Holographic antenna unit, holographic antenna and control method thereof, and antenna device

Abstract

The application discloses a holographic antenna unit, a holographic antenna and a control method thereof and an antenna device, relates to the technical field of antennas, and aims to realize beam scanning of the holographic antenna. The holographic antenna unit comprises a feeding structure configured to feed in an electromagnetic wave signal; a holographic pattern layer located on one side of the outer surface of the feeding structure and comprising a gap group, wherein the gap group comprises at least one gap; and a switch assembly corresponding to the gap and comprising at least a MEMS switch. Different switch states of the MEMS switch correspond to different modulation states of the switch assembly on the electromagnetic wave signal at the gap, different modulation states correspond to different radiation states of the antenna unit, the switch states at least include an open state and a closed state, the radiation states at least include a first radiation state and a second radiation state, and the signal intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal radiated in the first radiation state and the second radiation state is different.

Description

Holographic antenna element, holographic antenna and its control method, and antenna device Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a holographic antenna element, a holographic antenna and its control method, and an antenna device. Background Technology

[0002] Antennas are the main receivers and radiators in wireless communication systems. With the development of communication technology, holographic antennas have been designed. The design theory of holographic antennas comes from the principle of optical holography. Holographic antennas generally include a holographic structure, which forms a holographic metal pattern. When working, the reference wave radiated by any source antenna is irradiated by the holographic metal pattern, and then the desired target wave is radiated after modulation by the holographic metal pattern.

[0003] Overview

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a holographic antenna element, comprising:

[0005] The feeding structure is configured to feed electromagnetic wave signals;

[0006] A holographic pattern layer, located on one outer surface of the feeding structure, includes a slit group, the slit group including at least one slit;

[0007] A switching assembly, corresponding to the gap, includes at least a MEMS switch;

[0008] The different switching states of the MEMS switch correspond to the different modulation states of the electromagnetic wave signal by the switching component at the gap, and the different modulation states correspond to the different radiation states of the antenna element. The switching states include at least an on state and an off state, and the radiation states include at least a first radiation state and a second radiation state. The signal intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal radiated in the first radiation state and the second radiation state is different.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the MEMS switch is located at the gap, and the area of ​​the holographic pattern layer other than the gap includes a conductive material layer;

[0010] When the MEMS switch is in the off state, the MEMS switch connects the conductive material layers located on opposite sides of the gap; when the MEMS switch is in the on state, the connection between the conductive material layers on opposite sides of the gap is broken.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the switching component is located on the path of the electromagnetic wave signal radiating to the gap and is on a different layer from the holographic pattern layer; the switching component further includes a metal layer comprising a plurality of independent metal regions:

[0012] The MEMS switch is located between the metal regions and is configured to adjust the size of the metal regions that overlap with the gap in the metal layer in the planar direction of the holographic pattern layer. Different sizes of metal regions correspond to different radiation states.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of metal regions include a first metal region and at least one second metal region, wherein the first metal region overlaps with the gap, and at least one second metal region is distributed on at least one side of the first metal region;

[0014] The MEMS switch is included in the gap between each of the second metal regions and the first metal region; or, the switch assembly includes a first MEMS switch located between a portion of the second metal regions and the first metal region, and a second MEMS switch located between a portion of the second metal regions.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the second metal region and / or the MEMS switch do not overlap with the gap.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the holographic antenna unit includes a plurality of the slots, and the switching assembly includes a plurality of first metal regions, each of the plurality of first metal regions corresponding to a plurality of the slots;

[0017] In this case, two adjacent first metal regions share one or more second metal regions.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the feeding structure includes a transmission cavity for transmitting the electromagnetic wave signal, the transmission cavity comprising a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer in sequence, wherein the first dielectric layer is configured as air;

[0019] The switching assembly is located within the transmission cavity and is situated on the side of the second dielectric layer near the holographic pattern layer or on the inner surface of the transmission cavity.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the first dielectric layer is close to the holographic pattern layer, and the second dielectric layer is located on the side of the first dielectric layer opposite to the holographic pattern layer.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the holographic antenna element includes a plurality of the slits, each of the slits having a different size, including a size in the length direction and / or a size in the width direction.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the slit includes two opposing ends in the planar direction of the holographic pattern layer;

[0023] At least one of the ends includes a protrusion that bulges out toward the periphery of the gap.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the end portion includes a first protrusion that protrudes along the length direction of the gap, and / or includes a second protrusion that protrudes along the width direction of the gap.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the end portion includes the first protrusion, the outer contour of which, as projected onto the plane, includes any one of a chamfer, a triangle, a rounded rectangle, and an N-sided polygon.

[0026] N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 5.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the end portion includes two second protrusions arranged in the width direction, the two second protrusions being symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the gap.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the power supply structure includes:

[0029] First substrate;

[0030] The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate form a transmission cavity for transmitting the electromagnetic wave signal. The first substrate includes a ground metal layer.

[0031] The holographic pattern layer is located on the side of the second substrate opposite to the first substrate.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the holographic antenna further includes a third substrate located on the side of the holographic pattern layer opposite to the feed waveguide;

[0033] The MEMS switch includes a ground wire and a control wire, with the ground wire located on the side of the MEMS switch closest to the second substrate.

[0034] The grounding wire is connected to the grounding metal layer, and the control wire is connected to the metal wire on the side of the third substrate near the transmission cavity; or, the control wire is connected to the metal wire on the side of the second substrate near the first substrate, and the metal wire is connected to an external control module.

[0035] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a holographic antenna, comprising:

[0036] Feed waveguide;

[0037] The feed source is connected to the feed waveguide;

[0038] And, a plurality of holographic antenna units as described in any exemplary embodiment of the first aspect;

[0039] The feeding waveguide serves as the feeding structure in the plurality of holographic antenna elements.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of holographic antenna elements are arranged in a ring array, with one of the two adjacent ring arrays located inside the other.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the slot groups in each pair of the holographic antenna elements on the ring array intersect.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of ring arrays are divided into a plurality of ring array groups, the ring array group comprising at least two adjacent ring arrays;

[0043] Among the slot groups of the multiple holographic antenna elements located on the same straight line and belonging to multiple ring arrays respectively, the slot groups located in the same ring array group are parallel, and the slot groups belonging to different ring array groups intersect; the straight line is a straight line in the radial direction of the ring array.

[0044] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a control method for a holographic antenna, wherein the method is applied to any of the holographic antennas described in the second aspect, the control method comprising:

[0045] Based on the target electromagnetic wave to be radiated, multiple first antenna elements to be activated are determined from multiple antenna elements.

[0046] The MEMS switch in the first antenna unit is controlled to be in the on state, and the MEMS switch in the second antenna unit is controlled to be in the off state, so that the intensity of the signal radiated outward by the first antenna unit is greater than the intensity of the signal radiated outward by the second antenna unit.

[0047] The second antenna unit is an antenna unit other than the first antenna unit.

[0048] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides an antenna device, comprising the holographic antenna element described in the first aspect or at least one holographic antenna described in any of the second aspects.

[0049] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution disclosed herein. In order to better understand the technical means of this disclosure and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below.

[0050] Brief description of the attached diagram

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. It should be noted that the scale in the drawings is for illustration only and does not represent the actual scale.

[0052] Figures 1 and 2a show top planar schematic diagrams of two types of holographic antennas;

[0053] Figure 2b is an enlarged schematic diagram of the location of line L2 in Figure 2a;

[0054] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the overall cross-sectional structure of the holographic antenna;

[0055] Figure 4a shows a schematic cross-sectional structure of an antenna element;

[0056] Figure 4b shows a top view of the antenna element;

[0057] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the switching assembly in the antenna unit shown in Figure 4a;

[0058] Figures 6a and 6b show schematic cross-sectional structures of two more antenna elements;

[0059] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of adjusting the size of the metal area that overlaps with the gap;

[0060] Figure 8 shows a top plan view of the antenna elements corresponding to Figures 6a and 6b;

[0061] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional structural diagram of another type of antenna element;

[0062] Figure 10 shows a top plan view of the antenna element slot and switch assembly corresponding to Figure 9;

[0063] Figure 11 shows a top plan view of the slot and switching assembly in another antenna unit;

[0064] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional structure of another type of antenna element;

[0065] Figure 13 shows a top plan view of the antenna element slot and switch assembly corresponding to Figure 12;

[0066] Figures 14 and 15 show schematic diagrams of various slit shapes;

[0067] Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of an antenna element having the slot described in (1) of Figure 14;

[0068] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of an antenna element having the slot described in (3) of Figure 14;

[0069] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of an antenna element having the slot described in (4) of Figure 14;

[0070] Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of an antenna element having the slot described in (1) of Figure 15;

[0071] Figure 20 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of the control method for a holographic antenna.

[0072] Figure 21 shows a schematic diagram of the switching states of each MEMS switch when the beam of the holographic antenna shown in Figure 2a is pointed to 0 degrees.

[0073] Figure 22 shows the radiation patterns of the holographic antenna under different beam directions when it is in operation.

[0074] Detailed description

[0075] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0076] In this specification, "electrical connection" and "coupling" include situations where components are connected together by elements that have some electrical function. There are no particular limitations on what constitutes an "electrical function," as long as it allows for the transmission and reception of electrical signals between the connected components. Examples of "electrical functions" include not only electrodes and wiring, but also switching elements such as transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and other components with various functions.

[0077] In this specification, "parallel" refers to the state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than or equal to -10° and less than 10°, and therefore also includes the state where the angle is greater than or equal to -5° and less than 5°. Similarly, "perpendicular" refers to the state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than or equal to 80° and less than 100°, and therefore also includes the state where the angle is greater than or equal to 85° and less than 95°.

[0078] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open and encompassing, that is, "including, but not limited to".

[0079] In this application, "same layer" refers to the relationship between multiple film layers formed from the same material after undergoing the same step (e.g., a patterning process). "Same layer" here does not always mean that multiple film layers have the same thickness or the same height in a cross-sectional view. The polygons used in this specification are not strictly defined; they can be approximate triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, pentagons, or hexagons, and may have minor deformations due to tolerances.

[0080] In the embodiments of this application, since the source and drain of the transistor are symmetrical, their source and drain can be interchanged. In the embodiments of this application, one of the source and drain of the transistor can also be called the first electrode, and the other of the source and drain can be called the second electrode.

[0081] The holographic metal pattern in the holographic antenna is obtained by inversion based on the target wave. Generally speaking, once the holographic metal pattern is fixed, the target wave radiated by the holographic antenna is also fixed. This means that the holographic antenna can only be fixed to one working performance and does not have reconfigurability. For example, it cannot be reconfigured in terms of frequency, radiation pattern, polarization direction, etc.

[0082] In related technologies, to achieve reconfigurability of holographic antennas, such as beam scanning, switches are added to change the orientation of the antenna's radiation pattern. For example, electrically tunable devices such as PIN diodes are used, and in some cases, changes in holographic elements or switching of excitation ports are employed. However, because these devices all have certain parasitic reactance and losses, it is difficult for holographic beam-scanning antennas based on electrically tunable devices to extend their operating frequency above 10 GHz, which undoubtedly greatly limits the application of beam-scanning antennas. When liquid crystals are used as switching devices, their operation is unstable due to factors such as temperature and operating time. If the number of switches becomes too large, calibration becomes extremely complex and cumbersome, hindering large-scale production.

[0083] In view of this, this disclosure proposes a beam-scanning holographic antenna unit. The switching component of the holographic antenna unit adopts a MEMS switch. The MEMS switch can be used under high-frequency conditions and its working state is relatively stable. Thus, beam scanning can be quickly realized and the performance of the holographic antenna in high-frequency band can be guaranteed.

[0084] Specifically, embodiments of this disclosure provide a holographic antenna unit, a holographic antenna and its control method, and an antenna device. The holographic antenna unit may include a feeding structure, a holographic pattern layer, and a switching component. The holographic pattern layer is located on one outer surface of the feeding structure and includes a group of slots, each including at least one slot. The switching component corresponds to a slot and includes at least a MEMS switch. Different switching states of the MEMS switch correspond to different modulation states of the electromagnetic wave signal at the slot, and different modulation states correspond to different radiation states of the antenna unit. The switching states include at least an on state and an off state, and the radiation states include a first radiation state and a second radiation state. The signal radiation intensity in the first radiation state is different from the signal radiation intensity in the second radiation state.

[0085] In this embodiment, the holographic pattern layer in the holographic antenna unit includes a group of slits that can be used to radiate signals outward. When the MEMS switch in the switching assembly is in the on and off states, it can change the different modulation states of the electromagnetic wave signal at the slits. The different modulation states correspond to the radiation state of the signal radiated by the antenna unit. For example, in the on state, the switching assembly does not modulate the electromagnetic wave signal and operates in the first radiation state with a higher signal radiation intensity. In the off state, the modulation state of the switching assembly of the electromagnetic wave signal is in the state of blocking its radiation, and the unit operates in the second radiation state with a lower signal radiation intensity.

[0086] Here, signal radiation intensity can refer to the strength and coverage of the radiated signal. Low signal radiation intensity can be understood as the antenna element not radiating a signal, while high signal radiation intensity can be understood as the antenna element radiating a signal. Thus, by using a switching component, one can control whether the antenna element radiates a signal or not, thereby controlling the radiation state of multiple antenna elements and selecting different combinations of antenna elements to radiate signals. This allows for beam scanning of the holographic antenna, meaning at least the reconfigurability of the holographic antenna's radiation pattern can be achieved.

[0087] The holographic antenna unit, holographic antenna, control method, and antenna device of this disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, reference numerals are placed after the names of the relevant components in the following text.

[0088] First, the technical principle of holographic antennas is as follows:

[0089] The theoretical basis of holographic antennas comes from the principle of optical holography, which is generally used in the field of optical imaging. If a focused electron beam is used as a reference beam and coherent with the object wave, and then the interference field formed is recorded using a holographic film, and the holographic film is then illuminated with the reference wave, the three-dimensional image of the original object can be well restored.

[0090] According to the holographic principle of optics, there are three key beams or fields: the reference beam, the object wave, and the interference field. Extending this to the field of antennas, these can be referred to as the reference wave ψ. ref Target wave ψ obj , and interference pattern ψ inf Simultaneously, interference patterns can be obtained by interfering the reference wave with the target wave. Then, the target wave, i.e., the target pointing beam, can be obtained by illuminating the interference pattern with the reference wave. In this design, the interference pattern can be understood as the working state of the antenna elements distributed on the holographic antenna array (holographic pattern layer).

[0091] The binary holographic theory is applied in holographic antennas. Extending this to holographic antennas, the formula for the two-dimensional holographic reference wave can be written as the following formula (1):

[0092] Where, k g ρ is the propagation coefficient of the wave inside the waveguide, and ρ is the distance from the element to the feed source.

[0093] The target wave can be expressed as formula (2):

[0094] Where k0 is the propagation coefficient of the wave in free space;

[0095] Therefore, the above interference pattern can be represented by the following formula (3).

[0096] Therefore, the excitation amplitude of each antenna element can be set as follows:

[0097] M m,n =Re(ψ) inf )

[0098] Because the control method in this design has two states for a single antenna element—radiating or not radiating at all—the excitation amplitude needs to be adjusted to a binary form.

[0099] M m,n >0,M m,n =1

[0100] M m,n <0,M m,n =0

[0101] At this point, the ideal operating state of each antenna element on the holographic antenna array has been determined.

[0102] The amplitude refers to the ratio of the maximum value of the voltage or current of a MEMS switch to its average or effective value.

[0103] In one embodiment, a holographic antenna cell is provided, which includes the following structure:

[0104] Power supply structure 10;

[0105] The holographic pattern layer 15 is located on one side of the outer surface of the feeding structure 10 and includes a plurality of slot groups 1511. Each slot group corresponds to an antenna element, and each slot group includes at least one slot 1511.

[0106] The switch assembly 20, corresponding to the slot assembly, includes at least a MEMS switch 21;

[0107] Among them, the different switching states of the MEMS switch correspond to the different modulation states of the electromagnetic wave signal at the gap of the switching component, and the different modulation states correspond to the different radiation states of the antenna element. The switching state includes at least an on state and an off state, and the radiation state includes at least a first radiation state and a second radiation state. The signal intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal radiated in the first radiation state and the second radiation state is different.

[0108] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, which illustrates the overall cross-sectional structure of the holographic antenna unit, the feeding structure 10 can serve as the feed source 30 of the holographic antenna to feed the electrical signal to be radiated into the holographic antenna. The fed electrical signal can be transmitted in the feeding structure 10 along the length direction of the feeding structure 10, such as along the direction x in Figure 2. In some examples, the feeding structure 10 may include a ground metal layer.

[0109] The holographic pattern layer 15 can be located on one outer surface of the feeding structure 10. The pattern in the holographic pattern layer 15, excluding the gaps 1511, can be a metallic pattern. In some examples, the holographic pattern layer 15 can be patterned, such as by using a mask with a holographic pattern and depositing metal through processes like chemical deposition. In other examples, a full-surface metal layer can be formed first, followed by etching to form multiple gaps 1511. The metal used in the holographic pattern layer 15 can be copper, silver, molybdenum, or other metals.

[0110] Please refer to Figures 1, 2a and 4. Figures 1 and 2a show top planar schematic diagrams of two types of holographic antennas. As shown in Figures 1, 2a and 4a, the holographic pattern layer 15 includes a group of slots, and a group of slots includes at least one slot 1511.

[0111] In one example, the slot group may include a slot 1511. When a slot 1511 is included, the signal radiation of the corresponding frequency can be achieved by adjusting the size of the slot 1511. In another example, the slot group may include multiple slots 1511. When multiple slots 1511 are included, the size of different slots 1511 can be adjusted so that the antenna element can operate in multiple frequency bands, thereby realizing the frequency reconfigurability of the holographic antenna.

[0112] In this embodiment, each antenna element corresponds to a switching component 20. The switching component 20 is mainly used to change its relative state with the slot under the control of the MEMS switch, such as changing the connection state with the metal layer around the slot, or changing the area of ​​the overlapping metal region with the slot, thereby achieving different modulation of the electromagnetic wave signal at the slot to control the antenna element in the corresponding radiation state. For example, as shown in FIG2a, when the electrical signal fed into the feeding structure 10 is transmitted along the x-direction, it can radiate the signal outward through the slot group on the holographic pattern layer 15. The switching component 20 can be used to modulate this radiation process, for example, modulating it to radiate the signal outward or not radiate the signal outward.

[0113] The switching component 20 includes a MEMS switch 21, which is a microelectromechanical switch that can be used under high-frequency conditions and has a relatively stable operating state. This enables rapid beam scanning and ensures the performance of the holographic antenna in the high-frequency band. In one example, a switching component 20 may include one MEMS switch 21; in another example, a switching component 20 may include multiple MEMS switches 21.

[0114] In this example, the signal transmitted by the power supply structure 10 can be radiated outward through the slot 1511. The switching component 20 can control the radiation state of the location of the slot 1511, i.e., whether radiation occurs or not, through the MEMS switch 21. When radiation occurs, the signal transmitted by the power supply structure 10 can be radiated outward without obstruction through the slot 1511. When radiation does not occur, the signal transmitted by the power supply structure 10 cannot be radiated outward through the slot 1511. This can also be understood as the switching component 20 shielding the radiation function of the slot group.

[0115] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the orthographic projection of the switch assembly 20 on the plane of the feed structure 10 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the slot 1511 on the plane of the feed structure 10. Therefore, the switch assembly 20 can change the radiation state of the electromagnetic wave signal fed into the feed structure 10 at the slot 1511. In an optional embodiment that achieves this function, the orthographic projection of the MEMS switch 21 in the switch assembly 20 on the plane of the feed structure 10 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the slot 1511 on the plane of the feed structure 10. For example, refer to Figures 4a and 4b. Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional view of an antenna element, and Figure 4b shows a top view of the antenna element. As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the MEMS switch 21 is located at the slot 1511. That is, the orthographic projection of the MEMS switch 21 on the plane of the holographic antenna overlaps with the orthographic projection of the slot 1511 on the plane of the holographic antenna. In another alternative embodiment that achieves this function, the orthographic projection of the MEMS switch 21 in the switching assembly 20 onto the plane of the feed structure 10 and the orthographic projection of the slot 1511 onto the plane of the feed structure 10 may not overlap. However, the orthographic projections of other parts of the switching assembly 20 onto the plane of the feed structure 10 and the orthographic projections of the slot 1511 onto the plane of the feed structure 10 overlap. For example, refer to Figures 6a and 6b, which respectively show cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of an antenna element in two other holographic antennas. As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the MEMS switch 21 and the slot 1511 do not overlap, but other structures of the switching assembly 20, such as the metal region, overlap with the slot 1511.

[0116] The radiation state of the antenna element corresponds to the switching state of the MEMS switch 21. For example, the switching state of the MEMS switch 21 includes an on state and an off state. The on state corresponds to one radiation state, and the off state corresponds to a different radiation state. In this embodiment, the radiation state includes a first radiation state and a second radiation state. The signal radiation intensities of the first and second radiation states are different, and this signal radiation intensity can characterize whether the antenna element radiates a signal outward. For example, if the signal radiation intensity in the first radiation state is greater than the signal radiation intensity in the second radiation state, then when the antenna element radiates a signal outward, it is in the first radiation state; when the antenna element does not radiate a signal outward, it is in the second radiation state.

[0117] In one example, when the MEMS switch 21 is in the on state, as shown in Figures 4a, 6a, and 6b, the electromagnetic wave signal can be radiated outward through the gap 1511 in the feeding structure 10, and the antenna element can correspond to the first radiation state, that is, the antenna element radiates the signal outward; when the MEMS switch 21 is in the off state, the electromagnetic wave signal cannot be radiated outward through the gap 1511 in the feeding structure 10, and the antenna element can correspond to the second radiation state, that is, the antenna element does not radiate the signal outward.

[0118] Here, "on" refers to the state where MEMS switch 21 is open, and "off" refers to the state where MEMS switch 21 is closed.

[0119] The holographic antenna unit used in this embodiment employs a MEMS switch 21 as its switching component 20. The MEMS switch 21 can be used under high-frequency conditions and operates stably, thus enabling rapid beam scanning and ensuring the performance of the holographic antenna unit in the high-frequency band. Furthermore, the switching component 20 can control whether the antenna unit radiates signals outwards or not. Therefore, when multiple antenna units form an array, the radiation state of each antenna unit can be controlled, selecting different combinations of antenna units to radiate signals outwards. This allows for beam scanning of the holographic antenna, meaning that at least the radiation pattern of the holographic antenna can be reconfigured.

[0120] In some embodiments of the holographic antenna unit, the switching assembly 20 may include a MEMS switch 21, and the MEMS switch 21 may be located at the slot 1511 included in the slot group. The MEMS switch can change the connection state between the switching assembly and the conductive material layers on both sides of the slot, thereby achieving a corresponding modulation state. As shown in FIG4a, the switching assembly 20 and the holographic pattern layer 15 are located on the outer surface of the same side of the feed structure 10, and the MEMS switch 21 is located at the slot 1511; wherein, the area of ​​the holographic pattern layer 15 other than the slot 1511 includes a conductive material layer, and when the MEMS switch 21 is in the off state, the MEMS switch 21 connects the conductive material layers located on opposite sides of the slot 1511; when the MEMS switch 21 is in the on state, the connection between the conductive material layers on opposite sides of the slot 1511 is broken.

[0121] As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the switch assembly 20 in the antenna unit shown in Figure 4a. As shown in Figure 5, the MEMS switch 21 can have the holographic pattern layer 15 located on the outer surface of the same side of the feed structure 10. The MEMS switch 21 can include a cantilever beam 211. The orthographic projection of the cantilever beam 211 on the plane where the feed structure 10 is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the conductive material layer on the plane where the feed structure 10 is located. As shown in Figure 5, when the MEMS switch 21 is in the off state, the cantilever beam 211 can overlap with the conductive material layer, thereby connecting the conductive material layers on both sides of the slot 1511. In this way, the electromagnetic wave radiation performance of the antenna element where the slot 1511 is located is turned off. When the MEMS switch 21 is in the on state, the cantilever beam 211 can be suspended above the conductive material layer, thereby preventing the conductive material layers on both sides of the slot 1511 from connecting. In this way, the electromagnetic wave radiation performance of the antenna element where the slot 1511 is located is preserved, that is, electromagnetic wave signals can be radiated outward from the slot 1511.

[0122] In some embodiments of the holographic antenna unit, the MEMS switch can change the size of the overlapping metal area between the switch assembly and the slot to achieve a corresponding modulation state. Specifically, the switch assembly 20 may not be located at the slot 1511. The switch assembly 20 may be located on the path of the electromagnetic wave signal of the feed structure 10 radiating to the slot 1511, for example, it may be located in the transmission cavity of the feed structure 10. In this way, the switch assembly 20 can be used to form a blockage of the electromagnetic wave signal radiating outward (e.g., the larger the overlapping area, the stronger the blocking capability) on the path of the electromagnetic wave signal radiating to the slot 1511, and it can also be used to allow the electromagnetic wave signal to radiate outward.

[0123] In this embodiment, the switching component 20 may include a MEMS switch 21 and a metal layer. The MEMS switch 21 may be located in the metal layer and can adjust the size of the overlapping metal region in the metal layer with the slot 1511 to make the antenna unit work in different radiation states. For example, the size of the overlapping metal region with the slot 1511 may be increased to form a blockage against the outward radiation of electromagnetic wave signals, thereby making the antenna unit inactive; or the size of the overlapping metal region with the slot 1511 may be decreased to allow electromagnetic wave signals to radiate outward through the slot 1511.

[0124] In this embodiment, the metal layer may include multiple independent metal regions. The independence can mean that there is no overlap between the metal regions. The MEMS switch 21 may be located between the metal regions. For example, a MEMS switch 21 may be included between every two adjacent metal regions. The MEMS switch 21 may be configured to adjust the size of the metal regions that overlap with the gap 1511 in the planar direction of the holographic pattern layer 15.

[0125] The metal region that overlaps with the gap 1511 can be composed of a single metal region or multiple metal regions with a conductive relationship. The conductive relationship refers to the metal regions connected by the MEMS switch 21.

[0126] The overlap can refer to the partial overlap between the metal area and the gap 1511. For example, the metal area includes a portion that does not overlap with the gap 1511 and a portion that overlaps with the gap 1511. The gap 1511 can include a portion that overlaps with the metal area and a portion that does not overlap with the metal area.

[0127] In this embodiment, the size of the metal area overlapping with the gap 1511 can be adjusted by adjusting the number of metal areas with a connection relationship. The metal layer may include at least two metal areas, such as three or four metal areas, so that the size of the metal area overlapping with the gap 1511 in the planar direction can be flexibly adjusted.

[0128] In the planar direction of the holographic pattern layer 15, the size of the metal area that overlaps with the gap 1511 can be understood as the area of ​​the metal area that overlaps with the gap 1511 in the planar direction.

[0129] In one example, the number of metal regions can be appropriately increased to take into account the intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal radiated from the slit 1511, and to ensure that the antenna unit can be completely shut down when it is closed, so that the antenna unit does not radiate electromagnetic wave signals outward.

[0130] In another example, the size of the metal region overlapping with the slot 1511 can be varied in multiple sizes via the MEMS switch 21, with different sizes corresponding to different signal radiation intensities. For instance, the smaller the size of the metal region overlapping with the slot 1511, the greater the signal radiation intensity; conversely, the larger the size of the metal region overlapping with the slot 1511, the lower the signal radiation intensity, until the antenna element can no longer radiate signals. This allows for adaptation to different application scenarios of the holographic antenna.

[0131] In one example, when the MEMS switch 21 is in the on state, there is a metal region in the metal layer that initially overlaps with the gap 1511. The size of this metal region can be regarded as the minimum size that overlaps with the gap 1511. Then, the MEMS switch 21 can increase the size of the metal region that overlaps with the gap 1511 based on this minimum size.

[0132] As shown in Figures 6a, 6b, and 7, Figure 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of adjusting the size of the metal region overlapping with the gap 1511. As shown in Figures 6a, 6b, and 7, the metal layer in the switch assembly 20 includes seven metal regions (ag in Figure 7), which are independent of each other. A MEMS switch 21 is positioned between adjacent metal regions, resulting in a total of six MEMS switches 21. One metal region a overlaps with the gap 1511. Of course, in other examples, multiple metal regions may overlap with the gap 1511. During control, the MEMS switches 21 in the on and off states can be selected, thereby changing the number of metal regions connected to metal region a, and consequently changing the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with the gap 1511.

[0133] For example, as shown in Figure 7(1), when all MEMS switches 21 are in the open state, only the metal region a overlaps with the gap 1511, and the antenna unit is in the first radiation state.

[0134] For example, as shown in Figure 7(2), the MEMS switch 21 between metal region a and metal region c is in the off state, and the other MEMS switches 21 are all in the on state. Then, the metal regions a and c overlap with the gap 1511. In this way, the area of ​​the metal regions that overlap with the gap 1511 is the total area of ​​metal regions a and c. The signal intensity radiated by the antenna unit is lower than the signal intensity in the first radiation state.

[0135] For example, as shown in Figure 7(3), the MEMS switch 21 between metal regions a, b, c and e is in the off state, and the other MEMS switches 21 are in the on state. Then, the metal regions a, b, c and e overlap with the gap 1511. Thus, the area of ​​the metal regions that overlap with the gap 1511 is the total area of ​​metal regions a, b, c and e, and the signal strength radiated by the antenna unit is lower.

[0136] For example, as shown in Figure 7 (4), the MEMS switches 21 between metal regions a and g are all in the off state. The areas that overlap with the gap 1511 are metal regions a to g. Thus, the area of ​​the metal regions that overlap with the gap 1511 is the total area of ​​metal regions a to g. The antenna unit can be in the second radiation state, thereby turning off the radiation performance of the antenna unit. The antenna unit does not radiate signals outward.

[0137] In one example of this embodiment, in the initial state, that is, when all MEMS switches 21 are in the open state, the metal region that overlaps with the gap 1511 may include only one metal region, which may be called the first metal region 22. Then, the multiple metal regions may also include at least one second metal region 23 in addition to the metal region, and at least one second metal region 23 is distributed on at least one side of the first metal region 22.

[0138] The MEMS switch 21 is included in the gap between each second metal region 23 and the first metal region 22; or, the switch assembly 20 includes a first MEMS switch 21 located between a portion of the second metal region 23 and the first metal region 22, and a second MEMS switch 21 located between a portion of the second metal region 23.

[0139] In this embodiment, the second metal region 23 can be regarded as a parasitic metal region of the first metal region 22. Under the action of the MEMS switch 21, it can help increase the area of ​​the first metal region 22, thereby modulating the radiation state of the electromagnetic wave signal at the gap 1511.

[0140] In this embodiment, a MEMS switch 21 is provided between two adjacent metal regions, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In one example, as shown in Figure 9, a second metal region 23 is included, which in turn includes a MEMS switch 21. The MEMS switch 21 is located between the second metal region 23 and the first metal region 22. The second metal region 23 can be located on either side of the first metal region 22. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the antenna element in another holographic antenna, and Figure 10 is a top view of the antenna element shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a second metal region 23 is included. The second metal region 23 can be located on one side of the first metal region 22 in the target direction. The target direction can be a direction orthogonal to the slot 1511.

[0141] In another example, a plurality of second metal regions 23 may be included, and the plurality of second metal regions 23 may be distributed on at least one side of the first metal region 22. For example, as shown in FIG8, two second metal regions 23 may be included, and the two second metal regions 23 may be located on opposite sides of the first metal region 22. For example, as shown in FIG11, a plurality of second metal regions 23 may be included, and the plurality of second metal regions 23 may be distributed on the same side of the first metal region 22, such as all being located on the same side of the first metal region 22 in the target direction.

[0142] In another example, a plurality of second metal regions 23 may be included, and the plurality of second metal regions 23 may be distributed on multiple sides of the first metal region 22. For example, as shown in FIG12, 13 and FIG7, the plurality of second metal regions 23 may be distributed on different sides of the first metal region 22. For example, the plurality of second metal regions 23 may be located on opposite sides of the first metal region 22 in the target direction.

[0143] The multiple second metal regions 23 may also be distributed on opposite sides of the gap 1511 along its length (not shown in the figure).

[0144] In one implementation of this embodiment, a MEMS switch 21 is provided between a plurality of second metal regions 23 and a first metal region 22. For example, in FIG13, a MEMS switch 21 is provided between the second metal region 23 and the first metal region 22. Also, exemplarily, with reference to FIG7, in another variation of FIG7, each metal region (second metal region 23) among metal regions b to g is provided with a MEMS switch 21 between metal region a (first metal region 22).

[0145] In this implementation, the MEMS switch 21 may include multiple cantilever beams 211, with different cantilever beams 211 corresponding to different second metal regions 23. Thus, by controlling the MEMS switch 21, the first metal region 22 can be connected to multiple second metal regions 23 simultaneously. Alternatively, in another example, different MEMS switches 21 can be positioned between the first metal region 22 and different second metal regions 23, thereby allowing independent control of the connection relationship between each second metal region 23 and the first metal region 22.

[0146] In this implementation, when the MEMS switch 21 is in the ON state, the connection between the first metal region 22 and the corresponding second metal region 23 is disconnected, meaning that the first metal region 22 and the corresponding second metal region 23 are not conductive, thereby reducing the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with the gap 1511, so that the antenna element is in a state where it can radiate signals; when the MEMS switch 21 is in the OFF state, the connection between the first metal region 22 and the corresponding second metal region 23 is established, meaning that the first metal region 22 and the corresponding second metal region 23 are conductive, thereby increasing the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with the gap 1511, so that the antenna element is in a state where it cannot radiate signals.

[0147] In another implementation of this embodiment, when multiple second metal regions 23 are included, a first MEMS switch 21 is provided between some of the second metal regions 23 and the first metal region 22, and a second MEMS switch 21 is provided between some of the second metal regions 23. For example, as shown in FIG7, the MEMS switch 21 between the second metal region c and the second metal region b and the first metal region a can be referred to as the first MEMS switch 21; the MEMS switch 21 provided between metal region b and metal regions d and g can be referred to as the second MEMS switch 21; similarly, a second MEMS switch 21 is also provided between metal region c and metal regions e and f.

[0148] In this implementation, when it is necessary to increase the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with the gap 1511, it is necessary to control the first MEMS switch 21 to be in the off state at least. In some cases, as the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with the gap 1511 increases, it is also necessary to control at least one second MEMS switch 21 to be in the off state. For example, taking FIG7 as an example, the first metal region a overlaps with the gap 1511, as shown in FIG7(2). When it is necessary to increase the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with the gap 1511, it is necessary to control the first MEMS switch 21 to be in the off state at least, such as controlling the MEMS switch 21 between the second metal region c and the first metal region a to be in the off state. When it is necessary to further increase the area of ​​the metal region that overlaps with the gap 1511, as shown in Figure 7(3), the MEMS switch 21 between the second metal region c and the second metal region e can also be controlled to be in the off state. As shown in Figure 7(4), the MEMS switch 21 between the second metal region c and the second metal region e, the MEMS switch 21 between the second metal region c and the second metal region f, the MEMS switch 21 between the second metal region b and the second metal region g, and the MEMS switch 21 between the second metal region b and the second metal region d can also be controlled to be in the off state.

[0149] The above is only an illustrative example. In practice, the MEMS switch 21 can be flexibly configured according to the arrangement of the metal area.

[0150] In one example of this embodiment, the second metal region 23 and the slot 1511 may not overlap. As shown in Figures 7-13, the orthographic projection of the second metal region 23 onto the plane of the feeding structure 10 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the slot 1511 onto the plane of the feeding structure 10. In this example, only the first metal region 22 overlaps with the slot 1511. Therefore, even if there is no electrical connection between the first metal region 22 and the second metal region 23, the electromagnetic wave signal radiated outward from the slot 1511 will not be affected.

[0151] In one example of this embodiment, the size of the second metal region 23 may differ from the size of the first metal region 22. This size can refer to the area of ​​the metal region in the planar direction of the feed structure 10. For example, this size may include a long side dimension (length) and a short side dimension (width). Specifically, the length of the second metal region 23 may be less than the length of the first metal region 22; or, the width of the second metal region 23 may be less than the width of the first metal region 22; or, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the length of the second metal region 23 may be less than the length of the first metal region 22, and the width of the second metal region 23 may be less than the width of the first metal region 22.

[0152] In another example of this embodiment, a slot group in an antenna element may include a plurality of slots 1511. In this case, each slot 1511 corresponds to a first metal region 22. A switching component 20 may include a plurality of first metal regions 22. Different first metal regions 22 may overlap with different slots 1511 in the slot group. Correspondingly, the first metal regions 22 corresponding to two adjacent slots 1511 may share one or more second metal regions 23.

[0153] For example, as shown in FIG13, a gap group can have three gaps 1511, different gaps 1511 overlap with different first metal regions 22, and two adjacent first metal regions 22 can share the same second metal region 23, thereby saving the space occupied by the metal layer.

[0154] In the case where a group of gaps includes multiple gaps 1511, the multiple gaps 1511 may have different gap 1511 dimensions, which may include dimensions in the length direction (gap length) and / or dimensions in the width direction (gap width). For example, the multiple gaps 1511 may have different gap lengths, or the multiple gaps 1511 may have different gap widths, or the multiple gaps 1511 may have different gap lengths and different gap widths.

[0155] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the lengths of the three slots 1511 in the slot group are different. For instance, the length of slot 1511a is greater than the length of slot 1511c, and the length of slot 1511a is less than the length of slot 1511b. Therefore, on the one hand, multi-band radiation of the antenna element can be achieved; on the other hand, by adjusting the arrangement of the slots 1511, slot groups of corresponding shapes can be obtained to achieve multi-polarization radiation of the antenna element. For example, multiple slots 1511 can be rotated or cross-arranged (orthogonal) on the holographic pattern layer 15 to achieve circular polarization radiation, radiation in a 45-degree polarization direction, or radiation in a 0-degree polarization direction.

[0156] When the slot group includes multiple slots 1511, the radiation function of the antenna element can be turned off or on by adjusting the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with one of the slots 1511. For example, as shown in FIG13, when MEMS switches K1-K4 are in the off state, all three first metal regions 22 and two second metal regions 23 can be connected, thereby turning off the radiation function of the antenna element. Also for example, still as shown in FIG13, in practice, only MEMS switch K1 or K3 can be used to prevent the middle slot 1511a from radiating electromagnetic wave signals outward, thus turning off the radiation function of the entire antenna element. Therefore, when the slot group includes multiple slots 1511, the radiation function of the entire antenna element can be turned off by increasing the area of ​​the metal region overlapping with one of the slots.

[0157] In some embodiments, the power supply structure 10 may include a transmission cavity 18, in which various different media may be disposed, each media having a different dielectric constant, thereby modulating the propagation speed and wavelength of the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted within the transmission cavity.

[0158] As shown in Figures 4a, 6a, 6b, 9 and 12, in the cross-sectional direction of the holographic antenna unit, the transmission cavity sequentially includes a first dielectric layer 13 and a second dielectric layer 12, wherein the first dielectric layer 13 is configured as air; the switch assembly 20 may be located inside the transmission cavity and may be located on the side of the second dielectric layer 12 near the holographic pattern layer 15 or on the inner surface of the transmission cavity.

[0159] The first dielectric layer 13 and the second dielectric layer 12 can be arranged in the cross-sectional direction of the holographic antenna element. The dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer 12 is different from that of the first dielectric layer 13. The two dielectric layers can be made of materials with corresponding dielectric constants. For example, the dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer 12 can be greater than that of the first dielectric layer 13. For example, the second dielectric layer 12 can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene material. It and the first dielectric layer 13 cooperate with each other to form different dielectric constants in different layers in the transmission cavity. Thus, the propagation speed and wavelength of the electromagnetic wave signal can be dynamically adjusted on the path of the electromagnetic wave signal to the slot 1511.

[0160] In one example, as shown in Figures 4a, 6a, 6b, 9, and 12, the first dielectric layer 13 can be disposed close to the holographic pattern layer 15, and the second dielectric layer 12 is located on the side of the first dielectric layer 13 facing away from the holographic pattern layer 15. In this example, the dielectric constant of the region near the slit 1511 is smaller, which can increase the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave signal at the slit 1511 and reduce signal delay and distortion.

[0161] In this embodiment, since the switch component 20 needs to be located on the radiation path of the electromagnetic wave signal to the gap 1511, the switch component 20 can be located inside the transmission cavity. Specifically, in one example, as shown in FIG6b, FIG9 and FIG12, the switch component 20 can be located on the side of the second dielectric layer 12 close to the holographic pattern layer 15. More specifically, a first dielectric layer 13 can be present between the second dielectric layer 12 and the holographic pattern layer 15.

[0162] In another example, as shown in Figure 6a, the switch assembly 20 can be located on the inner surface of the transmission cavity near the side close to the holographic pattern layer 15. Regardless of which side the switch assembly 20 is located on, it can modulate the radiation state of the electromagnetic wave signal at the slit 1511.

[0163] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG4a, the power supply structure 10 may include a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 14 disposed opposite to each other, wherein a transmission cavity is formed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 14, and a ground metal layer may be disposed on the first substrate 11; wherein the holographic pattern layer 15 is located on the side of the second substrate 14 opposite to the first substrate 11.

[0164] In this embodiment, the ground metal layer 17 can be located on the side of the first substrate 11 close to the transmission cavity, or it can be located on the side of the first substrate 11 away from the transmission cavity, as shown in FIG3, where the ground metal layer can be located on the side of the first substrate 11 close to the transmission cavity.

[0165] The holographic pattern layer 15 can be located on the side of the second substrate 14 away from the first substrate 11, so that the holographic pattern layer 15 is located on the outer surface of the transmission cavity.

[0166] The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 14 can be glass substrates or silicon substrates.

[0167] Thus, in the cross-sectional direction of the holographic antenna, a first substrate 11, a ground metal layer, a second dielectric layer 12, a first dielectric layer 13, a second substrate 14, and a holographic pattern layer 15 are sequentially arranged. As described in the above embodiment, the switch assembly 20 can be located at the gap 1511 of the holographic pattern layer 15, or it can be located between the second substrate 14 and the second dielectric layer 12.

[0168] In one example, the holographic antenna unit may further include a control module, which can be connected to the MEMS switch 21 in the multiple antenna units to control the switching state of the MEMS switch 21. The control module and the MEMS switch 21 can be connected via a control line 213. Specifically, in this example, the holographic antenna may further include a third substrate 16, which is located on the side of the holographic pattern layer 15 opposite to the feeding structure 10.

[0169] The MEMS switch 21 includes a ground wire and a control line 213, with the ground wire located on the side of the MEMS switch 21 closer to the second substrate 14.

[0170] The grounding wire is connected to the grounding metal layer, and the control line 213 is connected to the metal line 212 on the side of the third substrate 16 near the transmission cavity, or the control line 213 is connected to the metal line 212 on the side of the second substrate 14 near the transmission cavity.

[0171] In this embodiment, the third substrate 16 and the second substrate 14 can be disposed opposite to each other. The materials of the third substrate 16 and the second substrate 14 can be the same or different. For example, the second substrate 14 and the third substrate 16 are both glass substrates. The holographic pattern layer 15 can be located between the second substrate 14 and the third substrate 16.

[0172] The MEMS switch 21 may include a ground wire and a control line 213. The ground wire may be located on the side of the MEMS switch 21 close to the first substrate 11 and connected to the ground metal layer on the first substrate 11. The control line 213 may be connected to the control terminal of the MEMS switch 21 and is used to output a corresponding level signal to the MEMS switch 21 to control the amplitude of the input to the MEMS switch 21, thereby controlling the switching state of the MEMS switch 21.

[0173] As shown in Figure 5, the control line 213 can be located on the side of the MEMS switch 21 near the third substrate 16, or it can be located on the side of the MEMS switch 21.

[0174] In one example, as shown in Figure 5, the MEMS switch 21 can be located at the gap 1511. In this way, a metal line 212 connected to the control line 213 can be provided on the side of the third substrate 16 near the second substrate 14. The metal line 212 is connected to the control module, thereby controlling the switching state of the MEMS switch 21. In another example, as shown in Figure 5, there can be a gap between the third substrate and the second substrate. That is, the holographic pattern layer can not be in direct contact with the third substrate, but rather a gap can be left between them.

[0175] In another example, the MEMS switch 21 may be located inside the transmission cavity. In this case, a metal line 212 connected to the control line 213 may be provided on the side of the second substrate 14 near the first substrate 11. The metal line 212 is connected to the control module.

[0176] Specifically, the shape of each slit 1511 in the slit group can also affect crosstalk coupling between slit groups. Therefore, in some embodiments, the slit 1511 may include two opposing ends in the planar direction of the holographic pattern layer 15; wherein at least one end may include a protrusion facing outwards toward the periphery of the slit 1511. This protrusion can be understood as the end of the slit 1511 having an outwardly protruding tip, which helps reduce crosstalk coupling between slit groups.

[0177] In one example, both ends of the slit 1511 may have protrusions, or one end of the slit 1511 may have a protrusion.

[0178] In one example of this embodiment, the outer periphery of the end can be a region located outside the periphery of the end. The protrusion can protrude in the length direction of the slit 1511 or in the width direction of the slit 1511. Thus, the end can include a first protrusion 1512 protruding in the length direction of the slit 1511, and / or a second protrusion 1513 protruding in the width direction of the slit 1511.

[0179] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, various shapes of the slits 1511 are illustrated. As shown in Figure 14, the end may have a first protrusion 1512 protruding in the length direction of the slit 1511. The outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion 1512 on the plane where the holographic pattern layer 15 is located includes any one of a chamfer, a triangle, a rounded rectangle, and an N-sided polygon; N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 5.

[0180] In one example, as shown in Figure 14(2), the outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion 1512 on the plane can be a chamfer, such as a semicircle or other chamfer; in another example, as shown in Figure 14(3), the outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion 1512 on the plane can be a rounded rectangle; in yet another example, as shown in Figure 14(4), the outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion 1512 on the plane can be a triangle, wherein the vertex of the triangle can be located on the center line of the slit 1511, or the vertex of the triangle may not be located on the center line of the slit 1511. As shown in Figure 14(5), the outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion 1512 on the plane can be a polygon, such as an octagon, that is, the edge of one end of the gap 1511 includes 7 sides. Thus, the first protrusion 1512 can include multiple trapezoidal steps. As shown in Figure 14(6), the outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion 1512 on the plane can include arc lines and broken lines, so that the end of the first protrusion 1512 can be a circular arc or an elliptical arc. For example, the edge of one end of the gap 1511 includes 4 straight sides and one circular arc side. The polygon forms at least one arc protrusion, which can be located near the center line of the gap 1511.

[0181] Of course, in some other examples, the outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion 1512 on the plane may include a hexagon or a heptagon, etc., and the tip of the first protrusion 1512 may also be triangular. For example, it may be a combination of (6) and (4) in Figure 14.

[0182] When both ends include a first protrusion 1512, the two first protrusions 1512 can be symmetrical.

[0183] As shown in Figure 15, the end portion may include a second protrusion 1513 that protrudes in the width direction, and the second protrusion 1513 may protrude outwards on both sides of the slit 1511. In one example, an end portion may include two second protrusions 1513, which are located on opposite sides of the slit 1511 in the width direction.

[0184] For example, as shown in Figure 15, the two second protrusions 1513 can be symmetrical, so that the shape of the slit 1511 is H-shaped. In one example, as shown in Figure 15(1), the edge of the second protrusion 1513 away from the slit 1511 can be a straight edge; in another example, as shown in Figure 15(2), the edge of the second protrusion 1513 away from the slit 1511 can be a curved edge.

[0185] In one example, as shown in (3) of FIG15, the end may include a first protrusion 1512 and two second protrusions 1513, the two second protrusions 1513 may be symmetrical, and the edge of the first protrusion 1512 is an arc edge; or, in some other examples, in the case of including the first protrusion 1512 and two second protrusions 1513, the first protrusion 1512 may also be a protrusion of any shape as shown in (2)-(6) of FIG14.

[0186] Figures 14 and 15 above are merely illustrative examples. In other examples, as long as the end of the slit 1511 has a protrusion, the specific shape of the protrusion is not limited to the shapes in Figures 14 and 15.

[0187] Of course, in some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 14 (1), the outline of the orthographic projection of the two ends of the gap 1511 onto the power supply structure 10 can be rectangular, which can be understood as the gap 1511 being a strip-shaped rectangular gap 1511.

[0188] As shown in Figures 16-19, Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of the antenna element with the slot 1511 described in (1) of Figure 14, Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of the antenna element with the slot 1511 described in (3) of Figure 14, Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of the antenna element with the slot 1511 described in (4) of Figure 14, and Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the operating state of the antenna element with the slot 1511 described in (1) of Figure 15. As can be seen from Figures 16-19, when the end has a first protrusion 1512 protruding towards the length direction of the slot 1511, crosstalk coupling between antenna elements is suppressed. When the shape of the first protrusion 1512 is relatively sharp, crosstalk coupling can be suppressed to a greater extent. When the end has a second protrusion 1513 protruding towards the width direction of the slot 1511, crosstalk coupling between antenna elements can also be suppressed.

[0189] In Figures 16 to 19, the MEMS switches 21 of the antenna elements are all in the ON state, allowing the antenna elements to radiate signals outward.

[0190] In some embodiments, a holographic antenna is also provided, comprising:

[0191] Feed waveguide 10;

[0192] The feed source is connected to the feed waveguide;

[0193] And, multiple of the aforementioned holographic antenna units;

[0194] The feeding waveguide serves as the feeding structure in the plurality of holographic antenna elements.

[0195] Specifically, the holographic antenna can be formed by arranging multiple holographic antenna element arrays.

[0196] In this system, multiple holographic antenna elements share a common feeding waveguide 10 as the feeding structure. The holographic pattern layers of multiple holographic antenna elements are spliced ​​together to form the interference pattern of the holographic antenna. For example, the interference pattern is formed on a whole surface and is divided into multiple regions to serve as the holographic pattern layers of multiple holographic antenna elements. In this way, a group of gaps in the interference pattern corresponds to an antenna element. Thus, the holographic antenna can be regarded as an array of multiple antenna elements, which is a type of array antenna.

[0197] In some embodiments, the plurality of holographic antenna elements are arranged in a ring array, with one of the two adjacent ring arrays located inside the other.

[0198] As shown in Figures 1 and 2a, multiple holographic antenna elements can be arranged in a ring array on the second substrate 14. Specifically, the holographic antenna also includes a feed source 30 connected to the feeding structure 10, and multiple ring arrays 151 are arranged with the location of the feed source 30 as the center, and one of every two adjacent ring arrays 151 is located inside the other slot 151; wherein, the ring array 151 includes multiple holographic antenna elements arranged at intervals.

[0199] In one example of this embodiment, as shown in FIG3, the feed source 30 may not be in contact with the second substrate 14, and the output end of the feed source 30 is located inside the transmission cavity. The feed source 30 may be located at the center of multiple ring arrays 151; for example, each ring array 151 may have the feed source 30 as its center point. Of course, in some examples, the center point of each ring array 151 may be slightly deviated from the location of the feed source 30.

[0200] In this embodiment, multiple slot groups can be arranged in a ring array to obtain multiple ring arrays 151. On each ring array 151, multiple antenna elements can be arranged at intervals. The number of antenna elements included on the multiple ring arrays 151 can be different. For example, extending outward from the feed 30, the number of antenna elements on the ring arrays 151 can gradually increase. In one example, the difference in the number of antenna elements on each adjacent ring array 151 can be equal, thus the number of antenna elements on the multiple ring arrays 151 can form an arithmetic progression. Alternatively, in other examples, the difference in the number of antenna elements on adjacent ring arrays 151 may not be exactly the same.

[0201] In one example, each pair of adjacent antenna elements on the ring array 151 can be parallel; in another example, the multiple antenna elements on the ring array 151 are arranged in a rotational configuration, i.e., one antenna element in each pair of adjacent antenna elements is obtained by rotating the other antenna element by a certain angle, as shown in Figure 1. More specifically, in an alternative implementation of this example, as shown in Figure 1, the slot groups and the feed 30 in the antenna elements of the ring array 151 can have the same azimuth angle, which refers to the angle θ between the line L1 connecting the center of the slot group and the feed 30 and the slot group. Compared to the case where the slot groups are parallel, the spacing between the slot groups in this example can be increased, thereby reducing crosstalk coupling between antenna elements and eliminating the need for isolation structures between antenna elements.

[0202] In another alternative implementation of this example, as shown in Figure 2a, the orthographic projection of the slot group of multiple antenna elements on the ring array 151 onto the plane where the feed structure 10 is located can be a centrally symmetric figure. As shown in Figure 2a, at least one slot group of antenna elements on the ring array 151 can be arranged in a centrally symmetric figure with the feed source 30 as the center.

[0203] For example, the slot groups in the pairs of holographic antenna elements on the circular array intersect, where the intersection angle between the slot groups in the pairs of holographic antenna elements is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In one example, the azimuth angle θ of the slot group in one holographic antenna element is 45 degrees, and the azimuth angle θ of the slot group in the other holographic antenna element is -45 degrees.

[0204] Accordingly, in a further example of this implementation, the multiple ring arrays 151 are divided into multiple ring array groups, and each ring array group includes at least two adjacent ring arrays 151; wherein, among the multiple slot groups located on the same straight line L2 and belonging to the multiple ring arrays 151 respectively, the ring array groups belonging to the same ring array group are parallel, and the ring array groups belonging to different ring array groups intersect; the straight line L2 is a straight line in the radial direction of the ring arrays 151.

[0205] In this example, please refer to Figure 2b, which is an enlarged schematic diagram of the location of line L2 in Figure 2a. As shown in Figure 2b, multiple ring arrays 151 can be divided into multiple ring array groups. Each ring array group can include two adjacent ring arrays 151, or more than two adjacent ring arrays 151, such as three ring arrays 151. Within a ring array group, gap groups located on the same line L2 can be parallel to each other. Between ring array groups, gap groups located on the same line L2 but belonging to different ring array groups can intersect.

[0206] For example, as shown in Figure 2b, a total of 20 ring arrays 151 are included. These 20 ring arrays 151 are divided into 10 ring array groups, and each ring array group includes two adjacent ring arrays 151. The slot groups of antenna elements on multiple ring arrays 151 can be arranged along a straight line L2 in the radial direction of the ring arrays 151. In this way, multiple antenna elements can be arranged on the straight line L2, that is, the slot groups of multiple antenna elements can be arranged on the straight line L2, and different slot groups belong to different ring arrays 151. Among them, for each ring array group, the slot groups of antenna elements located on the same straight line L2 within the ring array group are parallel to each other. For example, if slot group 2 and slot group 3 belong to the same ring array group 150b, then slot group 2 and slot group 3 are parallel. Similarly, if slot group 4 and slot group 5 belong to the same ring array group 150a, then slot group 4 and slot group 5 are parallel.

[0207] Parallelism refers to a state where the angle between two gap groups is greater than -10° and less than 10°, and therefore also includes a state where the angle is greater than -5° and less than 5°.

[0208] Among them, the slot groups located on the same straight line and belonging to different ring array groups intersect. For example, slot group 3 and slot group 4 belong to ring array group 150b and ring array group 150a respectively, then slot group 3 and slot group 4 intersect.

[0209] In more specific examples, for two intersecting gap groups, the two gap groups can be symmetrical along an orthogonal line to line L2, as shown in Figure 2b. Line L3 is orthogonal to line L2, so line L3 is called the orthogonal line to line L2. Gap groups 3 and 4 can be symmetrically distributed on both sides of the orthogonal line L3. That is to say, gap groups 3 and 4 are axially symmetrical. For example, one case of this intersection can be that the azimuth angle of gap group 3 is 45 degrees and the azimuth angle of gap group 4 is -45 degrees.

[0210] This embodiment can reduce crosstalk between antenna elements and improve the quality of radiated signals.

[0211] In some embodiments, a control method for a holographic antenna is also provided, as shown in FIG20, which illustrates a flowchart of the control method. As shown in FIG20, the control method may include the following steps:

[0212] Step S1: Based on the target electromagnetic wave to be radiated, determine the multiple first antenna elements to be activated from multiple antenna elements;

[0213] Step S2: Control the MEMS switch 21 in the first antenna unit to be in the open state, and control the MEMS switch 21 in the second antenna unit to be in the closed state, so that the intensity of the signal radiated outward by the first antenna unit is greater than the intensity of the signal radiated outward by the second antenna unit.

[0214] The second antenna element is the antenna element other than the first antenna element.

[0215] In this embodiment, the target electromagnetic wave is the desired electromagnetic wave, such as an electromagnetic wave determined according to the beam direction and frequency of the desired signal. The first antenna unit to be activated can be determined from multiple antenna units based on the beam direction of the target electromagnetic wave.

[0216] Next, the MEMS switch 21 in the first antenna unit can be controlled to be in the open state, and the MEMS switch 21 in the second antenna unit other than the first antenna unit can be controlled to be in the closed state. In this way, the first antenna unit can radiate signals outward, while the second antenna unit can not radiate signals outward, or the signal strength and coverage of the signals radiated outward by the second antenna unit can be so weak as to be negligible.

[0217] That is, the first antenna element can be in a first radiation state with high signal radiation intensity, and the second antenna element can be in a second radiation state with weak signal radiation intensity.

[0218] The control method in this embodiment can be performed by the control module of the holographic antenna. The control module can be connected to the control line 213 of the MEMS switch 21 in each switch assembly 20. The MEMS switch 21 can also include a grounding line, which can be grounded.

[0219] The control module can input a voltage signal to the MEMS switch 21 via the control line 213 to make the MEMS switch 21 be at a corresponding amplitude, such as amplitude 1 or amplitude 0, thereby making the MEMS switch 21 be in the on or off state.

[0220] For example, taking the holographic antenna shown in Figure 2a as an example, assuming the beam direction of the target electromagnetic wave is 0 degrees, the state of the MEMS switch 21 in each antenna element can be shown in Figure 21. In Figure 21, the black dots represent MEMS switches 21 in the "on" state, and the gray dots represent MEMS switches 21 in the "off" state. Taking the 50 antenna elements on the innermost ring array 151 as an example, the amplitudes of the MEMS switches 21 of the 50 antenna elements are as follows: 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1; where 0 represents the "on" state and "1" represents the "off" state.

[0221] Based on this, this embodiment also shows the radiation pattern under different beam directions, as shown in Figure 22, which shows the radiation pattern of the holographic antenna under different beam directions when it is working.

[0222] In some embodiments, an antenna device is also provided, which may include the holographic antenna unit or holographic antenna shown in Figures 1-19 above. The antenna device may include a control module, which can be used to control the state of the MEMS switches in each antenna unit, thereby controlling the beam pointing of the holographic antenna and thus realizing the beam scanning function of the holographic antenna.

[0223] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0224] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0225] The above provides a detailed description of a holographic antenna element, a holographic antenna, a control method thereof, and an antenna device provided by this disclosure. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this disclosure. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this disclosure. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure.

[0226] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0227] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

[0228] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," or "one or more embodiments" as used herein mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, please note that the examples of the phrase "in one embodiment" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0229] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0230] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. This disclosure can be implemented by means of hardware comprising a plurality of different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a unit claim enumerating a plurality of means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words may be interpreted as names.

[0231] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A holographic antenna element, wherein, include: The feeding structure is configured to feed electromagnetic wave signals; A holographic pattern layer, located on one outer surface of the feeding structure, includes a slit group, the slit group including at least one slit; A switching assembly, corresponding to the gap, includes at least a MEMS switch; The different switching states of the MEMS switch correspond to the different modulation states of the electromagnetic wave signal by the switching component at the gap, and the different modulation states correspond to the different radiation states of the antenna element. The switching states include at least an on state and an off state, and the radiation states include at least a first radiation state and a second radiation state. The signal intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal radiated in the first radiation state and the second radiation state is different.

2. The holographic antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The MEMS switch is located at the gap, and the area of ​​the holographic pattern layer other than the gap includes a conductive material layer. When the MEMS switch is in the off state, the MEMS switch connects the conductive material layers located on opposite sides of the gap; when the MEMS switch is in the on state, the connection between the conductive material layers on opposite sides of the gap is broken.

3. The holographic antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The switching component is located on the path of the electromagnetic wave signal radiating towards the gap, and is on a different layer from the holographic pattern layer; the switching component also includes a metal layer comprising multiple independent metal regions: The MEMS switch is located between the metal regions and is configured to adjust the size of the metal regions that overlap with the gap in the metal layer in the planar direction of the holographic pattern layer. Different sizes of metal regions correspond to different radiation states.

4. The holographic antenna element according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of metal regions include a first metal region and at least one second metal region, wherein the first metal region overlaps with the gap, and at least one second metal region is distributed on at least one side of the first metal region; The MEMS switch is included in the gap between each of the second metal regions and the first metal region; or, the switch assembly includes a first MEMS switch located between a portion of the second metal regions and the first metal region, and a second MEMS switch located between a portion of the second metal regions.

5. The holographic antenna element according to claim 4, wherein, The second metal region and / or the MEMS switch do not overlap with the gap.

6. The holographic antenna element according to claim 4, wherein, The holographic antenna unit includes a plurality of the slots, and the switching component includes a plurality of first metal regions, each of the plurality of first metal regions corresponding to a plurality of the slots; In this case, two adjacent first metal regions share one or more second metal regions.

7. The holographic antenna element according to claim 3, wherein, The power supply structure includes a transmission cavity for transmitting the electromagnetic wave signal. The transmission cavity includes a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer in sequence, wherein the first dielectric layer is configured as air. The switching assembly is located within the transmission cavity and is situated on the side of the second dielectric layer near the holographic pattern layer or on the inner surface of the transmission cavity.

8. The holographic antenna element according to claim 7, wherein, The first dielectric layer is close to the holographic pattern layer, and the second dielectric layer is located on the side of the first dielectric layer that is away from the holographic pattern layer.

9. The holographic antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The holographic antenna element includes a plurality of the slots, each of which has a different size, including a size in the length direction and / or a size in the width direction.

10. The holographic antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, In the planar direction of the holographic pattern layer, the slit includes two opposing ends; At least one of the ends includes a protrusion that bulges out toward the periphery of the gap.

11. The holographic antenna element according to claim 10, wherein, The end portion includes a first protrusion that protrudes along the length direction of the gap, and / or includes a second protrusion that protrudes along the width direction of the gap.

12. The holographic antenna element according to claim 10, wherein, The end portion includes the first protrusion, and the outer contour of the orthographic projection of the first protrusion on the plane includes any one of a chamfer, a triangle, a rounded rectangle, and an N-sided polygon. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 5.

13. The holographic antenna element according to claim 10, wherein, The end portion includes two second protrusions arranged in the width direction, the two second protrusions being symmetrically distributed on opposite sides of the gap.

14. The holographic antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply structure includes: First substrate; The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate, and the first substrate and the second substrate form a transmission cavity for transmitting the electromagnetic wave signal. The first substrate includes a ground metal layer. The holographic pattern layer is located on the side of the second substrate opposite to the first substrate.

15. The holographic antenna element according to claim 14, wherein, The holographic antenna also includes a third substrate, which is located on the side of the holographic pattern layer opposite to the feed waveguide; The MEMS switch includes a ground wire and a control wire, with the ground wire located on the side of the MEMS switch closest to the second substrate. The grounding wire is connected to the grounding metal layer, and the control wire is connected to the metal wire on the side of the third substrate near the transmission cavity; or, the control wire is connected to the metal wire on the side of the second substrate near the first substrate, and the metal wire is connected to an external control module.

16. A holographic antenna, wherein, include: Feed waveguide; The feed source is connected to the feed waveguide; And, a plurality of holographic antenna elements as described in any one of claims 1-13; The feeding waveguide serves as the feeding structure in the plurality of holographic antenna elements.

17. The holographic antenna according to claim 16, wherein, The multiple holographic antenna elements are arranged in a ring array, with one of the two adjacent ring arrays located inside the other gap.

18. The holographic antenna according to claim 17, wherein, The slot groups in the pairs of holographic antenna elements on the ring array intersect.

19. The holographic antenna according to claim 18, wherein, The plurality of ring arrays are divided into a plurality of ring array groups, wherein the ring array group includes at least two adjacent ring arrays; Among the slot groups of the multiple holographic antenna elements located on the same straight line and belonging to multiple ring arrays respectively, the slot groups located in the same ring array group are parallel, and the slot groups belonging to different ring array groups intersect; the straight line is a straight line in the radial direction of the ring array.

20. A control method for a holographic antenna, wherein, The control method, applied to the holographic antenna according to any one of claims 16 to 19, comprises: Based on the target electromagnetic wave to be radiated, multiple first antenna elements to be activated are determined from multiple antenna elements. The MEMS switch in the first antenna unit is controlled to be in the on state, and the MEMS switch in the second antenna unit is controlled to be in the off state, so that the intensity of the signal radiated outward by the first antenna unit is greater than the intensity of the signal radiated outward by the second antenna unit. The second antenna unit is an antenna unit other than the first antenna unit.

21. An antenna device, wherein, It includes the holographic antenna unit as described in any one of claims 1-15 or includes at least one holographic antenna as described in any one of claims 16-19.

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