Liquid crystal antenna, liquid crystal phased array and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid crystal antenna, a liquid crystal phased array and electronic equipment, and relates to the technical field of liquid crystal antennas. The liquid crystal antenna comprises a waveguide, a coplanar waveguide coupling layer, a liquid crystal phase shift layer and an antenna radiation layer which are sequentially stacked in the transmission direction; the waveguide is used for transmitting a TE mode wave, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer is used for converting the TE mode wave into at least one TEM mode wave, the liquid crystal phase shift layer is used for converting the TEM mode wave into a target wave beam in a phase shift manner, and the antenna radiation layer is used for outputting the target wave beam in a radiation manner. Therefore, signal interaction is carried out between the waveguide and the liquid crystal phase shifting layer in a mode that the coplanar waveguide coupling layer transmits the TEM mode waves, so that the purpose of signal interaction between the waveguide and the liquid crystal phase shifting layer is achieved, and technical support is provided for implementation of the liquid crystal antenna. The liquid crystal antenna is simple in structure, the liquid crystal material has the properties of low cost and low power consumption, and the cost and the power consumption of the liquid crystal phased array adopting the liquid crystal antenna are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of liquid crystal antenna technology, and more specifically, to a liquid crystal antenna, a liquid crystal phased array, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] For future commercial satellite communications, especially low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications, phased array antennas have become a key infrastructure for building global LEO satellite communication networks due to their rapid beam controllability, high gain, and wide-angle coverage. Traditional active phased arrays, due to the presence of transceiver (T / R) components, require more T / R channels to form a large array surface, resulting in high cost and power consumption, hindering their implementation in end products. In recent years, the development and iteration of high-performance electromagnetic liquid crystal (LCD) materials technology has provided an effective solution for low-cost, low-power phased array antenna design. LCD phased array antenna technology, as a revolutionary technological innovation, has become a focus of research and development for many manufacturers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a liquid crystal antenna, a liquid crystal phased array, and an electronic device, which effectively solves the technical problems existing in the prior art, provides technical support for the realization of liquid crystal antennas, and reduces the cost and power consumption of liquid crystal phased arrays.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided in this application is as follows:

[0005] A liquid crystal antenna, comprising:

[0006] A waveguide, a coplanar waveguide coupling layer, a liquid crystal phase-shifting layer, and an antenna radiating layer are stacked sequentially in the transmission direction;

[0007] The waveguide is used to transmit TE mode waves, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer is used to convert the TE mode waves into at least one TEM mode waves, the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer is used to phase-shift the TEM mode waves into a target beam, and the antenna radiating layer is used to radiate the target beam.

[0008] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a liquid crystal phased array, which includes the liquid crystal antenna described above.

[0009] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an electronic device, which includes the above-described liquid crystal antenna; or, the electronic device includes the above-described liquid crystal phased array.

[0010] Compared with existing technologies, the technical solution provided in this application has at least the following advantages:

[0011] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna, a liquid crystal phased array, and an electronic device. The liquid crystal antenna includes a waveguide, a coplanar waveguide coupling layer, a liquid crystal phase-shifting layer, and an antenna radiating layer stacked sequentially in the transmission direction. The waveguide transmits TE mode waves, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer converts the TE mode waves into at least one TEM mode wave, the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer phase-shifts the TEM mode waves into a target beam, and the antenna radiating layer radiates the target beam. Thus, by using the coplanar waveguide coupling layer to transmit TEM mode waves and interacting with the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer, the signal interaction between the waveguide and the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer is achieved, providing technical support for the realization of the liquid crystal antenna. The liquid crystal antenna provided in this application has a simple structure, and due to the low cost and low power consumption of liquid crystal materials, the cost and power consumption of the liquid crystal phased array fabricated using the liquid crystal antenna are reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal antenna;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first metallic stratum provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second metallic stratum provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a coupling metal layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a phase shifter wiring layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another phase shifter wiring layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a phase-shifting grounding layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another phase-shifting grounding layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal output layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna grounding layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna coupling layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna patch layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna feed layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 16 A schematic diagram illustrating the electrical connection relationship between the signal output layer, the antenna feed layer, and the antenna coupling layer provided in this application embodiment;

[0029] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 100 waveguide;

[0032] 200 Coplanar waveguide coupling layer, 210 First metal ground layer, 211 Waveguide connection part, 212 First impedance matching part, 2101 Coupling opening, 220 Second metal ground layer, 221 Waveguide cover part, 222 Second impedance matching part, 223 Turn-in coplanar waveguide part, 2231 First turn-in ground plane, 2232 Second turn-in ground plane, 2233 Turn-in center conductor strip, 224 Coupled output part, 230 Coupled waveguide layer, 231 Coupled input part, 232 Signal transmission part, 2321 Trace part, 2322 Impedance transformation part, 233 RF trace part, 240 Waveguide cavity, 251 First dielectric layer, 252 Second dielectric layer, 260 Connection via, 261 Main connection via, 262 Auxiliary connection via, 263 Reinforcement via, 270 Signal transmission via;

[0033] 300 Liquid crystal phase-shifting layer, 311 First substrate, 312 Second substrate, 313 Liquid crystal layer, 320 Phase shifter wiring layer, 321 First phase shifter wiring, 3211 First coupling access portion, 3212 First winding phase-shifting portion, 3213 First coupling output portion, 322 Second phase shifter wiring, 3221 Second coupling access portion, 3222 Second winding phase-shifting portion, 3223 Second coupling output portion, 323 Branch portion, 330 Phase-shifting ground layer, 3301 Phase-shifting cutout, 3311 First coupling access cutout, 3312 First winding phase-shifting cutout, 3313 First coupling output cutout, 3321 Second coupling access cutout, 3322 Second winding phase-shifting cutout, 3323 Second coupling output cutout;

[0034] 400 Antenna radiating layer, 410 Signal output layer, 411 Output coplanar waveguide section, 4111 First output ground plane, 4112 Second output ground plane, 4113 Output center conductor strip, 420 Antenna grounding layer, 421 Through-hole cutout, 430 Antenna coupling layer, 431 Coupler block, 440 Antenna patch layer, 441 First antenna patch, 442 Seventh dielectric layer, 443 Second antenna patch, 450 Antenna feeder layer, 451 Antenna feeder, 461 Third dielectric layer, 462 Fourth dielectric layer, 463 Fifth dielectric layer, 464 Sixth dielectric layer. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] As described in the background section, for future commercial satellite communications, especially low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications, phased array antennas have become a key infrastructure for building global LEO satellite communication networks due to their rapid beam controllability, high gain, and wide-angle coverage. Traditional active phased arrays, due to the presence of transceiver (T / R) components, require more T / R channels to form a large array surface, resulting in high cost and power consumption, hindering their implementation in end products. In recent years, the development and iteration of high-performance electromagnetic liquid crystal materials technology has provided an effective solution for low-cost, low-power phased array antenna design. Liquid crystal phased array antenna technology, as a revolutionary technological innovation, has become a focus of research and development for many manufacturers.

[0037] Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide a liquid crystal antenna, a liquid crystal phased array, and an electronic device, which effectively solves the technical problems existing in the prior art, provides technical support for the realization of liquid crystal antennas, and reduces the cost and power consumption of liquid crystal phased arrays.

[0038] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions provided in this application are as follows, in specific combination with... Figures 1 to 17 The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a liquid crystal antenna according to an embodiment of this application. The liquid crystal antenna provided in this embodiment includes: a waveguide 100, a coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200, a liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300, and an antenna radiating layer 400 stacked sequentially in the transmission direction Z. The waveguide 100 is used to transmit TE mode waves (Transverse Electric Waves), the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 is used to convert the TE mode waves into at least one TEM mode wave (Transverse Electromagnetic Mode), the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 is used to phase-shift the TEM mode waves into a target beam, and the antenna radiating layer 400 is used to radiate the target beam.

[0040] Understandably, to ensure high uniformity of liquid crystal thickness, the liquid crystal requires cell encapsulation using a double-layer substrate. Furthermore, to effectively utilize the liquid crystal's performance, the liquid crystal panel's ground plane needs to be placed on one side of the substrate within the cell. This means the ground plane of the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 cannot share a common ground with the ground planes of other layers (such as waveguide 100). Moreover, in the liquid crystal antenna, waveguide 100 transmits TE mode waves, while the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 transmits TEM mode waves. The conversion between these two different transmission modes in a non-common-ground structure is a challenge that researchers currently need to address. Therefore, the technical solution provided in this application uses a coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 disposed between waveguide 100 and liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300. Signal interaction between waveguide 100 and liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 is achieved by transmitting TEM mode waves through the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200, thus providing technical support for the realization of the liquid crystal antenna. The liquid crystal antenna provided in this application has a simple structure. At the same time, due to the low cost and low power consumption of liquid crystal materials, the cost and power consumption of liquid crystal phased arrays made using liquid crystal antennas are reduced.

[0041] In the main structure of the liquid crystal antenna, waveguide 100 is located above the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200, acting as a metal conduit for transmitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves. Electrical connection between waveguide 100 and the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 forms an electromagnetic transmission channel. This channel converts the TE mode wave transmitted by waveguide 100 into at least one TEM mode wave, adapting to the signal processing conditions of the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 and resolving the issue of direct signal interaction between waveguide 100 and the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300. The number of TEM mode waves converted by the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 is determined by the number of matching modules designed into the coplanar waveguide section within its internal structure. Specifically, in conjunction with… Figures 2 to 5 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first metallic stratum provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second metallic stratum provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a coupling metal layer provided in an embodiment of this application. The coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 provided in this embodiment includes: a first metal ground layer 210, the first metal ground layer 210 including a coupling opening 2101, a waveguide 100 electrically connected to the first metal ground layer 210, and the waveguide 100 being disposed corresponding to the coupling opening 2101; that is, the waveguide 100 is disposed on the side of the coupling opening 2101 away from the second metal ground layer 220, and the waveguide 100 is partially electrically connected to the first metal ground layer 210 around the coupling opening 2101. The second metal ground layer 220 is located on the side of the first metal ground layer 210 away from the waveguide 100. The first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220 are electrically connected and are arranged opposite each other to form a waveguide cavity 240. The coupling opening 2101 is located in the corresponding area of ​​the waveguide cavity 240. That is, on the reference plane of the plane where the parallel coplanar coupling layer 200 is located, the orthographic projection of the waveguide cavity 240 covers the orthographic projection of the coupling opening 2101. A coupling metal layer 230 is disposed between the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220. The coupling metal layer 230 is located in the waveguide cavity 240 and corresponds to the waveguide 100 through the coupling opening 2101. That is, on the reference plane of the plane where the parallel coplanar coupling layer 200 is located, the orthographic projection of the waveguide cavity 240 covers the orthographic projection of the coupling metal layer 230, and the orthographic projections of the coupling metal layer 230, the coupling opening 2101, and the waveguide 100 have overlapping portions. Optionally, the coupling metal layer 230 is directly opposite the waveguide 100 through the coupling opening 2101, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0042] Continue as Figure 3As shown, the first metal ground layer 210 provided in this embodiment includes a waveguide connection portion 211, which includes the coupling opening 2101. The waveguide 100 is electrically connected to the waveguide connection portion 211, and the waveguide 100 is disposed on the side of the waveguide connection portion 211 facing away from the second metal ground layer 220. The waveguide connection portion 211 is used to provide the coupling opening 2101 and to make contact electrical connection with the waveguide 100 (e.g., the surface of the waveguide 100 and the waveguide connection portion 211 are directly in contact), so that the coupling metal layer 230 can couple the TE mode wave transmitted by the waveguide 100 into the connection. In some embodiments, the waveguide connection portion 211 may be in the shape of a square ring, while the coupling opening 2101 may be in the shape of a rectangle. This application does not impose specific limitations on this, and the specific shape needs to be designed according to the actual application. Furthermore, the first metal ground layer 210 provided in this application embodiment further includes: at least one first impedance matching part 212, wherein at least one side of the waveguide connection part 211 is connected to at least one first impedance matching part 212 in a first direction X, and the first direction X is a direction parallel to the plane where the first metal ground layer 210 is located; the first impedance matching part 212 is used to adjust impedance and transmit radio frequency signals, and it can adjust the impedance of the stripline by adjusting the line width, length, shape, etc., thereby adapting to the parameters required by the liquid crystal antenna. In some embodiments, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application embodiment is a 2×2 antenna, such as Figure 3 The first metal ground layer 210 shown may include two first impedance matching parts 212 disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the waveguide connection part 211 in the first direction X. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this, and the number may be increased or decreased according to the actual application.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the second metal ground layer 220 provided in this application embodiment includes: a waveguide covering portion 221, which is disposed opposite to the waveguide connecting portion 211; the waveguide covering portion 221 is disposed on the side of the waveguide connecting portion 211 away from the waveguide 100, the waveguide covering portion 221 and the waveguide connecting portion 211 are electrically connected, and the intermediate space region between the two is the waveguide cavity 240. In some embodiments, the waveguide covering portion 221 provided in this application embodiment may be rectangular, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this. The second metal ground layer 220 provided in this application embodiment also includes: at least one second impedance matching portion 222, in the first direction X, at least one side of the waveguide covering portion 221 is connected to at least one second impedance matching portion 222, and one second impedance matching portion 222 is disposed opposite to one first impedance matching portion 212; the second impedance matching portion 222 is also used to adjust impedance and transmit radio frequency signals, and it can adjust the impedance of the stripline by adjusting the line width, length, shape, etc., thereby adapting to the parameters required by the liquid crystal antenna. Figure 4 The second metal ground layer 220 shown may include two second impedance matching portions 222 disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the waveguide cover layer 221 in the first direction X. Each second impedance matching portion 222 is electrically connected to a first impedance matching portion 212. This application does not impose specific limitations on this; the number may be increased or decreased depending on the actual application. The second metal ground layer 220 provided in this embodiment further includes at least one inverted coplanar waveguide portion 223. In the second direction Y, at least one side of the second impedance matching portion 222 is connected to at least one of the inverted coplanar waveguide portions 223. The second direction Y is parallel to the plane where the first metal ground layer 210 is located, and the first direction X and the second direction Y intersect (e.g., the first direction X and the second direction Y may be perpendicular to each other). The inverted coplanar waveguide portion 223 is used for signal transmission, and its impedance can be adjusted by changing its linewidth, length, shape, etc., to meet the parameter requirements of the liquid crystal antenna. Furthermore, the second metal ground layer 220 provided in this application embodiment further includes: at least one coupling output section 224, one of the coupling output sections 224 being electrically connected to one of the introduced coplanar waveguide sections 223. The coupling output section 224 is used to transmit radio frequency signals through coupling with corresponding coupling lines in the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300. The number of coupling output sections 224 is the same as the number of introduced coplanar waveguide sections 223, serving as one of the modules matching the introduced coplanar waveguide sections 223, to determine the number of TEM mode waves converted by the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200. In some embodiments, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application embodiment is a 2×2 antenna, such as Figure 4 The second metallic ground layer 220 shown includes four coplanar waveguide sections 223 and four matching coupling output sections 224. The coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 can convert the TE mode wave transmitted by the waveguide 100 into four TEM mode waves.

[0044] Continue as Figure 4As shown, the coplanar waveguide section 223 provided in this application embodiment includes: a first transition ground plane 2231 and a second transition ground plane 2232 disposed opposite to each other in the first direction X, the first transition ground plane 2231 and the second transition ground plane 2232 being electrically connected to the second impedance matching section 222; and a transition center conductor strip 2233 located between the first transition ground plane 2231 and the second transition ground plane 2232, and the transition center conductor strip 2233 being electrically connected to the coupling output section 224. Taking the second metal ground layer 220 provided in this application embodiment as an example, which includes two second impedance matching parts 222 and four transition coplanar waveguide parts 223, the two second impedance matching parts 222 are respectively disposed on both sides of the waveguide covering part 221 in the first direction X, and a transition coplanar waveguide part 223 is respectively disposed on both sides of the second impedance matching part 222 in the second direction Y, and a coupling output part 224 is disposed on the side of the transition coplanar waveguide part 223 away from the second impedance matching part 222; at any one of the transition coplanar waveguide parts 223, the first transition ground plane 2231 and the second transition ground plane 2232 extend along the second direction Y and are in contact with the second impedance matching part 222 for electrical connection, and the transition center conductor strip 2233 is located between the first transition ground plane 2231 and the second transition ground plane 2232, and the transition center conductor strip 2233 extends along the second direction Y and is in contact with the coupling output part 224 for electrical connection. In some other embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application may also include other numbers of incoming coplanar waveguide sections 223, and other second impedance matching sections 222, incoming ground planes, incoming center conductor strips 2233, and coupling output sections 224 with different shapes, lengths, and linewidths, which need to be specifically designed according to the actual application.

[0045] The first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220 need to be electrically connected to form a waveguide cavity 240, and the first metal ground layer 210, the second metal ground layer 220, and the coupling metal layer 230 also need to be supported by a dielectric layer. Figure 2As shown in the embodiments of this application, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 includes: a first dielectric layer 251 and a second dielectric layer 252. The first dielectric layer 251 is located between the first metal ground layer 210 and the coupling metal layer 230, and the second dielectric layer 252 is located between the coupling metal layer 230 and the second metal ground layer 220. Thus, the first dielectric layer 251 and the second dielectric layer 252 provide a support structure for the first metal ground layer 210, the second metal ground layer 220, and the coupling metal layer 230. Optionally, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 provided in these embodiments can be a functional layer implemented using a printed circuit board or similar structure; this application does not impose specific limitations on this. Furthermore, to achieve electrical connection between the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220, the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220 can be connected through a connection via 260 penetrating the first dielectric layer 251 and the second dielectric layer 252. Compared to wire bonding and other connection methods, this reduces the difficulty of connecting the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220, and also reduces the size of the device. Figures 2 to 4 As shown ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The circle marked with reference numeral 261 indicates the location of the main connection via 261. The coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 provided in this embodiment further includes a plurality of main connection vias 261, which penetrate the stack of the first dielectric layer 251 and the second dielectric layer 252. The first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220 are electrically connected through the main connection vias 261. In some embodiments, all the main connection vias 261 provided in this embodiment are distributed around the coupling metal layer 230, thereby improving signal transmission enclosure, reducing the probability of signal leakage, and avoiding the influence of external clutter on signal transmission. Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, some of the main connection vias 261 are spaced apart along the edge lines of the waveguide connection portion 212 and the waveguide covering portion 222, thereby achieving the purpose of surrounding the waveguide cavity 240; at the same time, other parts of the main connection vias 261 are also spaced apart along the edge lines of the first impedance matching portion 212 and the second impedance matching portion 222, thereby achieving full electrical connection between the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220.

[0046] Furthermore, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 provided in this embodiment further includes: a plurality of auxiliary connection vias 262, wherein the auxiliary connection vias 262 penetrate the stack of the first dielectric layer 251 and the second dielectric layer 252, and the waveguide connection portion 212 and the waveguide cover portion 222 are electrically connected through the auxiliary connection vias 262; the auxiliary connection vias 262 are located between the main connection vias 261 and the coupling metal layer 230, and all the auxiliary connection vias 262 are distributed in a circumferential direction along the edge of the waveguide cover portion 222. That is, in the direction surrounding the coupling opening 2101, a ring of auxiliary connection vias 262 is provided between the main connection vias 261 and the coupling opening 2101, thereby further improving the signal transmission sealing, reducing the probability of signal leakage, and further avoiding the influence of external clutter on signal transmission. It should be noted that this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the spacing between adjacent main connection vias 261 and the spacing between adjacent auxiliary connection vias 262. Optionally, the adjacent main connection vias 261 and auxiliary connection vias 262 provided in this application embodiment can be arranged opposite to each other, or the gap between the auxiliary connection via 262 and the two adjacent main connection vias 261 can be arranged opposite to each other. This application does not impose specific limitations on this. In addition, at the gap between the main connection vias 261 and auxiliary connection vias 262, some reinforcing vias 263 can be provided to penetrate the stack of the first dielectric layer 251 and the second dielectric layer 252, and electrically connect the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220, so as to provide a supplementary effect of connecting the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220, and to compensate for the effect in some special areas (such as corner position lights).

[0047] The coupling metal layer 230 is located between the first dielectric layer 251 and the second dielectric layer 252, that is, between the first metal ground layer 210 and the second metal ground layer 220. The first metal ground layer 210, the second metal ground layer 220, and the coupling metal layer 230 cooperate to enable the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 to convert the TE mode wave transmitted by the waveguide 100 into a TEM mode wave, while maintaining low conversion loss. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the coupling metal layer 230 provided in this embodiment includes: a coupling input section 231, which is disposed between the waveguide connection section 211 and the waveguide covering section 221, and is disposed opposite to the waveguide 100 through the coupling opening 2101; the coupling input section 231 is mainly used to couple the signal of the waveguide 100 to the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200, and the shape of the coupling input section 231 can be rectangular, which is not specifically limited in this application. The coupling metal layer 230 provided in this embodiment also includes: at least one signal transmission section 232, which is connected to at least one side of the coupling input section 232 in the first direction X, and is disposed between the first impedance matching section 212 and the second impedance matching section 222 disposed opposite to each other; the signal transmission section 232 is mainly used for signal transmission, and the impedance can be adjusted by changing the line width, length, shape, etc., to meet the parameter requirements of the liquid crystal antenna. Optionally, the signal transmission section 232 provided in this embodiment may consist of two parts: a trace section 2321 that is in contact with the coupling input section 232, and an impedance transformation section 2322 located on the side of the trace section 2321 away from the coupling input section 232 and in contact with the trace section 2321. Both the trace section 2321 and the impedance transformation section 2322 may extend along the first direction X, and the linewidth of the impedance transformation section 2322 may be set to be different from that of the trace section 2321 (e.g., the linewidth of the impedance transformation section 2322 is greater than that of the trace section 2321, forming a 1 / 4 wavelength impedance transformation section) to adjust the impedance of the signal transmission section 232 (e.g., adjusting from 30 ohms to 59 ohms after passing through the impedance transformation section 2322). In some embodiments, the coupling metal layer 230 provided in this embodiment may be provided with two signal transmission sections 232, one of which is disposed between a pair of oppositely disposed first impedance matching sections 212 and second impedance matching sections 222. Furthermore, the coupling metal layer 230 provided in this application embodiment further includes: at least one radio frequency (RF) trace portion 233. In the second direction Y, at least one side of the signal transmission portion 232 is connected to at least one RF trace portion 233. One RF trace portion 233 and a transition center conductor strip 2233 are disposed opposite to each other and electrically connected in the transmission direction Z. In some embodiments, when the coupling metal layer 230 provided in this application embodiment is provided with two signal transmission portions 232, and the second metal ground layer 220 includes four transition coplanar waveguide portions 223 and four matching coupling output portions 224, the coupling metal layer 230 is provided with four RF trace portions 233. Each signal transmission portion 232 is electrically connected to two RF trace portions 233, and the two RF trace portions 233 electrically connected to the same signal transmission portion 232 are disposed on both sides of the signal transmission portion 232 in the second direction Y.

[0048] To achieve electrical connection between the RF trace 233 and the incoming center conductor strip 2233, this embodiment of the application can connect the two via a signal transmission via 270 penetrating the second dielectric layer 252. Continuing as... Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 includes: a second dielectric layer 252 located between the coupling metal layer 230 and the second metal ground layer 220; at least one signal transmission via 270 penetrating the second dielectric layer 252, and the RF trace 233 electrically connected to the center conductor strip 2233 through the signal transmission via 270. Compared to connection methods such as wire bonding, this reduces the connection difficulty between the RF trace 233 in the coupling metal layer 230 and the center conductor strip 2233 in the second metal ground layer 220, while also reducing the size of the device.

[0049] It should be noted that in the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 provided in this application embodiment, the first impedance matching part 212, the second impedance matching part 222, and the signal transmission part 232 all have the function of adjusting impedance. This impedance can be adjusted by changing the linewidth of the structure, by changing the material of the structure, or by adjusting both the linewidth and the material simultaneously. That is, in at least one of the first impedance matching part 211, the second impedance matching part 212, and the signal transmission part 232 provided in this application embodiment, the linewidth of some trace segments is different from the linewidth of the remaining trace segments, and / or the material of some trace segments is different from the material of the remaining trace segments. This application does not impose specific limitations on this. In some embodiments, this application can also adjust the impedance of the structure by adjusting the shape of the structure, etc., which needs to be designed according to the actual application.

[0050] After the TE mode wave transmitted through the waveguide 100 is converted into a TEM mode wave via the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200, the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300 can couple the signal from the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 in, realizing signal interaction between the waveguide 100 and the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300. Figure 2 , Figures 6 to 9 The structure of the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a phase shifter wiring layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another phase shifter wiring layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a phase-shifting grounding layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of another phase-shifting ground layer provided in an embodiment of this application. The liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 provided in this embodiment includes: a first substrate 311; a second substrate 312 disposed opposite to the first substrate 311, with the first substrate 311 located between the second substrate 312 and the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200; and a liquid crystal layer 313 located between the first substrate 311 and the second substrate 312. The first substrate 311, the second substrate 312, and the liquid crystal layer 313 constitute the basic framework of the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300. Optionally, the first substrate 311 and the second substrate 312 provided in this embodiment can be glass substrates, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this. The liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 provided in this embodiment further includes a phase shifter wiring layer 320, which is located between the first substrate 311 and the liquid crystal layer 313. The phase shifter wiring layer 320 is the main circuit structure of the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300, used to couple in the signal of the TEM mode wave of the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200, and to process the signal as needed, convert it into a target beam, and then couple it out. In addition, the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 provided in this embodiment also includes a phase-shifting ground layer 330, which is located between the liquid crystal layer 313 and the second substrate 312. The phase-shifting ground layer 330 is mainly used to introduce additional phase shift to the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300, while ensuring impedance matching, thereby meeting the requirements of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0051] Continue as Figure 6As shown, the phase shifter trace layer 320 provided in this embodiment includes at least one first phase shifter trace 321. The first phase shifter trace 321 includes a first coupling access portion 3211, which is used to couple the TEM mode wave. In the transmission direction Z, the first coupling access portion 3211 is disposed opposite to the coupling output portion 224 in the second metal ground layer 220, thereby enabling the first coupling access portion 3211 to couple the TEM mode wave from the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200. The first phase shifter trace 321 provided in this embodiment also includes a first wound phase shifter portion 3212, the input end of which is electrically connected to the first coupling access portion 3211. The first wound phase shifter portion 3212 is used to adjust the phase of the connected TEM mode wave to achieve the purpose of adjusting the TEM mode wave into a target beam. For example, the first wound phase shifter portion 3212 is used to convert the TEM mode wave into a left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized wave. Furthermore, the first phase shifter trace 321 provided in this embodiment of the application also includes: a first coupling output portion 3213, which is electrically connected to the output end of the first winding phase shifter portion 3212; the first coupling output portion 3213 is used to output the target beam to the antenna radiating layer 400 through coupling. In some embodiments, when the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 provided in this embodiment of the application includes four coupling output portions 224, that is, when the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 is used to convert the TE mode wave transmitted by the waveguide 100 into four TEM mode waves, the phase shifter trace layer 320 provided in this embodiment of the application includes four first phase shifter traces 321, and the first coupling input portion 3211 of each first phase shifter trace 321 corresponds to one coupling output portion 224, and is arranged opposite to each other in the transmission direction Z, so as to input the TEM mode wave transmitted by each coupling output portion 224 into the liquid crystal phase shifter layer 300 for conversion.

[0052] In some embodiments, the target beam provided in this application may include a switchable circularly polarized wave, thereby improving the applicability of the liquid crystal antenna. For example, for low-Earth orbit satellite communication, a switchable circularly polarized wave is an essential function. On the one hand, it can resist interference, and on the other hand, it can improve communication capacity. The liquid crystal antenna provided in this application can realize a switchable circularly polarized wave, solving the technical problems existing in ground-orbit satellite communication. Continuing... Figure 6As shown, in order to achieve a switchable circularly polarized wave for the target beam, the phase shifter trace layer 320 provided in this embodiment further includes a second phase shifter trace 322 corresponding to the first phase shifter trace 321. The second phase shifter trace 322 includes a second coupling access portion 3221, which is coupled to the same TEM mode wave as the first coupling access portion 3211. That is, in the correspondingly arranged first phase shifter trace 321 and second phase shifter trace 322, in the transmission direction Z, the first coupling access portion 3211 and the second coupling access portion 3221 are opposite to the same coupling output portion 224 in the second metal ground layer 220, so that the first coupling access portion 3211 and the second coupling access portion 3221 can be coupled to the same TEM mode wave from the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 at the same time. The second phase shifter trace 322 provided in this embodiment further includes: a second winding phase shifter section 3222, the input terminal of the second winding phase shifter section 3222 being electrically connected to the second coupling access section 3221, and the winding directions of the second winding phase shifter section 3222 and the first winding phase shifter section 3212 being opposite; if the first winding phase shifter section 3212 is used to convert the TEM mode wave into a left-hand circularly polarized wave, then the second winding phase shifter section 3222 is used to convert the TEM mode wave into a right-hand circularly polarized wave; and if the first winding phase shifter section 3212 is used to convert the TEM mode wave into a right-hand circularly polarized wave, then the second winding phase shifter section 3222 is used to convert the TEM mode wave into a left-hand circularly polarized wave, thereby separately controlling the independent first phase shifter trace 321 and the second phase shifter trace 322, realizing phase control between different polarizations, and realizing a switchable circularly polarized wave. In addition, the second phase shifter trace 322 provided in this application embodiment also includes: a second coupling output portion 3223, which is electrically connected to the output end of the second winding phase shifter portion 3222; the second coupling output portion 3223 is used to output the target beam to the antenna radiating layer 400 through coupling.

[0053] Continue as Figure 6As shown, when the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 provided in this embodiment includes four coupling output sections 224, that is, when the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 is used to convert the TE mode wave transmitted by the waveguide 100 into four TEM mode waves, the phase shifter trace layer 320 provided in this embodiment includes four first phase shifter traces 321. The first coupling access section 3211 of each first phase shifter trace 321 corresponds to one coupling output section 224 and is arranged opposite to each other in the transmission direction Z, so as to access the TEM mode wave transmitted by each coupling output section 224 into the liquid crystal phase shifter layer 300 for conversion. Meanwhile, the phase shifter trace layer 320 provided in this embodiment also includes four second phase shifter traces 322, each of which is correspondingly arranged with a first phase shifter trace 321. In the correspondingly arranged first phase shifter traces 321 and second phase shifter traces 322, in the transmission direction Z, the first coupling access portion 3211 and the second coupling access portion 3221 are arranged opposite to the same coupling output portion 224 in the second metal ground layer 220, so that the first coupling access portion 3211 and the second coupling access portion 3221 can be coupled into the same TEM mode wave from the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 at the same time. Furthermore, the winding directions of the first winding phase shifter portion 3212 and the second winding phase shifter portion 3222 in the correspondingly arranged first phase shifter traces 321 and second phase shifter traces 322 are designed to be opposite, thereby realizing phase control between different polarizations and realizing switchable circular polarization waves of the 2×2 liquid crystal antenna.

[0054] To improve the phase shifting accuracy of the phase shifter traces, this application also allows for optimized design of the phase shifter traces. (Reference) Figure 7As shown in the embodiment of this application, the phase shifter wiring layer 320 further includes a plurality of branch sections 323, wherein the winding phase shifter section in the phase shifter wiring layer 320 is electrically connected to the plurality of branch sections 323. At the first winding phase shifter section 3212, a plurality of branch sections 323 are connected to the first winding phase shifter section 3212, thereby increasing the phase shift degree per unit length of the first winding phase shifter section 3212 and reducing the wiring length of the first winding phase shifter section 3212 through the design of the branch sections 323. Similarly, at the second winding phase shifter section 3222, a plurality of branch sections 323 are connected to the second winding phase shifter section 3222, thereby increasing the phase shift degree per unit length of the second winding phase shifter section 3222 and reducing the wiring length of the second winding phase shifter section 3222 through the design of the branch sections 323. It should be noted that the branch section 323 provided in this application embodiment can be disposed on any side of the linewidth direction of the winding phase shifting section, or multiple branch sections 323 can be connected and disposed on both sides of the linewidth direction of the winding phase shifting section. This application does not impose specific limitations on this. In addition, this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the number of branch sections 323 connected to the first winding phase shifting section 3212 and the second winding phase shifting section 3222. Specific design is required based on actual application.

[0055] The liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 also includes a phase-shifting ground layer 330, which is disposed on the surface of the second substrate 312 facing the liquid crystal layer 313. Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the phase-shifting grounding layer 330 provided in this embodiment includes a phase-shifting cutout 3301, which is disposed opposite to the coupling access portion, the winding phase-shifting portion, and the coupling output portion in the phase shifter wiring layer 320. By providing the phase-shifting cutout 3301 in the phase-shifting grounding layer 330, the phase shift degree per unit length of the phase shifter wiring can be further increased, and the wiring length of the winding phase shifting portion can be reduced. Furthermore, the portion of the phase-shifting grounding layer 330 provided in this embodiment that is opposite to the branch portion 323 in the transmission direction Z is a non-cutout portion, making the portion opposite to the phase shifting grounding layer 330 and the branch portion 323 equivalent to a capacitor, while the portion opposite to the phase shifting cutout 3301 and the phase shifter wiring is equivalent to an inductor. By introducing additional phase shift degree through series inductance and parallel capacitance, while ensuring impedance matching, the length of the phase shifter wiring can be further shortened, thus improving the circuit design of the phase shifter wiring layer 320. When the liquid crystal phase shift layer 320 includes only the first phase shifter trace 321, the phase shift cutout 3301 includes only the first coupling access cutout 3311, the first winding phase shift cutout 3312, and the first coupling output cutout 3313, which are arranged opposite to the first phase shifter trace 321 in the transmission direction Z. The first coupling access cutout 3311 is arranged opposite to the first coupling access portion 3211, the first winding phase shift cutout 3312 is arranged opposite to the first winding phase shift portion 3212, and the first coupling output cutout 3313 is arranged opposite to the first coupling output portion 3213. When the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 320 provided in this application embodiment further includes a second phase shifter trace 322, the phase-shifting cutout 3301 further includes a second coupling access cutout 3321, a second winding phase-shifting cutout 3322, and a second coupling exit cutout 3323, which are disposed opposite to the second phase shifter trace 322 in the transmission direction Z. The second coupling access cutout 3321 is disposed opposite to the second coupling access portion 3221, the second winding phase-shifting cutout 3322 is disposed opposite to the second winding phase-shifting portion 3222, and the second coupling exit cutout 3323 is disposed opposite to the second coupling exit portion 3223. Optionally, the phase-shifting cutout 3301 provided in this application embodiment corresponds to the corresponding first phase shifter trace 321 and second phase shifter trace 322. The first coupling access cutout 3311 and the second coupling access cutout 3321 can be interconnected, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this. Furthermore, in the phase-shifting cutout 3301 provided in this application embodiment, the first winding phase-shifting cutout 3312 and the second winding phase-shifting cutout 3322 can be discontinuous cutout structures along the winding direction of the winding phase-shifting portion, such as... Figure 8 The winding phase-shifting cutout shown is an example. Alternatively, in the phase-shifting cutout 3301 provided in this embodiment, the first winding phase-shifting cutout 3312 and the second winding phase-shifting cutout 3322 can also be continuous cutout structures along the winding direction of the winding phase-shifting portion, such as... Figure 9 The winding phase shift cutout shown needs to be selected specifically based on the actual application.

[0056] The liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 converts the TEM mode wave coupled into the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 into the target beam, and then couples it out to the antenna radiating layer 400, thereby realizing the conversion between the liquid crystal microstrip and the antenna. Combined with... Figure 2 , Figures 10 to 13 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal output layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna grounding layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna coupling layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna patch layer provided in an embodiment of this application. The antenna radiating layer 400 provided in this embodiment includes: a signal output layer 410, which is used to couple the target beam out from the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300; that is, when the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300 converts the TEM mode wave transmitted by the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200 into a switchable circularly polarized wave, the signal output layer 410 is used to couple the switchable circularly polarized wave out from the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300. An antenna ground layer 420 is located on the side of the signal output layer 410 away from the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300; the antenna ground layer 420 is a single piece of ground metal layer, and when the signal output layer 410 is electrically connected to the underlying antenna coupling layer 430 and other structural layers through vias, the antenna ground layer 420 is set to an open-hole structure at the corresponding via position. An antenna coupling layer 430 is located on the side of the antenna ground layer 420 opposite to the signal output layer 410, and the signal output layer 410 is electrically connected to the antenna coupling layer 430. The antenna coupling layer 430 is used to couple and transmit signals to the antenna patch layer 440, and it achieves impedance matching by eliminating the inductance introduced by vias, etc., during signal transmission through capacitive coupling feeding. The antenna patch layer 440 is located on the side of the antenna coupling layer 430 opposite to the signal output layer 410; the antenna patch layer 440 may include a block antenna, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0057] Continue as Figure 10As shown in the embodiment of this application, the liquid crystal antenna is characterized in that the signal output layer 410 includes at least one output coplanar waveguide portion 411, the output coplanar waveguide portion 411 including a first output ground plane 4111 and a second output ground plane 4112 disposed opposite to each other in a direction parallel to the plane where the signal output layer 410 is located. Furthermore, the signal output layer 410 provided in this application embodiment further includes an output center conductor strip 4113, the output center conductor strip 4113 being located between the first output ground plane 4111 and the second output ground plane 4112, and the output center conductor strip 4113 being disposed opposite to the coupling output portion in the liquid crystal phase shift layer 300 in the transmission direction Z. In some embodiments, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application is a 2×2 antenna, that is, when the liquid crystal phase shifter 300 includes four first phase shifter traces 321, the signal output layer 410 includes four output coplanar waveguide sections 411. The output center conductor strip 4113 of one output coplanar waveguide section 411 is disposed opposite to the first coupling outlet 3213 in one of the first phase shifter traces 3213 in the transmission direction Z. Furthermore, when the target beam provided in this application includes a switchable circularly polarized wave, that is, when the liquid crystal phase shifter 300 also includes four second phase shifter traces 322, the signal output layer 410 also includes four output coplanar waveguide sections 411 corresponding to the second phase shifter traces 322. The output center conductor strip 4113 of one output coplanar waveguide section 411 is disposed opposite to the first coupling outlet 3223 in one of the second phase shifter traces 322 in the transmission direction Z.

[0058] Combination Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the antenna grounding layer 420 provided in this embodiment is a single piece of grounding metal layer, and the grounding layer 420 may have at least one through-hole cutout 421, so that the outgoing center conductor strip 4113 of the signal outgoing layer 420 can be electrically connected to the underlying antenna coupling layer 430 and other structures through the through-hole cutout 421, so that the antenna coupling layer 430 couples and transmits the signal to the antenna patch layer 440. The antenna coupling layer 430 provided in this embodiment includes: at least one coupling block 431, and one of the coupling blocks 431 is electrically connected to one of the outgoing center conductor strips 4113. In some embodiments, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application is a 2×2 antenna and the liquid crystal antenna can realize switchable circular polarization, that is, when the signal output layer 410 provided in this application includes eight output coplanar waveguide portions 411, the antenna coupling layer 430 provided in this application includes eight coupling blocks 431, and the antenna ground layer 420 includes eight through-hole cutouts 421. Each coupling block 431 is electrically connected to an output center conductor strip 4113 through a through-hole cutout 421 using a via connection method. Optionally, the coupling block 431 provided in this application can be a regular shape such as a rectangular block, a rhombus block, a circular block, or an elliptical block, or it can be an irregular shape. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0059] Continue as Figure 13 As shown, the antenna patch layer 440 provided in this application embodiment includes at least one first antenna patch 441. In the transmission direction Z, one first antenna patch 441 at least partially overlaps with one coupling block 431. The antenna patch 441 is used to radiate the signal coupled by the coupling block 431. In some embodiments, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application embodiment is a 2×2 antenna, the number of first antenna patches 441 in the antenna patch layer 440 can be four, and one first antenna patch 441 can be at least partially overlapped with the coupling block 431 corresponding to the first phase shifter trace 321 in the transmission direction Z. Alternatively, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application embodiment is a 2×2 antenna, and the liquid crystal antenna can realize switchable circularly polarized waves, the number of first antenna patches 441 in the antenna patch layer 440 can still be four, and one first antenna patch 441 can be at least partially overlapped with two coupling blocks 431 corresponding to a pair of first phase shifter traces 321 and second phase shifter traces 322 in the transmission direction Z.

[0060] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application may further include a pair of circuit structures for phase correction of the target beam in the antenna radiating layer 400. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an antenna feed layer provided in an embodiment of this application. The antenna radiating layer 400 provided in this embodiment further includes an antenna feed layer 450, located between the signal output layer 410 and the antenna ground layer 420, and electrically connected between the signal output layer 410 and the antenna coupling layer 430. The antenna feed layer 450 is used for phase correction of the target beam, thereby improving the accuracy of the liquid crystal antenna. Optionally, a 180-degree phase difference can be introduced in the antenna feed layer 450 to eliminate the 180-degree phase difference generated when the waveguide 100 rotates to the coplanar waveguide coupling layer 200. After passing through the antenna feed layer 450, the signal is coupled to the patch antenna layer 400 through the antenna coupling layer 430, thereby improving the accuracy of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0061] Continue as Figure 15 As shown, the antenna feed layer 450 provided in this embodiment includes at least one antenna feed line 451. The input end of the antenna feed line 451 is electrically connected to the outgoing center conductor strip 4113, and the output end of the antenna feed line 451 is electrically connected to the coupling block 431. That is, after the signal in the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer 300 is coupled through the outgoing coplanar waveguide section 411, it is transmitted to the antenna feed line 451 electrically connected thereto for phase correction, and finally transmitted by the antenna feed line 451 to the coupling block 431 electrically connected thereto. Optionally, the antenna feed line 451 and the outgoing center conductor strip 4113 provided in this embodiment can be electrically connected via vias; in addition, the antenna feed line 451 and the coupling block 431 can also be electrically connected via vias, that is, the vias pass through the through-hole cutout 421 in the antenna ground layer 420 to achieve the electrical connection between the antenna feed line 451 and the coupling block 431. In some embodiments, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application is a 2×2 antenna, the antenna feed layer 450 may include four antenna feed lines 451, and one antenna feed line 451 is electrically connected between a turnout center conductor strip 4113 and a coupling block 431. See details. Figure 16 The diagram shown illustrates the electrical connection relationship between a signal output layer, an antenna feed layer, and an antenna coupling layer according to an embodiment of this application. When the liquid crystal antenna provided in this embodiment is a 2×2 antenna and can achieve switchable circular polarization, the antenna feed layer 450 includes eight antenna feed lines 451. Each antenna feed line 451 is electrically connected between an output center conductor strip 4113 and a coupling block 431. Figure 16 The dashed line in the middle illustrates the electrical connection between the antenna feed line 451, the center conductor strip 4113, and the coupling block 431 via vias.

[0062] In the antenna radiating layer 400, in order to support the signal output layer 410, antenna feed layer 450, antenna ground layer 420, antenna coupling layer 430, and antenna patch layer 440, a dielectric layer may be provided between the above-mentioned structural layers provided in this embodiment. Continuing as... Figure 15 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the antenna radiating layer 400 includes: a third dielectric layer 461, located between the signal output layer 410 and the antenna feed layer 450; a fourth dielectric layer 462, located between the antenna feed layer 450 and the antenna ground layer 420; a fifth dielectric layer 463, located between the antenna ground layer 420 and the antenna coupling layer 430; and a sixth dielectric layer 464, located between the antenna coupling layer 430 and the antenna patch layer 440. The antenna feed line 451 and the output center conductor strip 4113 are electrically connected through a via penetrating the third dielectric layer 461. The antenna ground layer 420 includes at least one through-hole 421, wherein the antenna feed line 451 and the coupling block 431 are electrically connected through the through-hole 421 and through a via penetrating the fourth dielectric layer 462 and the fifth dielectric layer 463. Compared with connection methods such as wire bonding, the via connection method can reduce the connection difficulty between the signal output layer 410, the antenna feed line layer 450 and the antenna coupling layer 430, and at the same time reduce the size of the device. Optionally, the antenna radiating layer 400 provided in this application embodiment can be a circuit structure of the type of printed circuit board, etc., and this application does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0063] refer to Figure 17 The diagram shows another liquid crystal antenna structure provided in this application embodiment. The antenna patch layer provided in this application embodiment further includes a seventh dielectric layer 442 and at least one second antenna patch 443. The seventh dielectric layer 442 is located between the first antenna patch 441 and the second antenna patch 442, and in the transmission direction Z, one first antenna patch 441 and one second antenna patch 442 at least partially overlap. Optionally, when the liquid crystal antenna provided in this application embodiment is a 2×2 antenna, regardless of whether the liquid crystal antenna can achieve switchable circular polarization, the antenna radiating layer 400 includes four first antenna patches 441 and four second antenna patches 442, wherein one first antenna patch 441 and one second antenna patch 442 at least partially overlap in the transmission direction Z.

[0064] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a liquid crystal phased array, which includes the liquid crystal antenna provided in any of the above embodiments. Optionally, the liquid crystal phased array provided in embodiments of this application can realize a large-scale phased array structure, such as a large-scale liquid crystal phased array of 32×32 or more, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0065] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, which includes the liquid crystal antenna provided in any of the above embodiments; or, the electronic device includes the liquid crystal phased array described above. Optionally, the electronic device provided in embodiments of this application includes a communication satellite, such as a low-Earth orbit communication satellite, etc., and this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0066] In summary, this application provides a liquid crystal antenna, a liquid crystal phased array, and an electronic device. The liquid crystal antenna includes a waveguide, a coplanar waveguide coupling layer, a liquid crystal phase-shifting layer, and an antenna radiating layer stacked sequentially in the transmission direction. The waveguide transmits TE mode waves, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer converts the TE mode waves into at least one TEM mode wave, the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer phase-shifts the TEM mode waves into a target beam, and the antenna radiating layer radiates the target beam. Thus, by using the coplanar waveguide coupling layer to transmit TEM mode waves and interacting with the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer, the signal interaction between the waveguide and the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer is achieved, providing technical support for the realization of the liquid crystal antenna. The liquid crystal antenna provided in this application has a simple structure, and due to the low cost and low power consumption of liquid crystal materials, the cost and power consumption of the liquid crystal phased array fabricated using the liquid crystal antenna are reduced.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and other terms indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0068] Furthermore, 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 technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0071] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0072] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal antenna, characterized in that, include: A waveguide, a coplanar waveguide coupling layer, a liquid crystal phase-shifting layer, and an antenna radiating layer are stacked sequentially in the transmission direction; The waveguide is used to transmit TE mode waves, the coplanar waveguide coupling layer is used to convert the TE mode waves into at least one TEM mode waves, the liquid crystal phase-shifting layer is used to phase-shift the TEM mode waves into a target beam, and the antenna radiating layer is used to radiate the target beam.

2. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target beam includes a switchable circularly polarized wave.

3. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coplanar waveguide coupling layer includes: A first metallic ground layer, the first metallic ground layer including a coupling opening, the waveguide being electrically connected to the first metallic ground layer, and the waveguide being disposed corresponding to the coupling opening; The second metal ground layer is located on the side of the first metal ground layer away from the waveguide. The first metal ground layer and the second metal ground layer are electrically connected and are arranged opposite each other to form a waveguide cavity. The coupling opening is located in the corresponding region of the waveguide cavity. A coupling metal layer is disposed between the first metal ground layer and the second metal ground layer. The coupling metal layer is located in the waveguide cavity and corresponds to the waveguide through the coupling opening.

4. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first metallic formation includes: A waveguide connection portion, the waveguide connection portion including the coupling opening, the waveguide being electrically connected to the waveguide connection portion, and the waveguide being disposed on the side of the waveguide connection portion away from the second metal ground layer; At least one first impedance matching part is provided, and at least one first impedance matching part is connected to at least one side of the waveguide connection part in a first direction, wherein the first direction is a direction parallel to the plane where the first metal ground layer is located.

5. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second metallic formation includes: A waveguide covering portion, wherein the waveguide covering portion is disposed opposite to the waveguide connecting portion; At least one second impedance matching part is provided. In a first direction, at least one side of the waveguide cover is connected to at least one second impedance matching part, and one second impedance matching part is disposed opposite to one first impedance matching part. At least one coplanar waveguide section is provided, and in the second direction, at least one side of the second impedance matching section is connected to at least one of the coplanar waveguide sections. The second direction is a direction parallel to the plane where the first metal ground layer is located, and the first direction and the second direction intersect. At least one coupling output section, wherein one of the coupling output sections is electrically connected to one of the incoming coplanar waveguide sections.

6. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coplanar waveguide section includes: A first and a second insertion ground plane are disposed opposite to each other in the first direction, and the first and the second insertion ground planes are electrically connected to the second impedance matching part. A center conductor strip is introduced, which is located between the first and second incoming ground planes, and is electrically connected to the coupling output section.

7. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coplanar waveguide coupling layer includes: A first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer is located between the first metal ground layer and the coupling metal layer, and the second dielectric layer is located between the coupling metal layer and the second metal ground layer; Multiple main connection vias are provided, which penetrate the stack of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, and the first metal ground layer and the second metal ground layer are electrically connected through the main connection vias.

8. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, All of the main connection vias are distributed around the coupling metal layer.

9. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that, The coplanar waveguide coupling layer further includes: Multiple auxiliary connection vias are provided, which penetrate the stack of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The waveguide connection portion and the waveguide cover portion are electrically connected through the auxiliary connection vias. The auxiliary connection vias are located between the main connection vias and the coupling metal layer, and all the auxiliary connection vias are distributed along the perimeter of the waveguide cover.

10. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coupling metal layer includes: A coupling input section is disposed between the waveguide connection section and the waveguide covering section, and the coupling input section is disposed opposite to the waveguide through the coupling opening; At least one signal transmission unit is provided, wherein at least one side of the coupling input unit is connected to the signal transmission unit in the first direction, and the signal transmission unit is disposed between the first impedance matching unit and the second impedance matching unit disposed opposite to each other; At least one radio frequency (RF) trace is provided, and in the second direction, at least one side of the signal transmission unit is connected to at least one of the RF traces, and one of the RF traces is electrically connected to a turn-in center conductor.

11. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that, The coplanar waveguide coupling layer includes: A second dielectric layer is located between the coupling metal layer and the second metal ground layer; At least one signal transmission via is provided, the signal transmission via penetrating the second dielectric layer, and the RF trace is electrically connected to the center conductor strip through the signal transmission via.

12. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that, In at least one of the first impedance matching section, the second impedance matching section, and the signal transmission section, the line width of some trace segments is different from that of the other trace segments, and / or the material of some trace segments is different from that of the other trace segments.

13. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal phase-shifting layer includes: First substrate; A second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate, wherein the first substrate is located between the second substrate and the coplanar waveguide coupling layer; A liquid crystal layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; A phase shifter wiring layer is located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer; A phase-shifting ground layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the second substrate.

14. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that, The phase shifter routing layer includes: at least one first phase shifter routing, wherein the first phase shifter routing includes: A first coupling access section is used to couple the TEM mode wave. The first winding phase shifting section has its input terminal electrically connected to the first coupling access section; The first coupling output is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first winding phase shifting section.

15. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 14, characterized in that, The phase shifter trace layer further includes: a second phase shifter trace corresponding to the first phase shifter trace, the second phase shifter trace including: The second coupling access section is coupled to the same TEM mode wave as the first coupling access section; The second winding phase shifting section has its input terminal electrically connected to the second coupling access section, and the winding direction of the second winding phase shifting section is opposite to that of the first winding phase shifting section. The second coupling output is electrically connected to the output terminal of the second winding phase shifting section.

16. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The phase shifter wiring layer further includes multiple branch sections, wherein the winding phase shifting section in the phase shifter wiring layer is electrically connected to the multiple branch sections.

17. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The phase-shifting grounding layer includes: The phase shifting cutout is positioned opposite to the coupling access part, the winding phase shifting part, and the coupling output part in the phase shifter wiring layer.

18. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna radiating layer includes: A signal output layer, wherein the signal output layer is used to couple the target beam out from the liquid crystal phase shifting layer; An antenna ground layer is located on the side of the signal output layer opposite to the liquid crystal phase shift layer. An antenna coupling layer is located on the side of the antenna ground layer opposite to the signal output layer, and the signal output layer is electrically connected to the antenna coupling layer. An antenna patch layer is located on the side of the antenna coupling layer opposite to the signal output layer.

19. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 18, characterized in that, The signal output layer includes at least one output coplanar waveguide section, the output coplanar waveguide section comprising: A first and second output ground planes are disposed opposite to each other in a direction parallel to the plane where the signal output layer is located; A center conductor strip is transferred out, which is located between the first and second ground planes.

20. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 19, characterized in that, The antenna coupling layer includes: At least one coupling block, one of which is electrically connected to one of the outgoing center conductors.

21. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 20, characterized in that, The antenna radiating layer further includes: An antenna feed layer is located between the signal output layer and the antenna ground layer, and is electrically connected between the signal output layer and the antenna coupling layer.

22. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 21, characterized in that, The antenna feed layer includes: At least one antenna feed line, the input end of which is electrically connected to the outgoing center conductor, and the output end of which is electrically connected to the coupling block.

23. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 22, characterized in that, The antenna radiating layer includes: A third dielectric layer is located between the signal output layer and the antenna feed layer; A fourth dielectric layer is located between the antenna feed layer and the antenna ground layer; A fifth dielectric layer is located between the antenna ground layer and the antenna coupling layer; A sixth dielectric layer is located between the antenna coupling layer and the antenna patch layer; The antenna feed line and the outgoing center conductor strip are electrically connected through a via penetrating the third dielectric layer; the antenna ground layer includes at least one through-hole, wherein the antenna feed line and the coupling block are electrically connected through the through-hole and through a via penetrating the fourth and fifth dielectric layers.

24. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 20, characterized in that, The antenna patch layer includes: At least one first antenna patch, in the transmission direction, at least partially overlaps with one of the coupling blocks.

25. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 24, characterized in that, The antenna patch layer also includes: Seventh dielectric layer; At least one second antenna patch, the seventh dielectric layer being located between the first antenna patch and the second antenna patch, and in the transmission direction, one of the first antenna patches and one of the second antenna patches at least partially overlap.

26. A liquid crystal phased array, the liquid crystal phased array comprising the liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1-25.

27. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a liquid crystal antenna as described in any one of claims 1-25; or, the electronic device includes a liquid crystal phased array as described in claim 26.

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