Wide-angle scanning metasurface based on interconnected network and wide-angle scanning method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of wide-angle scanning transmission metasurface based on interconnection network and wide-angle scanning method thereof, including feed module, transmission unit array, interconnection propagation network, edge power compensation module, control module and bias control network.For the unit independent control architecture that existing transmission metasurface adopts, when wide-angle beam scanning, the problem that scanning gain drops, beam broadens and side lobe level lifts due to power attenuation of edge region is solved by the application, intercommunication and sharing of electromagnetic energy in array are realized by interconnection propagation network, and phase regulation, network working state and edge power compensation parameters are uniformly coordinated in the same control cycle by control module, so that the three are executed in coordination, energy redistribution and power compensation are completed simultaneously while wavefront reconstruction is realized.The scheme effectively overcomes the core bottleneck of insufficient excitation power at the edge of the array, reduces the phenomenon of effective radiation aperture reduction during wide-angle scanning, reduces side lobe deterioration and beam distortion, and significantly improves the wide-angle scanning performance and beam quality of the metasurface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of electromagnetic metamaterials, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), transmit arrays, and millimeter-wave and terahertz wireless communication technologies, and particularly to a wide-angle scanning transmit array based on an interconnected network and its wide-angle scanning method. Background Technology

[0002] With the large-scale commercialization of 5G mobile communication technology and the rapid iterative evolution of 6G mobile communication technology, millimeter wave and terahertz bands, with their core advantages of abundant spectrum resources, large communication capacity, and high transmission rates, have become the core development frequency bands for next-generation high-speed wireless communication technology. However, with the continuous increase in communication operating frequency, the free-space propagation loss of electromagnetic waves is increasing exponentially. The gain, radiation efficiency, and signal coverage of traditional fixed antennas all have inherent limitations and can no longer meet the needs of future ultra-high-speed, wide-coverage, and large-angle scanning wireless communication applications.

[0003] Reconfigurable smart metasurfaces possess outstanding characteristics such as thin and light structure, low fabrication cost, strong integration adaptability, and flexible electromagnetic wave manipulation. They can dynamically control the propagation phase, wavefront morphology, and propagation path of incident electromagnetic waves, making them a research hotspot in current wireless communication, intelligent electromagnetic environment construction, and integrated sensing technologies. Among them, transmissive reconfigurable metasurfaces can independently control the electromagnetic response characteristics of each transmissive unit to reconstruct the wavefront of incident electromagnetic waves, thereby achieving multiple functions such as beamforming, large-angle beam scanning, electromagnetic wave focusing, and dynamic reconstruction of the electromagnetic environment. They have great application value and industrialization prospects in next-generation wireless communication systems, smart metasurface-enabled communication scenarios, and integrated communication and sensing devices.

[0004] Currently, mainstream transmissive metasurface arrays generally adopt an independent unit control architecture, meaning that each transmissive unit within the array is equipped with a separate phase adjustment device, and there are no radio frequency interconnections between the transmissive units. The array as a whole fits the target beam distribution by adjusting the transmission phase of each unit independently. This architecture relies on mature unit design and control logic, and has the advantages of simple structural design, clear control logic, and low engineering implementation difficulty. However, its inherent technical defects are quite prominent: the transmissive units in the array are independent of each other and there is no collaborative working mechanism, making it impossible to achieve the interconnection and sharing of electromagnetic energy within the array. Under large-angle beam scanning conditions, due to factors such as uneven distribution of electromagnetic wave illumination from the feed source, attenuation of incident electromagnetic wave power in the array edge units, and increased electromagnetic wave propagation path loss, the transmission efficiency of the metasurface array edge units is significantly reduced, leading to a continuous reduction in the effective radiation aperture of the array. This ultimately causes problems such as array scanning gain attenuation, beam broadening, and sidelobe level rise, severely degrading the large-angle scanning performance of the transmissive metasurface and greatly limiting its wide-angle communication application capabilities.

[0005] To address the poor wide-angle scanning performance of transmissive metasurfaces, existing solutions primarily focus on optimizing the unit structure. This includes optimizing the metasurface unit topology, improving phase quantization accuracy, designing wide-angle adapted transmissive units, and iteratively optimizing feed position to compensate for and optimize beam performance at large angles. However, these improvements are based on the traditional design approach of "independent unit operation without array collaboration," only specifically improving the wide-angle transmission performance of a single transmissive unit. They cannot achieve dynamic redistribution of electromagnetic power across the entire metasurface array, failing to fundamentally solve the core problem of insufficient excitation power for array edge units. As the beam scanning angle further increases, technical issues such as radiation efficiency attenuation, beam distortion, and sidelobe deterioration in the array edge region persist, resulting in a significant bottleneck in improving wide-angle scanning performance.

[0006] In addition, with the increasing demands of wireless communication for the aperture and integration of metasurface arrays, the trend of large-scale and dense development of metasurface arrays is significant. Traditional unit-independent control architectures require configuring independent control circuits and bias networks for each transmission unit. As the array size increases, the complexity of the system control link will increase significantly, while introducing a large number of parasitic parameters and control losses. This not only increases the difficulty of hardware design and engineering deployment, but also restricts the low-loss and miniaturization engineering realization of large-scale transmission metasurface arrays.

[0007] In summary, the core technical challenge currently facing the field of reconfigurable transmissive metasurfaces lies in overcoming the limitations of traditional independent control architectures while retaining the inherent advantages of simple, flexible, and easily integrated transmissive metasurface structures. This challenge aims to improve the efficiency of electromagnetic energy utilization within the array, achieve full-domain power compensation and coordinated radiation of elements under large-angle scanning conditions, and enhance the beam quality and radiation efficiency of wide-angle scanning. Accordingly, this application proposes a novel transmissive metasurface structure. By constructing an interconnected propagation network within the array and establishing controllable electromagnetic interconnections between each transmissive element, dynamic sharing of radio frequency energy within the array is achieved. Combined with an edge power compensation mechanism, the excitation level of edge elements is improved, effectively addressing many shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the technical shortcomings of existing transmissive metasurfaces during wide-angle scanning, this invention proposes a wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnect network.

[0009] This invention first addresses the problem of traditional transmissive metasurfaces where each transmissive unit is independent and lacks radio frequency interconnection. By constructing an interconnected propagation network within the transmissive unit array, radio frequency signal transmission paths are established between adjacent transmissive units, enabling dynamic sharing of electromagnetic energy within the array. This transforms the entire array from a traditional independent operating mode to a collaborative operating mode, improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of the array.

[0010] This invention further addresses the problem of insufficient excitation of edge units during wide-angle scanning. As the beam scanning angle increases, the control module adjusts the operating state of the interconnect propagation network according to the target scanning direction, enabling the excess electromagnetic energy in the array's central region to be transmitted to the edge region in the target direction through the interconnect propagation network. This provides power compensation for the edge transmission units, improves the radiation capability of the edge region, and prevents the effective aperture of the array from decreasing due to edge unit failure.

[0011] This invention also addresses the problems of decreased beam gain, increased sidelobe level, and poor beam pointing stability during traditional wide-angle scanning. By cooperating with the interconnected propagation network and the edge power compensation module, a more uniform power distribution is maintained in all areas of the array. While ensuring that the transmission unit completes phase modulation, the overall array's cooperative radiation capability is improved, enabling the array to maintain high beam gain and good radiation performance even during wide-angle scanning.

[0012] Furthermore, this invention addresses the problems of complex control circuitry and insufficient system scalability in existing transmissive metasurfaces. By adopting a centralized control approach, a control module uniformly controls the transmissive unit array and interconnect propagation network, and a bias control network achieves unified distribution of control signals. This reduces control complexity while improving system stability and engineering feasibility. The entire interconnect network employs a modular design, allowing for flexible expansion according to different array sizes, demonstrating excellent scalability and engineering application value.

[0013] This invention provides a wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnect network, comprising: A power supply module, wherein the output port of the power supply module is disposed opposite to the incident side of the transmission unit array, and is used to provide incident electromagnetic waves to the transmission unit array; A transmission unit array, comprising multiple transmission units arranged in an array, each transmission unit having an incident surface and a transmission surface, used for transmission phase modulation of incident electromagnetic waves. An interconnected propagation network is disposed inside the transmission unit array. The interconnected propagation network includes multiple electrical connection nodes, each of which is electrically connected to a corresponding transmission unit. The interconnected propagation network is used to realize the sharing and coordinated propagation of electromagnetic energy within the array. An edge power compensation module is disposed in the edge region of the transmission unit array. The input terminal of the edge power compensation module is electrically connected to the electrical connection node of the interconnection propagation network located in the edge region. The edge power compensation module is used to perform power compensation on the transmission units in the edge region. The control module has multiple output terminals that are electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnection propagation network, and the edge power compensation module, respectively. The control module is used to synchronously coordinate and control the phase modulation of the transmission unit array and the power compensation of the interconnection propagation network and the edge power compensation module. A bias control network is provided, with its input terminal electrically connected to the control module and its multiple output terminals electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network, and the edge power compensation module, respectively. The bias control network is used to uniformly distribute control signals to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network, and the edge power compensation module.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bias control network adopts a multilayer printed circuit board bias structure, which includes at least two printed circuit board layers. The printed circuit board layers are electrically connected to each other through vias. The multiple output terminals of the bias control network extend along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bias control network adopts a flexible line bias structure, which includes a flexible substrate and multiple control lines disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate. The multiple control lines extend along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array, and the multiple output terminals of the bias control network are electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnection propagation network and the edge power compensation module through the flexible line bias structure.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bias control network adopts an integrated bias structure, which integrates the control signal distribution circuit on a single substrate. The multiple output terminals of the bias control network are electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network and the edge power compensation module through the metal interconnect layer inside the integrated bias structure.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the size of each transmission unit in the transmission unit array corresponds to and matches the operating frequency band. When the transmission unit array operates in the millimeter wave frequency band, the side length of each transmission unit does not exceed half of the corresponding operating wavelength; when the transmission unit array operates in the terahertz frequency band, the side length of each transmission unit does not exceed one-quarter of the corresponding operating wavelength.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission unit array, the interconnection propagation network and the edge power compensation module adopt a modular structure. The transmission unit array is composed of several transmission unit sub-array modules spliced ​​together. The interfaces between each transmission unit sub-array module are unified, and the interconnection propagation network realizes electrical connection between each transmission unit sub-array module through the interface.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnect propagation network is located on the incident surface side or the transmission surface side of the transmission unit array, and each electrical connection node of the interconnect propagation network is distributed in a grid pattern along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array. The edge power compensation module is only electrically connected to the electrical connection nodes located on the edge side of the target scanning direction in the interconnect propagation network.

[0020] This invention also provides a wide-angle scanning method for a wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network, applicable to the wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network as described above. The method includes: The power supply module provides incident electromagnetic waves to the transmission unit array, and each transmission unit receives the incident electromagnetic waves. The control module determines the operating status parameters of the interconnected propagation network and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module based on the target beam scanning direction. The control module distributes control signals to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network, and the edge power compensation module through the bias control network; Each transmission unit performs transmission phase modulation according to the received control signal to form the phase distribution required for the target beam direction; The interconnected propagation network transmits electromagnetic energy from the central region of the transmission unit array to the electrical connection nodes in the edge region of the target scanning direction, based on the operating state parameters. The edge power compensation module performs power compensation on the transmission units in the edge region of the target scanning direction according to the compensation parameters; When phase modulation and power compensation are completed simultaneously, the transmission unit array radiates transmitted electromagnetic waves toward the target beam direction.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control module further includes: performing power-on initialization on the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network and the edge power compensation module through the bias control network, setting the initial value of the transmission phase of each transmission unit to zero, setting all radio frequency signal transmission paths of the interconnect propagation network to an open state, and setting the compensation gain of the edge power compensation module to zero.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: a control module sampling and detecting the radiation pattern of the transmission unit array, and determining whether the current beam gain, sidelobe level and beam pointing meet the preset indicators based on the sampling and detection results; if the preset indicators are not met, the operating state parameters of the interconnection propagation network and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module are readjusted.

[0023] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) This invention constructs an interconnected propagation network within the transmission unit array, enabling the establishment of radio frequency signal transmission paths between adjacent transmission units, thereby achieving dynamic sharing of electromagnetic energy within the array. This transforms the traditional independent working mode of each transmission unit into a collaborative working mode, improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of the array. The principle of implementation is as follows: the interconnected propagation network extends along the transmission units, establishing radio frequency connections with multiple transmission units, constructing continuous radio frequency propagation paths within the array. This allows the transmission units, which were originally independent and lacked radio frequency interconnection, to form energy transfer channels. The electromagnetic energy within the array no longer depends solely on the incident excitation of the power supply module, but can be dynamically redistributed among the units through the interconnected propagation network.

[0024] (2) This invention uses an edge power compensation mechanism to dynamically transfer the excess electromagnetic energy in the central region of the array to the edge region of the target scanning direction during wide-angle scanning, thereby compensating the power of the edge transmission units and improving the problem of scan gain reduction caused by insufficient excitation of edge units in traditional transmissive metasurfaces. This allows the array to maintain a large effective radiation aperture during wide-angle scanning, thus improving the wide-angle scanning capability. The principle of implementation is as follows: When the beam scanning angle increases, the control module adjusts the working state of the interconnection propagation network according to the target scanning direction, activates the radio frequency signal transmission path from the central region of the array to the edge region of the target direction, and transmits the excess electromagnetic energy generated in the central region due to the offset of the incident electromagnetic wave illumination angle to the electrical connection node in the edge region through the interconnection propagation network. The edge power compensation module performs gain processing on the received electromagnetic energy and feeds it to the edge transmission unit to compensate for its insufficient incident power.

[0025] (3) This invention uses a control module to coordinate and control the transmission unit array, the interconnection propagation network, and the edge power compensation module, enabling phase modulation and power compensation to be completed synchronously. While ensuring the required phase distribution in the target beam direction, it improves the radiation capability of the edge region, making the entire array form a more uniform electromagnetic field distribution, reducing the sidelobe level rise and beam distortion problems during wide-angle scanning, and improving beam quality and scanning stability. Its implementation principle is as follows: the control module simultaneously sends phase modulation signals to the transmission unit array, sends working status parameters to the interconnection propagation network, and sends compensation parameters to the edge power compensation module within the same control cycle. The three work together to ensure that while the transmission unit receives the phase modulation signal and performs wavefront reconstruction, the interconnection propagation network and the edge power compensation module simultaneously complete energy redistribution and power compensation, avoiding radiation performance degradation caused by phase and power distribution mismatch. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnect network is shown in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following description, the invention is described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more specific details or with other alternatives and / or additional methods, materials, or components. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the inventive points of the invention. Similarly, for illustrative purposes, specific quantities, materials, and configurations are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to these specific details.

[0028] In this invention, the various embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the solutions of the invention and should not be construed as limiting.

[0029] In this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "this embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment in all instances.

[0030] Furthermore, the numbering of the steps in the methods of the present invention does not limit the execution order of the method steps. Unless otherwise specified, the method steps may be executed in different orders.

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Example 1: like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnect network, including a power feeding module 1, a transmissive unit array 2, an interconnect propagation network 3, an edge power compensation module 4, a control module 5, and a bias control network 6.

[0033] The output port of the feed module 1 is positioned opposite to the incident side of the transmission element array 2. The feed module 1 is used to provide incident electromagnetic waves to the transmission element array 2. In this embodiment, the feed module 1 uses a horn antenna, which is positioned on one side of the transmission element array 2 to provide uniform electromagnetic wave illumination to the entire array, ensuring that the incident wave covers the entire transmission element array and that the array has high illumination uniformity. Optionally, the feed module 1 can also use a microstrip array antenna or a dielectric lens feed source to adapt to different application scenarios and frequency band requirements.

[0034] The transmission unit array 2 includes multiple transmission units arranged in a two-dimensional rectangular array. Each transmission unit has an incident surface and a transmission surface, and each transmission unit is used for transmission phase modulation of the incident electromagnetic wave. In this embodiment, each transmission unit is implemented using a double-layer printed circuit board, with a metal resonant structure layer on top and a ground layer on the bottom. The incident surface of each transmission unit faces the side of the feed module 1, and the transmission surface faces the radiation direction. Each transmission unit is equipped with a PIN diode as an adjustable device. By changing the bias voltage of the PIN diode, its on-resistance is adjusted, thereby adjusting the transmission phase of the transmission unit, so that the entire transmission unit array forms the required phase distribution, realizing the beam scanning function. Optionally, each transmission unit can also use a varactor diode, MEMS switch, or liquid crystal tuning device as an adjustable device to meet the requirements of different frequency response speeds and phase adjustment ranges. Preferably, the side length of each transmission unit in the transmission unit array 2 does not exceed half of the corresponding operating wavelength to ensure that each transmission unit has good phase modulation characteristics in the millimeter-wave band.

[0035] An interconnecting propagation network 3 is disposed within the transmission unit array 2. The interconnecting propagation network 3 includes multiple electrical connection nodes, each electrically connected to a corresponding transmission unit. The interconnecting propagation network 3 is used to realize the sharing and coordinated propagation of electromagnetic energy within the array. In this embodiment, the interconnecting propagation network 3 is located on the incident surface side of the transmission unit array 2, employing a low-loss microstrip transmission line structure. It extends along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array 2, connecting multiple transmission units to form a continuous radio frequency propagation structure. The electrical connection nodes are distributed in a grid pattern along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array 2, enabling electromagnetic energy exchange between adjacent transmission units through the interconnecting propagation network 3. The main function of the interconnect propagation network 3 is to establish a power-sharing path within the array: when the metasurface operates in normal scanning mode, the interconnect propagation network 3 maintains the basic propagation state, ensuring a balanced power distribution throughout the array; when the system enters wide-angle scanning mode, the interconnect propagation network 3 adjusts its overall operating state according to control commands issued by the control module 5, allowing a portion of the electromagnetic energy in the central region of the transmission unit array 2 to be transmitted along the interconnect propagation path to the electrical connection nodes in the edge region corresponding to the target scanning direction, thereby redistributing power within the array and improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of the array. Optionally, the interconnect propagation network 3 can also employ a stripline or coplanar waveguide structure to accommodate substrate materials with different dielectric constants and loss requirements.

[0036] An edge power compensation module 4 is disposed in the edge region of the transmission unit array 2. The input terminal of the edge power compensation module 4 is electrically connected to the electrical connection node of the interconnection propagation network 3 located in the edge region. The edge power compensation module 4 is used to perform power compensation on the transmission units in the edge region. In this embodiment, the edge power compensation module 4 is only electrically connected to the electrical connection node in the interconnection propagation network 3 located on the edge side of the target scanning direction. When the beam scanning angle is small, the edge power compensation module 4 maintains a low compensation state; as the target scanning angle gradually increases, the control module 5 gradually increases the compensation gain of the edge power compensation module 4, so that the edge region obtains more electromagnetic energy, thereby improving the radiation efficiency of the edge transmission unit. During the edge power compensation process, the transmission unit array 2 continues to complete phase adjustment according to the predetermined beam scanning direction, so that the edge region obtains additional power compensation while maintaining the same phase distribution as the array center region, thereby effectively reducing the phenomenon of array effective aperture reduction that occurs in traditional transmission metasurfaces during wide-angle scanning and improving the radiation gain of the entire array.

[0037] Multiple output terminals of the control module 5 are electrically connected to the transmission unit array 2, the interconnection propagation network 3, and the edge power compensation module 4, respectively. The control module 5 is used to synchronously coordinate the phase modulation of the transmission unit array 2 and the power compensation of the interconnection propagation network 3 and the edge power compensation module 4. In this embodiment, the control module 5 is implemented using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The control module 5 calculates the required phase configuration of each transmission unit of the transmission unit array 2 according to the target scanning direction input by the user, and determines the working state parameters of the interconnection propagation network 3 and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module 4 according to the scanning angle, and generates corresponding control signals. When the system operates at a small scanning angle, the control module 5 mainly controls the transmission unit array 2 to complete the normal phase adjustment, the interconnection propagation network 3 maintains the basic propagation state, and the edge power compensation module 4 is in a low compensation mode. When the system needs to perform a large-angle scan, the control module 5 synchronously adjusts the transmission unit array 2, the interconnection propagation network 3, and the edge power compensation module 4 according to the target scanning direction, so that the electromagnetic energy inside the array is dynamically transferred from the central region to the edge region of the target scanning direction, thereby improving the excitation level of the edge region and ensuring that the entire array still maintains a large effective radiation area. Alternatively, the control module 5 can also be implemented using a digital signal processor (DSP) or a microcontroller to meet different requirements for control precision and response speed.

[0038] The input terminal of the bias control network 6 is electrically connected to the control module 5, and the multiple output terminals of the bias control network 6 are respectively electrically connected to the transmission unit array 2, the interconnection propagation network 3, and the edge power compensation module 4. The bias control network 6 is used to uniformly distribute control signals to the transmission unit array 2, the interconnection propagation network 3, and the edge power compensation module 4. In this embodiment, the bias control network 6 adopts a multilayer printed circuit board bias structure, which includes at least two printed circuit board layers. The printed circuit board layers are electrically connected to each other through vias. The multiple output terminals of the bias control network 6 extend along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array 2. The bias control network 6 adopts a centralized power supply and control method. By rationally designing the bias circuit, it achieves effective isolation between the radio frequency signal and the DC control signal, reduces parasitic parameters caused by long-distance control circuits, and improves the stability and reliability of the entire metasurface.

[0039] In this embodiment, the wide-angle scanning method for a transmissive metasurface based on an interconnect network includes the following steps: Step S1: Control module 5 performs power-on initialization on the transmission unit array 2, interconnection propagation network 3, and edge power compensation module 4 through bias control network 6. During power-on initialization, the initial transmission phase value of each transmission unit is set to zero, all RF signal transmission paths of interconnection propagation network 3 are disconnected, and the compensation gain of edge power compensation module 4 is set to zero.

[0040] Step S2: The power supply module 1 provides incident electromagnetic waves to the transmission unit array 2, and each transmission unit receives the incident electromagnetic waves.

[0041] Step S3: The control module 5 determines the operating status parameters of the interconnected propagation network 3 and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module 4 according to the target beam scanning direction.

[0042] Step S4: The control module 5 distributes the control signal to the transmission unit array 2, the interconnection propagation network 3 and the edge power compensation module 4 through the bias control network 6.

[0043] Step S5: Each transmission unit performs transmission phase modulation according to the received control signal to form the phase distribution required for the target beam direction.

[0044] Step S6: The interconnected propagation network 3 transmits the electromagnetic energy of the central region of the transmission unit array 2 to the electrical connection nodes of the edge region of the target scanning direction according to the working state parameters.

[0045] Step S7: The edge power compensation module 4 performs power compensation on the transmission unit in the edge region of the target scanning direction according to the compensation parameters.

[0046] Step S8: With phase modulation and power compensation completed simultaneously, the transmission unit array 2 radiates transmitted electromagnetic waves toward the target beam direction.

[0047] Step S9: The control module 5 samples and detects the radiation pattern of the transmission unit array 2. Based on the sampling and detection results, it determines whether the current beam gain, sidelobe level and beam pointing meet the preset indicators. If the preset indicators are not met, the operating state parameters of the interconnection propagation network 3 and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module 4 are readjusted, and the process returns to step S4 to continue until the radiation pattern meets the preset indicators.

[0048] Example 2: This embodiment is an optimization based on Embodiment 1, with a focus on improving the structure of the bias control network 6, the operating frequency band of the transmission unit array 2, and the overall modular design.

[0049] Unlike Embodiment 1, the bias control network 6 in this embodiment employs a flexible line bias structure. The flexible line bias structure includes a flexible substrate and multiple control traces disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate. These control traces extend along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array 2. Multiple output terminals of the bias control network 6 are electrically connected to the transmission unit array 2, the interconnect propagation network 3, and the edge power compensation module 4 through the flexible line bias structure. The flexible substrate is made of polyimide (PI) or polyetherimide (PEI) material with a thickness of 25μm to 100μm, exhibiting excellent flexibility and high-frequency dielectric properties. The multiple control traces are fabricated on the surface of the flexible substrate using sputtered copper or evaporated gold processes, with the trace width designed according to the required impedance matching. The flexible line bias structure can be mounted to fit the non-planar curved surface of the transmission unit array 2, effectively reducing the stress concentration problem of traditional rigid lines in curved arrays, while also reducing parasitic inductance and capacitance on the control signal transmission path, making it suitable for the engineering implementation of large-scale, high-curvature transmission unit arrays 2. Optionally, the flexible line bias structure can be configured with multiple layers of traces on the surface of a flexible substrate, with vertical electrical connections between layers achieved through laser-drilled holes to accommodate more control signal channels.

[0050] In this embodiment, the transmission unit array 2 operates in the terahertz band, and the side length of each transmission unit does not exceed one-quarter of the corresponding operating wavelength to ensure sufficient phase adjustment level and low parasitic radiation within the terahertz band. Specifically, when the operating center frequency is 300 GHz (corresponding to a free space wavelength of approximately 1 mm), the side length of each transmission unit is designed to not exceed 250 μm. The adjustable devices in each transmission unit employ MEMS switches, which change the switch contact state via electrostatic drive to achieve rapid switching of the transmission phase, meeting the stringent requirements for switching loss and insertion loss in the terahertz band.

[0051] In this embodiment, the transmission unit array 2, the interconnection propagation network 3, and the edge power compensation module 4 adopt a modular structure. The transmission unit array 2 is composed of several transmission unit sub-array modules, and the interfaces between the transmission unit sub-array modules are unified. Specifically, each transmission unit sub-array module contains 16×16 transmission units (a total of 256 transmission units), and the module edge is provided with standardized RF connection ports and DC control ports. The interconnection propagation network 3 realizes electrical connection between the transmission unit sub-array modules through interfaces, enabling transmission units in adjacent modules to exchange electromagnetic energy across modules. The edge power compensation module 4 also adopts a modular design and is set at the outer edge of the transmission unit array 2. Each edge compensation module interfaces with the corresponding boundary transmission unit sub-array module. For large-scale metasurface arrays, a regional control method can be adopted, with the control module 5 managing the transmission unit sub-array modules and the corresponding interconnection propagation network 3 in different regions, realizing a combination of local power sharing and global collaborative control, reducing system control complexity while ensuring wide-angle scanning performance. When the array size increases, only the corresponding number of transmission unit sub-array modules and interconnection propagation network 3 need to be added to complete the expansion, without redesigning the entire control system.

[0052] Except for the differences mentioned above, the specific implementation methods of the power supply module 1 and the control module 5, as well as the execution steps of the wide-angle scanning method in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] Example 3: This embodiment is a modification of Embodiment 1, focusing on improving the integration scheme of the bias control network 6, the layout of the interconnection propagation network 3, and the implementation method of the control module 5, in order to adapt to application scenarios with high requirements for size and integration.

[0054] Unlike Embodiment 1, the bias control network 6 in this embodiment adopts an integrated bias structure. The integrated bias structure integrates the control signal distribution circuitry onto a single substrate. Multiple output terminals of the bias control network 6 are electrically connected to the transmission unit array 2, the interconnect propagation network 3, and the edge power compensation module 4 through a metal interconnect layer within the integrated bias structure. Specifically, the single substrate is a gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon germanium (SiGe) semiconductor substrate. The integrated bias structure contains a metal interconnect layer, which employs a multi-layer aluminum-copper stacked structure, with electrical isolation between layers achieved through dielectric isolation layers. The control signal distribution circuitry includes a signal fan-out network, a level conversion circuit, and an impedance matching network, all integrated onto a single substrate. This integrated bias structure significantly reduces the size of the bias control network 6, eliminates signal loss and crosstalk caused by external traces, and is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for control signal integrity in millimeter-wave and higher frequency bands.

[0055] In this embodiment, the interconnect propagation network 3 is located on the transmission surface side of the transmission unit array 2, rather than the incident surface side. The electrical connection nodes of the interconnect propagation network 3 are distributed in a grid pattern along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array 2, employing a ring interconnect topology. That is, each electrical connection node is connected via microstrip transmission lines along the row and column directions of the transmission unit array 2, forming a closed loop path around the array, allowing electromagnetic energy to propagate and converge in multiple directions. The edge power compensation module 4 is only electrically connected to the electrical connection nodes located on the edge side of the target scanning direction in the interconnect propagation network 3, thereby ensuring that power compensation only applies to the edge regions that need enhancement, avoiding unnecessary energy injection into edge regions outside the target direction.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control module 5 is jointly implemented using a digital signal processor (DSP) and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The FPGA is responsible for real-time phase calculation and digital control signal generation, while the DSP is responsible for scanning parameter planning, radiation pattern sampling data post-processing, and closed-loop feedback control logic. The control module 5 is connected to the bias control network 6 via a high-speed digital interface to achieve nanosecond-level control signal updates, meeting the requirements for rapid beam scanning and adaptive beamforming.

[0057] In this embodiment, the wide-angle scanning method adds a closed-loop detection step based on Embodiment 1: During or after each beam scan, the control module 5 samples and detects the radiation pattern of the transmission unit array 2 through the bias control network 6. Based on the sampling and detection results, it determines whether the current beam gain, sidelobe level, and beam pointing meet preset parameters. If the preset parameters are not met, the control module 5 automatically recalculates and adjusts the operating state parameters of the interconnect propagation network 3 and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module 4, and sends updated control signals through the bias control network 6 to achieve closed-loop optimization. This closed-loop mechanism enables the metasurface to continuously maintain optimal radiation performance in complex electromagnetic environments or multi-target tracking scenarios.

[0058] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the specific implementation methods of the power supply module 1 and the transmission unit array 2, as well as the basic execution steps of the wide-angle scanning method in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. For example, the interconnection propagation network 3 can adopt a regular grid layout, or a ring, layered, or locally interconnected structure, as long as power sharing between transmission units and power compensation in edge regions can be achieved, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to different operating frequency bands such as millimeter waves and terahertz, and can also be extended to dual-frequency, multi-frequency, and broadband transmission metasurface systems, possessing good versatility and engineering application value. Those skilled in the art can make several equivalent substitutions or modifications within the scope of the technical solutions disclosed in the present invention, and all such equivalent substitutions or modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] Although various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not as limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various combinations, modifications, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments disclosed above, but should be defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network, characterized in that, include: A power supply module, wherein the output port of the power supply module is disposed opposite to the incident side of the transmission unit array, and is used to provide incident electromagnetic waves to the transmission unit array; A transmission unit array, comprising multiple transmission units arranged in an array, each transmission unit having an incident surface and a transmission surface, used for transmission phase modulation of incident electromagnetic waves. An interconnected propagation network is disposed inside the transmission unit array. The interconnected propagation network includes multiple electrical connection nodes, each of which is electrically connected to a corresponding transmission unit. The interconnected propagation network is used to realize the sharing and coordinated propagation of electromagnetic energy within the array. An edge power compensation module is disposed in the edge region of the transmission unit array. The input terminal of the edge power compensation module is electrically connected to the electrical connection node of the interconnection propagation network located in the edge region. The edge power compensation module is used to perform power compensation on the transmission units in the edge region. The control module has multiple output terminals that are electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnection propagation network, and the edge power compensation module, respectively. The control module is used to synchronously coordinate and control the phase modulation of the transmission unit array and the power compensation of the interconnection propagation network and the edge power compensation module. A bias control network is provided, with its input terminal electrically connected to the control module and its multiple output terminals electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network, and the edge power compensation module, respectively. The bias control network is used to uniformly distribute control signals to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network, and the edge power compensation module.

2. The wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bias control network adopts a multi-layer printed circuit board bias structure, which includes at least two printed circuit board layers. The printed circuit board layers are electrically connected to each other through vias. The multiple output terminals of the bias control network extend along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array.

3. The wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bias control network adopts a flexible line bias structure, which includes a flexible substrate and multiple control lines disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate. The multiple control lines extend along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array. The multiple output terminals of the bias control network are electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnection propagation network and the edge power compensation module through the flexible line bias structure.

4. The wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bias control network adopts an integrated bias structure, which integrates the control signal distribution circuit on a single substrate. The multiple output terminals of the bias control network are electrically connected to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network and the edge power compensation module through the metal interconnect layer inside the integrated bias structure.

5. A wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of each transmission unit in the transmission unit array corresponds to and matches the operating frequency band. When the transmission unit array operates in the millimeter wave frequency band, the side length of each transmission unit does not exceed half of the corresponding operating wavelength; when the transmission unit array operates in the terahertz frequency band, the side length of each transmission unit does not exceed one-quarter of the corresponding operating wavelength.

6. A wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission unit array, interconnection propagation network, and edge power compensation module adopt a modular structure. The transmission unit array is composed of several transmission unit sub-array modules spliced ​​together. The interfaces between each transmission unit sub-array module are unified, and the interconnection propagation network realizes electrical connection between each transmission unit sub-array module through the interface.

7. A wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interconnect propagation network is located on the incident surface side or the transmission surface side of the transmission unit array. Each electrical connection node of the interconnect propagation network is distributed in a grid pattern along the array arrangement direction of the transmission unit array. The edge power compensation module is only electrically connected to the electrical connection nodes located on the edge side of the target scanning direction in the interconnect propagation network.

8. A wide-angle scanning method for a wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network, applied to a wide-angle scanning transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method includes: The power supply module provides incident electromagnetic waves to the transmission unit array, and each transmission unit receives the incident electromagnetic waves. The control module determines the operating status parameters of the interconnected propagation network and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module based on the target beam scanning direction. The control module distributes control signals to the transmission unit array, the interconnect propagation network, and the edge power compensation module through the bias control network; Each transmission unit performs transmission phase modulation according to the received control signal to form the phase distribution required for the target beam direction; The interconnected propagation network transmits electromagnetic energy from the central region of the transmission unit array to the electrical connection nodes in the edge region of the target scanning direction, based on the operating state parameters. The edge power compensation module performs power compensation on the transmission units in the edge region of the target scanning direction according to the compensation parameters; When phase modulation and power compensation are completed simultaneously, the transmission unit array radiates transmitted electromagnetic waves toward the target beam direction.

9. A wide-angle scanning method for a transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The control module performs power-on initialization on the transmission unit array, interconnect propagation network and edge power compensation module through the bias control network. The initial value of the transmission phase of each transmission unit is set to zero, all radio frequency signal transmission paths of the interconnect propagation network are disconnected, and the compensation gain of the edge power compensation module is set to zero.

10. A wide-angle scanning method for a transmissive metasurface based on an interconnected network according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The control module samples and detects the radiation pattern of the transmission unit array. Based on the sampling and detection results, it determines whether the current beam gain, sidelobe level, and beam pointing meet the preset indicators. If the preset indicators are not met, the operating state parameters of the interconnection propagation network and the compensation parameters of the edge power compensation module are readjusted.

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