A filter, an antenna, a communication device, and a communication system

Abstract

The application provides a filter, an antenna, a communication device and a communication system. The filter comprises: a first filter structure, comprising a first metal structure, a second metal structure, and a first metal via structure electrically connected with the first metal structure and the second metal structure, the first metal structure having an included angle between an extension direction on a plane where the second metal structure is located and an extension direction of the second metal structure. A second filter structure, comprising a third metal structure and a fourth metal structure, the third metal structure having an included angle between an extension direction on a plane where the fourth metal structure is located and an extension direction of the fourth metal structure. The filter has good angle selection characteristics and good sidelobe suppression performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a filter, antenna, communication device, and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, artificial electromagnetic surfaces, represented by frequency-selective surfaces, have always been a research hotspot in the field of wireless communication. They possess excellent spatial filtering characteristics and are therefore widely used in areas such as stealth radomes and electromagnetic protection. However, in increasingly complex electromagnetic environments, the frequency domain filtering characteristics of frequency-selective surfaces are gradually failing to meet the application requirements of current communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a filter, an antenna, a communication device, and a communication system. The filter has good angle selectivity characteristics.

[0004] In a first aspect, a filter is provided, comprising: a first filter structure including a first metal structure, a second metal structure, and a first metal via structure electrically connected to the first metal structure and the second metal structure, wherein the first metal structure and the second metal structure are located on different planes, and there is an angle between the extension direction of the first metal structure on the plane where the second metal structure is located and the extension direction of the second metal structure; and a second filter structure including a third metal structure and a fourth metal structure, wherein the third metal structure and the fourth metal structure are located on different planes, and there is an angle between the extension direction of the third metal structure on the plane where the fourth metal structure is located and the extension direction of the fourth metal structure; wherein the extension direction of the first metal structure is a first direction, and the extension direction of the third metal structure is a second direction, and the first direction is different from the second direction.

[0005] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the extension direction of the first metal structure is different from that of the third metal structure, so that when the electromagnetic wave is incident at an angle within a certain range, the filter exhibits reflection performance and when the electromagnetic wave is incident at an angle within a certain range, the filter exhibits transmission performance, thereby realizing the filter's selectivity performance for electromagnetic waves incident at different angles.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the angle between the extension direction of the first metal structure on the plane where the second metal structure is located and the extension direction of the second metal structure is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the angle between the extension direction of the third metal structure on the plane where the fourth metal structure is located and the extension direction of the fourth metal structure is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the filter has at least reflective properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction, and the filter has at least transmittive properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction, wherein there is an angle between the first direction and the second direction.

[0009] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the extension directions of the first metal structure and the second metal structure are different from the extension directions of the third metal structure and the fourth metal structure, and the first direction is different from the second direction. The filter has at least reflection performance for electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction, and the filter has at least transmission performance for electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction, thereby realizing the selectivity of the filter for electromagnetic waves incident on different planes.

[0010] According to the embodiments provided in this application, there is an angle between the first plane where the first filter structure is located and the second plane where the second filter structure is located. The filter has at least reflection performance for electromagnetic waves incident toward the first plane and at least transmission performance for electromagnetic waves incident toward the second plane, thereby realizing the selectivity of the filter for electromagnetic waves incident on different planes.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the filter has at least reflective properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction, including: the filter has at least reflective properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle to the second direction, and the filter has at least transmittive properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle to the second direction, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle.

[0012] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the filter has different transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating at different incident angles toward the first plane, thereby achieving angle selectivity of the filter for electromagnetic waves incident at different angles. The filter can suppress sidelobes of electromagnetic waves propagating in the first plane.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the filter has at least transmission performance for electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction, including: the filter has at least transmission performance for electromagnetic waves incident at the first angle to the first direction and electromagnetic waves incident at the second angle to the first direction, respectively.

[0014] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the filter has reflection properties for electromagnetic waves propagating at different incident angles toward the first plane, and transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating at different incident angles toward the second plane. This allows the filter to select the angle of electromagnetic waves incident at different angles, thus providing anisotropic angle-selective performance. The filter can suppress sidelobes of electromagnetic waves propagating in the first plane. The filter at least has transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating in the second plane, thus not affecting the large-angle scanning characteristics of the antenna in the second plane, which is beneficial for improving the sidelobe suppression performance of the filter.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0016] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle are reflected by the first filter structure and electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle are transmitted through the first filter structure, and the first angle is greater than the second angle, the first filter structure can select electromagnetic waves with small incident angles to pass through the first filter structure, thereby achieving the angle selectivity performance of electromagnetic waves incident at different angles and playing the role of sidelobe suppression.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first filter structure has the reflection or transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction; the second filter structure has the reflection or transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction, wherein the first polarization direction is orthogonal to the second polarization direction.

[0018] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the first filter structure is capable of reflecting or transmitting electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction, and the first filter structure has good independent polarization control capability. The second filter structure is capable of reflecting or transmitting electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction, and the second filter structure has good independent polarization control capability. The combination of the first filter structure and the second filter structure can achieve dual polarization control characteristics.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the filter includes: a first dielectric substrate, a second dielectric substrate, and a third dielectric substrate arranged along a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first dielectric substrate, the second dielectric substrate, and the third dielectric substrate, respectively, and the third direction being perpendicular to the plane containing the first direction and the second direction; a first metal structure and a second metal structure being located on opposite sides of the second dielectric substrate along the third direction, the first metal via penetrating the second dielectric substrate; a third metal structure being located on the first dielectric substrate; and a fourth metal structure being located on the third dielectric substrate.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first dielectric substrate, the second dielectric substrate, and the third dielectric substrate are arranged sequentially along a third direction.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the length of the first metal structure is d1, the width of the first metal structure is d2, and the length of the first metal through-hole structure is d3, respectively satisfying the conditions: 0.2λ≤d1≤0.5λ, 0.01λ≤d2≤0.03λ, 0.1λ≤d3≤0.3λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

[0022] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the dimensions of the first metal structure and the first metal through-hole structure meet the conditions, the low-frequency transmission pole of the first filter structure can be adjusted, so that the first filter structure can work in the required operating frequency band.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third metal structure includes a first metal strip and a second metal strip; the fourth metal structure includes a third metal strip and a fourth metal strip; the second metal strip is connected to opposite ends of the first metal strip in its extension direction, and the fourth metal strip is connected to opposite ends of the third metal strip in its extension direction; the extension directions of the first metal strip and the third metal strip are respectively the second direction, and the extension directions of the second metal strip and the fourth metal strip are respectively the first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the third direction.

[0024] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the second metal strip is located at opposite ends of the first metal strip. When the second filter structures are repeatedly arranged, the second metal strip can improve the coupling performance between adjacent second filter structures.

[0025] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the second metal strip is located at opposite ends of the first metal strip. When the second filter structures are arranged periodically, the second metal strip can improve the coupling performance between adjacent second filter structures.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the lengths of the first metal strip and the third metal strip are d4, and the lengths of the second metal strip and the fourth metal strip are d5, respectively. d4 and d5 satisfy the conditions: 0.3λ≤d4≤0.4λ, 0.006λ≤d5≤0.003λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

[0027] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the lengths of the first metal strip, the second metal strip, the third metal strip, and the fourth metal strip meet certain conditions, the high-frequency transmission pole of the second filter structure can be adjusted, enabling the second filter structure to operate in the required operating frequency band.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first filter structure and the second filter structure are repeatedly arranged along the third direction.

[0029] In some possible implementations, the first filter structure and the second filter structure are arranged periodically along the third direction, respectively.

[0030] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the first filter structure and the second filter structure are arranged repeatedly, the operating bandwidth of the filter can be effectively extended, thereby improving the operating bandwidth of the filter.

[0031] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the first filter structure and the second filter structure are arranged periodically, the operating bandwidth of the filter can be effectively extended, thereby improving the operating bandwidth of the filter.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, along the first direction, the distance between a plurality of adjacent second dielectric substrates is h1, and h1 satisfies the condition: 0.7λ≤h1≤0.9λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

[0033] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the distance between adjacent second dielectric substrates meets the condition, that is, when the distance between adjacent first filter structures meets the condition, the high-frequency transmission pole of the first filter structure can be adjusted, so that the first filter structure can work in the required operating frequency band.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, along the first direction, the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate is h2, where h2 satisfies the condition: 0.5λ≤h2≤0.6λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

[0035] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate meets the conditions, the filter has good transmission performance when electromagnetic waves are incident on the first plane.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, along the first direction, the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate is h3, where h3 satisfies the condition: 0.4λ≤h3≤0.5λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

[0037] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate meets the conditions, the low-frequency transmission pole of the second filter structure can be adjusted, so that the second filter structure can work in the required operating frequency band.

[0038] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, along the third direction, the first dielectric substrate is farther away from the second dielectric substrate relative to the third dielectric substrate.

[0039] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since the second dielectric substrate is located between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate, and the first dielectric substrate is far away from the second dielectric substrate relative to the third dielectric substrate, that is, the first filter structure is nested in the second filter structure, thereby reducing the profile height of the filter and improving the transmission performance of the filter when electromagnetic waves are incident on the second plane.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0041] In a second aspect, an antenna is provided, the antenna including a filter as described in the first aspect and any implementation thereof, and an radome, the filter being located within the space enclosed by the radome.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, some implementations of the second aspect further include: a radiation array for transmitting electromagnetic waves; and the projection of the filter onto the radiation array along a third direction at least partially overlapping the radiation array.

[0043] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a second communication device, the second communication device including a baseband processing unit and an antenna as described in the second aspect.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication system is provided, including a first communication device and a second communication device as described in the third aspect, wherein the first communication device is communicatively connected to the second communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a structural example diagram of an antenna applied to a network device 1 (e.g., base station 1) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 12 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 13 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 15 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0061] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this document describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0062] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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 the present invention.

[0063] To facilitate the description of the technical solutions of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions. The terms "first" and "second" do not limit the number or / or order. At least one item may also be described as one item or multiple items, and multiple items may be two, three, or more items, without limitation.

[0064] The phrase "within the range" used in this application, unless explicitly stated not to include end values, implies that the range includes both end values. For example, in the range of 1 to 5, unless explicitly excluded, the range implies that it includes the values ​​1 and 5.

[0065] Electrical connection: This can be understood as direct electrical connection and / or indirect electrical connection. Direct electrical connection includes the form where components are physically in contact and electrically conductive; it can also include the form where different components in a circuit structure are connected through copper foil on a printed circuit board (PCB) or through physical lines capable of transmitting electrical signals, such as wires (e.g., coaxial cables). "Indirect electrical connection" can also be called "coupled connection," including the form where two conductors are electrically conductive in a non-contact manner. In one embodiment, indirect electrical connection may also include capacitive coupling, for example, signal transmission is achieved by forming an equivalent capacitance through coupling between two conductive parts separated by a gap. In one embodiment, indirect electrical connection includes electrical coupling and magnetic coupling. For example, magnetic coupling can form indirect coupling through a gap between two inductor coils, and signal transmission is achieved through magnetic field coupling.

[0066] A metasurface is a device that can modulate the amplitude or phase characteristics of an electrical signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves coupled between adjacent radiators). When an electrical signal passes through a metasurface, its phase or amplitude changes. In one embodiment, the metasurface can be a frequency selective surface (FSS). An FSS can be used to allow electrical signals of a specific frequency band to pass through the FSS, while signals outside that band do not, for example, by being reflected from a surface in contact with the FSS. It should be understood that an FSS includes a passive resonator, a structure that is easier to implement in design or application. In one embodiment, the metasurface can be an angle selective surface (ASS). An ASS is a structure that selectively allows electromagnetic waves to pass through or be reflected depending on the angle of incidence. An ASS has spatial angular domain filtering characteristics, allowing electromagnetic waves within a specific angular range to pass through and reflecting electromagnetic waves within other angular ranges. An ASS can effectively suppress antenna sidelobes and improve the anti-interference capability of a communication system. In the embodiments provided in this application, an ASS can also be considered a filter.

[0067] Radiator: An antenna is a device used to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic wave radiation. In some cases, the term "antenna" is narrowly defined as a radiator, which converts guided wave energy from a transmitter into radio waves, or converts radio waves into guided wave energy, for radiating and / or receiving radio waves. The modulated high-frequency current energy (or guided wave energy) generated by the device for transmitting electrical signals is transmitted to the transmitting radiator via a feed circuit (or feed network, feed system). The radiator converts this energy into electromagnetic wave energy with a specific polarization (e.g., linear polarization, circular polarization) and radiates it in the desired direction. The receiving radiator converts electromagnetic wave energy of a specific polarization from a particular direction in space into modulated high-frequency current energy, which is then fed via a feed circuit (or feed network, feed system) to components used to process the received electrical signals.

[0068] The radiator may include a conductor with a specific shape and size, such as a wire or sheet, and this application does not limit the specific shape. In one embodiment, the wire radiator may be simply referred to as a wire antenna. In one embodiment, the wire radiator may be implemented by a conductive frame, and may also be called a frame antenna. In one embodiment, the wire radiator may be implemented by a support conductor, and may also be called a support antenna. In one embodiment, the wire diameter (e.g., including thickness and width) of the wire radiator, or the radiator of the wire antenna, is much smaller than the wavelength (e.g., the wavelength of the medium) (e.g., less than 1 / 16 of the wavelength), and the length may be comparable to the wavelength (e.g., the wavelength of the medium) (e.g., the length is around 1 / 8 of the wavelength, or 1 / 8 to 1 / 4, or 1 / 4 to 1 / 2, or longer). The main forms of wire antennas include dipole antennas, half-wave dipole antennas, monopole antennas, loop antennas, and inverted F antennas (IFA). For example, for a dipole antenna, each dipole antenna typically includes two radiating stubs, each stub being fed from the feed end of the radiating stub by a feed section. For example, an inverted-F antenna can be considered as a monopole antenna with an added ground path. An IFA antenna has a feed point and a ground point, and is called an inverted-F antenna because its side view is inverted-F shaped. In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may include a microstrip antenna or a patch antenna, such as a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA). In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may be implemented using a planar conductor (e.g., a conductive sheet or conductive coating). In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may include a conductive sheet, such as a copper sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may include a conductive coating, such as silver paste. The shape of the sheet radiator includes circular, rectangular, and annular shapes, and this application does not limit the specific shape. The structure of a microstrip antenna generally consists of a dielectric substrate, a radiator, and a ground plane, wherein the dielectric substrate is disposed between the radiator and the ground plane.

[0069] Radiators may also include slots or gaps formed on a conductor, for example, closed or semi-closed slots or gaps formed on a grounded conductor surface. In one embodiment, a slotted or slit radiator may be simply referred to as a slot antenna or a gap antenna. In one embodiment, the radial dimension (e.g., including width) of the slot or gap of the slot antenna / gap antenna is much smaller than the wavelength (e.g., the dielectric wavelength) (e.g., less than 1 / 16 of the wavelength), while the length dimension may be comparable to the wavelength (e.g., the dielectric wavelength) (e.g., a length of approximately 1 / 8 of the wavelength, or 1 / 8 to 1 / 4, or 1 / 4 to 1 / 2, or longer). In one embodiment, a radiator with a closed slot or gap may be simply referred to as a closed slot antenna. In one embodiment, a radiator with a semi-closed slot or gap (e.g., an opening added to a closed slot or gap) may be simply referred to as an open slot antenna. In some embodiments, the gap shape is elongated. In some embodiments, the length of the gap is approximately half a wavelength (e.g., the dielectric wavelength). In some embodiments, the length of the gap is approximately an integer multiple of a wavelength (e.g., one dielectric wavelength). In some embodiments, the slot can be fed by transmission lines connected across one or both sides, thereby exciting a radio frequency electromagnetic field on the slot and radiating electromagnetic waves into space. In one embodiment, the radiator of the slot antenna or gap antenna can be implemented by a conductive frame grounded at both ends, also known as a frame antenna; in this embodiment, the slot antenna or gap antenna can be viewed as including a linear radiator, the linear radiator being spaced apart from the ground and grounded at both ends, thereby forming a closed or semi-closed slot or gap. In one embodiment, the radiator of the slot antenna or gap antenna can be implemented by a support conductor grounded at both ends, also known as a support antenna.

[0070] Wavelength: or operating wavelength, can be the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the resonant frequency band generated by the antenna (e.g., the band where S11 < -4dBd in the S-parameter diagram) or the center frequency of the operating frequency band supported by the antenna. For example, assuming the center frequency of the uplink band (resonant frequency from 1920 MHz to 1980 MHz) of Band 1 in a cellular network is 1955 MHz, then the operating wavelength can be the wavelength calculated using this frequency. Not limited to the center frequency, "operating wavelength" can also refer to the wavelength corresponding to the resonant frequency or a non-center frequency of the operating frequency band.

[0071] It should be understood that the wavelength of a radiation signal in a vacuum can be calculated as follows: (vacuum wavelength) = speed of light / frequency, where the frequency is the frequency of the radiation signal (MHz), and the speed of light can be taken as 3 × 10⁻⁶. 8 m / s. The wavelength of the radiated signal in the medium can be calculated as follows: Medium wavelength = (speed of light / m / s) ) / frequency, where, The wavelength refers to the relative permittivity of the medium. In the embodiments of this application, the wavelength typically refers to the medium wavelength, which can be the medium wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the resonant frequency, or the medium wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the operating frequency band supported by the antenna. For example, assuming the center frequency of the B1 uplink band (resonant frequency from 1920 MHz to 1980 MHz) in a cellular network is 1955 MHz, then the wavelength can be the medium wavelength calculated using this frequency. Not limited to the center frequency, the "medium wavelength" can also refer to the medium wavelength corresponding to the non-center frequency of the resonant frequency or operating frequency band. For ease of understanding, the vacuum wavelength and medium wavelength mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be easily converted using the relative permittivity of the medium filling one or more sides of the radiator.

[0072] Antenna radiation patterns typically have multiple radiating beams. The beam with the highest radiating intensity is called the main lobe, and the remaining beams are called side lobes. Among the side lobes, the side lobe in the opposite direction to the main lobe is also called the back lobe.

[0073] Sidelobe suppression: Sidelobe suppression refers to reducing the radiation intensity of the amplitude lobe or sidelobe in the antenna pattern.

[0074] Reflection property: When an electromagnetic wave encounters the interface between two different propagation media, it will be like encountering a wall, and some of the energy will be reflected. This is called reflection property.

[0075] Transmission performance: When an electromagnetic wave encounters the interface between two different propagation media, at least a portion of the energy passes through the interface and continues to propagate. This is called transmission performance.

[0076] A transmission pole is a frequency or angle point in the electromagnetic spectrum where the transmittance reaches its maximum value. At that specific frequency or incident angle, the electromagnetic wave can completely penetrate a structure or medium. The maximum value can be, for example, 90%, or a value greater than or equal to 90%.

[0077] Wide-angle transmission characteristics: A structure or material that allows electromagnetic waves to penetrate it over a wide range of incident angles. A wide range of incident angles can be defined as between 40 and 90 degrees.

[0078] Low-pass, high-resistance characteristics in the angular domain: A structure or material exhibits a low-pass state for electromagnetic waves incident at small angles (e.g., near perpendicular to the incident plane), allowing the electromagnetic waves to pass through. Conversely, a structure or material exhibits a high-resistance state for electromagnetic waves incident at large angles, causing the electromagnetic waves to be reflected or blocked by the structure or material.

[0079] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] refer to Figure 1 This application scenario can include network devices and terminal devices. Wireless communication can be achieved between network devices and terminal devices.

[0082] The network equipment in this application includes radio access network (RAN) equipment. RAN equipment may also be referred to as an access network node or access network entity. RAN equipment forms part of a communication system and is used to help terminal equipment achieve wireless access to the communication network. RAN equipment includes base stations or base station modules. For example, a base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system; a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system; an Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) or Transmission Reception Point (TRP) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system; a Next Generation Node B (gNodeB or gNB) in a 5th Generation (5G) or New Radio (NR) system; an access network device in an Open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) system; a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN); or a Wireless Fidelity (W Fidelity) system. This application's embodiments do not specifically limit the types of base stations, such as access nodes in Fi systems, next-generation base stations in future mobile communication systems, servers, vehicles, in-vehicle equipment, wearable devices, or base stations (e.g., roadside units, RSUs) in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, or donor nodes, etc., and this application's embodiments do not impose limitations. In this application's embodiments, the base station module can be a hardware module, a software module, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, a base station module can be a radio unit (RU), a radio frequency unit, or a base station's antenna system. The radio frequency unit can be, but is not limited to, a remote radio unit (RRU), a pico remote radio unit (pRRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Exemplarily, the function of the RU can be physically implemented by the radio frequency unit. Optionally, the base station module can use the same or different names in different systems. For example, in an O-RAN system, a RU can also be called an open (O)-RU.

[0083] The terminal equipment in this application can be customer premises equipment (CPE). For example, the CPE can convert mobile cellular signals, such as signals from global system for mobile communication (GSM), WCDMA, LTE, 5G, or future mobile communication systems, into wireless local area network (WLAN) signals. For example, the CPE can convert WLAN signals into mobile cellular signals. WLAN signals include, but are not limited to, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) signals. The signal can be Fi (Fi) signal, Bluetooth signal, or Zigbee signal. In some embodiments, the CPE can be a fixed wireless access (FAW) device. FAW is a technology combining fixed-line and wireless communication, which can provide broadband access services to users. Alternatively, the terminal device in this application can also be an indoor distribution system (lampsite). Indoor distribution systems can be used, for example, to introduce base station signals indoors, solving the problem of indoor blind spot coverage. Alternatively, the terminal device in this application can be user equipment (UE), mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, or smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device.

[0084] This application provides an antenna, an antenna system, a network device, and a terminal device. The antenna and / or antenna system can be applied to the network device or the terminal device, or can be used in conjunction with the network device or the terminal device. The devices to which this antenna and / or antenna system is applicable can also be collectively referred to as communication devices.

[0085] Figure 2 This is a structural example diagram of an antenna system provided in this application when applied to network device 1 (e.g., base station 1).

[0086] refer to Figure 2 Base station 1 includes an antenna system 01 (also referred to as antenna 01), a radio frequency unit 05, and a baseband unit (BBU) 06. Optionally, the radio frequency unit 05 and the antenna system 01 can be integrated into a single unit (not shown). For example, this integrated unit can be an AAU. Optionally, base station 1 may also include one or more of the following: an antenna adjustment bracket 02, a mounting bracket 03, cables 04 and 10, a grounding device 07, and a connector seal 08. For example, the antenna system 01 can be mounted on the mounting bracket 03 via the antenna adjustment bracket 02, wherein the antenna adjustment bracket 02 is used to adjust the downtilt angle of the antenna system to facilitate the antenna system 01 in receiving or transmitting signals. Alternatively, base station 1 may not include the antenna adjustment bracket 02, as long as it includes a bracket capable of mounting the antenna system 01 on the mounting bracket 03, which may not have a downtilt angle adjustment function. Furthermore, the antenna system 01 can also be directly mounted on the mounting bracket 03. The mounting bracket 03 can be a pole or a tower, etc., without limitation.

[0087] Antenna system 01 may include radome 12. Various components are typically housed within antenna system 01, covered or enclosed by radome 12, such as antenna arrays, reflectors (or base plates, not shown in the figure), feed networks (or power distribution networks, feed circuits, feed systems, or power distribution circuits, etc., not shown in the figure), remote control units (RCUs), and transmission structures, or one or more of these components. Radome 12 possesses excellent electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics in terms of electrical performance and can withstand the effects of harsh external environments in terms of mechanical performance, thus protecting the components inside radome 12 from external environmental influences. Antenna system includes one or more antenna arrays. An antenna array includes one or more elements. The smallest component participating in radiation in an antenna array can be called an element (also called a vibrator, radiator, or radiating element) (e.g., shown as 11 in the figure). The feed network of the antenna system performs the feeding function, that is, the function of transmitting electrical signals. In the antenna field, the feeding function can also be called the power supply function, or in other words, providing energy. The function of the feed network is to feed signals to the radiating elements of the antenna with a certain amplitude and phase, or to feed signals received from the radiating elements to the signal processing unit of the base station with a certain amplitude and phase. Optionally, the feed network can be implemented using various different structures. For example, the feed network can be implemented using coaxial lines, microstrip lines, striplines, or other structures, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Optionally, the feed network may also include at least one of the following devices: phase shifter, power divider, combiner, filter, bridge, and RF connector, etc.

[0088] Antenna system 01 can be connected to radio frequency unit 05 via cable 10.

[0089] Grounding device 07 is installed on cable 04. Grounding device 07 can perform functions such as electrical grounding, lightning protection, overvoltage protection, and maintenance of equipment performance, which helps to ensure the stability and safety of base station 1.

[0090] The connector seal 08 can be installed at the connection between the antenna radome of the antenna system 01 and the cable 10, and / or, the connector seal 08 can be installed at the connection between the grounding device 07 and the cable 04, to provide insulation and sealing. For example, the connector seal 08 can be insulating sealing tape or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulating adhesive. The connector seal 08 can also have other structures and is not limited to the form of tape.

[0091] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] For ease of understanding, a spatial rectangular coordinate system is established to illustrate the filter provided in the embodiments of this application. (Reference) Figure 3 The third direction is the direction shown by the z-axis in the figure, the second direction is the direction shown by the x-axis in the figure, and the first direction is the direction shown by the y-axis in the figure. The plane containing yoz can be called the first plane, the plane containing xoz can be called the second plane, and the plane containing xoy can be the plane containing the first dielectric substrate, or it can be called the third plane. The first, second, and third planes each have an included angle.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane are perpendicular to each other. An angle is formed between the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0095] In some embodiments, the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are perpendicular to each other. The third direction is coplanar with both the first and second planes.

[0096] The filter 200 includes a first dielectric substrate 210, a second dielectric substrate 220, and a third dielectric substrate 230 arranged sequentially along a third direction. The second dielectric substrate 220 includes a first surface 221 and a second surface 222 opposite to each other along a third direction. W1 may refer to the length of the first dielectric substrate 210, and W2 may refer to the width of the first dielectric substrate 210. The dimensions of the first dielectric substrate 210, the second dielectric substrate 220, and the third dielectric substrate 230 may be the same.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second dielectric substrate 220 can provide structural support for the filter 200 to improve the structural stability of the filter 200.

[0098] In some embodiments, a foam board may be provided between the first dielectric substrate 210 and the second dielectric substrate 220 for support, and a foam board may be provided between the second dielectric substrate 220 and the third dielectric substrate 230 for support.

[0099] The filter 200 also includes a first filter structure 300, which includes a first metal structure 310 and a second metal structure 320 located on opposite sides of the second dielectric substrate 220 in the third direction. That is, the first metal structure 310 is located on the first surface 221 of the second dielectric substrate 220, and the second metal structure 320 is located on the second surface 222 of the second dielectric substrate 220.

[0100] The first filter structure 300 further includes a first metal via structure 330 penetrating the second dielectric substrate 220. The first metal structure 310 and the second metal structure 320 are connected to the first metal via structure 330. The plane in which the first filter structure 300 is located is a first plane. The first metal structure 310, the second metal structure 320, and the first metal via structure 330 are electrically connected.

[0101] The first metal structure 310 and the second metal structure 320 are located on different planes, and the extension direction of the first metal structure 310 on the plane where the second metal structure 320 is located has an angle between the extension direction of the second metal structure 320 and the extension direction of the second metal structure 320.

[0102] In some embodiments, the angle between the extending direction of the first metal structure 310 on the plane where the second metal structure 320 is located and the extending direction of the second metal structure 320 is less than or equal to 10 degrees. For example, it can be 0 degrees.

[0103] It should be noted that the first filter structure 300 can be considered as an I-shaped metal structure formed by connecting the first metal structure 310, the second metal structure 320, and the first metal through-hole structure 330. In space, the first filter structure 300 can be considered as a ring-shaped metal structure. The first plane can also be considered as the plane containing the first filter structure 300. The first filter structure 300 can also be considered as an I-shaped metal structure in space.

[0104] The first metal structure 310 is located on the surface of the second dielectric substrate 220 near the first dielectric substrate 210. The second metal structure 320 is located on the surface of the second dielectric substrate 220 near the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first metal via structure 330 penetrates the second dielectric substrate 220 in a third direction. Alternatively, the extension direction of the first metal via structure 330 may be perpendicular to the second dielectric substrate 220.

[0106] The first metal structure 310 and the second metal structure 320 may have the same shape.

[0107] Along a third direction, the projection of the first metal structure 310 on the second dielectric substrate 220 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second metal structure 320 on the second dielectric substrate 220.

[0108] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the projection of the first metal structure 310 on the second dielectric substrate 220 completely overlaps with the projection of the second metal structure 320 on the second dielectric substrate 220.

[0109] The first filter structure 300 has at least reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction, and at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction.

[0110] The first filter structure 300 has at least reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident toward the first plane, and at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident toward the second plane. Electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction can be considered as electromagnetic waves incident toward the first plane, and electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction can be considered as electromagnetic waves incident toward the second plane.

[0111] The first filter structure 300 has at least reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle along the second direction, and at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle along the second direction, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different. In some embodiments, the first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0112] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle are reflected by the first filter structure and electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle are transmitted through the first filter structure, and the first angle is greater than the second angle, the first filter structure can select electromagnetic waves with small incident angles to pass through the first filter structure, thereby achieving the angle selectivity performance of electromagnetic waves incident at different angles and playing the role of sidelobe suppression.

[0113] It should be noted that electromagnetic waves can be incident on the first filter structure 300 at different angles; in other words, electromagnetic waves can be incident on the first filter structure 300 at any angle. The first filter structure 300 can have both reflection and transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident on the first plane at different angles. The first filter structure 300 can also have both transmission and reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident on the second plane at different angles.

[0114] Since the first filter structure 300 has both reflection and transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident from different angles, the first filter structure 300 has angle selectivity.

[0115] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the first filter structure has transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane, that is, the first filter structure exhibits wide-angle transmission characteristics in the second plane. The first filter structure also has reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane, that is, the first filter structure exhibits low-pass, high-resistance angle selectivity characteristics in the first plane. The first filter structure exhibits different angle selectivity characteristics in the first and second planes, respectively. Therefore, the first filter structure is an anisotropic angle selectivity surface.

[0116] In some embodiments, the third plane can be considered as the incident surface of the first filter structure 300, and the angle perpendicular to the third plane along the normal of the third plane is 0 degrees. As the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave increases, the transmission performance of the first filter structure 300 gradually weakens, while the reflection performance of the first filter structure 300 gradually strengthens.

[0117] The first filter structure 300 has at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle to the first direction and electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle to the first direction.

[0118] Electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane can be incident at different angles, and electromagnetic waves incident at different angles can pass through. Electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle can pass through the first filter structure 300, and electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle can also pass through the first filter structure 300. Therefore, the first filter structure 300 has transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane. In other words, the first filter structure 300 exhibits wide-angle transmission characteristics on the second plane.

[0119] Electromagnetic waves incident towards the first plane can be incident at different angles. Electromagnetic waves incident at the first angle cannot pass through the first filter structure 300, while electromagnetic waves incident at the second angle can pass through the first filter structure 300. The first filter structure 300 has reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the first plane. The first angle and the second angle are different angles. In other words, the first filter structure 300 exhibits angle-selective characteristics of low-pass and high-impedance in the first plane.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first angle is greater than the second angle. For example, the first angle can be 80 degrees and the second angle can be 0 degrees. The first angle can also be any value selected from 75 degrees, 70 degrees, 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 45 degrees, 40 degrees, 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees. The embodiments provided in this application may also include a third angle, a fourth angle, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0121] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave incident at the second angle may be an electromagnetic wave incident along a third direction. The first angle refers to the angle that forms with the third direction.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first filter structure 300 is responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction. The first filter structure 300 is not responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction. The first polarization direction and the second polarization direction are orthogonal. Alternatively, the first filter structure 300 has selective transmission capability for electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction, but does not have selective transmission capability for electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction.

[0123] Selective transmittance refers to the property of a structure or material to transmit or reflect electromagnetic waves.

[0124] The first polarization direction can refer to the vertical polarization direction, and the second polarization direction can refer to the horizontal polarization direction.

[0125] Vertical polarization refers to the electric field entering and exiting the incident surface horizontally, while horizontal polarization refers to the direction of the electric field intensity of the electromagnetic wave being parallel to the incident surface. In some embodiments, with the ground as a reference, vertical polarization refers to the electric field direction being perpendicular to the ground polarization direction, and horizontal polarization refers to the electric field direction being parallel to the ground polarization direction.

[0126] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the first filter structure is responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction, but is not responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction. Therefore, the first filter structure can independently control electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction without affecting electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction.

[0127] The filter also includes a second filter structure 400, and the plane in which the second filter structure 400 is located is the second plane.

[0128] The second filter structure 400 includes a third metal structure 410 located on the first dielectric substrate 210 and a fourth metal structure 420 located on the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0129] The third metal structure 410 and the fourth metal structure 420 are located in different planes, and there is an angle between the extension direction of the third metal structure 410 on the plane where the fourth metal structure 420 is located and the extension direction of the fourth metal structure 420.

[0130] In some embodiments, the angle between the extension direction of the third metal structure 410 in the plane containing the fourth metal structure 420 and the extension direction of the fourth metal structure 420 is less than or equal to 10 degrees. For example, it can be 0 degrees.

[0131] In some embodiments, the third metal structure 410 can be considered as an H-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the fourth metal structure 420 can be considered as an H-shaped structure. Alternatively, the third metal structure 410 can be a metal structure obtained by rotating an H-shape by 90 degrees, and the fourth metal structure 420 can also be a metal structure obtained by rotating an H-shape by 90 degrees.

[0132] Along the third direction, the projection of the third metal structure 410 on the first dielectric substrate 210 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the fourth metal structure 420 on the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0133] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the projection of the third metal structure 410 on the first dielectric substrate 210 completely overlaps with the projection of the fourth metal structure 420 on the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0134] The second filter structure 400 has at least reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction, and at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction.

[0135] The second filter structure 400 has at least reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident toward the first plane, and at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident toward the second plane.

[0136] The second filter structure 400 has at least reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle along the second direction, and at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle along the second direction, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different. In some embodiments, the first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0137] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle are reflected by the first filter structure and electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle are transmitted by the second filter structure, and the first angle is greater than the second angle, the second filter structure can select electromagnetic waves with small incident angles to pass through the second filter structure, thereby achieving the angle selectivity performance of electromagnetic waves incident at different angles and playing the role of sidelobe suppression.

[0138] It should be noted that electromagnetic waves can be incident on the second filter structure 400 at different angles; in other words, electromagnetic waves can be incident on the second filter structure 400 at any angle. The second filter structure 400 can have both reflection and transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident on the first plane at different angles. Conversely, the second filter structure 400 can have both transmission and reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident on the second plane at different angles.

[0139] Since the second filter structure 400 has both reflection and transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident from different angles, the second filter structure has angle selectivity.

[0140] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the second filter structure exhibits transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane, meaning the second filter structure demonstrates wide-angle transmission characteristics in the second plane. The second filter structure also exhibits reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane, meaning the second filter structure demonstrates low-pass, high-resistance angle selectivity characteristics in the first plane. The second filter structure exhibits different angle selectivity characteristics in the first and second planes, respectively. Therefore, the second filter structure is an anisotropic angle selectivity surface.

[0141] It should be noted that, for the second filter structure 400, the third plane can be considered as the incident surface of the second filter structure 400. The angle perpendicular to the third plane along the normal of the third plane is 0 degrees. As the incident angle increases, the transmission performance gradually weakens and the reflection performance gradually strengthens.

[0142] In some embodiments, the third plane can be considered as the incident surface of the second filter structure 400, and the angle perpendicular to the third plane along the normal of the third plane is 0 degrees. As the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave increases, the transmission performance of the second filter structure 400 gradually weakens, while the reflection performance of the second filter structure 400 gradually strengthens.

[0143] The second filter structure 400 has at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle to the first direction and electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle to the first direction.

[0144] Electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane can be incident at different angles, and electromagnetic waves incident at different angles can pass through. Electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle can pass through the second filter structure 400, and electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle can also pass through the second filter structure 400. Therefore, the second filter structure 400 has transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the second plane. In other words, the second filter structure 400 exhibits wide-angle transmission characteristics on the second plane.

[0145] Electromagnetic waves incident towards the first plane can be incident at different angles. Electromagnetic waves incident at the first angle cannot pass through the second filter structure 400, while electromagnetic waves incident at the second angle can pass through the second filter structure 400. The second filter structure 400 has reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident towards the first plane. The first angle and the second angle are different angles. In other words, the second filter structure 400 exhibits angle-selective characteristics of low-pass and high-impedance in the first plane.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first angle is greater than the second angle. For example, the first angle can be 80 degrees and the second angle can be 0 degrees. The first angle can also be any value among 75 degrees, 70 degrees, 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 45 degrees, 40 degrees, 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees.

[0147] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave incident at the second angle may be an electromagnetic wave incident along a third direction. The first angle refers to the angle that forms with the third direction.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second filter structure 400 is responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction. The second filter structure 400 is not responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction. The first polarization direction is orthogonal to the second polarization direction. Alternatively, the second filter structure 400 has selective transmission capability for electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction, but does not have selective transmission capability for electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction.

[0149] Vertical polarization refers to the electric field entering and exiting the incident surface horizontally, while horizontal polarization refers to the direction of the electric field intensity of the electromagnetic wave being parallel to the incident surface. In some embodiments, with the ground as the direct reference, vertical polarization means the electric field direction is perpendicular to the ground, and horizontal polarization means the electric field direction is parallel to the ground.

[0150] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the second filtering structure is responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction, but is not responsive to electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction. Therefore, the second filtering structure can independently control electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction without affecting electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction.

[0151] According to the embodiments provided in this application, there is an angle between the first plane where the first filter structure is located and the second plane where the second filter structure is located. The second filter structure has at least reflection performance for electromagnetic waves incident toward the first plane and at least transmission performance for electromagnetic waves incident toward the second plane, thereby realizing the selectivity of the filter for electromagnetic waves incident on different planes.

[0152] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0153] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the distance between the first dielectric substrate 210 and the third dielectric substrate 230 is h2, and h2 satisfies the condition: 0.5λ≤h2≤0.6λ.

[0154] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate meets certain conditions, the filter has good transmission performance when electromagnetic waves are incident on the first plane.

[0155] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the distance between the first dielectric substrate 210 and the second dielectric substrate 220 is h3, and h3 satisfies the condition: 0.4λ≤h3≤0.5λ.

[0156] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the first dielectric substrate 210 is located away from the second dielectric substrate 220 relative to the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0157] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since the second dielectric substrate is located between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate, and the first dielectric substrate is far away from the second dielectric substrate relative to the third dielectric substrate, that is, the first filter structure is nested in the second filter structure, thereby reducing the profile height of the filter and improving the transmission performance of the filter when electromagnetic waves are incident on the second plane.

[0158] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a first dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0159] refer to Figure 5 The third metal structure 410 is located on the surface of the first dielectric substrate 210.

[0160] The third metal structure 410 includes a first metal strip 411 and a second metal strip 412. The second metal strip 412 is connected to the two opposite ends of the first metal strip 411 in the extension direction. The extension direction of the first metal strip 411 is a second direction, and the extension direction of the second metal strip 412 is a first direction. The second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0161] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the second metal strip is located at opposite ends of the first metal strip. When the second filter structures are arranged periodically, the second metal strip can improve the coupling performance between adjacent second filter structures.

[0162] The length of the first metal strip 411 is d4, and the length of the second metal strip 412 is d5. d4 and d5 satisfy the conditions: 0.3λ≤d4≤0.4λ, 0.006λ≤d5≤0.003λ.

[0163] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when the lengths of the first metal strip and the second metal strip meet certain conditions, the high-frequency transmission pole of the second filter structure can be adjusted, thereby expanding the operating frequency band of the second filter structure.

[0164] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0165] refer to Figure 6The diagram shows the first surface 221 of a second dielectric substrate 220. A first metal structure 310 is located on the first surface 221 of the second dielectric substrate 220, and one end of a first metal through-hole structure 330 is located on the first surface 221 of the second dielectric substrate 220. The length of the first metal structure 310 is d1, and the width of the first metal structure 310 is d2. Wherein, 0.2λ≤d1≤0.5λ, 0.01λ≤d2≤0.03λ. The length of the first metal structure 310 can refer to its dimension along a first direction. The width of the first metal structure 310 can refer to its dimension along a second direction.

[0166] W1 can refer to the length of the second dielectric substrate 220, and W2 can refer to the width of the second dielectric substrate 220.

[0167] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0168] refer to Figure 7 The diagram shows the second surface 222 of the second dielectric substrate 220. A second metal structure 320 is located on the second surface 222 of the second dielectric substrate 220, and the other end of the first metal through-hole structure 330 is also located on the second surface 222 of the second dielectric substrate 220. The length of the second metal structure 320 is d1', and the width of the second metal structure 320 is d2'. Wherein, 0.2λ≤d1'≤0.5λ, 0.01λ≤d2'≤0.03λ.

[0169] W1 can refer to the length of the second dielectric substrate 220, and W2 can refer to the width of the second dielectric substrate 220.

[0170] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0171] refer to Figure 8 The first metal via structure 330 penetrates the first surface 221 and the second surface 222 of the second dielectric substrate 220. The first metal structure 310, the second metal structure 320, and the first metal via structure 330 are interconnected. The length of the first metal via structure 330 is d3, where 0.1λ≤d3≤0.3λ. The length of the first metal via structure 330 can refer to its dimension in a third direction.

[0172] The first metal structure 310, the second metal structure 320, and the first metal through-hole structure 330 can be considered as the first filter structure 300.

[0173] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0174] refer to Figure 9 The fourth metal structure 420 is located on the surface of the third dielectric substrate 230. The fourth metal structure 420 includes a third metal strip 421 and a fourth metal strip 422. The fourth metal strip 422 is connected to the opposite ends of the third metal strip 421 in the extension direction. The extension direction of the third metal strip 421 can be a second direction, and the extension direction of the fourth metal strip 422 can be a first direction.

[0175] The length of the third metal strip 421 is d4', and the length of the fourth metal strip 422 is d5'. d4' and d5' satisfy the conditions: 0.3λ≤d4≤0.4λ, 0.006λ≤d5≤0.003λ.

[0176] The third and fourth metal structures can be referred to as the second filter structure.

[0177] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0178] refer to Figure 10 The filter 200 includes multiple first filter structures 300 and multiple second filter structures 400. The first filter structures 300 and the second filter structures 400 are arranged repeatedly along a third direction.

[0179] It is understood that the repeated arrangement in the embodiments of this application can refer to the fact that the distance between multiple first filter structures 300 and multiple second filter structures 400 can be arbitrary, and can be equal or unequal. That is, the distance between adjacent first filter structures 300 and second filter structures 400 can be unequal, the distance between adjacent first filter structures 300 and first filter structures 300 can be unequal, and the distance between adjacent second filter structures 400 and second filter structures 400 can be unequal.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first filter structure 300 and the second filter structure 400 may be arranged periodically along a third direction, respectively.

[0181] It is understandable that when the first filter structures 300 are arranged periodically along a third direction, the distances between adjacent first filter structures 300 can be equal or approximately equal. Similarly, when the second filter structures 400 are arranged periodically along a third direction, the distances between adjacent second filter structures 400 can be equal or approximately equal. Furthermore, when the first filter structures 300 and the second filter structures 400 are arranged periodically along a third direction, the distances between adjacent first filter structures 300 and second filter structures 400 can be equal or approximately equal.

[0182] Figure 10 The filter shown can be Figure 3 The filter shown is formed by repeating the same arrangement along the third direction.

[0183] Figure 10 The filter shown can be Figure 3 The filters shown are arranged periodically along the third direction.

[0184] It is understandable that when the first filter structure 300 and the second filter structure 400 are arranged repeatedly along a third direction, the first dielectric substrate 210, the second dielectric substrate 220 and the third dielectric substrate 230 are arranged repeatedly along a third direction.

[0185] It is understandable that when the first filter structure 300 and the second filter structure 400 are arranged periodically along a third direction, the first dielectric substrate 210, the second dielectric substrate 220 and the third dielectric substrate 230 are arranged periodically along a third direction.

[0186] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0187] The filter 200 includes a plurality of first dielectric substrates 210, a plurality of second dielectric substrates 220, a plurality of third dielectric substrates 230, a plurality of first filter structures 300, and a plurality of second filter structures 400. The second dielectric substrates 220 include a first surface 221 and a second surface 222 facing each other in the third direction.

[0188] The first filter structure 300 includes a first metal structure 310 and a second metal structure 320 located on opposite sides of the second dielectric substrate 220 in the third direction. That is, the first metal structure 310 is located on the first surface 221 of the second dielectric substrate 220, and the second metal structure 320 is located on the second surface 222 of the second dielectric substrate 220.

[0189] The first filter structure 300 further includes a first metal via structure 330 penetrating the second dielectric substrate 220, and the first metal structure 310 and the second metal structure 320 are connected to the first metal via structure 330. The plane in which the first filter structure 300 is located is the first plane.

[0190] The first metal structure 310 is located on the surface of the second dielectric substrate 220 near the first dielectric substrate 210. The second metal structure 320 is located on the surface of the second dielectric substrate 220 near the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0191] The second filter structure 400 includes a third metal structure 410 located on the first dielectric substrate 210 and a fourth metal structure 420 located on the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0192] Along the third direction, the projection of the third metal structure 410 on the first dielectric substrate 210 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the fourth metal structure 420 on the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0193] In some embodiments, along a third direction, the projection of the third metal structure 410 on the first dielectric substrate 210 completely overlaps with the projection of the fourth metal structure 420 on the third dielectric substrate 230.

[0194] Along the third direction, the distance between adjacent second dielectric substrates 220 is h1, and h1 satisfies the condition: 0.7λ≤h1≤0.9λ. h1 can also be referred to as the distance between adjacent first filter structures 300.

[0195] Along a third direction, the distance between adjacent second dielectric substrates 220 can refer to the distance between the surface of one second dielectric substrate 220 and the surface of another second dielectric substrate 220. For example, it can be the distance between the second surface 222 of one second dielectric substrate 220 and the second surface 222 of another second dielectric substrate 220.

[0196] According to the embodiments provided in this application, since the distance between multiple adjacent second dielectric substrates meets certain conditions, the high-frequency transmission pole of the first filter structure can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the operating frequency band of the first filter structure and improving the design flexibility of the first filter structure.

[0197] In some embodiments, in the third-party direction, filter 200 includes a first filter structure 300 and a second filter structure 400 arranged in greater numbers.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first filter structure 300 may be arranged periodically along a second direction. The first filter structure 300 may be arranged periodically along a first direction. The second filter structure 400 may be arranged periodically along a second direction. The second filter structure 400 may be arranged periodically along a first direction.

[0199] refer to Figure 10 The filter 200 includes multiple first filter structures 300 and multiple second filter structures 400, which are arranged periodically along a third direction.

[0200] According to the embodiments provided in this application, a plurality of first filter structures and a plurality of second filter structures are arranged periodically along a third direction, which is beneficial for extending the operating frequency band of the filter.

[0201] In the case of normal incidence, for an electromagnetic wave propagating along the first polarization direction, the low-frequency transmission pole of the first filter structure 300 is the inherent transmission pole of the first filter structure 300 itself. Normal incidence refers to the case of incidence perpendicular to an incident surface.

[0202] The low-frequency transmission pole can also be called the first transmission pole, and the high-frequency transmission pole can also be called the second transmission pole. The frequency corresponding to the first transmission pole is lower than the frequency corresponding to the second transmission pole.

[0203] In some embodiments, the plurality of first filter structures have high-frequency transmission poles. These high-frequency transmission poles are generated by the plurality of first filter structures satisfying a passband condition, which is:

[0204] Where k0 is the wave number, which describes the propagation characteristics of a wave in space. It represents the rate of phase change of the wave and is usually understood as the spatial frequency of the wave. h1 is the distance between multiple adjacent second dielectric substrates. B1 is the normalized admittance value of the first filter structure when the electromagnetic wave is normally incident. Admittance is the reciprocal of impedance and is used to describe the circuit's ability to conduct alternating current. Y0 is the free-space admittance, also known as the reciprocal of the intrinsic impedance of free space, or simply the intrinsic admittance of free space. The intrinsic impedance of free space is equal to the ratio of the amplitude of the electric field to the amplitude of the magnetic field when the electromagnetic wave propagates in an ideal medium. It is determined by the parameters of the propagation medium: permittivity and permeability. Free space usually refers to an infinitely large, uniform, lossless space. Electromagnetic waves do not undergo absorption, scattering, or reflection during propagation in free space.

[0205] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the low-frequency transmission pole can be adjusted by changing the size of the first filter structure, and the high-frequency transmission pole can be adjusted by changing the spacing h1 of the multiple first filter structures, thereby achieving flexible design of the operating frequency band of the first filter structure.

[0206] For electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction, the high-frequency transmission poles of the second filter structure are affected by the dimensions of the strip structure. That is, the high-frequency transmission poles of the second filter structure are affected by the lengths of the first and second metal strips.

[0207] The low-frequency transmission poles of the second filter structure are generated by the passband conditions of the second filter structure. The passband conditions of the second filter structure satisfy the following condition:

[0208] The band-stop resonance frequency of the third metal structure in the second filter structure can be determined, and the normalized admittance value B2 of the third metal structure when the electromagnetic wave is incident normally at this frequency can be determined. Based on the passband condition of the second filter structure, the distance h3 between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate can be determined, so that the second filter structure has good transmission characteristics when the electromagnetic wave is incident normally from the first plane.

[0209] According to the embodiments provided in this application, when an electromagnetic wave propagating along the second polarization direction is incident, the second filter structure exhibits wide-angle transmission characteristics in the second plane, and low-pass, high-resistance angle selectivity characteristics in the first plane. The second filter structure does not respond to electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction, i.e., it has good independent polarization control capability.

[0210] For electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction, a multilayer metal strip structure can be used to construct a second filter structure with multiple transmission poles. When the electromagnetic wave is incident normally, the low-frequency transmission poles are affected by the passband conditions of the second filter structure, while the high-frequency transmission poles are affected by the size of the metal strips.

[0211] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the low-frequency transmission pole can be adjusted by changing the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate, and the high-frequency transmission pole can be adjusted by changing the size of the third metal structure and the size of the fourth metal structure, thereby realizing flexible design of the operating frequency band of the second filter structure.

[0212] Figure 12 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0213] refer to Figure 12 The transmission coefficient curves for normal and oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction and incident on the second plane are shown. The filter exhibits wide-angle transmission characteristics in the 4.8 GHz–5.2 GHz frequency band. Oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves can be at 80 degrees, or any value among 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5 degrees. Normal incidence of electromagnetic waves refers to incidence at 0 degrees.

[0214] Figure 13 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0215] refer to Figure 13The transmission coefficient curves for normal and oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction and incident on the first plane are shown. The filter exhibits low-pass and high-impedance characteristics in the angular domain within the 4.8GHz-5.2GHz frequency band. Oblique incidence of the electromagnetic wave can be at 80 degrees, or any value among 75 degrees, 70 degrees, 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 45 degrees, 40 degrees, 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees. Normal incidence of the electromagnetic wave refers to incidence at 0 degrees.

[0216] Figure 14 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0217] refer to Figure 14 The transmission coefficient curves for normal and oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction and incident on the second plane are shown. The filter exhibits wide-angle transmission characteristics in the 4.8-5.2 GHz frequency band. Oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves can be at 80 degrees, or any value among 75 degrees, 70 degrees, 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 45 degrees, 40 degrees, 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees. Normal incidence of electromagnetic waves refers to incidence at 0 degrees.

[0218] Figure 15 This is a transmission coefficient curve of a filter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0219] refer to Figure 15 The transmission coefficient curves for normal and oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction and incident on the first plane are shown. The filter exhibits low-pass, high-impedance characteristics in the angular domain within the 4.8-5.2 GHz frequency band. Oblique incidence of electromagnetic waves can be at 80 degrees, or any one of the following values: 75 degrees, 70 degrees, 65 degrees, 60 degrees, 55 degrees, 50 degrees, 45 degrees, 40 degrees, 35 degrees, 30 degrees, 25 degrees, 20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees. Normal incidence of electromagnetic waves refers to incidence at 0 degrees.

[0220] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0221] Antenna 500 includes a housing 510, a radio frequency (RF) processing circuit 520, a feed network 530, a radiating array 540, and a filter 200. The RF processing circuit 520, feed network 530, radiating array 540, and filter 200 are all located within the space enclosed by the housing 510. The RF processing circuit 520 is electrically connected to the radiating array 540 via the feed network 530. The radiating array 540 is used to transmit electromagnetic waves.

[0222] In some embodiments, the housing 510 may also be referred to as an antenna radome.

[0223] In some embodiments, the antenna includes a radome, and the filter is located within the space enclosed by the radome.

[0224] In some embodiments, the antenna includes a radiating array, and the projection of the filter onto the radiating array along a third direction at least partially overlaps with the radiating array. In some embodiments, the projection of the filter onto the radiating array along a third direction completely overlaps with the radiating array. Alternatively, the filter may be directly opposite the radiating array.

[0225] When the antenna is in operation, it needs to perform beam scanning in the horizontal dimension and sidelobe suppression in the vertical dimension. That is, the antenna needs to filter electromagnetic waves incident on the first plane as much as possible, or in other words, reflect electromagnetic waves incident on the first plane as much as possible, and allow electromagnetic waves incident on the second plane to be transmitted.

[0226] According to the embodiments provided in this application, the filter has reflection properties for electromagnetic waves propagating at different incident angles toward the first plane, and transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating at different incident angles toward the second plane. This allows the filter to select the angle of electromagnetic waves incident at different angles, thus providing anisotropic angle-selective performance. The filter can suppress sidelobes of electromagnetic waves propagating in the first plane. The filter at least has transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating in the second plane, thus not affecting the large-angle scanning characteristics of the antenna in the second plane. This improves the sidelobe suppression performance of the filter, suppresses antenna sidelobes, and enhances the antenna's anti-interference capability.

[0227] In one embodiment, the antennas described in this application can all be used in a communication device. In one embodiment, the antenna can be electrically connected to the baseband processing unit in the communication device.

[0228] In one embodiment, the communication device described in this application can be applied to a communication system. In another embodiment, the communication device can communicate with the core network equipment in the communication system.

[0229] This application also provides a communication device, which includes a second communication device, the second communication device including a baseband processing unit and any of the antennas provided in this application.

[0230] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, and the first communication device and the second communication device are communicatively connected. Embodiments of this application may also include a third or fourth communication device, etc., and are not limited thereto.

[0231] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A filter, characterized in that, include: The first filter structure includes a first metal structure, a second metal structure, and a first metal through-hole structure electrically connected to the first metal structure and the second metal structure. The first metal structure and the second metal structure are located on different planes, and there is an angle between the extension direction of the first metal structure on the plane where the second metal structure is located and the extension direction of the second metal structure. The second filter structure includes a third metal structure and a fourth metal structure, which are located in different planes. The extension direction of the third metal structure on the plane where the fourth metal structure is located and the extension direction of the fourth metal structure have an angle between them. The first metal structure extends in a first direction, and the third metal structure extends in a second direction, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.

2. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the extension direction of the first metal structure on the plane where the second metal structure is located and the extension direction of the second metal structure is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

3. The filter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The angle between the extension direction of the third metal structure on the plane where the fourth metal structure is located and the extension direction of the fourth metal structure is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

4. The filter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The filter has at least reflective properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction, and at least transmittive properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction, wherein there is an angle between the first direction and the second direction.

5. The filter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter has at least reflection properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the second direction, including: The filter has at least reflective properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a first angle to the second direction, and at least transmittive properties for electromagnetic waves incident at a second angle to the second direction, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different.

6. The filter according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The filter has at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident along the first direction, including: The filter has at least transmission properties for electromagnetic waves incident at the first angle along the first direction and electromagnetic waves incident at the second angle along the first direction.

7. The filter according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first angle is greater than the second angle.

8. The filter according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first filter structure has the reflection or transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating along the first polarization direction; The second filter structure has the reflection or transmission properties for electromagnetic waves propagating along the second polarization direction, and the first polarization direction is orthogonal to the second polarization direction.

9. The filter according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The filter includes: A first dielectric substrate, a second dielectric substrate, and a third dielectric substrate are arranged along a third direction, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first dielectric substrate, the second dielectric substrate, and the third dielectric substrate, respectively, and the third direction is perpendicular to the plane containing the first direction and the second direction; The first metal structure and the second metal structure are respectively located on opposite sides of the second dielectric substrate in the third direction, and the first metal through-hole structure penetrates the second dielectric substrate; The third metal structure is located on the first dielectric substrate, and the fourth metal structure is located on the third dielectric substrate.

10. The filter according to claim 9, characterized in that, The length of the first metal structure is d1, the width of the first metal structure is d2, and the length of the first metal through-hole structure is d3, which respectively satisfy the following conditions: 0.2λ≤d1≤0.5λ, 0.01λ≤d2≤0.03λ, 0.1λ≤d3≤0.3λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

11. The filter according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The third metal structure includes a first metal strip and a second metal strip; The fourth metal structure includes a third metal strip and a fourth metal strip; The second metal strip is connected to the opposite ends of the first metal strip in its extension direction, and the fourth metal strip is connected to the opposite ends of the third metal strip in its extension direction. The extension directions of the first metal strip and the third metal strip are respectively the second direction, and the extension directions of the second metal strip and the fourth metal strip are respectively the first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the third direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

12. The filter according to claim 11, characterized in that, The lengths of the first metal strip and the third metal strip are d4, and the lengths of the second metal strip and the fourth metal strip are d5. d4 and d5 satisfy the following condition: 0.3λ≤d4≤0.4λ, 0.006λ≤d5≤0.003λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

13. The filter according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The first filter structure and the second filter structure are arranged repeatedly along the third direction.

14. The filter according to claim 13, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the distance between a plurality of adjacent second dielectric substrates is h1, and h1 satisfies the following condition: 0.7λ≤h1≤0.9λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

15. The filter according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the third dielectric substrate is h2, and h2 satisfies the following condition: 0.5λ≤h2≤0.6λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

16. The filter according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the distance between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate is h3, and h3 satisfies the following condition: 0.4λ≤h3≤0.5λ, where λ is the operating wavelength of the filter.

17. The filter according to any one of claims 9-16, characterized in that, Along the third direction, the first dielectric substrate is farther away from the second dielectric substrate relative to the third dielectric substrate.

18. The filter according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

19. An antenna, characterized in that, The antenna includes the filter as described in any one of claims 1-18, and further includes: The radome, the filter is located within the space enclosed by the radome.

20. The antenna according to claim 19, characterized in that, Also includes: A radiation array used to transmit electromagnetic waves; The projection of the filter onto the radiation array along a third direction at least partially overlaps with the radiation array.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a second communication device, which includes a baseband processing unit and an antenna as described in claim 19 or 20.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first communication device and a second communication device as described in claim 21, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are communicatively connected.

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