Broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on artificial electromagnetic structure

Abstract

This application relates to the field of microwave antenna technology, and particularly to a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure. The antenna includes: a reflector 1, at least one radiating patch 2, a director 3, and a support. The reflector 1 has a plurality of periodically arranged slots on its surface, forming an artificial electromagnetic structure to extend the ground current path on the reflector 1, introducing slow-wave effects and bandgap characteristics. The radiating patch 2 is fixedly mounted above the reflector 1 by the support, forming a microstrip radiating structure with the reflector 1. The director 3 is fixedly mounted above the reflector 1 by the support, and its output port is electrically connected to the radiating patch 2 to distribute radio frequency signals to the corresponding radiating patch. This solves the problems in related technologies, such as narrow impedance bandwidth and the ease with which surface waves are excited on the surface of dielectric microstrip antennas, leading to pattern distortion and gain reduction, thus affecting radiation performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of microwave antenna technology, and in particular to a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure. Background Technology

[0002] Microstrip patch antennas offer advantages such as small size, light weight, and low profile. Their radiating elements and feed circuits can be integrated on the same substrate, making them suitable for mass production using printed circuit technology. Consequently, they are widely used in high-gain array antenna designs. However, traditional microstrip patch antennas generally suffer from an inherent drawback of narrow impedance bandwidth, making it difficult to meet the design requirements of broadband communication systems.

[0003] In related technologies, microstrip patch antennas are mainly divided into two categories: dielectric microstrip antennas using a dielectric substrate and air microstrip patch antennas using air as the dielectric. While dielectric microstrip antennas are advantageous for achieving smaller overall dimensions, their dielectric substrate further compresses the impedance bandwidth and increases cost. Especially in high-frequency bands above 5 GHz, surface waves are easily excited on the dielectric surface, leading to antenna pattern distortion and a significant drop in gain. Air microstrip patch antennas, although offering advantages such as low cost and low insertion loss, also have a narrow impedance bandwidth, failing to fundamentally address the requirements of wideband designs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure to solve the problems in related technologies, such as narrow impedance bandwidth and the easy excitation of surface waves on the surface of dielectric microstrip antennas, which leads to pattern distortion and gain reduction, affecting radiation performance.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure, comprising: a reflector 1, at least one radiating patch 2, a director 3, and a support member; wherein, the reflector 1 has a plurality of periodically arranged slots on its surface, the slots forming an artificial electromagnetic structure to extend the ground current path on the reflector 1, introducing slow wave effect and bandgap characteristics; the radiating patch 2 is fixedly mounted above the reflector 1 by the support member, forming a microstrip radiating structure with the reflector 1; the director 3 is fixedly mounted above the reflector 1 by the support member, and the director 3 is located in the beam propagation direction of the radiating patch 2 to improve the directional radiation performance of the antenna.

[0006] Alternatively, the slot structure may be I-shaped, circular, or kettlebell-shaped.

[0007] Optionally, the support components include metal support studs 5, plastic support columns 6, and metal flat-head mounting screws 7. The lower ends of the metal support studs 5 and / or plastic support columns 6 are fixed in positioning holes opened on the reflector plate 1, and the upper ends support and fix the radiating patch 2 and the power distribution network 4, respectively. The metal flat-head mounting screws 7 pass through the support columns to lock the radiating patch 2 and the power distribution network 4 onto the reflector plate 1.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes: a power distribution network 4, wherein the input port of the power distribution network 4 is connected to an external radio frequency signal source via a coaxial connector or cable, and the outer conductor of the coaxial connector is electrically grounded to the reflector 1.

[0009] Optionally, the radiating patch 2 and the power distribution network 4 are disposed in the same plane and electrically connected by an integrally stamped microstrip line or a welded metal connecting strip.

[0010] Optionally, the reflector 1, the radiating patch 2, and the power distribution network 4 are all made of aluminum sheet by stamping, and the positioning holes on the reflector 1 and the support column are clearance fit or interference fit.

[0011] Optionally, the metal support stud 5 is used to provide both mechanical support and grounding electrical connection path, while the plastic support stud 6 is used to provide mechanical support and achieve electrical insulation.

[0012] Optionally, the power distribution network 4 is a microstrip power distribution network, which forms an air-dielectric microstrip transmission line structure with the reflector 1. The slots on the reflector 1 change the equivalent circuit parameters of the microstrip transmission line.

[0013] Optionally, the operating frequency and impedance bandwidth of the antenna can be adjusted by changing the shape, size, number, or arrangement period of the slots.

[0014] Optionally, multiple periodically arranged slots are distributed in an array along the surface of the reflector 1, and the arrangement period, slot size and number of slots are determined according to the operating frequency of the antenna.

[0015] Therefore, this application has at least the following beneficial effects: This embodiment of the application can form an artificial electromagnetic structure by periodically opening slots on the reflector, extending the ground current path and introducing slow wave effects and bandgap characteristics, thereby significantly widening the impedance bandwidth under the same antenna size, while achieving miniaturized resonance and radiation below the wavelength. The slot structure can also effectively suppress surface waves in the high-frequency band above 5 GHz, avoid pattern distortion and gain reduction, and maintain stable radiation performance. The reflector, radiating patch and feed network are all made of aluminum plate stamping and fixed with modular support components, which has the advantages of low cost, easy processing and low feed loss. By adjusting the shape, size, number or arrangement period of the slots, the operating frequency and bandwidth of the antenna can be flexibly adjusted. In addition, the director plate set above the radiating patch in the beam propagation direction improves the directional radiation performance of the antenna through electromagnetic coupling, further improving the forward gain.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a side view of a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the before and after of the grooved slot on the reflector according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram comparing the return loss curves before and after the slotting according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the grooved joint provided according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0019] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes an embodiment of a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure.

[0020] Specifically, Figure 1This application provides a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure.

[0021] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on artificial electromagnetic structure includes: a reflector 1, at least one radiating patch 2, a guide plate 3, and a support.

[0022] The reflector 1 has multiple periodically arranged slots on its surface, which form an artificial electromagnetic structure to extend the ground current path on the reflector 1 and introduce slow wave effect and bandgap characteristics. The radiating patch 2 is fixedly installed above the reflector 1 by a support, forming a microstrip radiating structure with the reflector 1. The guide plate 3 is fixedly installed above the reflector 1 by a support, and the guide plate 3 is located in the beam propagation direction of the radiating patch 2 to improve the directional radiation performance of the antenna.

[0023] It is understood that the periodically opened slots on the surface of the reflector in this embodiment constitute an artificial electromagnetic structure, which can extend the ground current path and introduce slow wave effect and bandgap characteristics, thereby effectively widening the impedance bandwidth of the antenna and realizing miniaturization; the radiating patch is fixed above the reflector by the support to form a microstrip radiating structure, ensuring stable radiation performance; the director is located in the beam propagation direction of the radiating patch, which can improve the directional radiation performance of the antenna and increase the forward gain.

[0024] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the shapes of the slotted structures include I-shaped, circular, or kettlebell-shaped.

[0025] It is understood that the slot structure on the reflector in this application embodiment adopts different shapes such as I-shaped, circular, or kettlebell-shaped. By adjusting the shape of the slot, the resonant characteristics of the artificial electromagnetic structure can be flexibly adjusted, thereby realizing the on-demand design of the antenna operating frequency and impedance bandwidth, enhancing the antenna's adjustability and adaptability, and meeting the broadband requirements of different communication systems.

[0026] It should be noted that the slot in this application has an I-shaped structure. By adjusting the shape, size, and number of slots, different working frequencies can be achieved. The slots can also be adjusted to different shapes such as annular, kettlebell, etc., as follows. Figure 5 As shown.

[0027] In this embodiment, the support includes a metal support stud 5, a plastic support column 6, and a metal flat-head mounting screw 7. The lower ends of the metal support stud 5 and / or the plastic support column 6 are fixed in the positioning holes opened on the reflector plate 1, and the upper ends support and fix the radiating patch 2 and the power distribution network 4, respectively. The metal flat-head mounting screw 7 passes through the support column to lock the radiating patch 2 and the power distribution network 4 onto the reflector plate 1.

[0028] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can use metal support studs and / or plastic support columns to firmly support the radiating patch and the power distribution network above the reflector, and use metal flat-head mounting screws to lock and fix them through the support columns, thus achieving a reliable mechanical connection of each component; wherein the metal support studs can provide an electrical connection path at the same time, and the plastic support columns can achieve electrical insulation, thereby taking into account the flexible layout of grounding points and non-grounding areas, the overall structure is compact and easy to assemble, which is conducive to improving the mechanical stability and electrical reliability of the antenna.

[0029] In this embodiment of the application, it also includes: a power distribution network 4, wherein the input port of the power distribution network 4 is connected to an external radio frequency signal source through a coaxial connector or cable, and the outer conductor of the coaxial connector is electrically grounded to the reflector 1.

[0030] It is understood that the embodiments of this application may further include: a power distribution network 4, wherein the input port of the power distribution network 4 is connected to an external radio frequency signal source through a coaxial connector or cable, and the outer conductor of the coaxial connector is electrically grounded to the reflector 1.

[0031] In this embodiment, the radiating patch 2 and the power distribution network 4 are disposed in the same plane and are electrically connected by an integrally stamped microstrip line or a welded metal connecting strip.

[0032] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can place the radiating patch and the power divider network in the same plane and achieve direct electrical connection through an integrally stamped microstrip line or a welded metal connecting strip, thereby shortening the signal transmission path, reducing connection loss, simplifying the processing technology, reducing assembly complexity, and improving the consistency and reliability of the antenna.

[0033] In this embodiment, the reflector 1, the radiating patch 2, and the power distribution network 4 are all made of aluminum sheet by stamping. The positioning holes on the reflector 1 and the support columns are either clearance fit or interference fit.

[0034] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can achieve low-cost, high-efficiency mass production by using aluminum plates to stamp the reflector, radiating patch and power divider network, and ensure the consistency of component dimensions and processing accuracy. At the same time, the positioning holes on the reflector and the support column adopt clearance fit or interference fit, which can facilitate positioning and adjustment during assembly, and ensure the tight connection between the support column and the reflector, thereby improving the overall structural stability and assembly reliability of the antenna.

[0035] In this embodiment, the metal support stud 5 provides both mechanical support and a grounding electrical connection path, while the plastic support post 6 provides mechanical support to achieve electrical insulation. The power distribution network 4 is a microstrip power distribution network, forming an air-dielectric microstrip transmission line structure with the reflector 1. The slots on the reflector 1 alter the equivalent circuit parameters of the microstrip transmission line.

[0036] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the metal support studs provide mechanical support and also serve as grounding electrical connection paths, while the plastic support studs only provide mechanical support and achieve electrical insulation, thereby flexibly meeting the grounding and isolation requirements of different areas of the antenna; the power distribution network adopts a microstrip form, forming an air-dielectric microstrip transmission line structure with the reflector. By using the slots on the reflector to change the equivalent circuit parameters of the microstrip transmission line, the transmission characteristics can be adjusted to match the antenna radiating element, further broadening the bandwidth and optimizing the power supply efficiency.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, the operating frequency and impedance bandwidth of the antenna are adjusted by changing the shape, size, number, or arrangement period of the slots.

[0038] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can conveniently adjust the operating frequency and impedance bandwidth of the antenna by flexibly adjusting the shape, size, number or arrangement period of the slots on the reflector, thereby realizing the controllable design of antenna performance, which can adapt to the diverse needs of different communication systems for frequency bands and bandwidths without changing the overall antenna structure, thus significantly improving the flexibility and applicability of the design.

[0039] In this embodiment, a plurality of periodically arranged slots are distributed in an array along the surface of the reflector 1, and the arrangement period, slot size and number of slots are determined according to the operating frequency of the antenna.

[0040] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can distribute the slots on the reflector in a periodic array and design the arrangement period, slot size and number according to the antenna's operating frequency, so that the artificial electromagnetic structure can generate the expected slow wave effect and bandgap characteristics in the target frequency band, thereby precisely controlling the antenna's resonant frequency and impedance bandwidth, realizing customized design for different frequency bands, and improving the accuracy and flexibility of antenna design.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 1-3As shown, the antenna and its components include: a reflector 1, a radiating patch 2, a director 3, a power divider network 4, metal support studs 5, plastic support posts 6, and metal flat-head mounting screws 7. The reflector, radiating patch, and power divider network are all made of stamped aluminum sheet, which is low-cost, easy to process, and minimizes power distribution network loss. Positioning holes are opened on the antenna surface, and it is fixed to the reflector by the metal support posts, plastic support posts, and metal flat-head mounting screws. The microstrip array antenna reflector serves as the "ground" of the microstrip antenna, forming a loop current with the microstrip antenna radiating substrate. By creating "I-shaped" periodic slots on the microstrip array antenna reflector, the path of the microstrip ground current on the reflector is extended and increased, introducing slow-wave effects and bandgap characteristics. This adds to the antenna matching circuit structure, thereby miniaturizing the antenna radiator and widening the impedance bandwidth. Therefore, this application widens the antenna bandwidth by creating periodic slots on the microstrip array antenna reflector to form a periodic artificial electromagnetic structure, extending and increasing the path of the microstrip ground current on the reflector. The shape and size of the grooves on the reflector are points that this patent needs to protect.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, this application achieves a negative equivalent dielectric constant (EPS) within a specific frequency band by creating strong resonance characteristics of an artificial electromagnetic structure through slotting on a reflector. <0) or permeability ( <0), or both are negative (negative refractive index). This enables resonance and radiation below the wavelength dimension, thereby achieving a wider impedance bandwidth at the original size.

[0043] According to the embodiments of this application, a broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure is formed by periodically opening slots on a reflector to extend the ground current path and introduce slow wave effects and bandgap characteristics, thereby significantly widening the impedance bandwidth under the same antenna size, while achieving miniaturized resonance and radiation below the wavelength. This slot structure can also effectively suppress surface waves in the high-frequency band, avoid pattern distortion and gain reduction, and maintain stable radiation performance. The reflector, radiating patch, and feed network are all made of aluminum plate by stamping, and with modular fixing of the support components, it has the advantages of low cost, easy processing, and low feed loss. By adjusting the shape, size, number, or arrangement period of the slots, the operating frequency and bandwidth of the antenna can be flexibly adjusted. In addition, the director plate set above the radiating patch in the beam propagation direction improves the directional radiation performance of the antenna through electromagnetic coupling, further improving the forward gain.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "N" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

Claims

1. A wideband microstrip patch array antenna based on artificial electromagnetic structures, characterized by, include: A reflector (1), at least one radiating patch (2), a guide plate (3), and a support; The reflector (1) has a number of periodically arranged slots on its surface. The slots form an artificial electromagnetic structure to extend the ground current path on the reflector (1) and introduce slow wave effect and bandgap characteristics. The radiation patch (2) is fixedly installed above the reflector (1) by a support member, forming a microstrip radiation structure between the patch (2) and the reflector (1); The guide plate (3) is fixedly installed above the reflector plate (1) by a support member. The guide plate (3) is located in the beam propagation direction of the radiating patch (2) to improve the directional radiation performance of the antenna.

2. The artificial electromagnetic structure based wideband microstrip patch array antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The slotted structure can be I-shaped, circular, or kettlebell-shaped.

3. The artificial electromagnetic structure based wideband microstrip patch array antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The support components include metal support studs (5), plastic support posts (6), and metal flat-head mounting screws (7), wherein, The lower ends of the metal support studs (5) and / or plastic support studs (6) are fixed in the positioning holes opened on the reflector plate (1), and the upper ends support and fix the radiation patch (2) and the power distribution network (4) respectively. The metal flat-head mounting screws (7) pass through the support studs to lock the radiation patch (2) and the power distribution network (4) onto the reflector plate (1).

4. The artificial electromagnetic structure based wideband microstrip patch array antenna according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The power distribution network (4) is a power supply network. The input port of the power distribution network (4) is connected to an external radio frequency signal source through a coaxial connector or cable, and the outer conductor of the coaxial connector is electrically grounded to the reflector (1).

5. The broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radiating patch (2) and the power distribution network (4) are located in the same plane and are electrically connected by an integrally stamped microstrip line or a welded metal connecting strip.

6. The broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector (1), the radiating patch (2) and the power distribution network (4) are all made of aluminum plate by stamping. The positioning holes on the reflector (1) and the support column are clearance fit or interference fit.

7. The broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal support stud (5) is used to provide both mechanical support and grounding electrical connection path, and the plastic support stud (6) is used to provide mechanical support to achieve electrical insulation.

8. The broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power distribution network (4) is a microstrip power distribution network, which forms an air-medium microstrip transmission line structure with the reflector (1). The slots on the reflector (1) change the equivalent circuit parameters of the microstrip transmission line.

9. The broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating frequency and impedance bandwidth of the antenna can be adjusted by changing the shape, size, number, or arrangement period of the slots.

10. The broadband microstrip patch array antenna based on an artificial electromagnetic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The periodically arranged slots are distributed in an array along the surface of the reflector (1), and the arrangement period, slot size and number of slots are determined according to the operating frequency of the antenna.

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