Antenna element, antenna system, communication device and method of manufacturing an antenna element

Abstract

This disclosure relates to antenna elements, antenna systems, communication devices, and methods for manufacturing antenna elements. The antenna element includes: a dielectric substrate and a conductive layer on the dielectric substrate. The conductive layer includes: a first radiating element and a second radiating element, both the first and second radiating elements being bent structures. Each bent structure includes a first portion and a second portion bent at the top of the first portion. The first portions of the first and second radiating elements are arranged adjacent to each other and form a gap. The second portions of the first and second radiating elements extend away from each other. A third radiating element and a fourth radiating element are also included, the third radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the first radiating element and separate from the first radiating element, and the fourth radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the second radiating element and separate from the second radiating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of antennas, and more specifically, to antenna elements, antenna systems including antenna elements, communication devices, and methods of manufacturing antenna elements. Background Technology

[0002] A magnetoelectric dipole antenna is a composite antenna structure that combines the radiation characteristics of both magnetic and electric dipoles. Magnetic dipoles are typically implemented using short-circuit patches or short-circuit rings, exhibiting an "O"-shaped far-field radiation pattern. Electric dipoles, on the other hand, are implemented using open-circuit patches or dipole arms, exhibiting an "8"-shaped far-field radiation pattern. By orthogonally combining and synchronously exciting these two types of antennas, and utilizing the complementarity of their radiation characteristics, the two radiation components can be superimposed in the far field to form a symmetrical radiation pattern that is approximately unidirectional, has a wide bandwidth, low sidelobes, and low cross-polarization.

[0003] Communication equipment typically uses antenna systems consisting of a power distribution network (PDN) and an antenna array to achieve high-gain directional radiation and beamforming. The PDN distributes the power of the input signal to multiple output ports in a specific ratio. The antenna array consists of multiple antenna elements arranged according to certain geometric rules. By controlling the excitation amplitude and phase of each antenna element, functions such as directional radiation of the main beam, beam scanning, and sidelobe suppression can be achieved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above, this disclosure provides an antenna element, an antenna system including the antenna element, a communication device, and a method for manufacturing the antenna element.

[0005] In one aspect, this disclosure provides an antenna element comprising: a dielectric substrate and a conductive layer on the dielectric substrate, the conductive layer comprising: a first radiating element and a second radiating element, both the first and second radiating elements being bent structures, the bent structure comprising a first portion and a second portion bent at the top of the first portion, the first portion of the first radiating element and the first portion of the second radiating element being arranged adjacent to each other and forming a gap, the second portion of the first radiating element and the second portion of the second radiating element extending away from each other; a third radiating element and a fourth radiating element, the third radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the first radiating element and being separate from the first radiating element, and the fourth radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the second radiating element and being separate from the second radiating element.

[0006] In one aspect, this disclosure provides an antenna system including an antenna array comprising antenna elements according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a communication device including an antenna system according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an antenna element, comprising: providing a dielectric substrate, providing a conductive layer on the dielectric substrate, and etching the conductive layer to form: a first radiating element and a second radiating element, both the first and second radiating elements being bent structures, the bent structure including a first portion and a second portion bent at the top of the first portion, the first portion of the first radiating element and the first portion of the second radiating element being arranged adjacent to each other and forming a gap, the second portion of the first radiating element and the second portion of the second radiating element extending away from each other; a third radiating element and a fourth radiating element, the third radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the first radiating element and separated from the first radiating element, and the fourth radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the second radiating element and separated from the second radiating element.

[0009] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna element incorporates separate radiating stubs at the ends of its radiating arms. Therefore, the radiation pattern of the antenna element according to embodiments of the present disclosure is a composite pattern of the radiation pattern of the radiating arms and the radiation pattern of the introduced radiating stubs. This composite pattern has a wider horizontal plane radiation pattern, enhancing the horizontal coverage of the antenna element. Furthermore, this antenna element can be formed using a printed circuit board (PCB), thus simplifying the process, reducing costs, and facilitating mass production. Compared to existing magnetoelectric dipole antenna elements with wider horizontal plane radiation patterns, its smaller size facilitates common-aperture design of antenna systems and meets the miniaturized antenna design requirements of current highly integrated communication devices. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the three-dimensional coordinate system used in this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 An example of an antenna element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The radiation patterns of the antenna elements with and without terminal radiating stubs shown are cross-sectional views in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 2.45 GHz.

[0014] Figure 4 Another example of an antenna element according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The diagram shows the current distribution of the antenna element.

[0016] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The radiation patterns of the antenna elements with and without terminal radiating stubs shown are cross-sectional views in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 5.5 GHz.

[0017] Figure 7 An example of an antenna system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 8A It shows Figure 7 The antenna system shown is a cross-sectional view of the radiation pattern in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 2.45 GHz.

[0019] Figure 8B It shows Figure 7 The antenna system shown is a cross-sectional view of the radiation pattern in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 5.5 GHz.

[0020] Figure 9 Another example of an antenna system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 10 An example of a substrate for an antenna system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 11A It shows Figure 9 The antenna system shown is a cross-sectional view of the radiation pattern in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 2.45 GHz.

[0023] Figure 11B It shows Figure 9 The antenna system shown is a cross-sectional view of the radiation pattern in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 5.5 GHz. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of, but not all of, the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without any creative effort are within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0025] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” and “outer” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the figures and are used only for convenience and simplification of the description of this disclosure, and do not indicate or imply that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Similarly, words such as “a,” “an,” or “the” do not represent a limitation of quantity but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Words such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word includes those elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but can include direct or indirect electrical connections.

[0026] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as “installation,” “link,” and “connection” should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the technical features described in the different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other, provided that they do not conflict with each other. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are simplified for brevity, and therefore may not be exactly the same as actual implementations. For example, device processing delays may be omitted in the figures.

[0028] Existing magnetoelectric dipole antenna elements capable of achieving wide horizontal beam patterns (i.e., horizontal beamwidths exceeding 120°) typically employ a Γ-type coupled magnetoelectric dipole configuration. This configuration utilizes the bending of the radiating stub ends and the loading of short-circuited metal pillars on the ground plane with vertical currents on both sides to superimpose the resulting patterns in the far field, thus achieving a wide horizontal beam. However, this antenna element employs an all-metal design, resulting in high cost and complex manufacturing processes, hindering industrial mass production. Furthermore, its high profile and large size fail to meet the miniaturized antenna design requirements of current highly integrated communication devices.

[0029] Based on the above, this disclosure proposes an antenna element with a wide horizontal radiation pattern, an antenna system including the antenna element, a communication device, and a method for manufacturing the antenna element. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the antenna element incorporates separate radiating stubs at the ends of its radiating arms. Therefore, the radiation pattern of the antenna element according to embodiments of this disclosure is a composite pattern of the radiation pattern of the radiating arms and the radiation pattern of the introduced radiating stubs. This composite pattern has a wide horizontal radiation pattern, enhancing the horizontal coverage of the antenna element. Furthermore, this antenna element can be formed using a PCB, thus simplifying the process, reducing costs, and facilitating mass production. Compared to existing magnetoelectric dipole antenna elements with wide horizontal radiation patterns, its size is smaller, which is beneficial for common-aperture design of antenna systems and meets the miniaturized antenna design requirements of current highly integrated communication devices.

[0030] To better understand this disclosure, this document first combines... Figure 1 This disclosure describes the three-dimensional coordinate system used in this invention. In this disclosure, any point on the ground is taken as the origin O, and the horizontal plane is... Figure 1 The XOY plane shown has the vertical direction as the Z-axis. The horizontal direction forward or eastward is the positive direction of the X-axis. The horizontal direction to the right or northward is the positive direction of the Y-axis. The vertical direction upward is the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0031] Figure 2 An example of an antenna element according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. (e.g.) Figure 2 The antenna element 200 shown can be a magnetoelectric dipole in the form of a PCB, comprising a dielectric substrate 210, a conductive layer 220 on the dielectric substrate, and a feed structure 230. The dimensions of the dielectric substrate 210 and the conductive layer 220 can be determined based on the operating wavelength of the antenna element 200, i.e., the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave radiated / received by the antenna element 200. The operating wavelength is related to the operating frequency. The dielectric substrate can be any suitable dielectric substrate, such as a flame-retardant Class 4 glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminate (i.e., FR4 board). The conductive layer can be a thin layer formed of any suitable conductive material (e.g., copper).

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, the conductive layer 220 may include a first radiating element 222a and a second radiating element 222b. Both the first radiating element 222a and the second radiating element 222b may be bent structures. The bent structure may include a first portion (222a-1 and 222b-1) and a second portion (222a-2 and 222b-2) bent at the top of the first portion. The first portion 222a-1 of the first radiating element 222a and the first portion 222b-1 of the second radiating element 222b are arranged adjacent to each other and form a gap. The second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a and the second portion 222a-2 of the second radiating element 222b extend away from each other. The second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first portion 222a-1. Similarly, the second portion 222b-2 of the second radiating element 222b may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first portion 222b-1. In this document, the second parts 222a-2 and 222b-2 may be referred to as the radiating arms of antenna element 200. Feed structure 230 is used to feed the first radiating element 222a and the second radiating element 222b.

[0033] The conductive layer 220 may further include a third radiating element 224a and a fourth radiating element 224b. The third radiating element 224a may be located at the end of the second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a and is separate from the first radiating element 222a. The fourth radiating element 224b is located at the end of the second portion 222b-2 of the second radiating element 222b and is separate from the second radiating element 222b. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the third radiating element (224a) may be parallel to the gap (i.e., the first portion 222a-1 of the first radiating element) and form an inverted U-shape with the first radiating element 222a (i.e., directly below the end of the second portion (222a-2) of the first radiating element). The fourth radiating element (224b) may be parallel to the gap and form an inverted U-shape with the second radiating element 222b.

[0034] The lengths of the first portion 222a-1 and the second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a, the first portion 222b-1 and the second portion 222b-2 of the second radiating element 222b-2, the third radiating element 224a, and the fourth radiating element 224b can be determined based on the operating wavelength of the antenna element 200. For example, the first portion 222a-1 and the second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a-2, and the first portion 222b-1 and the second portion 222b-2 of the second radiating element 222b-2 can all be one-quarter of the operating wavelength, and the lengths of the third radiating element 224a and the fourth radiating element 224b can be slightly smaller than one-quarter of the operating wavelength. The distance between the end of the third radiating element 224a and the end of the second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a can be set such that the magnetic coupling between the ends of the third radiating element 224a and the second portion 222a-2 generates a desired resonant frequency, thereby ensuring that the size of the antenna element meets the desired requirements. For example, this distance can be 1-3 mm. The distance between the fourth radiating element 224b and the end of the second portion 222b-2 of the second radiating element 222b can be the same as the distance between the third radiating element 224a and the end of the second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a. Furthermore, when used as an antenna for a communication device (e.g., in antenna systems 700 and 900), the third radiating element 224a and the fourth radiating element 224b can be grounded separately.

[0035] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The radiation pattern of the antenna element 200 with terminal radiating stubs and the antenna element without terminal radiating stubs (i.e., without third and fourth radiating elements) at an operating frequency of 2.45 GHz is shown in a cross-sectional view in the XOZ plane. Figure 3 It can be seen that the antenna element according to the embodiments of this disclosure broadens the radiation pattern of the antenna element without end-radiating branches in the horizontal plane.

[0036] The above text combined Figure 2Antenna elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described. The antenna elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure introduce separate radiating stubs (i.e., a third radiating element 224a and a fourth radiating element 224b) at the ends of the radiating arms of the antenna element (i.e., the second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a and the second portion 222b-2 of the second radiating element 222b). The radiation pattern of the antenna element is a composite pattern of the semi-circular radiation pattern of the radiating arms towards the zenith and the horizontal figure-eight radiation pattern of the introduced radiating stubs. This composite radiation pattern has a wider horizontal radiation pattern, increasing the horizontal coverage of the antenna element. Furthermore, this antenna element can be formed using a PCB, thus simplifying the process, reducing cost, and facilitating mass production; and compared to existing magnetoelectric dipole antenna elements with wider horizontal radiation patterns, its size is smaller, thus facilitating common-aperture design of antenna systems and meeting the miniaturized antenna design requirements of current highly integrated communication devices.

[0037] Figure 4 Another example of an antenna element according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Compared to the antenna element 200 shown, Figure 4 The second portion 222a-2 of the first radiating element 222a of the antenna element 400 shown is perpendicular to the first portion 222a-1 and bent at its end, such that the second portion 222a-2 includes a bent portion 222a-2-1 parallel to the first portion 222a-1. Similarly, the second portion 222b-2 of the second radiating element 222b of the antenna element 400 is perpendicular to the first portion 222b-1 and bent at its end, such that the second portion 222b-2 includes a bent portion 222b-2-1 parallel to the first portion 222b-1. The lengths of the bent portions (222a-2-1 and 222b-2-1) can depend on the operating wavelength (i.e., operating frequency) of the antenna element. The lengths of the bent portions can also differ at different operating frequencies. Figure 2 Compared to the antenna element 200 shown, Figure 4 The antenna element 400 shown can be further reduced in size because the second portion of the first and second radiating elements is bent at the ends. Tests and simulations show... Figure 4 The antenna element 400 shown is particularly suitable for high-frequency operating bands, such as the Wi-Fi 5G band.

[0038] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The diagram shows the current distribution of the antenna element 400 when it is fed. Figure 6 It shows Figure 4The radiation patterns of the antenna element 400 with and without terminal radiating stubs shown are cross-sectional views in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 5.5 GHz. Figure 6 It can be seen that the antenna element according to the embodiments of this disclosure broadens the radiation pattern of the antenna element without end-radiating branches in the horizontal plane.

[0039] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides an antenna system including an antenna array. The antenna array includes antenna elements (e.g., antenna element 200 or 400) according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 7 An example of an antenna system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the antenna system 700 may include a substrate 710 and an antenna array including antenna elements 720a-720g. Power divider networks (also referred to as feed network layers) 730a and 730b are disposed on the substrate. The substrate may be, for example, a low-loss polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet to reduce feed network insertion loss.

[0040] exist Figure 7 In the example, the antenna system may include an antenna array consisting of seven antenna elements 720a to 720g. Each antenna element in antenna elements 720a to 720g may include a pair of antenna elements. The pair of antenna elements is arranged with ±45° polarization cross-position, that is, the first and second antenna elements in the pair cross each other perpendicularly at their respective gaps. For example, antenna element 720a may include a pair of antenna elements 720a-1 and 720a-2. Antenna elements 720a-1 and 720a-2 may cross each other perpendicularly at their respective gaps (i.e., 720a-s). In this way, miniaturization of the antenna system can be achieved. Regarding the spacing between the individual antenna pairs, exemplaryly, it can be determined based on the desired radiation pattern (e.g., main lobe gain, 3dB beamwidth, sidelobe level). Too close a spacing between antenna pairs will cause strong mutual coupling between antennas, resulting in radiation pattern distortion, while too large a spacing will cause the main lobe of the radiation pattern to narrow and the sidelobes to rise. In practice, this spacing can be determined based on the operating wavelength of the antenna array. Based on simulation and experimental testing, this disclosure finds that a better radiation pattern can be achieved when the spacing between antenna pairs is 0.5 to 0.8 times the operating wavelength.

[0041] The operating frequency bands of each antenna element can be the same or different. For example, in Figure 7In the example, antenna elements 720a to 720c can operate in the Wi-Fi 2G band (i.e., 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz). Antenna elements 520d to 520g can operate in the Wi-Fi 5G band (i.e., 5150 MHz – 5850 MHz). In this disclosure, antenna elements 720a to 720c can be referred to as a 2G antenna array, and antenna elements 720d to 720g can be referred to as a 7G antenna array. Figure 7 The 2G antenna array shown, according to simulation and experimental tests, achieves a better radiation pattern when the spacing between each antenna pair is 0.51 times the operating wavelength; while for Figure 7 The 5G antenna array shown can achieve a good radiation pattern when the spacing between each antenna pair is 0.63 times the operating wavelength.

[0042] A power divider network can be a conductive layer on a substrate. The power divider network distributes the power of the input signal from the input port to multiple output ports in a specific ratio. Figure 7 The example includes two power divider networks for 2G and 5G antenna arrays: power divider network 730a and power divider network 730b. Power divider network 730a can be a 1-to-3 power divider, which can divide the excitation signal input from input ports 730a-p1 and 730a-p2 into three equal parts according to power, to excite antenna elements 720a to 720c respectively. Power divider network 730b can be a 1-to-4 power divider, which can divide the excitation signal input from input ports 730b-p1 and 730b-p2 into four equal parts according to power, to excite antenna elements 720d to 720g respectively.

[0043] Figure 8A It shows Figure 7 The radiation pattern of the 2G antenna array of the antenna system 700 shown is a cross-sectional view in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 2.45 GHz. From Figure 8A It can be seen from this that Figure 7 The peak gain of the 2G antenna array of the antenna system 700 shown is 8.1 dBi, and the horizontal (i.e., XOY plane) beamwidth is 120°. Figure 8B It shows Figure 7 The radiation pattern of the 5G antenna array of the antenna system 700 shown is a cross-sectional view in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 5.50 GHz. (From...) Figure 8B It can be seen from this that Figure 7 The peak gain of the 5G antenna array in the antenna system 700 shown is 11.1 dBi, and the horizontal plane (i.e., the XOY plane) beamwidth is 124°. It can be seen that, regardless of... Figure 7Whether it's a 2G or 5G antenna array, the horizontal beamwidth of the antenna is greater than 120°, which is wider than the industry's conventional wide-beam antenna design.

[0044] Figure 9 Another example of an antenna system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the antenna system 900 may include a dielectric substrate 910 and an antenna array including antenna elements 920a to 920c. The substrate 910 may be, for example, a low-loss PTFE substrate.

[0045] Unlike Figure 7 The antenna elements 720a to 720g shown are... Figure 9 Each antenna element in antenna elements 920a to 920c may include two or more pairs of antenna elements. For each antenna element, in addition to the ±45° polarization cross-placement of each pair of antenna elements (i.e., the first and second antenna elements in each pair cross each other perpendicularly at their respective gaps), each antenna element also employs an interleaved design to achieve spatial multiplexing. That is, the first antenna elements in each pair of antenna elements in the antenna element are parallel to each other, and the second antenna element in each pair of antenna elements crosses each other perpendicularly with the first antenna element in another pair or more pairs of antenna elements, and the second antenna element in the other pair or more pairs of antenna elements crosses each other perpendicularly with the first antenna element in the pair of antenna elements. Furthermore, the conductive layers of the individual antenna elements in the antenna element do not contact each other.

[0046] For example, in Figure 9 In the example, antenna element 920b may include three pairs of antenna elements: 920b-1-1 and 920b-1-2 (collectively referred to as antenna element pair 920b-1), 920b-2-1 and 920b-2-2 (collectively referred to as antenna element pair 920b-2), and 920b-3-1 and 920b-3-2 (collectively referred to as antenna element pair 920b-3). Antenna element 920b is arranged as follows:

[0047] The first antenna elements in each pair of antenna elements from 920b-1 to 920b-3, namely 920b-1-1 to 920b-3-1, are parallel to each other;

[0048] In antenna element pair 920b-1, the first antenna element 920b-1-1 and the second antenna element 920b-1-2 of the pair intersect each other perpendicularly at their respective gaps 920b-11-s; in antenna element pair 920b-2, the first antenna element 920b-2-1 and the second antenna element 920b-2-2 of the pair intersect each other perpendicularly at their respective gaps 920b-22-s; and in antenna element pair 920b-3, the first antenna element 920b-3-1 and the second antenna element 920b-3-2 of the pair intersect each other perpendicularly at their respective gaps 920b-33-s.

[0049] In antenna element pair 920b-1, the second antenna element 920b-1-2 and the first antenna element 920b-2-1 intersect each other perpendicularly at point 920b-12-s, and in antenna element pair 920b-2, the second antenna element 920b-2-2 and the first antenna element 920b-1-1 intersect each other perpendicularly at point 920b-21-s; except for the antenna element pair 920b- In addition to the crossing of antenna elements in 1, the second antenna element 920b-2-2 in antenna element pair 920b-2 also intersects perpendicularly with the first antenna element 920b-3-1 in antenna element pair 920b-3 at point 920b-23-s, and the second antenna element 920b-3-2 in antenna element pair 920b-3 intersects perpendicularly with the first antenna element 920b-2-1 in antenna element pair 920b-2 at point 920b-32-s. Furthermore, the conductive layers of the individual antenna elements 920b-1-1 to 920b-3-2 in antenna element unit 920b do not contact each other.

[0050] and Figure 7 Compared to the antenna system 700 shown, Figure 9 The staggered arrangement of different antenna pairs in the antenna elements of the antenna system 900 shown can achieve spatial multiplexing, which is conducive to further miniaturization and common aperture of the antenna system.

[0051] Figure 9 The different antenna pairs in the antenna element shown can operate in the same or different frequency bands. For example, Figure 9The antenna unit 920b includes three pairs of antenna elements 920b-1 to 920b-3, whose operating frequency bands can be one of the Wi-Fi 2G, 5G, and 6G frequency bands. That is, the operating frequency bands of the three pairs of antenna elements 920b-1 to 920b-3 can all be the Wi-Fi 2G frequency band, or all be the Wi-Fi 5G frequency band, or all be the Wi-Fi 6G frequency band. Alternatively, at least two pairs of antenna elements 920b-1 to 920b-3 included in the antenna unit 920b can have different operating frequency bands from each other. For example, the operating frequency bands of antenna element pairs 920b-1 and 920b-3 can be the Wi-Fi 5G frequency band, while the operating frequency band of antenna element pair 920b-2 can be the Wi-Fi 2G frequency band. In this case, the substrate can adopt a three-layer stacked design, such as... Figure 10 As shown. That is, in Figure 9 In the example, antenna elements 920a to 920c are located on the same substrate. The substrate may include three layers, wherein the first layer (e.g., Figure 10 1010 in the text refers to the power distribution network layer (i.e., power divider network 930a) used for the first operating frequency band (i.e., Wi-Fi 2G band), and the second layer (e.g., Figure 10 1020 in the middle) is the floor layer, the third layer (e.g., Figure 10 830 in the diagram refers to the feed network layer (i.e., power divider network 930b) used for the second operating frequency band (i.e., the Wi-Fi 5G band). It can be connected via vias (e.g., Figure 10 1040 in the middle) and blind holes (e.g., Figure 10 The 1050 in the model number satisfies the electrical connection between different layers. Compared to, for example... Figure 7 The power divider network shown is laid flat on the top layer of the substrate. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The multi-layer stacked design shown can further reduce the size of the antenna system, which in turn facilitates further miniaturization and common aperture of the antenna system.

[0052] Figure 11A It shows Figure 9 The radiation pattern of the 2G antenna array of the antenna system 900 shown is a cross-sectional view in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 2.45GHz. From... Figure 11A It can be seen from this that Figure 9 The peak gain of the 2G antenna array of the antenna system 900 shown is 8.1 dBi, and the horizontal (i.e., XOY plane) beamwidth is 123°. Figure 11B It shows Figure 9 The radiation pattern of the 5G antenna array of the antenna system 900 shown is a cross-sectional view in the XOZ plane at an operating frequency of 5.50 GHz. From Figure 11B It can be seen from this that Figure 9The peak gain of the 5G antenna array in the antenna system 900 shown is 11.3 dBi, and the horizontal plane (i.e., the XOY plane) beamwidth is 120°. It can be seen that, regardless of... Figure 9 Whether it's a 2G or 5G antenna array, the horizontal beamwidth of the antenna is greater than 120°, which is wider than the industry's conventional wide-beam antenna design.

[0053] In the foregoing, this disclosure combines Figures 2 to 11B Antenna elements and antenna systems including the antenna elements are described according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The antenna elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure introduce separate radiating stubs at the ends of the radiating arms of the antenna elements. The radiation pattern of the antenna element is a composite pattern of the semi-circular radiation pattern of the radiating arms towards the zenith and the horizontal figure-eight radiation pattern of the introduced radiating stubs. This composite radiation pattern has a wider horizontal radiation pattern, increasing the horizontal coverage of the antenna element. Furthermore, the antenna element can be formed using a PCB, thus simplifying the process, reducing costs, and facilitating mass production; and compared to existing magnetoelectric dipole antenna elements with wider horizontal radiation patterns, its size is smaller, thus facilitating the common-aperture design of the antenna system and meeting the miniaturized antenna design requirements of current highly integrated communication devices. The individual antenna elements in the antenna array (or antenna unit) of the antenna system according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be arranged in a staggered vertical cross-section to achieve spatial multiplexing, promoting miniaturization and common-aperture design of the antenna system. Furthermore, when antenna elements of different operating frequency bands are arranged in a staggered vertical cross-section, the substrate supporting the antenna array can adopt a multi-layer stacked design, which further reduces the overall size of the antenna system.

[0054] It should be understood that the above text, in combination with... Figure 2 and Figure 4 The antenna elements described and their combination Figure 7 and Figure 9 The antenna systems described are merely examples of antenna elements and systems based on this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, although in Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this configuration, the third and fourth radiating elements form an inverted U-shape with the first and second radiating elements, meaning that the third and fourth radiating elements are directly below the ends of the second portions of the first and second radiating elements in the Z-axis direction. However, the arrangement of the third and fourth radiating elements is not limited to this. For example, the third and fourth radiating elements can also be directly above the ends of the second portions of the first and second radiating elements in the Z-axis direction. As another example, although in... Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the second portions of the first and second radiating elements are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first portions of the first and second radiating elements; however, in other embodiments, the second portions of the first and second radiating elements may not be perpendicular to the first portions of the first and second radiating elements. For example, although in… Figure 9 The antenna unit 920b includes three pairs of antenna elements, but in other embodiments, the antenna unit may include more (e.g., four pairs, five pairs, etc.) of antenna elements.

[0055] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a communication device. The communication device may include an antenna system (e.g., antenna system 700 or 900) according to embodiments of this disclosure. The communication device may also include a processor, at least one memory, and a transceiver. The memory may store instructions. The transceiver may transmit / receive signals on a channel via the antenna system. The processor may be configured to perform various operations when executing instructions stored in the memory.

[0056] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an antenna element. The method includes: providing a dielectric substrate, providing a conductive layer on the dielectric substrate, and etching the conductive layer to form: a first radiating element and a second radiating element, both the first and second radiating elements being bent structures, each bent structure including a first portion and a second portion bent at the top of the first portion; the first portions of the first and second radiating elements being arranged adjacent to each other and forming a gap; the second portions of the first and second radiating elements extending away from each other; a third radiating element and a fourth radiating element, the third radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the first radiating element and separated from the first radiating element; and the fourth radiating element being located at the end of the second portion of the second radiating element and separated from the second radiating element. The first, second, third, and fourth radiating elements can be respectively combined with the above description. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The first, second, third, and fourth radiating elements are described, but for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0057] This disclosure has now been combined with Figures 2-11B Antenna elements, antenna systems, communication devices, and methods for manufacturing antenna elements according to embodiments of this disclosure are described. It should be noted that the above description is merely an illustration of some embodiments of this disclosure and the principles of the applied technology. For example, the formulas involved in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this disclosure.

[0058] Furthermore, while the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0059] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna element, comprising: dielectric substrate, and The conductive layer on the dielectric substrate, the conductive layer comprising: A first radiating element and a second radiating element, both of which are bent structures, the bent structure including a first part and a second part bent at the top of the first part, the first part of the first radiating element and the first part of the second radiating element are arranged adjacent to each other and form a gap, the second part of the first radiating element and the second part of the second radiating element extend away from each other in a direction away from each other. A third radiating element and a fourth radiating element, wherein the third radiating element is located at the end of the second portion of the first radiating element and is separate from the first radiating element, and the fourth radiating element is located at the end of the second portion of the second radiating element and is separate from the second radiating element.

2. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The second portion is perpendicular to the first portion and bends at its end, such that the second portion includes a bend that is parallel to the first portion.

3. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The third radiating element is parallel to the gap and forms an inverted U-shape with the first radiating element, and the fourth radiating element is parallel to the gap and forms an inverted U-shape with the second radiating element.

4. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The third and fourth radiating elements are strip-shaped, and their lengths are determined based on the operating wavelength of the antenna elements.

5. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein, The third radiating element and the fourth radiating element are respectively grounded.

6. The antenna element according to claim 1, further comprising a feeding structure for feeding the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

7. An antenna system comprising an antenna array, said antenna array comprising an antenna element according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. The antenna system according to claim 7, wherein, The antenna array includes one or more antenna elements, each antenna element including a pair of antenna elements, wherein the first antenna element and the second antenna element in the pair of antenna elements cross each other perpendicularly at their respective gaps.

9. The antenna system according to claim 7, wherein, The antenna array includes one or more antenna elements, wherein at least one antenna element includes two or more pairs of antenna elements, and wherein, The first antenna elements in each pair are parallel to each other, and the second antenna element in each pair intersects the first antenna element in that pair perpendicularly at their respective gaps. The second antenna element of each pair of antenna elements intersects perpendicularly with the first antenna element of another pair or more pairs of antenna elements, and the second antenna element of that other pair or more pairs of antenna elements intersects perpendicularly with the first antenna element of the pair of antenna elements; and The conductive layers of each antenna element do not come into contact with each other.

10. The antenna system according to claim 9, wherein, At least two of the two or more pairs of antenna elements operate at different frequency bands.

11. The antenna system according to claim 10, wherein, The first pair of antenna elements in the at least two pairs of antenna elements operates in the Wi-Fi 2G band, and the second pair of antenna elements in the at least two pairs of antenna elements operates in the Wi-Fi 5G band.

12. The antenna system according to claim 10, wherein, The one or more antenna elements are located on the same substrate, which includes three layers: a first layer is a feed network layer for a first operating frequency band, a second layer is a ground plane layer, and a third layer is a feed network layer for a second operating frequency band.

13. A communication device comprising an antenna system according to any one of claims 5-12.

14. A method for manufacturing an antenna element, comprising: Provide dielectric substrate, A conductive layer is provided on the dielectric substrate, and the conductive layer is etched to form: A first radiating element and a second radiating element, both of which are bent structures, the bent structure including a first part and a second part bent at the top of the first part, the first part of the first radiating element and the first part of the second radiating element are arranged adjacent to each other and form a gap, the second part of the first radiating element and the second part of the second radiating element extend away from each other in a direction away from each other. A third radiating element and a fourth radiating element, wherein the third radiating element is located at the end of the second portion of the first radiating element and is separate from the first radiating element, and the fourth radiating element is located at the end of the second portion of the second radiating element and is separate from the second radiating element.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein, The second portion is perpendicular to the first portion and bends at its end, such that the second portion includes a bend that is parallel to the first portion.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein, The third radiating element is parallel to the gap and forms an inverted U-shape with the first radiating element, and the fourth radiating element is parallel to the gap and forms an inverted U-shape with the second radiating element.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein, The third and fourth radiating elements are strip-shaped, and their lengths are determined based on the operating wavelength of the antenna elements.

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