A filter multi-beam array and method based on a four-channel filter crossbar

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of multi-beam antenna arrays and discloses a filtered multi-beam array and method based on a four-channel filter jumper. By integrating a microstrip-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix containing a four-channel filter jumper, and an antenna array on a first metal layer, a filtered multi-beam array based on a multi-layer planar structure is constructed. The four-channel filter jumper utilizes multiple resonant cavities and coupling structures, and by precisely controlling the coupling phase between the resonant cavities, a preset phase shift is directly introduced while achieving the filtering response, thus integrating filtering and phase-shifting functions into a single device. This design avoids the complex structure of filter couplers and the additional losses of filter phase shifters in traditional integrated schemes, significantly simplifying the device architecture, reducing transmission loss, improving system integration and beamforming accuracy, and effectively meeting the urgent needs of 5G and future 6G communication systems for high performance, low loss, and high integration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of multi-beam antenna array technology, and particularly relates to a filtered multi-beam array and method based on a four-channel filter jumper. Background Technology

[0002] With the deep penetration of wireless communication technology towards 5G and the gradual exploration of 6G, technological breakthroughs in communication frequency bands below terahertz have become a key focus of the industry. Multi-beam array technology based on passive beamforming networks, with its low-cost beam control advantages, has become one of the key enabling technologies for this frequency band. In RF front-end systems, filters are core components for suppressing spurious interference and ensuring signal transmission quality. Therefore, integrating filters with multi-beam arrays to construct filtered multi-beam arrays with both filtering and beamforming functions has become a highly promising technical solution to meet the high-performance requirements of 5G and future 6G wireless communication systems. The core of achieving this integrated solution lies in the design of a high-performance filtered beamforming network. Among various beamforming networks, the Butler matrix is ​​the most commonly used choice for implementing filtered multi-beam arrays due to its classic structure, strong stability, and wide range of applications. Currently, the industry mainly implements Butler matrices with filtering functions in two ways: directly cascading the Butler matrix with filters and integrating filtering functions into sub-devices such as couplers or phase shifters within the matrix. The integrated approach, with its lower transmission loss and higher integration density, is considered a more promising preferred solution.

[0003] While integrated filter Butler matrices offer significant advantages over cascaded methods, current technologies still suffer from noticeable drawbacks and limitations, hindering further performance improvements in filtered multi-beam array systems. Firstly, existing filter couplers used for Butler matrix integration are structurally complex, increasing the difficulty of device development and manufacturing, and hindering further optimization of system integration. Secondly, filter phase shifters used in integrated designs inevitably introduce additional transmission losses while performing filtering functions. These losses directly affect beamforming accuracy and signal transmission efficiency, thus limiting the overall performance ceiling of the filtered multi-beam array system and failing to fully meet the core requirements of 5G and 6G communication systems for high integration, low loss, and high performance. Furthermore, traditional cascading methods are inherently bulky and have high losses, making them ill-suited to the miniaturization and lightweighting trends in modern communication equipment.

[0004] It is evident that in existing implementations of filtered beamforming networks, the core sub-components of integrated solutions suffer from design complexity and additional losses, which restricts the performance and integration improvement of filtered multi-beam array systems and fails to meet the application requirements of 5G and future 6G wireless communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a filtered multi-beam array and method based on a four-channel filter jumper. The use of this filtered multi-beam array can solve the problems of complex design and additional losses of core sub-components in the integrated scheme of existing filtered beamforming network implementation methods. The use of this filtered multi-beam array can improve the performance and integration of the filtered multi-beam array system, thereby meeting the application requirements of 5G and future 6G wireless communication systems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical content: A filter multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper includes a first metal layer, a dielectric substrate, and a second metal layer. The first metal layer, the dielectric substrate, and the second metal layer are arranged in layers from top to bottom, and each layer has multiple metallized holes arranged in rows. The metallized holes penetrate the dielectric substrate in a vertical direction. Every two rows of metallized holes together with the first metal layer and the second metal layer form a substrate integrated waveguide structure to realize electrical signal transmission between the first metal layer, the dielectric substrate, and the second metal layer. The first metal layer integrates a microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix, and an antenna array; The filtered Butler matrix includes a four-channel filter bridge; the four-channel filter bridge is used to filter and phase-shift the input signal; the four-channel filter bridge includes multiple resonant cavities and a coupling structure connecting the resonant cavities, the coupling structure controls the coupling phase between the resonant cavities to achieve the filtering response and introduce a preset phase shift; The output end of the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure is connected to the four-channel filter jumper. The output of the four-channel filter jumper is connected to the antenna array.

[0007] Furthermore, the filtered Butler matrix comprises a four-stage structure: the first stage includes a first coupler and a second coupler; the second stage includes a first phase shifter, a first jumper, and a second phase shifter; the third stage includes a third coupler and a fourth coupler; and the fourth stage includes a four-channel filtered jumper. The output end of the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler, respectively. The first output port of the first coupler is connected to the first phase shifter, and the second output port is connected to the first jumper; The first output port of the second coupler is connected to the second phase shifter, and the second output port is connected to the first jumper; The output port of the first phase shifter is connected to the third coupler; The output port of the second phase shifter is connected to the fourth coupler; The first output port of the first jumper is connected to the third coupler, and the second output port is connected to the fourth coupler; The third coupler and the fourth coupler are respectively connected to the input terminal of the four-channel filter jumper.

[0008] Furthermore, the four-channel filter jumper includes multiple resonant cavities, which together form four filter paths.

[0009] Furthermore, the four-channel filter bridge includes a first square resonant cavity, a second square resonant cavity, a third square resonant cavity, a fourth square resonant cavity, a fifth square resonant cavity, a first sector resonant cavity, and a second sector resonant cavity; The first square resonant cavity, the second square resonant cavity, the third square resonant cavity, the fourth square resonant cavity, the fifth square resonant cavity, the first sector resonant cavity, and the second sector resonant cavity together constitute four filtering paths, wherein: The first filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity, the second square resonant cavity, and the fifth square resonant cavity; The second filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity, the first sector resonant cavity, and the third square resonant cavity; The third filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity, the second sector resonant cavity, and the fifth square resonant cavity; The fourth filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity, the second square resonant cavity, and the third square resonant cavity; The output of the third coupler is connected to the first filter path and the second filter path, respectively. The output of the fourth coupler is connected to both the third and fourth filter paths. The outputs of the four filtering paths are respectively connected to the antenna array.

[0010] Furthermore, the first square resonant cavity, the second square resonant cavity, the third square resonant cavity, the fourth square resonant cavity, and the fifth square resonant cavity all operate in TE102 / TE201 dual-mode; the first sector resonant cavity and the second sector resonant cavity both operate in quasi-TE102 mode.

[0011] Furthermore, The antenna array includes a first slot antenna, a second slot antenna, a third slot antenna, and a fourth slot antenna; Each of the first slot antenna, the second slot antenna, the third slot antenna, and the fourth slot antenna is connected to a corresponding filter path.

[0012] Furthermore, The first slot antenna, the second slot antenna, the third slot antenna, and the fourth slot antenna are all the same size and each has multiple radiating slots.

[0013] Furthermore, the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure includes a first microstrip line, a second microstrip line, a third microstrip line, and a fourth microstrip line; The first microstrip line, the second microstrip line, the third microstrip line, and the fourth microstrip line are connected to the substrate integrated waveguide structure on the first metal layer to form the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure; the output terminals of the first microstrip line, the second microstrip line, the third microstrip line, and the fourth microstrip line are respectively connected to the input terminal of the filter Butler matrix through the substrate integrated waveguide structure.

[0014] A method for manufacturing a filtered multibeam array based on a four-channel filter jumper includes: Provide a dielectric substrate; A first metal layer is formed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate, and a second metal layer is formed on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate; Multiple metallized holes are processed on the first metal layer, the dielectric substrate, and the second metal layer. The metallized holes are arranged to penetrate the dielectric substrate in a vertical direction so that every two rows of metallized holes together with the first metal layer and the second metal layer form a substrate integrated waveguide structure. A microstrip line-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix, and an antenna array are formed on the first metal layer; The microstrip line-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure, the filter Butler matrix, and the antenna array are sequentially connected to form a filter multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter bridging connector. The filtered Butler matrix includes a four-channel filter bridge for filtering and phase-shifting the input signal. The four-channel filter bridge includes multiple resonant cavities and a coupling structure connecting the resonant cavities. The coupling structure controls the coupling phase between the resonant cavities to achieve the filtering response and introduce a preset phase shift.

[0015] Furthermore, the filtered Butler matrix includes a four-level structure. The first-level structure includes a first coupler and a second coupler; the second-level structure includes a first phase shifter, a first jumper, and a second phase shifter; the third-level structure includes a third coupler and a fourth coupler; and the fourth-level structure is a four-channel filtered jumper that integrates a filtered jumper and a filter. The output end of the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler, respectively. The first output port of the first coupler is connected to the first phase shifter, and the second output port is connected to the first jumper; The first output port of the second coupler is connected to the second phase shifter, and the second output port is connected to the first jumper; The output port of the first phase shifter is connected to the third coupler; The output port of the second phase shifter is connected to the fourth coupler; The first output port of the first jumper is connected to the third coupler, and the second output port is connected to the fourth coupler; The third coupler and the fourth coupler are respectively connected to the input terminal of the four-channel filter jumper; The four-channel filter bridge includes a first square resonant cavity, a second square resonant cavity, a third square resonant cavity, a fourth square resonant cavity, a fifth square resonant cavity, a first sector resonant cavity, and a second sector resonant cavity. The first square resonant cavity, the second square resonant cavity, the third square resonant cavity, the fourth square resonant cavity, the fifth square resonant cavity, the first sector resonant cavity, and the second sector resonant cavity together constitute four filtering paths, wherein: The first filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity, the second square resonant cavity, and the fifth square resonant cavity; The second filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity, the first sector resonant cavity, and the third square resonant cavity; The third filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity, the second sector resonant cavity, and the fifth square resonant cavity; The fourth filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity, the second square resonant cavity, and the third square resonant cavity; The output of the third coupler is connected to the first filter path and the second filter path, respectively. The output of the fourth coupler is connected to both the third and fourth filter paths. The outputs of the four filtering paths are respectively connected to the antenna array.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a filtered multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper. By integrating a microstrip-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix containing the four-channel filter jumper, and an antenna array on a first metal layer, a filtered multi-beam array based on a multi-layer planar structure is constructed. The four-channel filter jumper utilizes multiple resonant cavities and coupling structures. By precisely controlling the coupling phase between the resonant cavities, a preset phase shift is directly introduced while achieving the filtering response, thus integrating filtering and phase-shifting functions into a single device. This design avoids the complex structure of filter couplers and the additional losses of filter phase shifters in traditional integrated solutions, significantly simplifying the device architecture, reducing transmission loss, improving system integration and beamforming accuracy, and effectively meeting the urgent needs of 5G and future 6G communication systems for high performance, low loss, and high integration.

[0017] This invention also provides a method for manufacturing a filtered multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper. This method involves stacking a dielectric substrate and a metal layer and fabricating metallized vias to form a substrate-integrated waveguide structure. Subsequently, a microstrip-to-substrate-integrated waveguide, a filter Butler matrix including the four-channel filter jumper, and an antenna array are integrated on the top layer. In this method, the substrate-integrated waveguide provides a highly integrated signal transmission platform, while the four-channel filter jumper integrates filtering and phase-shifting functions, avoiding the complex structure and additional losses associated with cascading multiple devices in traditional solutions. This method simplifies the manufacturing process, significantly improves system integration, reduces transmission loss, and thus enhances beamforming accuracy and signal transmission efficiency. It effectively solves the problems of complex design and limited performance in existing technologies, meeting the core requirements of future communication systems for high performance, low loss, and miniaturization. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a filter multibeam array based on a four-channel filter jumper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; wherein, (a) is a structural diagram of the first metal layer and the dielectric substrate; and (b) is a structural diagram of the second metal layer; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a four-channel filter jumper provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 The reflection coefficient and isolation diagram of the first port of the multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper provided in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 The reflection coefficient and isolation diagram of the second port of the multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 Normalized radiation pattern of each port in the simulation of a filter multibeam array based on a four-channel filter jumper provided in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 6The simulation gain curve of the multi-beam array based on the four-channel filter jumper provided in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure; where (a) is the first port and (b) is the second port.

[0019] Figure label: 1. First metal layer; 2. Dielectric substrate; 3. Second metal layer; 4. First microstrip line; 5. Second microstrip line; 6. Third microstrip line; 7. Fourth microstrip line; 8. First coupler; 9. Second coupler; 10. First phase shifter; 11. First bridging; 12. Second phase shifter; 13. Third coupler; 14. Fourth coupler; 15. Four-channel filter bridging; 16. First slot antenna; 17. Second slot antenna; 18. Third slot antenna; 19. Fourth slot antenna; 20. First square resonant cavity; 21. Second square resonant cavity; 22. Third square resonant cavity; 23. Fourth square resonant cavity; 24. Fifth square resonant cavity; 25. First sector resonant cavity; 26. Second sector resonant cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects clearer, the following specific embodiments provide a further detailed description of the present invention. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0024] To facilitate a better understanding of the technical solution of this invention, the following technical terms are explained: 5G: 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology.

[0025] 6G: 6th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (abbreviated as 6G).

[0026] As mentioned in the background section, there are currently two main methods for implementing filtering functions using Butler matrices: one is to directly cascade the Butler matrix with the filter, and the other is to integrate the filtering function into sub-devices such as couplers or phase shifters within the matrix. However, compared to the cascading method, the integration method is preferred due to its lower losses and higher integration density. Meanwhile, existing filter coupler designs are complex, and filter phase shifters introduce additional losses, limiting further improvements in system performance and integration density.

[0027] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides a filtered multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper. This filtered multi-beam array employs a Butler matrix with integrated four-channel filter jumpers, implemented on a single-layer dielectric substrate, and possesses beam switching capability while effectively suppressing out-of-band signals.

[0028] For example, this embodiment provides a filtered multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper. This array comprises a dielectric substrate and two metal layers printed on the top and bottom of the dielectric substrate, respectively. A substrate-integrated waveguide structure is formed by drilling metallized vias (holes) into the dielectric substrate and the two metal layers. The filtered multi-beam array consists of a microstrip-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filtered Butler matrix, and a slot antenna array. Specifically, a filter network composed of four-channel filter jumpers is integrated at the final stage of the Butler matrix, eliminating the need for an additional phase-shifting component. Therefore, the Butler matrix achieves filtering functionality while maintaining a more compact size and minimizing losses.

[0029] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further explains and illustrates the multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper provided in this embodiment: like Figure 1 As shown, specifically as follows Figure 1As shown in (a) and (b) in the figure, this embodiment provides a filter multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper. This embodiment provides a filter multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper, including a first metal layer 1, a dielectric substrate 2, and a second metal layer 3. The first metal layer 1, the dielectric substrate 2, and the second metal layer 3 are arranged in layers from top to bottom, and each layer has multiple rows of metallized holes. The metallized holes are arranged vertically through the dielectric substrate 2. Every two rows of metallized holes together with the first metal layer 1 and the second metal layer 3 form a substrate integrated waveguide structure to realize the electrical signal transmission between the first metal layer 1, the dielectric substrate 2, and the second metal layer 3.

[0030] Explained, the first metal layer 1, the dielectric substrate 2, and the second metal layer 3, arranged in layers, together with rows of metallized holes, constitute a substrate integrated waveguide structure. Compared with the traditional discrete waveguide structure, the overall volume is greatly reduced. Moreover, the metallized holes penetrate the dielectric substrate 2 vertically, which enables stable and low-loss electrical signal transmission between the first metal layer 1, the dielectric substrate 2, and the second metal layer 3. This provides a reliable transmission foundation for the normal operation of subsequent microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structures, filter Butler matrices, and antenna arrays.

[0031] In this embodiment, a microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix, and an antenna array are integrated on the first metal layer 1; the filter Butler matrix includes a coupler, a jumper, a phase shifter, and a four-channel filter jumper 15; the four-channel filter jumper 15 is used to filter, distribute, and phase-shift the input signal; the output terminal of the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure is connected to the four-channel filter jumper 15; the output terminal of the four-channel filter jumper 15 is connected to the antenna array.

[0032] Specifically, the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure, filter Butler matrix and antenna array are integrated on the first metal layer 1, without the need for an additional independent mounting carrier, which significantly improves the integration of the entire array and reduces the connection loss between components; the four-channel filter jumper 15 integrates filtering and phase shifting functions, without the need for separate filters and phase shifters, which simplifies the overall structure, and can simultaneously achieve signal filtering and phase adjustment, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the output signal.

[0033] As another preferred embodiment, the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure includes a first microstrip line 4, a second microstrip line 5, a third microstrip line 6, and a fourth microstrip line 7; the first microstrip line 4, the second microstrip line 5, the third microstrip line 6, and the fourth microstrip line 7 are connected to the substrate integrated waveguide structure on the first metal layer 1 to form the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure; the output terminals of the first microstrip line 4, the second microstrip line 5, the third microstrip line 6, and the fourth microstrip line 7 are respectively connected to the input terminal of the filter Butler matrix through the substrate integrated waveguide structure.

[0034] Explained, setting four microstrip lines as input ports enables simultaneous input of multiple signals, improving the array's signal processing efficiency; the connection between the microstrip lines and the substrate integrated waveguide structure enables a smooth conversion of microstrip line signals to substrate integrated waveguide signals, avoiding problems such as reflection and attenuation during the conversion process, ensuring the integrity of signal transmission, and providing a stable input signal for the filtering Butler matrix.

[0035] In this embodiment, the filtered Butler matrix includes a four-stage structure. The first stage includes a first coupler 8 and a second coupler 9; the second stage includes a first phase shifter 10, a first bridge 11, and a second phase shifter 12; the third stage includes a third coupler 13 and a fourth coupler 14; and the fourth stage includes a four-channel filtered bridge 15. The output terminals of the microstrip line-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure are connected to the first coupler 8 and the second coupler 9, respectively. The first output port of the first coupler 8 is connected to the first phase shifter 10, and the second output port is connected to the first bridge 11. The first output port of the second coupler 9 is connected to the second phase shifter 12, and the second output port is connected to the first bridge 11. The output port of the first phase shifter 10 is connected to the third coupler 13. The output port of the second phase shifter 12 is connected to the fourth coupler 14. The first output port of the first bridge 11 is connected to the third coupler 13, and the second output port is connected to the fourth coupler 14. The third coupler 13 and the fourth coupler 14 are respectively connected to the input terminals of the four-channel filtered bridge 15.

[0036] Specifically, the filtered Butler matrix adopts a four-level hierarchical structure with clear connections between each level, enabling step-by-step signal processing. The first-level coupler distributes and couples the signal; the second-level phase shifter and jumper adjust the phase and cross-transmit the signal; the third-level coupler re-couples and integrates the signal; and the fourth-level four-channel filtered jumper 15 performs the final filtering and phase shifting of the signal. This hierarchical design makes the signal processing process more orderly, facilitating debugging and optimization. Compared with the traditional Butler matrix, the four-level structure combined with the four-channel filtered jumper 15 significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of signal processing and reduces signal interference.

[0037] As another preferred embodiment, the first jumper 11 is composed of two couplers directly cascaded. This structural design does not require additional connecting parts, which simplifies the structure of the first jumper 11, reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost, and at the same time ensures the stability of the signal during the bridging process and reduces signal loss.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the four-channel filter bridge 15 includes multiple resonant cavities and coupling structures connecting the resonant cavities. The coupling structure controls the coupling phase between the resonant cavities to achieve the filtering response and introduce a preset phase shift. Specifically, the four-channel filter bridge 15 includes multiple resonant cavities, which together form four filtering paths. Specifically, the four-channel filter bridge 15 includes a first square resonant cavity 20, a second square resonant cavity 21, a third square resonant cavity 22, a fourth square resonant cavity 23, a fifth square resonant cavity 24, a first sector resonant cavity 25, and a second sector resonant cavity 26. The sector-shaped resonant cavities 26 together form four filtering paths, wherein: the first filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity 20, the second square resonant cavity 21, and the fifth square resonant cavity 24; the second filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity 20, the first sector-shaped resonant cavity 25, and the third square resonant cavity 22; the third filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity 23, the second sector-shaped resonant cavity 26, and the fifth square resonant cavity 24; the fourth filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity 23, the second square resonant cavity 21, and the third square resonant cavity 22; the output terminal of the third coupler 13 is connected to the first and second filtering paths respectively; the output terminal of the fourth coupler 14 is connected to the third and fourth filtering paths respectively; and the output terminals of the four filtering paths are connected to the antenna array respectively. The first filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity 20, the second square resonant cavity 21, and the fifth square resonant cavity 24. Adjacent resonant cavities achieve energy coupling through coupling windows opened on the first metal layer 1. The coupling window is a rectangular slot with a width of Wc and a length of Lc. Wc and Lc are determined by electromagnetic simulation optimization according to the required coupling coefficient.

[0039] Explained, the use of seven resonant cavities to form four independent filtering paths, each corresponding to the input of an antenna array, enables parallel filtering of multiple signals, improving signal processing efficiency. The use of different types of resonant cavities ensures that each filtering path achieves precise filtering effects. At the same time, the structural design of the four filtering paths effectively avoids crosstalk between signals, ensuring the independence of signals in each path. Each filtering path passes through three resonant cavities, achieving a third-order Chebyshev filtering response, further improving filtering accuracy, filtering out unnecessary clutter signals, and ensuring the signal quality output to the antenna array.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first square resonant cavity 20, the second square resonant cavity 21, the third square resonant cavity 22, the fourth square resonant cavity 23 and the fifth square resonant cavity 24 all operate in TE102 / TE201 dual-mode; the first sector resonant cavity 25 and the second sector resonant cavity 26 both operate in quasi-TE102 mode.

[0041] Specifically, the square resonant cavity adopts a dual-mode operation, which can improve the signal processing capability of the resonant cavity, enhance the filtering effect, and reduce the number of resonant cavities, thereby further improving the integration of the four-channel filter jumper 15; the fan-shaped resonant cavity adopts a quasi-TE102 mode operation, which has a simple structure and low loss, and can form a good match with the square resonant cavity to ensure the stable operation of the filtering path, while reducing the overall signal loss.

[0042] In this embodiment, the antenna array includes a first slot antenna 16, a second slot antenna 17, a third slot antenna 18, and a fourth slot antenna 19; each of the first slot antenna 16, the second slot antenna 17, the third slot antenna 18, and the fourth slot antenna 19 is connected to a corresponding filtering path; as another preferred embodiment, the first slot antenna 16, the second slot antenna 17, the third slot antenna 18, and the fourth slot antenna 19 are all the same size and each has three radiating slots.

[0043] Explained, the four slot antennas correspond to four filtering paths, enabling simultaneous radiation of multiple beams and improving the array's coverage; the four slot antennas are of the same size, ensuring the consistency of each beam and avoiding problems such as beam offset and uneven signal strength caused by differences in antenna size; each antenna is equipped with three radiation slots, which can enhance the antenna's radiation capability, improve the signal radiation intensity and coverage effect, and meet the signal transmission requirements of practical applications.

[0044] As another preferred embodiment, the dielectric substrate 2 is made of Rogers 5880 material with a dielectric constant of 2.2 and a thickness of 0.254 mm; the two metal layers are made of copper with a thickness of 0.018 mm; all metal vias have a diameter of 0.4 mm and a spacing of 0.75 mm between adjacent vias.

[0045] Specifically, the Rogers 5880 substrate has excellent dielectric properties and structural stability, with a moderate dielectric constant that effectively reduces dielectric loss during signal transmission. Its suitable thickness facilitates the formation of subsequent metal layers and the processing of metallized vias. The copper metal layer exhibits excellent conductivity, reducing signal conduction loss and ensuring efficient signal transmission. The reasonable size and spacing of the metal vias ensure the transmission performance of the substrate-integrated waveguide structure, avoid mutual interference between vias, and facilitate manufacturing, reducing production costs.

[0046] It should be noted that the filter multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper provided in this embodiment takes a 4×4 topology as an example. That is, the same design method can be used to expand it to an 8×8 or higher-order topology. In this multi-beam array, each filter channel uses three resonant cavities to achieve a third-order filter response. Using more resonant cavity structures can achieve a four-channel filter jumper with a higher-order filter response. The principle is the same, and it will not be described in detail here.

[0047] For example, this embodiment also provides a method for manufacturing a filtered multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper. The specific steps include: providing a dielectric substrate 2; forming a first metal layer 1 on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 2 and a second metal layer 3 on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 2; processing multiple metallized holes on the first metal layer 1, the dielectric substrate 2, and the second metal layer 3, with the metallized holes penetrating the dielectric substrate 2 vertically, so that every two rows of metallized holes, together with the first metal layer 1 and the second metal layer 3, constitute a substrate integrated waveguide structure; forming a microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix, and an antenna array on the first metal layer 1; sequentially connecting the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure, the filter Butler matrix, and the antenna array to form a filtered multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter jumper; wherein the filter Butler matrix includes a coupler, a jumper, a phase shifter, and a four-channel filter jumper 15, used for filtering, distributing, and phase-shifting the input signal.

[0048] Explained, this manufacturing method can accurately produce a filtered multi-beam array that meets the requirements; by forming metal layers on the upper and lower surfaces of the dielectric substrate 2 and then processing metallized holes to form a substrate integrated waveguide structure, the process is mature and easy to operate, and can ensure the stability and consistency of the structure; by integrating various functional structures on the first metal layer 1, no additional assembly steps are required, which greatly improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.

[0049] In this embodiment, the filtered Butler matrix includes a four-stage structure. The first stage includes a first coupler 8 and a second coupler 9; the second stage includes a first phase shifter 10, a first bridge 11, and a second phase shifter 12; the third stage includes a third coupler 13 and a fourth coupler 14; the fourth stage is a four-channel filtered bridge 15; the output terminals of the microstrip line-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure are connected to the first coupler 8 and the second coupler 9, respectively; the first output port of the first coupler 8 is connected to the first phase shifter 10, and the second output port is connected to the first bridge 11; the third... The first output port of the second coupler 9 is connected to the second phase shifter 12, and the second output port is connected to the first bridge 11; the output port of the first phase shifter 10 is connected to the third coupler 13; the output port of the second phase shifter 12 is connected to the fourth coupler 14; the first output port of the first bridge 11 is connected to the third coupler 13, and the second output port is connected to the fourth coupler 14; the third coupler 13 and the fourth coupler 14 are respectively connected to the input terminals of the four-channel filter bridge 15; the four-channel filter bridge 15 includes a first square resonant cavity 20, a second square resonant cavity 20, and a third square resonant cavity 20. Resonant cavity 21, third square resonant cavity 22, fourth square resonant cavity 23, fifth square resonant cavity 24, first sector resonant cavity 25, and second sector resonant cavity 26; the first square resonant cavity 20, second square resonant cavity 21, third square resonant cavity 22, fourth square resonant cavity 23, fifth square resonant cavity 24, first sector resonant cavity 25, and second sector resonant cavity 26 together constitute four filtering paths, wherein: the first filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity 20, second square resonant cavity 21, and fifth square resonant cavity 24; the second filtering path passes through the first... The system includes a square resonant cavity 20, a first sector resonant cavity 25, and a third square resonant cavity 22; a third filtering path passes through a fourth square resonant cavity 23, a second sector resonant cavity 26, and a fifth square resonant cavity 24; a fourth filtering path passes through a fourth square resonant cavity 23, a second square resonant cavity 21, and a third square resonant cavity 22; the output of the third coupler 13 is connected to the first and second filtering paths respectively; the output of the fourth coupler 14 is connected to the third and fourth filtering paths respectively; and the outputs of the four filtering paths are connected to the antenna array respectively.

[0050] Explained, the filtered multibeam array and manufacturing method provided in this embodiment are simpler, have lower losses, and higher integration compared to traditional cascaded design methods and filtered Butler matrix design methods based on filter couplers or filter phase shifters. The filtered Butler matrix topology differs from the traditional Butler matrix topology, using a novel four-channel filtered jumper 15 to replace one jumper and two phase shifters in the traditional Butler matrix, achieving a more compact size and lower losses, while also providing filtering characteristics, further improving the performance and practicality of the entire array.

[0051] For example, an experiment was conducted on the filtered multibeam array based on a four-channel filter jumper provided in this embodiment. The simulated reflection coefficients and isolation of ports 1 and 2 are as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the middle, S ij This represents the ratio of the emitted wave (output signal) at port i to the incident wave (input signal) at port j when all ports except port j are connected to matched loads, where i and j are both positive integers, and in this embodiment, the values ​​of i and j are both positive integers from 1 to 4; for example: S 11 The value represents the self-reflection coefficient of port 1. It can be seen that both the reflection coefficient and the isolation are less than -10dB, which means that most of the energy in the filter band is used for multi-beam radiation, thus verifying the feasibility of this multi-beam array.

[0052] For example, when a four-channel filter jumper's filter multi-beam array operates at 26.6 GHz, the simulated normalized radiation directions of each port are as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the filtered multi-beam array obtained four stable radiation beams, thus verifying the feasibility of this embodiment.

[0053] For example, the simulated gain under excitation at port 1 and port 2 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, specifically as follows Figure 6 As can be seen from (a) and (b) in the figure, its gain curves show a good filtering response, with a gain greater than 10 dBi within the filtering band and a significant gain suppression effect outside the filtering band.

[0054] In summary, this invention provides a filtered multi-beam array and method based on a four-channel filter jumper, which has the following advantages compared to existing multi-beam antenna arrays: First, this invention proposes a design concept for a multi-beam array with integrated four-channel filter jumpers, which effectively integrates filtering capabilities while making the entire multi-beam network more compact and with lower losses. By replacing one jumper and two phase shifters in the traditional topology, a more compact size and lower losses are achieved, while also having the advantage of high integration.

[0055] Secondly, the filter multi-beam array proposed in this invention is implemented using a substrate integrated waveguide structure, requiring only a single-layer dielectric substrate. This eliminates the need for multi-layer dielectric substrates or three-dimensional structures in traditional multi-beam array design methods, resulting in significant low-cost advantages, low-loss characteristics, and easy integration with other passive circuits.

[0056] The above embodiments are merely one of the implementation methods for achieving the technical solution of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but also includes any variations, substitutions and other implementation methods that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper, characterized in that, It includes a first metal layer (1), a dielectric substrate (2), and a second metal layer (3); The first metal layer (1), the dielectric substrate (2), and the second metal layer (3) are arranged in layers from top to bottom, and each has multiple metallized holes arranged in rows. The metallized holes are arranged to penetrate the dielectric substrate (2) in a vertical direction. Every two rows of metallized holes together with the first metal layer (1) and the second metal layer (3) form a substrate integrated waveguide structure to realize the transmission of electrical signals between the first metal layer (1), the dielectric substrate (2), and the second metal layer (3). The first metal layer (1) integrates a microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix and an antenna array; The filtered Butler matrix includes a four-channel filter jumper (15); the four-channel filter jumper (15) is used to filter and phase-shift the input signal; the four-channel filter jumper (15) includes multiple resonant cavities and a coupling structure connecting the resonant cavities, the coupling structure controls the coupling phase between the resonant cavities to achieve the filtering response and introduce a preset phase shift. The output end of the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure is connected to the four-channel filter jumper (15); The output of the four-channel filter jumper (15) is connected to the antenna array.

2. The multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filtered Butler matrix comprises a four-level structure. The first-level structure includes a first coupler (8) and a second coupler (9); the second-level structure includes a first phase shifter (10), a first jumper (11), and a second phase shifter (12); the third-level structure includes a third coupler (13) and a fourth coupler (14); and the fourth-level structure includes a four-channel filtered jumper (15). The output end of the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure is connected to the first coupler (8) and the second coupler (9) respectively; The first output port of the first coupler (8) is connected to the first phase shifter (10), and the second output port is connected to the first jumper (11); The first output port of the second coupler (9) is connected to the second phase shifter (12), and the second output port is connected to the first jumper (11); The output port of the first phase shifter (10) is connected to the third coupler (13); The output port of the second phase shifter (12) is connected to the fourth coupler (14); The first output port of the first jumper (11) is connected to the third coupler (13), and the second output port is connected to the fourth coupler (14); The third coupler (13) and the fourth coupler (14) are respectively connected to the input terminal of the four-channel filter jumper (15).

3. A multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The four-channel filter jumper (15) includes multiple resonant cavities, which together form four filter paths.

4. A multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 3, characterized in that, The four-channel filter bridge (15) includes a first square resonant cavity (20), a second square resonant cavity (21), a third square resonant cavity (22), a fourth square resonant cavity (23), a fifth square resonant cavity (24), a first sector resonant cavity (25), and a second sector resonant cavity (26). The first square resonant cavity (20), the second square resonant cavity (21), the third square resonant cavity (22), the fourth square resonant cavity (23), the fifth square resonant cavity (24), the first sector resonant cavity (25), and the second sector resonant cavity (26) together constitute four filtering paths, wherein: The first filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity (20), the second square resonant cavity (21), and the fifth square resonant cavity (24). The second filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity (20), the first sector resonant cavity (25), and the third square resonant cavity (22); The third filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity (23), the second sector resonant cavity (26), and the fifth square resonant cavity (24). The fourth filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity (23), the second square resonant cavity (21), and the third square resonant cavity (22). The output of the third coupler (13) is connected to the first filter path and the second filter path, respectively. The output of the fourth coupler (14) is connected to the third filter path and the fourth filter path, respectively. The outputs of the four filtering paths are respectively connected to the antenna array.

5. A multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first square resonant cavity (20), the second square resonant cavity (21), the third square resonant cavity (22), the fourth square resonant cavity (23) and the fifth square resonant cavity (24) all operate in TE102 / TE201 dual-mode; the first sector resonant cavity (25) and the second sector resonant cavity (26) both operate in quasi-TE102 mode.

6. A multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 3, characterized in that, The antenna array includes a first slot antenna (16), a second slot antenna (17), a third slot antenna (18), and a fourth slot antenna (19). The first slot antenna (16), the second slot antenna (17), the third slot antenna (18) and the fourth slot antenna (19) are each connected to a corresponding filter path.

7. A multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first slot antenna (16), the second slot antenna (17), the third slot antenna (18) and the fourth slot antenna (19) are all the same size and each has multiple radiating slots.

8. A multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure includes a first microstrip line (4), a second microstrip line (5), a third microstrip line (6), and a fourth microstrip line (7). The first microstrip line (4), the second microstrip line (5), the third microstrip line (6) and the fourth microstrip line (7) are connected to the substrate integrated waveguide structure on the first metal layer (1) to form the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure; the output terminals of the first microstrip line (4), the second microstrip line (5), the third microstrip line (6) and the fourth microstrip line (7) are respectively connected to the input terminal of the filter Butler matrix through the substrate integrated waveguide structure.

9. A method for manufacturing a multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper, characterized in that, include: Provide a dielectric substrate (2); A first metal layer (1) is formed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate (2), and a second metal layer (3) is formed on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate (2). Multiple metallization holes are processed on the first metal layer (1), the dielectric substrate (2), and the second metal layer (3). The metallization holes are arranged to penetrate the dielectric substrate (2) in a vertical direction so that each two rows of metallization holes together with the first metal layer (1) and the second metal layer (3) form a substrate integrated waveguide structure. A microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure, a filter Butler matrix and an antenna array are formed on the first metal layer (1); The microstrip line-to-substrate integrated waveguide structure, the filter Butler matrix, and the antenna array are sequentially connected to form a filter multi-beam array based on a four-channel filter bridging connector. The filter Butler matrix includes a four-channel filter bridge (15) for filtering and phase-shifting the input signal. The four-channel filter bridge (15) includes multiple resonant cavities and a coupling structure connecting the resonant cavities. The coupling structure controls the coupling phase between the resonant cavities to achieve the filtering response and introduce a preset phase shift.

10. A method for manufacturing a multi-beam filter array based on a four-channel filter jumper according to claim 9, characterized in that, The filtered Butler matrix includes a four-level structure. The first level structure includes a first coupler (8) and a second coupler (9); the second level structure includes a first phase shifter (10), a first jumper (11), and a second phase shifter (12); the third level structure includes a third coupler (13) and a fourth coupler (14); and the fourth level structure is a four-channel filtered jumper (15) that integrates a filtered jumper and a filter. The output end of the microstrip line to substrate integrated waveguide structure is connected to the first coupler (8) and the second coupler (9) respectively; The first output port of the first coupler (8) is connected to the first phase shifter (10), and the second output port is connected to the first jumper (11); The first output port of the second coupler (9) is connected to the second phase shifter (12), and the second output port is connected to the first jumper (11); The output port of the first phase shifter (10) is connected to the third coupler (13); The output port of the second phase shifter (12) is connected to the fourth coupler (14); The first output port of the first jumper (11) is connected to the third coupler (13), and the second output port is connected to the fourth coupler (14); The third coupler (13) and the fourth coupler (14) are respectively connected to the input terminal of the four-channel filter jumper (15); The four-channel filter bridge (15) includes a first square resonant cavity (20), a second square resonant cavity (21), a third square resonant cavity (22), a fourth square resonant cavity (23), a fifth square resonant cavity (24), a first sector resonant cavity (25), and a second sector resonant cavity (26). The first square resonant cavity (20), the second square resonant cavity (21), the third square resonant cavity (22), the fourth square resonant cavity (23), the fifth square resonant cavity (24), the first sector resonant cavity (25), and the second sector resonant cavity (26) together constitute four filtering paths, wherein: The first filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity (20), the second square resonant cavity (21), and the fifth square resonant cavity (24). The second filtering path passes through the first square resonant cavity (20), the first sector resonant cavity (25), and the third square resonant cavity (22); The third filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity (23), the second sector resonant cavity (26), and the fifth square resonant cavity (24). The fourth filtering path passes through the fourth square resonant cavity (23), the second square resonant cavity (21), and the third square resonant cavity (22). The output of the third coupler (13) is connected to the first filter path and the second filter path, respectively. The output of the fourth coupler (14) is connected to the third filter path and the fourth filter path, respectively. The outputs of the four filtering paths are respectively connected to the antenna array.

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