Antenna array and communication equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to the technical field of antennas, and discloses an antenna array and communication equipment, the antenna array comprises a substrate layer, a radiation unit, a feed network, a feed structure and a grounding layer, the substrate layer comprises a first surface and a second surface which are oppositely arranged, the radiation unit is arranged in the substrate layer, and the feed network is arranged on the first surface of the substrate layer. At least one radiation structure is arranged on the radiation unit, the feed network is arranged on the substrate layer, the feed network comprises a slot group and a microstrip feed line group, the slot group and the microstrip feed line group are in coupling connection, the feed structure is connected with the feed network, and the grounding layer is arranged on the second surface. By means of the mode, the problems that a coupling mechanism between traditional antenna units is simple, and effective electromagnetic field regulation and control are difficult to achieve can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to an antenna array and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] The 6-16 GHz frequency band is becoming increasingly important in modern communications and detection fields. This band has broad application value in cutting-edge fields such as satellite communications, radar detection, 5G, and future 6G communications.

[0003] In implementing the embodiments of this application, the inventors discovered that: currently, the coupling mechanism between traditional antenna elements is simple, making it difficult to achieve effective electromagnetic field control, and the mutual influence between radiating elements leads to an increase in sidelobe level, affecting directional performance. Simultaneously, the limited feed structure design makes it difficult for array antennas to achieve flexible beam control. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main technical problem solved by the embodiments of this application is to provide an antenna array that solves the problem of simple coupling mechanism between traditional antenna elements and difficulty in achieving effective electromagnetic field control by setting radiating patches and feeding networks in the substrate layer. It also overcomes the technical problem of sidelobe level increase and directional performance affected by mutual influence between radiating elements.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is: providing an antenna array, including a substrate layer, a radiating element, a feeding network, a feeding structure, and a ground layer. The substrate layer includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. The radiating element is disposed within the substrate layer, and at least one radiating structure is disposed on the radiating element. The feeding network is disposed on the substrate layer, and the feeding network includes a slot group and a microstrip feed group, which are coupled together. The feeding structure is connected to the feeding network, and the ground layer is disposed on the second surface.

[0006] Optionally, the substrate includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a third substrate, and a fourth substrate, which are stacked sequentially.

[0007] Optionally, the radiating structure includes a first radiator disposed on the first substrate. The first radiator includes a first conductive strip and a second conductive strip arranged in a cross configuration, and the first radiator is spaced apart from the radiating patch.

[0008] Optionally, the radiating structure includes a second radiator disposed on the second substrate. The I-shaped radiator includes a main guide strip and two end guide strips, with each end of the main guide strip being perpendicularly connected to one of the end guide strips.

[0009] Optionally, the radiation unit further includes a radiation patch, the first radiation patch being disposed on the third substrate, the slit group being disposed on the radiation patch, the slit group including a main slit and two branch slits, the two ends of the main slit being perpendicularly connected to one of the branch slits respectively.

[0010] Optionally, the microstrip feed assembly is disposed on the fourth substrate, and the microstrip feed assembly includes a vertical guide strip and two horizontal guide strips, with one side of the vertical guide strip connected to the two horizontal guide strips in sequence.

[0011] Optionally, the substrate layer is provided with a plurality of metallized vias, the metallized vias are disposed between adjacent radiating units, and the feed network is connected to the microstrip feed line group through the metallized vias.

[0012] Optionally, the number of radiating units is four, and the four radiating units are arranged in a square.

[0013] Optionally, the number of metallized vias is equal to the number of radiating elements.

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this application is to provide a communication device, including the antenna array described in any of the above claims.

[0015] This application provides an antenna array comprising a substrate layer, radiating elements, a feed network, a feed structure, and a ground layer. The substrate layer includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. The radiating elements are disposed within the substrate layer and include multiple radiating patches, each with at least one radiating structure. The feed network is disposed on the substrate layer and includes a slot group and a microstrip feed group, which are coupled together. The feed structure is connected to the feed network. The ground layer is disposed on the second surface. The core functional structures, such as the radiating elements and the feed network, are integrated within the substrate layer. This multi-layer integrated design significantly reduces the overall size of the antenna and improves space utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the feed network employs an innovative structure where slot groups and microstrip feed groups are coupled together, ensuring efficient signal transmission and reducing mutual interference between functional layers. When a high-frequency signal is input through the feed structure, the coupling between the slot groups and the microstrip feed groups achieves precise impedance matching, ensuring efficient energy transmission to the radiating elements. The radiating structure on the radiating element uses electromagnetic field coupling to uniformly distribute and radiate electromagnetic energy outwards, effectively widening the operating frequency band to 6-16 GHz. The grounding layer further optimizes the antenna's directional performance and improves its gain. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array from another perspective according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the antenna array according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second substrate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third substrate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth substrate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a frequency coverage diagram of the antenna array in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a gain diagram of the antenna array in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows: 100, antenna array; 10, substrate layer; 11, first substrate; 12, second substrate; 13, third substrate; 14, fourth substrate; 15, radiating element; 151, radiating patch; 16, radiating structure; 161, first radiator; 162, first conductive strip; 163, second conductive strip; 164, second radiator; 165, main conductive strip; 166, end conductive strip; 17, radiating patch; 20, feed network; 21, slot group; 211, main slot; 212, branch slot; 22, microstrip feed group; 221, vertical conductive strip; 222, horizontal conductive strip; 19, metallized via; 30, ground layer. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The antenna array 100 includes a substrate layer 10, radiating elements 15, a feed network 20, a feed structure (not shown), and a ground layer 30. The substrate layer 10 includes a first surface (not shown) and a second surface (not shown) disposed opposite to each other. The radiating elements 15 are disposed within the substrate layer 10, and at least one radiating structure 16 is disposed on the radiating elements 15. The feed network 20 is disposed on the substrate layer 10, and the feed network 20 includes a slot group 21 and a microstrip feed group 22, which are coupled together. The feed structure is connected to the feed network 20. The ground layer 30 is disposed on the second surface.

[0030] Please refer to the details. Figure 3 The substrate layer 10 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a third substrate 13, and a fourth substrate 14. The first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the third substrate 13, and the fourth substrate 14 are stacked sequentially to form a multilayer composite structure.

[0031] Please continue reading. Figure 3The radiating structure 16 includes a first radiator 161 disposed on the first substrate 11. The first radiator 161 adopts a cross-structure design, including a first conductive strip and a second conductive strip 162; a first conductive strip 163 intersecting. The first conductive strip and the second conductive strip 162; the first conductive strip 163 are arranged perpendicularly to each other, forming a cross-shaped structure. When a high-frequency signal is input through the feeding structure, the slot group 21 and the microstrip feed line group 22 in the feeding network 20 are electromagnetically coupled, transmitting energy to the radiating element 15. The first conductive strip and the second conductive strip 162; the first conductive strip 163 intersecting in the first radiator 161 generate an electromagnetic field coupling effect, achieving uniform distribution and radiation of electromagnetic energy, thereby achieving wideband, low-loss antenna performance indicators.

[0032] Please see Figure 4 The antenna array 100 has a second radiator 164 disposed on the second substrate 12. The second radiator 164 includes a main guide strip 165 and two end guide strips 166. The two ends of the main guide strip 165 are respectively perpendicularly connected to one of the end guide strips 166, forming an "I"-shaped structure. The main guide strip 165 extends in the vertical direction, and the two end guide strips 166 extend in the horizontal direction. This special geometric configuration enhances the radiation performance of the antenna.

[0033] Please see Figure 5 The radiating element 15 has a radiating patch 17 disposed on the third substrate 13. The radiating patch 17 has a slot group 21, which includes a main slot 211 and two branch slots 212. Each end of the main slot 211 is perpendicularly connected to one of the branch slots 212, forming an "I"-shaped structure. The geometric dimensions of the main slot 211 and the branch slots 212 are precisely designed to control the antenna's operating frequency band and polarization characteristics.

[0034] Please see Figure 6 The microstrip feed line group 22 is disposed on the fourth substrate 14. The microstrip feed line group 22 includes a vertical conductor 221 and two horizontal conductors 222, with one side of the vertical conductor 221 sequentially connected to the two horizontal conductors 222. The connection between the vertical conductor 221 and the horizontal conductors 222 is designed with impedance matching optimization to ensure efficient energy transmission.

[0035] During operation, the second radiator 164, the radiating patch 17, and the microstrip feed line group 22 form electromagnetic field coupling in the vertical direction. Electromagnetic energy is coupled from the microstrip feed line group 22 to the radiating patch 17 through the slot group 21, and then radiated out by the second radiator 164. The orthogonal arrangement of the main slot 211 and the branch slots 212, combined with the "I"-shaped structure of the second radiator 164, achieves wideband characteristics. The three-layer structure design of the second radiator 164, the radiating patch 17, and the microstrip feed line group 22, through carefully designed spacing and dimensions, achieves good impedance matching and energy transmission efficiency in the 6-16GHz frequency band. The design of the slot group 21 not only provides the necessary electromagnetic coupling path, but also enhances the antenna's polarization control capability through the orthogonal arrangement of the main slot 211 and the branch slots 212.

[0036] Please combine Figure 2 The antenna array 100 has multiple metallized vias 19 in the substrate layer 10. The metallized vias 19 are disposed between adjacent radiating elements 15, and the feed network 20 establishes an electrical connection with the microstrip feed line group 22 through the metallized vias 19. The metallized vias 19 are fabricated using a precise electroplating process to ensure good conductivity, and provide reliable electrical interconnection paths between different layers of the substrate layer 10. When high-frequency signals are transmitted through the microstrip feed line group 22, efficient energy transfer between layers is achieved through the metallized vias 19, ensuring signal integrity. The square arrangement of the radiating elements 15, combined with optimized element spacing (0.3λ to 0.5λ), allows the electromagnetic waves radiated by each element to achieve optimal phase superposition in space, thereby forming the desired directional radiation beam.

[0037] In this embodiment, the antenna array 100 contains four radiating elements 15. These four radiating elements 15 are arranged in a square pattern, forming a 2×2 array structure. This square arrangement helps improve the directional performance and gain characteristics of the antenna array 100. The spacing between adjacent radiating elements 15 is precisely controlled within the range of 0.3λ to 0.5λ, where λ is the wavelength of the operating frequency. In practical applications, this structural design of the antenna array 100 has significant advantages: the metallized vias 19 reduce interlayer transmission loss; the 2×2 square arrangement simplifies the design of the feed network 20; and the element spacing of 0.3λ to 0.5λ ensures the compactness of the antenna array 100 while effectively suppressing grating lobe effects. These features enable the antenna array 100 to achieve stable directional performance and gain characteristics in the 6-16 GHz frequency band, meeting the stringent requirements of modern communication systems for antenna performance.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 ,from Figure 7 and Figure 8 The parameter curves show that within the target frequency band of 6-16 GHz, the return loss is below -10 dB, and at several frequency points it can even reach below -20 dB, indicating that the antenna has good impedance matching characteristics. In particular, at key frequency points (such as around 8 GHz, 12 GHz and 14 GHz), obvious resonances are observed, reflecting that the antenna has high radiation efficiency in these frequency bands.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, the antenna array 100 achieves a gain of 22-28 dBi. This high-gain characteristic is mainly attributed to the following design elements: First, the square arrangement of the four-element 2×2 array provides basic spatial focusing capability; second, the optimized element spacing of 0.3λ to 0.5λ ensures effective superposition of the radiated waves from each element; finally, the design of the multi-layer composite structure and the slot-coupled feed network 20 significantly reduces transmission loss. The axial ratio curve shows that the antenna maintains stable polarization characteristics within the operating frequency band, which further guarantees the stable performance of the antenna array 100 in practical applications. This high-gain characteristic makes the antenna array 100 particularly suitable for satellite communication systems requiring long-distance communication and radar systems requiring high-precision detection.

[0040] This application provides an antenna array 100, including a substrate layer 10, radiating elements 15, a feed network 20, a feed structure, and a ground layer 30. The substrate layer 10 includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. The radiating elements 15 are disposed within the substrate layer 10 and include multiple radiating patches 17. At least one radiating structure 16 is disposed on each radiating patch 17. The feed network 20 is disposed on the substrate layer 10 and includes a slot group 21 and a microstrip feed group 22, which are coupled together. The feed structure is connected to the feed network 20. The ground layer 30 is disposed on the second surface. The core functional structures, such as the radiating elements 15 and the feed network 20, are integrated within the substrate layer 10. This multi-layer integrated design significantly reduces the overall size of the antenna and improves space utilization efficiency. In particular, the feed network 20 adopts an innovative structure in which slot group 21 and microstrip feed group 22 are coupled together. This ensures efficient signal transmission and reduces mutual interference between functional layers. When a high-frequency signal is input through the feed structure, the coupling between slot group 21 and microstrip feed group 22 can achieve precise impedance matching, ensuring efficient energy transmission to the radiating element 15. The radiating structure 16 on the radiating element 15 uses electromagnetic field coupling to distribute electromagnetic energy evenly and radiate it outward, effectively widening the operating frequency band to 6-16 GHz. The grounding layer 30 further optimizes the antenna's directional performance and improves the gain.

[0041] This application also provides an embodiment of a communication device, which includes the antenna array 100 described above. For the specific structure and function of the antenna array 100, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0042] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An antenna array, characterized by The antenna array comprises: a substrate layer comprising a first surface and a second surface arranged oppositely; a radiation unit arranged in the substrate layer, the radiation unit being provided with at least one radiation structure; a feed network arranged in the substrate layer, the feed network comprising a slot group and a microstrip feed line group, the slot group and the microstrip feed line group being coupled; a feed structure connected with the feed network; a ground layer arranged on the second surface.

2. The antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: the substrate comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a third substrate and a fourth substrate, the first substrate, the second substrate, the third substrate and the fourth substrate being arranged in sequence.

3. The antenna array according to claim 2, wherein: the radiation structure comprises a first radiator, the first radiator being arranged on the first substrate, the first radiator comprising a first conductive strip and a second conductive strip arranged crossly.

4. The antenna array according to claim 2, wherein: the radiation structure comprises a second radiator, the second radiator being arranged on the second substrate, the second radiator comprising a main conductive strip and two end conductive strips, two ends of the main conductive strip being connected with one of the end conductive strips perpendicularly.

5. The antenna array according to claim 2, wherein: the radiation unit further comprises a radiation patch, the radiation patch being arranged on the third substrate, the slot group is arranged on the radiation patch, the slot group comprising a main slot and two branch slots, two ends of the main slot being connected with one of the branch slots perpendicularly.

6. The antenna array according to claim 2, wherein: the microstrip feed line group is arranged on the fourth substrate, the microstrip feed line group comprising a vertical conductive strip and two horizontal conductive strips, one side of the vertical conductive strip being connected with the two horizontal conductive strips in sequence.

7. The antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: the substrate layer is provided with a plurality of metallized vias, the metallized vias being arranged between adjacent radiation units, and the feed network is connected with the microstrip feed line group through the metallized vias.

8. The antenna array according to claim 7, wherein: the number of the radiation units is four, and the four radiation units are arranged in a square shape.

9. The antenna array according to claim 1, wherein: the distance between adjacent radiation units is 0.3λ to 0.5λ, wherein λ is the wavelength of the operating frequency.

10. A communication device, characterized by An antenna array as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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