative design of multiple dual-circular polarization antenna elements. It inherits the advantages of integration and low loss of a single dual-circular polarization antenna element, and improves gain and directional radiation performance through array stacking, which meets the requirements of millimeter-wave long-distance communication for high gain, multiple channels, and high stability.

[0118] The performance of a dual circularly polarized antenna array provided in the embodiments of this application is simulated and analyzed below. Figure 15 The dual circularly polarized antenna array shown is an example.

[0119] refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 The axial ratio curve of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array provided in this application embodiment is a left-hand circularly polarized curve. Figure 17 The axial ratio curve of the third port right-hand circular polarization of a dual circularly polarized antenna array provided in this application embodiment is shown.

[0120] from Figure 16 and Figure 17 As can be seen from the data, the axial ratios of the second port of the left-hand circular polarization and the third port of the right-hand circular polarization in the dual circular polarization antenna array implemented based on the circular polarization generator both meet the requirement of being less than or equal to 2dB.

[0121] refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 This application provides a 2D radiation pattern of a second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array with left-hand circular polarization, as shown in the embodiments of this application. Figure 19 This application provides a 2D radiation pattern of right-hand circular polarization at the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array.

[0122] from Figure 18 and Figure 19As can be seen, in the dual circularly polarized antenna array of this application embodiment, the gain of the second port of left-hand circular polarization and the third port of right-hand circular polarization are both greater than or equal to 35dBi, the line pattern in the frequency band is regular, and the performance is stable.

[0123] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 , Figure 20 This application provides a 3D radiation pattern of the second port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array with left-hand circular polarization, as shown in the embodiments of this application. Figure 21 This application provides a 3D radiation pattern of the third port of a dual circularly polarized antenna array with right-hand circular polarization.

[0124] from Figure 20 and Figure 21 As can be seen, the 3D radiation patterns of the second port of left-hand circular polarization and the third port of right-hand circular polarization in the dual circular polarization antenna array of this application embodiment are both regular and round, with good qualitative radiation performance. The dual circular polarization antenna array of this application embodiment can meet the requirements of high-gain planar antenna arrays.

[0125] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0126] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0127] Although preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application includes the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0128] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the working principle and implementation method of the dual circularly polarized antenna element, antenna, and antenna array of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the specific settings and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0129] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dual-circularly polarized antenna element, characterized in that, Includes a circular polarization generator, waveguide structure, four-ridged waveguide power divider, and radiating unit; The circular polarization generator has a hollow cavity. A first port is provided at the first end of the cavity of the circular polarization generator. A stepped partition is provided inside the cavity of the circular polarization generator. The stepped partition divides the second end of the cavity of the circular polarization generator into a second port and a third port that are isolated from each other. The first end of the circular polarization generator is connected to the waveguide structure, the waveguide structure is connected to one end of the four-ridged waveguide power divider, and the other end of the four-ridged waveguide power divider is connected to the radiating unit.

2. The dual circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first port is a square port, and the second and third ports are both rectangular ports, and the second and third ports are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the stepped gradient structure.

3. The dual circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The waveguide structure includes a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity are connected, and the opening of the second cavity is larger than the opening of the first cavity. The first cavity is connected to the first port, and the second cavity is connected to the four-ridge waveguide power divider.

4. The dual circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 3, characterized in that, The four-ridge waveguide power divider includes a third cavity, and each inner wall surface of the third cavity is provided with a metal ridge. The metal ridges are arranged along the axial direction of the third cavity and are located at the center line of the inner wall surface of the third cavity.

5. The dual circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity are all square cavities. The opening size of the first cavity is the same as the opening size of the first port, and the opening size of the second cavity is the same as the opening size of the third cavity.

6. The dual circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 4, characterized in that, The metal ridges on each inner wall of the third cavity are of the same specification, and the metal ridges divide the third cavity into four functional compartments. The radiation unit includes four independent radiation sub-units, which correspond to the power divider cavity.

7. The dual circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the stepped partition is less than the height of the cavity of the circular polarization generator; The stepped partition includes a first partition and a second partition, with the second partition connected to one end of the first partition. The first partition is rectangular in shape, and the second partition is stepped in shape. The length of the first partition is the same as the length of the cavity of the circular polarization generator.

8. The dual circularly polarized antenna element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second partition includes multiple steps.

9. A dual-circularly polarized antenna, characterized in that, It includes a first feeding network, a second feeding network, and a dual circularly polarized antenna element as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first feeding network is a left-hand circularly polarized feeding network, and the second feeding network is a right-hand circularly polarized feeding network; The second port of the dual circularly polarized antenna unit is connected to the first feed network, and the third port of the dual circularly polarized antenna unit is connected to the second feed network.

10. A dual-circularly polarized antenna array, characterized in that, It includes a first feeding network, a second feeding network, and multiple dual circularly polarized antenna elements as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first feeding network is a left-hand circularly polarized feeding network, and the second feeding network is a right-hand circularly polarized feeding network; The second port of each of the dual circularly polarized antenna elements is connected to the first feed network, and the third port of each of the dual circularly polarized antenna elements is connected to the second feed network.

Images