Antenna assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna assembly and electronic equipment, the antenna assembly comprises an antenna array and a waveguide cavity, the antenna array comprises N groups of antenna units, N-1 levels of power dividers and a signal source; the first output end of the mth-level power divider is connected to the input end of the mth group of antenna units, the second output end of the mth-level power divider is connected to the input end of the (m + 1) th-level power divider, the first output end of the (N-1) th-level power divider is connected to the input end of the (N-1) th group of antenna units, and the second output end of the (N-1) th-level power divider is connected to the input end of the Nth group of antenna units; the power dividers of the antenna array are all located in the waveguide cavity, so that wires between the signal sources and the antenna units are configured to be similar to coaxial suspended strip lines. The number of the antenna units connected with the two output ends of the power divider is different, the power divider is designed in a manner that the number of the units is not equal, the power ratio of the power divider is reduced, low-amplitude-lobe suppression amplitude distribution is convenient to process and design, and low-amplitude-lobe suppression is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antennas, and more specifically, to an antenna assembly and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Linear array antennas are increasingly used in the field of communications, playing a vital role in ensuring communication quality. In existing technologies, linear array antennas often employ microstrip or stripline power dividers. While this design is simple, it suffers from significant losses in the millimeter-wave band, leading to low antenna efficiency and gain. Ultimately, this results in a significant decrease in the system's EIRP and G / T values, which is detrimental to system detection. Furthermore, current power divider designs typically use an equal number of elements, resulting in a very high power ratio in the final stage and a large linewidth ratio. Linewidths that are too thin cannot be fabricated by PCB manufacturers, or the resulting variations significantly impact performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an antenna assembly and an electronic device to improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna assembly, the antenna assembly comprising an antenna array and a waveguide cavity, the antenna array comprising: N groups of antenna elements, N-1 stages of power dividers and a signal source, where N≥3; The output terminal of the signal source is connected to the input terminal of the first-stage power divider, the first output terminal of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the m-th group of antenna elements, the second output terminal of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the (m+1)-th stage power divider, the first output terminal of the (N-1)-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the (N-1)-th group of antenna elements, and the second output terminal of the (N-1)-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the N-th group of antenna elements, where 1≤m≤N-2; The power dividers of the antenna array are all located within the waveguide cavity, so that the wiring between the signal source and the antenna element is configured as a coaxial suspended strip.

[0005] Optionally, the power division ratio between the first output and the second output of each power divider is 1.

[0006] Optionally, when the number of antenna elements in the nth group of antenna elements is greater than or equal to 2, the nth group of antenna elements also includes an in-group power divider; The input terminal of the power divider within the group serves as the output terminal of the corresponding level power divider for the nth group of antenna elements. The output terminal of the power divider within the group is connected to the input terminal of each antenna element in the nth group of antenna elements.

[0007] Optionally, N=6, the first and second groups of antenna elements each have 4 antenna elements, and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth groups of antenna elements each have 2 antenna elements.

[0008] Optionally, N=5, the first group of antenna elements includes 4 antenna elements, and the second, third, fourth and fifth groups of antenna elements each include 2 antenna elements.

[0009] Optionally, N=3, and the first group of antenna elements, the second group of antenna elements, and the third group of antenna elements each include two antenna elements.

[0010] Optionally, the RF input power decreases sequentially from the first group of antenna elements to the Nth group of antenna elements.

[0011] Optionally, the antenna element includes an array arm and a director.

[0012] Optionally, an isolation wall is provided between adjacent antenna elements.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device including the antenna assembly described above.

[0014] Compared to existing technologies, the present invention provides an antenna assembly and electronic device. The antenna assembly includes an antenna array and a waveguide cavity. The antenna array includes N groups of antenna elements, N-1 stages of power dividers, and a signal source. The output of the signal source is connected to the input of the first stage power divider. The first output of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the m-th group of antenna elements, the second output of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the (m+1)-th stage power divider, the first output of the N-1-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the N-1-th group of antenna elements, and the second output of the N-1-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the N-th group of antenna elements. All power dividers in the antenna array are located within the waveguide cavity, allowing the wiring between the signal source and the antenna elements to be configured as a coaxial suspended strip. The number of antenna elements connected to the two outputs of the power divider differs, employing a non-equal element number design to reduce the power divider's power ratio, facilitating fabrication and design of low-amplitude lobe suppression amplitude distributions to achieve low-amplitude lobe suppression.

[0015] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna array with a non-equal number of elements provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array element number division design provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array layout provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 The measured radiation pattern of the antenna assembly provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1-Actuator arm; 2-Director; 3-Isolation wall; 4-PMI foam; 5-Screw hole; 6-Metal ground; 7-Intra-group power divider; 8-N-1 stage power divider; 9-N-2 stage power divider; 10-N-3 stage power divider; 11-N-4 stage power divider; 12-N-5 stage power divider. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0024] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0029] In the millimeter-wave band, rectangular waveguides, with their low loss and high power capacity, have become a common form in millimeter-wave radar and phased array antenna systems. However, their large size, heavy weight, complex manufacturing, and high cost are also drawbacks that limit their application. Microstrip lines are commonly used transmission lines in millimeter-wave integrated circuits. They have advantages such as simple structure, easy integration, low cost, and light weight. However, as the frequency increases, the loss and dispersion of microstrip lines become increasingly apparent.

[0030] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna assembly, which includes an antenna array and a waveguide cavity. Please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-equal division design of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention. The antenna array includes: N groups of antenna elements, N-1 stages of power dividers, and a signal source, where N ≥ 3. Each group of antenna elements can contain one or more antenna elements, such as... Figure 1 The first and second groups shown in the diagram each contain four antenna elements, while the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth groups each contain two antenna elements. The signal source can be a radio frequency (RF) signal source. Figure 1 In this example, N is taken as 6. Figure 1 In this diagram, P17 represents the signal source, and P1 to P16 represent antenna elements. Optionally, the RF signal input power increases sequentially from P1 to P16.

[0031] The output of the signal source is connected to the input of the first-stage power divider. The first output of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the m-th group of antenna elements. The second output of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the (m+1)-th stage power divider. The first output of the (N-1)-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the (N-1)-th group of antenna elements. The second output of the (N-1)-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the N-th group of antenna elements, where 1 ≤ m ≤ N-2.

[0032] In the antenna assembly provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the number of antenna elements connected to the two output terminals of the power divider is different. The power divider is designed with a non-equal number of elements to reduce the power ratio of the power divider, which facilitates the processing and design of the low amplitude lobe suppression amplitude distribution to achieve low amplitude lobe suppression.

[0033] The power dividers of the antenna array are all located inside the waveguide cavity, so that the routing between the signal source and the antenna element is configured as a coaxial suspended strip.

[0034] Waveguide cavities can be formed by an upper metal plate and a lower metal plate, or by a ceramic plate with a metal coating.

[0035] A power divider is used to connect a signal source to an antenna element. When the power divider trace is located inside a waveguide cavity, it is an improved coaxial suspension stripline that combines the advantages of rectangular waveguides and microstrip lines. A coaxial suspension stripline can be understood as a central conductor placed between two ground planes, but with an air cavity or a low-dielectric-constant supporting medium between it and the ground planes. The central conductor is suspended and supported by a thin layer of low-dielectric-constant material (e.g., polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam with a dielectric constant of 1.06). It features miniaturization and low loss. Linear array antennas with power dividers designed in the form of coaxial suspension striplines have the advantages of convenient power ratio adjustment, low loss, high gain, and ease of designing ultra-low amplitude lobe antennas.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array element number division design provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The power divider design adopts an equally divided element number design, which results in a very high power ratio in the last stage power divider, leading to a very high linewidth ratio. If the linewidth is too thin, the PCB manufacturer cannot process it, or the resulting variations are significant, affecting performance.

[0037] In the antenna assembly provided in this embodiment of the invention, a low-loss coaxial suspension line design power divider is used to improve antenna gain; a non-equal number of elements design power divider is used to reduce the power ratio of the power divider, which facilitates the fabrication and design of low amplitude lobe suppression amplitude distribution to achieve low amplitude lobe suppression.

[0038] Optionally, the power division ratio between the first output and the second output of each power divider is 1.

[0039] That is, the linewidth ratio of the left side to the right side of the power divider is 1. It should be noted that a slight error is allowed in the linewidth ratio and the power division ratio.

[0040] Optionally, when the number of antenna elements in the nth group of antenna elements is greater than or equal to 2, the nth group of antenna elements also includes an in-group power divider.

[0041] The input terminal of the power divider within the group is used as the output terminal of the corresponding level power divider for the nth group antenna element, and the output terminal of the power divider within the group is connected to the input terminal of each antenna element in the nth group antenna element.

[0042] It should be noted that the power divider within the group can be a 2-way power divider, a 3-way power divider, or a 4-way power divider; however, in terms of power distribution, it is not limited to equal division. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the power divider within the first group of antenna elements is a 4-way power divider, and the power divider within the sixth group of antenna elements is a 2-way power divider.

[0043] Optionally, N=6, the first and second groups of antenna elements each have 4 antenna elements, and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth groups of antenna elements each have 2 antenna elements.

[0044] Optionally, N=5, the first group of antenna elements includes 4 antenna elements, and the second, third, fourth and fifth groups of antenna elements each include 2 antenna elements.

[0045] Optionally, N=4, the first group of antenna elements includes 4 antenna elements, and the second, third and fourth groups of antenna elements each include 2 antenna elements.

[0046] Optionally, N=3, and the first group of antenna elements, the second group of antenna elements, and the third group of antenna elements each include two antenna elements.

[0047] Optionally, the RF input power decreases sequentially from the first group of antenna elements to the Nth group of antenna elements.

[0048] Optionally, the antenna element includes an array arm 1 and a director 2, and adopts a quasi-Yagi structure.

[0049] Optionally, an isolation wall 3 is provided between adjacent antenna elements.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array layout provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Etching is performed on the board, such as... Figure 3 The diagram shows the antenna array layout. The antenna elements consist of an array arm 1 and a director 2. Isolation walls 3 are placed between the antenna elements. The dielectric layer of the board is PMI foam 4, and screw holes 5 are provided on the board for mounting the upper and lower metal plates. The board retains a metal ground plane 6 after etching. The diagram also shows the power divider levels, including the intra-group power divider 7 in the Nth antenna element group, the (N-1)th stage power divider 8, the (N-2)th stage power divider 9, the (N-3)th stage power divider 10, the (N-4)th stage power divider 11, and the (N-5)th stage power divider 12.

[0051] In one alternative implementation, the antenna assembly includes two antenna arrays, the first antenna array being as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the second day's linear array is Figure 1 The first antenna array shown is a mirror-symmetric structure, with the first group of antenna elements (P16) in the first antenna array adjacent to the first group of antenna elements (P16) in the second antenna array. The first and second antenna arrays have the same signal source, and their input terminals can be connected to the output terminal of the power divider of the total signal source.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 The measured radiation pattern of the antenna assembly provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] This invention also provides an electronic device including the antenna assembly described above.

[0054] In summary, the present invention provides an antenna assembly and electronic device. The antenna assembly includes an antenna array and a waveguide cavity. The antenna array includes N groups of antenna elements, N-1 stages of power dividers, and a signal source. The output of the signal source is connected to the input of the first stage power divider. The first output of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the m-th group of antenna elements. The second output of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the (m+1)-th stage power divider. The first output of the N-1-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the N-1-th group of antenna elements, and the second output of the N-1-th stage power divider is connected to the input of the N-th group of antenna elements. The power dividers of the antenna array are all located within the waveguide cavity, allowing the wiring between the signal source and the antenna elements to be configured as a coaxial suspended strip. The number of antenna elements connected to the two outputs of the power divider is different. The power divider is designed with a non-equal number of elements to reduce the power ratio of the power divider, facilitating the fabrication and design of low-amplitude lobe suppression amplitude distribution to achieve low-amplitude lobe suppression.

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna assembly, characterized in that, The antenna assembly includes an antenna array and a waveguide cavity. The antenna array includes: N groups of antenna elements, N-1 stages of power dividers, and a signal source, where N≥3. The output terminal of the signal source is connected to the input terminal of the first-stage power divider, the first output terminal of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the m-th group of antenna elements, the second output terminal of the m-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the (m+1)-th stage power divider, the first output terminal of the (N-1)-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the (N-1)-th group of antenna elements, and the second output terminal of the (N-1)-th stage power divider is connected to the input terminal of the N-th group of antenna elements, where 1≤m≤N-2; The power dividers of the antenna array are all located within the waveguide cavity, so that the wiring between the signal source and the antenna element is configured as a coaxial suspended strip.

2. The antenna assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The power division ratio between the first and second output terminals of each stage power divider is 1.

3. The antenna assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the number of antenna elements in the nth group is greater than or equal to 2, the nth group of antenna elements also includes an in-group power divider; The input terminal of the power divider within the group serves as the output terminal of the corresponding level power divider for the nth group of antenna elements. The output terminal of the power divider within the group is connected to the input terminal of each antenna element in the nth group of antenna elements.

4. The antenna assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, N=6, the first and second groups of antenna elements each contain 4 antenna elements, and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth groups of antenna elements each contain 2 antenna elements.

5. The antenna assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, N=5, the first group of antenna elements includes 4 antenna elements, and the second, third, fourth and fifth groups of antenna elements each include 2 antenna elements.

6. The antenna assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, N=3, and the first group of antenna elements, the second group of antenna elements, and the third group of antenna elements each contain two antenna elements.

7. The antenna assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The RF input power decreases sequentially from the first group of antenna elements to the Nth group of antenna elements.

8. The antenna assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna unit includes an array arm and a director.

9. The antenna assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, An isolation wall is set between adjacent antenna elements.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The antenna assembly includes any one of claims 1-9.

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