Antennas and communication devices

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an antenna, comprising a dielectric substrate and a radiation structure; the radiation structure comprises a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a coupling electrode arranged between the first transmission line and the second transmission line; the first transmission line comprises a plurality of first transmission segments and at least one first connecting segment; one first connecting segment is located between two adjacent first transmission segments, and the two ends of the first connecting segment are connected with the two first transmission segments respectively; the first connecting segment protrudes to a side away from the second transmission line; the second transmission line comprises a plurality of second transmission segments corresponding to the first transmission segments one by one and a plurality of second connecting segments corresponding to the first connecting segments one by one; the second connecting segment protrudes to a side away from the first transmission line; for the corresponding first connecting segment and second connecting segment, the opening of the first connecting segment and the opening of the second connecting segment are opposite, and the opening of the first connecting segment and the opening of the second connecting segment define a receiving space; one coupling electrode is located in one receiving space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to an antenna and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] In wireless communication systems, antennas, acting as the conversion hub between electromagnetic waves and electrical signals, are core components for information transmission. With the rapid development of technologies such as 5G, IoT, and satellite communication, antenna performance directly determines the coverage, transmission rate, and anti-interference capability of communication systems. Whether it's a base station, mobile terminal, or radar system, all rely on the antenna's efficient radiation and directional transmission / reception capabilities. While traditional antennas (such as dipoles and patch antennas) can meet basic requirements, they face challenges such as excessive size and insufficient directivity in high-frequency and highly integrated scenarios. Therefore, leaky-wave antennas (LWA), with their unique traveling-wave radiation mechanism, have gradually become a research hotspot in high-density communication systems.

[0003] The core difference between leaky wave antennas and traditional resonant antennas lies in their traveling wave characteristics: as electromagnetic waves propagate along the antenna structure, energy continuously leaks into free space through periodic radiating elements, forming a directional beam. This design gives leaky wave antennas three significant advantages: first, a compact structure, with a length comparable to the operating wavelength, making them suitable for high-frequency millimeter-wave communication; second, frequency scanning capability, with the beam direction changing with frequency, achieving electronic scanning without mechanical rotation; and third, high directivity, with radiated energy concentrated within a narrow beam, reducing multipath interference. For example, in indoor communication in the 60GHz band, leaky wave antennas can achieve low-profile, high-gain beamforming through microstrip line integration design.

[0004] However, despite the significant theoretical advantages of leaky antennas, their practical applications are still limited by inherent drawbacks. For example, traditional leaky antennas suffer from limited frequency scanning range, fixed radiation characteristics, and poor design flexibility in practical applications. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a leaky antenna with a large scanning range and high flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. In one aspect, it provides an antenna, including a dielectric substrate and a radiating structure disposed on the dielectric substrate; wherein the radiating structure includes: a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and at least one coupling electrode disposed between the first transmission line and the second transmission line; the first transmission line includes a plurality of first transmission segments and at least one first connecting segment; a first connecting segment is located between two adjacent first transmission segments, and both ends of the first connecting segment are respectively connected to the two first transmission segments; the first connecting segment protrudes to a side away from the second transmission line; the second transmission line includes a plurality of second transmission segments corresponding one-to-one with the first transmission segments and a plurality of second connecting segments corresponding one-to-one with the first connecting segments; the second connecting segments protrude to a side away from the first transmission line; for the corresponding first connecting segments and second connecting segments, the openings of the first connecting segments and the second connecting segments are opposite each other, and the openings of the first connecting segments and the second connecting segments define an accommodating space; a coupling electrode is located in one of the accommodating spaces.

[0006] In some examples, the orthographic projection shape of the coupling electrode on the dielectric substrate is a parallelogram or an ellipse.

[0007] In some examples, the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode onto the dielectric substrate is annular.

[0008] In some examples, the radiating structure further includes a plurality of first branches and a plurality of second branches; the first branches are connected to the first transmission segment, the second branches are connected to the second transmission segment, and the extension directions of the first branches and the first transmission segment intersect, and the extension directions of the second branches and the second transmission segment intersect.

[0009] In some examples, one of the first branches is connected to one of the first transmission segments, and one of the second branches is connected to one of the second transmission segments.

[0010] In some examples, a plurality of first branches are connected to a first transmission segment, and the plurality of first branches connected to the same first transmission segment are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the first transmission segment; a plurality of second branches are connected to a second transmission segment, and the plurality of second branches connected to the same second transmission segment are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the second transmission segment.

[0011] In some examples, the plurality of first connection segments are arranged periodically along the extension direction of the first transmission segment.

[0012] In some examples, the first connecting segment includes a first sub-segment that is generally parallel to the extension direction of the first transmission segment; the first sub-segment has a first notch; the opening of the first notch faces away from the opening of the first connecting segment; the second connecting segment includes a second sub-segment that is generally parallel to the extension direction of the second transmission segment; the second sub-segment has a second notch; the opening of the second notch faces away from the opening of the second connecting segment.

[0013] In some examples, for the corresponding first transmission segment and second transmission segment, the first transmission segment and the second transmission segment are arranged in parallel; the midpoint of the line connecting the center of the first transmission segment and the center of the second transmission segment is the first midpoint, and the straight line passing through the first midpoint and extending along the extension direction of the first transmission segment is the first axis of symmetry; the radial structure has axial symmetry about the first axis of symmetry.

[0014] In some examples, for the corresponding first and second transmission segments, the ratio between the spacing between them and the linewidth of the first transmission segment is between 0.75 and 1.33.

[0015] In some examples, the maximum length of the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode on the dielectric substrate along its extension direction is at... The maximum length of the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode on the dielectric substrate along its arrangement direction is located at... λ cf The wavelength in free space corresponding to the center frequency of the antenna.

[0016] In some examples, the ratio between the length of the first branch in its extension direction and the linewidth of the first transmission segment is between 1.2 and 2.

[0017] In some examples, the spacing between two adjacent first connecting segments is... λ cf The wavelength in free space corresponding to the center frequency of the antenna.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a communication device comprising the antenna described in any example of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a waveguide-based leaky wave antenna in related technologies.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a microstrip-based leaky antenna in related technologies.

[0021] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the antenna provided in this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the radiating structure of the antenna provided in this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a magnified view of the radial structure.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing several possible shapes for the coupling electrode.

[0025] Figure 7 This is another alternative example for the first and second branches.

[0026] Figure 8 These are two other optional examples for the first and second connection segments.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the geometric parameters of the radial structure.

[0028] Figure 10 The simulation results of the reflection coefficient of the antenna provided in this disclosure are shown in the figure.

[0029] Figure 11 The simulation results are shown in the figure for the antenna scanning range provided in this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 12 The gain curve of the antenna provided in this disclosure.

[0031] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0032] 1. Waveguide structure; 2. Filling dielectric; 3. Periodic slot; 4. First dielectric substrate; 5. Reference electrode layer; 6. Microstrip transmission line; 6-1. Main body; 6-2. Branch; 100. Dielectric substrate; 200. Radiation structure; 201. First transmission line; 202. Second transmission line; 203. Coupling electrode; 2011. First stub; 2012. First notch; 2021. Second stub; 2022. Second notch; P11. First transmission segment; P12. First connecting segment; P21. Second transmission segment; P22. Second connecting segment; Q1. Accommodation space; LS. First axis of symmetry. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an,” “a,” or “the,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including,” “comprising,” or “containing,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” or similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0035] As used herein, “parallel” and “perpendicular” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable range of deviation, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “parallel” includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate parallelism may be, for example, within 5°; “perpendicular” includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate perpendicularity may also be, for example, within 5°.

[0036] It should be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being on another layer or substrate, it can mean that the layer or element is directly on the other layer or substrate, or that there is an intermediate layer between the layer or element and the other layer or substrate.

[0037] In this article, "electrical connection" includes the situation where constituent elements are connected together by a component that has a certain electrical function. There are no particular restrictions on the "component that has a certain electrical function" as long as it enables the transmission and reception of electrical signals between the connected constituent elements. Examples of "components that have a certain electrical function" include not only electrodes and wiring, but also switching elements such as transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and other components with various functions.

[0038] This document describes exemplary embodiments with reference to sectional views and / or plan views, which are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing processes. Thus, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of the regions of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Before detailing the embodiments of the antennas provided in this disclosure, we will first briefly introduce the structure of traditional leaky wave antennas and their existing technical problems. Common leaky wave antennas include waveguide-based leaky wave antennas and microstrip line-based leaky wave antennas, which will be described separately below.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a leaky wave antenna based on a waveguide structure in related technologies. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the leaky wave antenna based on the waveguide structure mainly includes a waveguide structure 1 and a filling medium 2 filling the cavity inside the waveguide structure 1. The waveguide structure 1 has a top wall F1 and a bottom wall F2 arranged opposite each other, and a first side wall F3 and a second side wall F4 arranged opposite each other. The two side walls and the top wall F1 and bottom wall F2 are connected to form the cavity of the waveguide structure 1, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity is rectangular. The waveguide structure 1 serves as a channel for electromagnetic wave transmission, and the electromagnetic field is directionally distributed through geometric constraints to ensure that energy is concentrated inside the waveguide structure. The filling medium 2 can be a low-loss medium such as air, polytetrafluoroethylene, or ceramic, used to adjust the equivalent dielectric constant of the waveguide structure 1 and enhance its mechanical stability. Periodic slots 3 are formed in the top wall or side wall of the waveguide structure 1. Figure 1 Taking the opening on the top wall as an example, for each gap, its shape can be a longitudinal slit, an inclined slit, or a dumbbell-shaped opening. The function of the periodic gap 3 is to disrupt the current continuity of the waveguide wall during the propagation of electromagnetic waves, so that some energy is radiated to the outside. Usually, the radiation direction can be controlled by adjusting the period, inclination angle, or gap size of the periodic gap 3.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a microstrip line-based leaky antenna in related technologies. (Example:) Figure 2As shown, the microstrip line-based leaky-wave antenna mainly includes a first dielectric substrate 4, a reference electrode layer 5, and a microstrip transmission line 6. Among them, the first dielectric substrate 4 usually adopts materials such as FR4 or Rogers RT; the materials of the reference electrode layer 5 and the microstrip transmission line 6 may be metals such as copper. The dielectric substrate 4 and the reference electrode layer 5 jointly form a propagation environment for electromagnetic waves, concentrating the electric field between the microstrip transmission line 6 and the reference electrode layer 5 to reduce radiation loss. The microstrip transmission line 6 includes a main body portion 6-1 and a plurality of branch portions 6-2 connected to the main body portion 6-1, wherein the extending direction of the main body portion 6-1 is a first direction, the extending direction of the branch portions 6-2 is a second direction, and the first direction intersects with the second direction. The main body portion 6-1 is configured to guide electromagnetic waves to propagate unidirectionally in the form of traveling waves, so that the input energy is uniformly distributed to each of the branch portions 6-2; each of the branch portions 6-2 is configured to disrupt the current continuity of the microstrip transmission line 6, so that part of the energy is radiated to the free space through the branch portions 6-2. Generally, parameters such as the size, inclination angle of each branch portion 6-2 and the interval between adjacent branch portions 6-2 can be adjusted to control the polarization characteristics and beam angle of the antenna.

[0042] However, whether it is a waveguide-based leaky-wave antenna or a microstrip line-based leaky-wave antenna, due to the structural characteristics and principle of the leaky-wave antenna, both have the problems of narrow scanning range and poor flexibility. In general, the scanning range of a leaky-wave antenna is mainly limited by its dispersion characteristics and radiation conditions. Specifically, the beam direction angle θ of the leaky-wave antenna is determined by the ratio of the propagation constant β and the free-space wave number k0, that is:

[0043]

[0044] wherein, is the propagation constant of the waveguide structure 1 or the microstrip transmission line 6, λ g is the operating wavelength of the waveguide structure 1 or the microstrip transmission line 6; is the free-space wave number, and λ0 is the free-space wavelength. The limitation of the radiation condition means that the leaky-wave antenna needs to satisfy the energy leakage condition, that is, β<k0, that is, λ g <λ0, correspondingly, θ should be less than 90°, which means that the beam can only scan within the range of [0°, 90°]. In addition, due to limiting factors such as dispersion characteristics, structural characteristics (waveguide symmetry), and the phase matching condition of the periodic structure, the actual scanning range of the leaky-wave antenna is only in the range of [30°, 60°]. Taking the microstrip line leaky-wave antenna as an example, assuming its dielectric constant ε r =3.0, the unit period is 0.5λ0, and the operating frequency is in the range of 10GHz-15GHz, at this time, for a beam with a frequency of 10GHz, its scanning range is about 37°, and for a beam with a frequency of 15GHz, its scanning range is about 53°, that is to say, the actual scanning range only covers [37°, 53°].

[0045] In related technologies, to achieve wide-angle scanning, complex mechanical structures are typically designed or electronic control is used to achieve a wide range of beam steering. While these methods can effectively expand the scanning range of leaky antennas, they also increase the design and manufacturing difficulty of the leaky antennas, leading to increased size and reduced integration. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a leaky antenna with a wide scanning range and a simple structure.

[0046] In order to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, in one respect, this disclosure provides an antenna.

[0047] Figure 3 A front perspective view of the antenna provided in this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the antenna provided in this disclosure includes: a dielectric substrate 100 and a radiating structure 200 disposed on the dielectric substrate 100. Figure 4 This is a top view of the overall radial structure. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of the area enclosed by the dashed line. (See image below.) Figures 4-5 As shown, the radiating structure 200 includes a first transmission line 201, a second transmission line 202, and at least one coupling electrode 203 disposed between the first transmission line 100 and the second transmission line 200. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The first transmission line 201 includes a plurality of first transmission segments P11 and at least one first connecting segment P12. A first transmission segment P12 is located between two adjacent first transmission segments P11, and both ends of the first connecting segment P12 are connected to the two adjacent first straight sections P11, respectively. Similarly, the second transmission line 202 includes a plurality of second transmission segments P21 and at least one second connecting segment P22. The second transmission segments P21 and the first straight sections P11 correspond one-to-one, and the second connecting segments P22 and the first connecting segments P12 correspond one-to-one. The first connecting segments P12 and P22 protrude from the side opposite to the second transmission line 202, and the second connecting segments P22 protrude from the side opposite to the first transmission line 201. For the corresponding first connecting segments P12 and P22, the openings of the first connecting segments P12 and P22 are opposite each other, and the openings of the first connecting segments P12 and P22 define an accommodating space Q1. A coupling electrode 203 is located in an accommodating space Q1.

[0048] The antenna provided in this disclosure has at least the following advantages compared to related technologies:

[0049] 1. Because the antenna of this disclosure adopts a coplanar transmission line structure for its radiation structure, the electric field is confined between the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202. There is no need to additionally set a reference electrode layer on the side of the dielectric substrate 100 away from the transmission lines. Therefore, compared with related microstrip-based leaky antennas, this simplifies the fabrication process, reduces the antenna's cross-sectional size, and improves the antenna's integration density. 2. By setting a coupling electrode 203 between the two transmission lines, tight electromagnetic coupling can be achieved between the coplanar transmission lines, thereby changing the current distribution on the antenna surface. When the size of the coupling electrode 203 is appropriate, the surface current density can be higher and more uniformly distributed. This increases the number of effective radiating elements and the effective radiating area, making the antenna's radiation more uniform and stable in different scanning directions, thus effectively expanding the beam scanning range. In summary, the antenna provided by the embodiments of this disclosure has the advantages of a large scanning range, small size, high integration density, and simple fabrication process.

[0050] In some examples, the dielectric substrate 100 can be made of materials such as glass, Rogers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), FR4, ceramic, polyimide, or sapphire. For instance, it can be a PCB insulating material such as PTFE glass fiber laminate, phenolic paper laminate, or phenolic glass cloth laminate. In practical applications, the optimal material can be selected based on factors such as dielectric properties, transmission loss, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and processing technology.

[0051] In some examples, the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202 can be microstrip lines, and the material of the microstrip lines can be low-resistance, low-loss metals such as copper, gold, and silver.

[0052] The fabrication steps for the antenna are roughly as follows: 1. Apply a metal layer to the dielectric substrate 100 using methods such as magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, or electroplating. The thickness of the metal layer needs to be greater than the skin depth, i.e., greater than [missing information]. Where ω is the angular frequency corresponding to the antenna operating frequency, μ is the magnetic permeability of the metal layer, and γ is the electrical conductivity of the metal layer; 2. A pattern of radiating structure 200 is formed on the metal layer using an etching process.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the shape of the coupling electrode. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the orthographic projection shape of the coupling electrode 203 on the dielectric substrate 100 can be a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a ring. When the orthographic projection shape of the coupling electrode 203 on the dielectric substrate 100 is a ring, it can be a rectangular ring or an elliptical ring.

[0054] In the above example, when the orthographic projection shape of the coupling electrode 203 on the dielectric substrate 100 is elliptical, it has the following effects on the antenna radiation performance: 1. Due to the elliptical geometry, the elliptical coupling electrode 203 allows for different coupling strengths in different directions, thus providing more flexible electromagnetic coupling control and helping to precisely adjust the antenna's radiation mode and radiation directivity. 2. Since the elliptical coupling electrode can more effectively control the phase and amplitude of the wave propagating along the microstrip line, it can effectively reduce the excitation of non-transmission mode waves, thereby improving the signal transmission quality. However, compared to the rectangular coupling electrode 203, the elliptical coupling electrode 203 requires higher manufacturing process specifications, such as more precise cutting and forming processes, and due to the complexity of its geometric parameters, the elliptical coupling electrode 203 increases the debugging cost.

[0055] When the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode 203 onto the dielectric substrate 100 is annular, it has the following effects on the antenna's radiation performance: 1. Since the annular coupling electrode 203 increases the interaction area between the electric and magnetic fields, it enhances the electromagnetic coupling strength between the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202; 2. Since the annular coupling electrode supports multiple coupling modes, it expands the operable frequency range, extends the antenna's bandwidth, and improves its application range. However, similar to the elliptical coupling electrode 203, the annular coupling electrode 203 has complex geometric parameters, which increases the difficulty of antenna fabrication and debugging.

[0056] Continue to refer to Figures 4-5 The radiating structure 200 provided in this disclosure further includes a plurality of first branches 2011 and a plurality of second branches 2021. The first branches 2011 are connected to the first transmission segment P11, and the second branches 2021 are connected to the second transmission segment P21. The extension directions of the first branches 2011 and the first transmission segment P11 intersect, and the extension directions of the second branches 2021 and the second transmission segment P21 intersect. Preferably, the extension directions of the first transmission segment P11 and the second transmission segment P21 are the same (i.e., the extension directions of the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202 are the same, and they are arranged parallel to each other), and the extension directions of the first branches 2011 and the second branches 2021 are the same. For ease of description, the extension directions of the first transmission segment P11 and the second transmission segment P21 are referred to as the first direction, and the extension directions of the first branches 2011 and the second branches 2021 are referred to as the second direction.

[0057] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, a first stub 2011 is connected to a first transmission segment P11, and a second stub 2021 is connected to a second transmission segment P21. However, this is not the only example. Figure 7As another example of the first and second branches, in some other examples, a plurality of first branches 2011 are correspondingly connected to a first transmission segment P11, and the plurality of first branches 2011 connected to the same first transmission segment P11 are arranged side by side along the extension direction (i.e., the first direction) of the first transmission segment P11; correspondingly, a plurality of second branches 2021 are correspondingly connected to a second transmission segment P21, and the plurality of second branches 2021 connected to the same second transmission segment P21 are arranged side by side along the extension direction (i.e., the first direction) of the second transmission segment P11. It should be noted that... Figure 7 Taking the example of connecting two first branches 2011 to one first transmission segment P11 and two second branches 2021 to one second transmission segment P21, the actual implementation can be optimized according to conditions such as space constraints, radiation performance, and impedance matching.

[0058] In the above example, by introducing a first stub 2011 and a second stub 2021 into the radiating structure 200, at least the following beneficial effects can be achieved: Since the first stub 2011 and the second stub 2021 provide a low-impedance path for the fundamental mode, the electromagnetic energy of the fundamental mode is short-circuited or reflected at specific locations, thereby confining the electromagnetic field energy of the fundamental mode to a smaller region, or guiding the electromagnetic field energy of the fundamental mode to propagate in a specific direction. In other words, the introduction of the first and second stubs changes the electromagnetic characteristics of the radiating structure, affecting the propagation path and mode of the fundamental mode, thus reducing the influence of the fundamental mode on the electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiating structure. Furthermore, when multiple first stubs 2011 are provided for a first transmission segment P11, or multiple second stubs 2021 are provided for a second transmission segment P21, since the added first or second stubs can further adjust the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves and provide more degrees of freedom for adjusting impedance characteristics, this example can further improve the antenna's radiation mode control capability and help achieve better impedance matching.

[0059] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4Multiple first connecting segments P12 are periodically arranged along the extension direction of the first transmission segment P11, i.e., the first direction. Similarly, multiple second connecting segments P22 are periodically arranged along the first direction. In other words, the length of the first transmission segment P11 along the first direction varies periodically, or the length of the second transmission segment P21 along the first direction varies periodically. This arrangement can further achieve the following beneficial effects: because the periodically arranged first or second connecting segments can periodically modulate the electromagnetic waves, the desired radiation mode and beam scanning characteristics can be achieved. If the first or second connecting segments are randomly arranged, it is very likely that the electromagnetic coupling strength at different positions will be inconsistent, thereby changing the phase and amplitude distribution of the electromagnetic waves, resulting in problems such as a smaller beam scanning range and pattern distortion, thus reducing the antenna's radiation efficiency and beam scanning performance.

[0060] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 In some examples, the first connecting segment P12 includes multiple sub-segments extending in different directions and connected sequentially. At least one of these sub-segments is approximately parallel to the extending direction of the first transmission segment P11 and is referred to as the first sub-segment. This first sub-segment has a first notch 2012, the opening of which faces away from the opening of the first connecting segment P12. Similarly, the second connecting segment P22 includes multiple sub-segments extending in different directions and connected sequentially. At least one of these sub-segments is approximately parallel to the extending direction of the second transmission segment P21 and is referred to as the second sub-segment. This second sub-segment has a second notch 2022, the opening of which faces away from the opening of the second connecting segment P22. It should be noted that the phrase "segment A and segment B are approximately parallel" in this document refers to the situation where the line containing segment A is parallel to the line containing segment B, or where the two lines intersect but at a very small angle (e.g., less than 5°).

[0061] In the above example, by opening a first notch 2012 and a second notch 2022 on the first connecting segment P12 and the second connecting segment P22 respectively, the impedance characteristics of the radiation structure 200 can be adjusted, enabling the antenna to achieve good impedance matching in a wider frequency range, thereby reducing reflection loss and improving the efficiency and reliability of the antenna.

[0062] For the preferred option, continue to refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5For the corresponding first transmission segment P11 and second transmission segment P21, the first transmission segment P11 and the second transmission segment P21 are arranged in parallel. If the midpoint of the line connecting the center of the first transmission segment P11 and the center of the second transmission segment P21 is taken as the first midpoint O1, and the straight line extending through the first midpoint O1 and along the extension direction (first direction) of the first transmission segment P11 is taken as the first axis of symmetry LS, the radiation structure 200 has axial symmetry about the first axis of symmetry LS.

[0063] In the above example, by limiting the radiating structure 200 to be symmetrical about the first axis of symmetry LS, a tight electromagnetic coupling can be generated between the two microstrip lines, thereby enabling the antenna to achieve the required radiation mode and beam scanning characteristics. In other words, if the radiating structure 200 does not have axial symmetry about the first axis of symmetry LS, that is, the symmetry between the two microstrip lines is destroyed, the electromagnetic coupling strength between the two microstrip lines will be weakened, resulting in a decrease in antenna radiation efficiency, a smaller beam scanning range, and pattern distortion.

[0064] Figures 4-7 The accommodating space defined by the first and second connecting segments shown in the diagram has a rectangular projection shape on the dielectric substrate. However, in actual implementation, this shape is not limited to this; it is merely an example. Figure 8 These are schematic diagrams illustrating several structures for the first and second connecting segments. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the orthographic projection shape of the openings of the first connecting segment P12 and the second connecting segment P22 on the dielectric substrate 100 can be trapezoidal or triangular.

[0065] When the orthographic projection shape of the openings of both the first connecting segment P12 and the second connecting segment P22 is trapezoidal, the following beneficial effects can be further achieved: it can more effectively control the phase and amplitude of the beam propagating along the microstrip line, thereby enabling a wider beam scanning angle; it can also extend the current distribution path, making the current distribution more uniform and reducing sidelobes and beam skew in the radiation mode; and it can also provide stronger mechanical support. However, on the other hand, its manufacturing cost and difficulty are higher, and additional losses may be introduced due to inappropriate bending angles of the connecting segments.

[0066] When the orthographic projection shape of the openings of both the first connecting segment P12 and the second connecting segment P22 is triangular, the following beneficial effects can be achieved: On the one hand, the area occupied by the radiating structure 200 can be reduced, making the antenna structure more compact and contributing to miniaturization; on the other hand, the current distribution and phase can be controlled more precisely, thereby improving directivity and helping to reduce the excitation of higher-order modes, thus improving transmission quality. However, at the same time, it may change the impedance characteristics of the microstrip line, requiring additional design to ensure impedance matching of the antenna.

[0067] Of course, in addition to the structure formed by connecting multiple sub-segments, the first connecting segment P12 and the second connecting segment P22 can also be arcs. In specific implementations, the structure of the first connecting segment P12 and the second connecting segment P22 can be designed according to actual needs, and this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0068] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 Geometric parameter annotation diagram of the area enclosed by the dashed line. To clarify the technical features of this embodiment, the geometric parameters of each part of the radial structure 200 will be quantitatively explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] First, the linewidths of the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202, as well as the spacing between them, are described. Optionally, the linewidth W1 of the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202 can be... λ cf Here, λ is the wavelength in free space corresponding to the antenna center frequency. To ensure tight coupling between the two microstrip lines, for example, the ratio between the spacing D1 between the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202 and the linewidth W1 of the first transmission line 201 is between 0.75 and 1.33; for instance, the spacing D1 between the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202 can be... It should be noted that some of the accompanying drawings (e.g.) Figure 5 and Figure 7 The spacing parameter between the first transmission line 201 and the second transmission line 202 may be enlarged to highlight technical details and does not represent the actual spacing between them. In actual implementation, the physical spacing between them should refer to the numerical range specified in the text of the instruction manual.

[0070] Next, the dimensions of the coupling electrode 203 are described. For example, the maximum length L1 of the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode 203 onto the dielectric substrate 100 along its extension direction (i.e., the second direction) is located at... The maximum length W2 of the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode 203 on the dielectric substrate 100 along its arrangement direction (i.e., the first direction) is located at...

[0071] Next, the dimensions of the first stub 2011 or the second stub 2021 will be described. Since the radiating structure 200 is symmetrical about the first axis of symmetry LS, only the dimensions of the first stub 2011 will be described here. For example, the ratio between the length H3 of the first stub 2011 in its extension direction and the linewidth W1 of the first transmission segment P11 is between 1.2 and 2. For instance, when the linewidth W1 of the first transmission segment P11 is... At that time, the length H3 of the first branch 2011 in the second direction can be The ratio between the length W5 of the first branch 2011 in the first direction and the linewidth W1 of the first transmission segment P11 is between 1.2 and 2, and the linewidth W1 of the first transmission segment P11 is also taken as... At this point, the length W5 of the first branch 2011 in the first direction is...

[0072] Next, the dimensions of the first connecting segment P12 and the second connecting segment P22 are introduced. Similarly, since the radial structure 200 is symmetrical about the first axis of symmetry LS, only the first connecting segment P12 is described here as an example. Optionally, the maximum height H1 of the first connecting segment P12 along the first direction is... The maximum width W3 of the first connecting segment P12 along the second direction, or the minimum spacing W3 between two adjacent first transmission segments P11, is:

[0073] Next, the dimensions of the first notch 2012 or the second notch 2022 will be described. Similarly, since the radiation structure 200 is symmetrical about the first axis of symmetry LS, only the first notch 2012 will be used as an example here. For instance, the ratio between the length W4 of the first notch 2012 along the first direction and the minimum spacing W3 between two adjacent first transmission segments P11 is between 0.125 and 0.3; the ratio between the length H2 of the first notch 2012 along the second direction and the minimum spacing W3 between two adjacent first transmission segments P11 is also between 0.125 and 0.3. Taking the minimum spacing W3 between two adjacent first transmission segments P11 as... For example, the length W4 of the first gap 2012 along the first direction and the length H2 along the second direction are both...

[0074] Finally, the maximum spacing between two adjacent first connecting segments P12 or two adjacent second connecting segments P22 is described. Similarly, since the radial structure 200 is symmetrical about the first axis of symmetry LS, only the maximum spacing between two adjacent first connecting segments P12 is described. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The maximum distance P between any two adjacent first connecting segments P12 is It should be noted that, more preferably, the first connecting segments P12 can be evenly arranged along the first direction. In this case, the spacing between any two first connecting segments P12 is the same, and they are all in the same position.

[0075] To more clearly and intuitively demonstrate the geometric parameters of the antenna's radiation structure provided in this disclosure, the range of values ​​for the geometric parameters is also presented in a list, as shown in Table 1.

[0076] To strengthen the argument, the inventors conducted a simulation of the radiation performance of the antenna provided in this disclosure. Figure 10 The reflection coefficient of the antenna provided in this disclosure within the operating frequency band; Figure 11 The beam scanning angle of the antenna provided in this disclosure within the operating frequency band; Figure 12 Gain curves of the antenna provided in this disclosure within the operating frequency band.

[0077] from Figure 10 As can be seen, within the operating frequency band of 4GHz-8GHz, the antenna's reflection coefficient is less than -10dB, indicating that the antenna has good impedance matching within the operating frequency band, meaning that the antenna has a wide operating bandwidth. Figure 11 It can be seen that the antenna provided in this disclosure has a scanning range of -80° to +80° within the operating frequency band, proving that it has wide-angle scanning capability. From Figure 12 As can be seen, the antenna provided in this disclosure has a peak gain of 8 dBi in the operating frequency band of 4 GHz-8 GHz, and has good radiation gain.

[0078] Table 1: Geometric parameter settings for the radial structure

[0079]

[0080] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides a communication device that includes the antenna provided in any example of the first aspect.

[0081] In addition to the above, the communication device provided in this disclosure also includes a transceiver unit, a radio frequency transceiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filtering unit. The antenna in the communication device can serve as either a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna. The transceiver unit may include a baseband and a receiving end. The baseband provides signals in at least one frequency band, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G signals, and transmits the signals in at least one frequency band to the radio frequency transceiver. After receiving the signal, the antenna in the communication device can process it through the filtering unit, power amplifier, signal amplifier, and radio frequency transceiver before transmitting it to the receiving end in the transceiver unit. The receiving end may be, for example, a smart gateway.

[0082] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to the transceiver unit and is used to modulate the signals transmitted by the transceiver unit, or to demodulate the signals received by the antenna before transmitting them to the transceiver unit. Specifically, the RF transceiver may include a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a modulation circuit, and a demodulation circuit. After the transmitting circuit receives various types of signals provided by the baseband, the modulation circuit can modulate these signals before sending them to the antenna. The antenna receives the signals and transmits them to the receiving circuit of the RF transceiver. The receiving circuit then transmits the signals to the demodulation circuit, which demodulates the signals before transmitting them to the receiving end.

[0083] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to a signal amplifier and a power amplifier, which are then connected to a filtering unit. The filtering unit is connected to at least one antenna. During signal transmission, the signal amplifier improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit may include a duplexer and a filtering circuit. The filtering unit combines the signals output from the signal amplifier and power amplifier, filters out noise, and transmits them to the antenna, which then radiates the signal. During signal reception, the antenna receives the signal and transmits it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit filters out noise from the received signal before transmitting it to the signal amplifier and power amplifier. The signal amplifier increases the gain of the received signal, improving the SNR; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the received signal. The signal received by the antenna, after processing by the power amplifier and signal amplifier, is transmitted to the RF transceiver, which then transmits it to the transceiver unit.

[0084] In some examples, the signal amplifier may include various types of signal amplifiers, such as low-noise amplifiers, without limitation.

[0085] In some examples, the communication device provided in this disclosure also includes a power management unit connected to a power amplifier and providing the power amplifier with a voltage for amplifying signals.

[0086] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna, comprising a dielectric substrate and a radiating structure disposed on the dielectric substrate; wherein, The radiation structure includes: A first transmission line includes a plurality of first transmission segments and at least one first connection segment; one first connection segment is located between two adjacent first transmission segments, and both ends of the first connection segment are respectively connected to the two first transmission segments; The second transmission line includes multiple second transmission segments corresponding one-to-one with the first transmission segment and multiple second connection segments corresponding one-to-one with the first connection segment; the first connection segment protrudes to a side away from the second transmission line; the second connection segment protrudes to a side away from the first transmission line. And, a coupling electrode corresponding to each of the first connection segments, the coupling electrode being disposed between the first transmission line and the second transmission line; For the corresponding first connecting segment and second connecting segment, the openings of the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment are opposite each other, and the openings of the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment define an accommodating space; One of the coupling electrodes is located in one of the accommodating spaces.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The orthographic projection shape of the coupling electrode on the dielectric substrate is a parallelogram or an ellipse.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The orthographic projection of the coupling electrode onto the dielectric substrate is ring-shaped.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The radial structure also includes multiple first branches and multiple second branches; The first branch is connected to the first transmission segment, the second branch is connected to the second transmission segment, and the extension directions of the first branch and the first transmission segment intersect, as do the extension directions of the second branch and the second transmission segment.

5. The antenna according to claim 4, wherein, One of the first branches is connected to one of the first transmission segments, and one of the second branches is connected to one of the second transmission segments.

6. The antenna according to claim 4, wherein, Several first branches are connected to a first transmission segment, and several first branches connected to the same first transmission segment are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the first transmission segment; Several second branches are connected to a second transmission segment, and several second branches connected to the same second transmission segment are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the second transmission segment.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first connection segments are arranged periodically along the extension direction of the first transmission segment.

8. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting segment includes a first sub-segment that is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the first transmission segment; the first sub-segment has a first notch; the opening of the first notch faces away from the opening of the first connecting segment; The second connecting segment includes a second sub-segment that is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the second transmission segment; the second sub-segment has a second notch; the opening of the second notch faces away from the opening of the second connecting segment.

9. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, For the corresponding first transmission segment and second transmission segment, the first transmission segment and the second transmission segment are arranged in parallel; the midpoint of the line connecting the center of the first transmission segment and the center of the second transmission segment is the first midpoint, and the straight line passing through the first midpoint and extending along the extension direction of the first transmission segment is the first axis of symmetry; The radiating structure is axially symmetric about the first axis of symmetry.

10. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, For the corresponding first transmission segment and second transmission segment, the ratio between the spacing between them and the linewidth of the first transmission segment is between 0.75 and 1.

33.

11. The antenna according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The maximum length of the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode on the dielectric substrate along its extension direction is located at... The maximum length of the orthographic projection of the coupling electrode on the dielectric substrate along its arrangement direction is located at... λ cf The wavelength in free space corresponding to the center frequency of the antenna.

12. The antenna according to claim 4, wherein, The ratio between the length of the first branch in its extension direction and the linewidth of the first transmission segment is between 1.2 and 2.

13. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The spacing between two adjacent first connecting segments is λ cf The wavelength in free space corresponding to the center frequency of the antenna.

14. A communication device comprising the antenna according to any one of claims 1-13.

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