Magnetoelectric antenna device and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a magnetoelectric antenna device and a vehicle, the device comprising a plurality of magnetoelectric antenna units, an antenna shell and an antenna base, the plurality of magnetoelectric antenna units being connected in series, the aspect ratio of the magnetostrictive layer of each magnetoelectric antenna unit being different, so that the plurality of magnetoelectric antenna units have different working frequency bands, the series connection between the plurality of magnetoelectric antenna units is used to improve the receiving bandwidth, and the deficiency of the magnetoelectric antenna unit in the narrow bandwidth can be made up.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive antennas, specifically to a magnetoelectric antenna device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Current mainstream vehicle antenna systems cover a frequency range of 700MHz-81GHz, supporting various communication functions such as 4G / 5G communication, satellite navigation, millimeter-wave radar, and Bluetooth. However, electromagnetic waves in this frequency band cannot effectively penetrate non-air media such as water or soil, leading to problems such as GPS signal attenuation, inaccurate positioning, and timing anomalies in underground spaces or tunnels. In contrast, long-wavelength (below 300kHz) electromagnetic waves exhibit significantly lower penetration loss in soil and water compared to high-frequency electromagnetic waves. This characteristic provides a potential technological path to address the environmental adaptability deficiencies of existing vehicle positioning systems.

[0003] Magnetoelectric antennas, as a novel antenna technology, can operate in the long-wavelength band. Their working principle relies on the coupling effect between sound waves and electromagnetic waves. When sound waves (surface acoustic waves or piezoelectric waves) propagate through a magnetostrictive material, electromagnetic resonance occurs. This resonance phenomenon can effectively reduce the size of the antenna and allow it to operate in a smaller physical space. However, the resonance phenomenon primarily results in optimal coupling at a specific frequency, and the coupling effect weakens when the frequency deviates from this resonant frequency. Due to the frequency sensitivity of sound wave resonance, magnetoelectric antennas are less efficient in other frequency ranges, and their bandwidth is somewhat limited.

[0004] Therefore, improving the bandwidth of vehicle-mounted antennas in the long-wave band is an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide a magnetoelectric antenna device to solve the problem of narrow bandwidth in existing magnetoelectric antennas; the other objective is to provide a vehicle.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a magnetoelectric antenna device, including a plurality of magnetoelectric antenna elements, an antenna housing and an antenna base, wherein the plurality of magnetoelectric antenna elements are connected in series and the aspect ratio of the magnetostrictive layer of each magnetoelectric antenna element is different.

[0008] Based on the aforementioned technical methods, different aspect ratios allow each antenna element to be optimized for different frequency ranges, enabling the designed magnetoelectric antenna device to better cover different low-frequency bands and meet various communication needs. Furthermore, connecting multiple magnetoelectric antenna elements in series can increase the overall bandwidth and gain of the antenna, improving communication quality.

[0009] Furthermore, the antenna base is curved, and the curved antenna base is designed to conform to the curve of the vehicle roof.

[0010] Through the aforementioned technical means, the curved shape of the antenna base can closely conform to the roofline of the vehicle, ensuring the antenna device is securely mounted on the vehicle and minimizing interference between the antenna and the vehicle body. This ensures optimal antenna radiation performance while enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic design.

[0011] Furthermore, the length direction of each of the magnetoelectric antenna elements is perpendicular to the tangent direction of the curved shape of the antenna base.

[0012] The above-mentioned technical means can prevent the magnetoelectric antenna unit from contacting the outer shell when the bending curvature is too large.

[0013] Furthermore, the length direction of each of the magnetoelectric antenna elements is parallel to the tangent direction of the curved shape of the antenna base.

[0014] Furthermore, the bending shape of the antenna housing is the same as the bending shape of the antenna base.

[0015] Matching the shape of the antenna housing to the base ensures the integrity of the antenna structure, preventing physical interference or signal loss caused by shape mismatch. This design improves the antenna's stability, interference resistance, and mechanical strength.

[0016] Furthermore, each of the magnetoelectric antenna units includes: a piezoelectric layer, a first magnetostrictive layer, a second magnetostrictive layer, an input conductor, and an output conductor. The first magnetostrictive layer and the second magnetostrictive layer have the same length and the same width. The input conductor and the output conductor are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the piezoelectric layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the first magnetoelectric antenna unit and the second magnetoelectric antenna unit are two adjacent magnetoelectric antenna units in a series circuit. The output wire of the first magnetoelectric antenna unit is located on one side of the piezoelectric layer, and the input wire of the second magnetoelectric antenna unit is located on the other side of the piezoelectric layer.

[0018] By using the aforementioned techniques, adjacent antenna elements are connected in series, ensuring smoother signal transmission between different elements and forming a continuous antenna array. This helps improve the antenna's radiation performance and ensures circuit stability and signal strength.

[0019] Furthermore, the first magnetostrictive layer comprises three layers of magnetostrictive material, and the second magnetostrictive layer comprises three layers of magnetostrictive material.

[0020] By using three layers of magnetostrictive material, the magnetoelectric coupling effect of the antenna is enhanced. This improves the antenna's sensitivity and signal reception capability, thereby improving the system's communication quality. The three layers increase the antenna's structural strength while avoiding the energy transfer efficiency degradation caused by excessive thickness from too many layers.

[0021] Furthermore, the device also includes a bandpass filter and a low-noise amplifier.

[0022] Using the aforementioned techniques, bandpass filters can effectively filter out unwanted frequency signals, ensuring that the antenna only receives signals in the target frequency band and avoiding interference. Low-noise amplifiers, on the other hand, help amplify signals, reduce system noise, and improve signal quality.

[0023] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned magnetoelectric antenna elements has a length of 1cm-20cm and a width of 2mm-2cm.

[0024] By setting the aspect ratio as described above, the magnetoelectric antenna element can be operated in a low-frequency band.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle including the magnetoelectric antenna device described in any of the first aspects and a vehicle body, wherein the magnetoelectric antenna is disposed on the vehicle body.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0027] In a magnetoelectric antenna array, the magnetoelectric stretching layers of multiple magnetoelectric antenna elements have different aspect ratios and different operating frequency bands. By connecting the elements in series, the receiving bandwidth can be improved, which can effectively compensate for the bandwidth deficiency of the elements. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric antenna device provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric antenna device provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric antenna device provided in this application Figure 3 ;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a structural architecture diagram of the magnetoelectric antenna unit provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the structural details of the magnetoelectric antenna unit provided in this application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1-Antenna housing; 2-Antenna base; 3-Magnetoelectric antenna element; 4-Wire; 5-Omitted magnetoelectric antenna element; 6-First-stage low-noise amplifier; 7-First-stage bandpass filter; 8-Second-stage amplifier; 9-Second-stage bandpass filter; 10-Terminal; 11-Connection layer; 31-Upper magnetostrictive layer; 32-Piezoelectric layer; 33-Lower magnetostrictive layer; 41-Input wire; 42-Output wire; 311-Magnetostrictive material; 312-Epoxy resin layer.

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0039] Signal attenuation is a common problem in underground spaces or tunnels because most signals operate in a high frequency range (greater than 1 GHz), and these signals have poor penetration ability in complex media.

[0040] A magnetoelectric antenna is a multiferroic device designed based on the coupling mechanism of the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive effects, achieving bidirectional conversion between electrical and magnetic signals through sound waves as a medium. Magnetoelectric antennas can operate at lower frequencies, utilizing the penetrating power of long-wavelength signals to reduce signal attenuation in these environments. The core principle of a magnetoelectric antenna is to significantly enhance the energy conversion efficiency between magnetic and electric fields using acoustic wave resonance. Because the wavelength of sound waves is three to four orders of magnitude shorter than that of electromagnetic waves, this antenna can overcome the design limitations of traditional antennas in terms of physical size, achieving a miniaturized structure.

[0041] While magnetoelectric antennas utilize acoustic resonance to reduce size, this also limits their operating bandwidth. For magnetoelectric antennas, the physical dimensions determine their primary operating frequency band; outside this band, the antenna's radiation efficiency and performance significantly decrease. Therefore, magnetoelectric antennas suffer from a narrow bandwidth.

[0042] Therefore, this application can effectively compensate for the bandwidth deficiency of magnetoelectric antenna elements by forming an antenna array through series connection of magnetoelectric antennas with different aspect ratios, and improve the receiving bandwidth by using series connection between elements.

[0043] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric antenna device provided in this application Figure 1 ,like Figure 1 As shown, it includes an antenna housing 1, an antenna base 2, and a magnetoelectric antenna unit 3. Multiple magnetoelectric antenna units 3 are connected in series to form a magnetoelectric antenna array. The aspect ratio of the magnetostrictive layer of each magnetoelectric antenna unit is different, so the frequency band of each magnetoelectric antenna is different. The magnetostrictive layer with a larger aspect ratio has a lower resonant frequency and a lower operating frequency band.

[0045] The antenna housing 1 is responsible for preventing the antenna from being interfered with by external factors such as rain and airflow, so as to achieve stable operation of the antenna array.

[0046] The antenna array unit can be mounted on the antenna base 2. The magnetoelectric antenna unit includes a magnetostrictive layer and a piezoelectric layer. Common magnetostrictive materials for the magnetostrictive layer include Metglas, Terfenol-D, FeGa alloy, and nickel-based alloys; common piezoelectric materials include PZT, PMN-PT, AlN, LiNbO3, quartz, and Mn-PMNPZT.

[0047] The magnetoelectric antenna element 3 is bonded to the antenna base 2 via a connecting layer, and the magnetoelectric antenna elements are connected in series via wires 4. In some embodiments, the antenna base 2 can also be directly used as the vehicle surface as the antenna base.

[0048] For each magnetoelectric antenna element 3, the antenna length is determined by the length of the magnetostrictive layer, ranging from 1cm to 20cm, and the width from 2mm to 2cm. Different aspect ratios correspond to different operating frequency bands, and the aspect ratio is designed according to the actual communication frequency band requirements. By changing the aspect ratio, the center frequency band of the magnetoelectric antenna element can be placed at any value between 10kHz and 300kHz. The magnetoelectric antenna device is only used for low-frequency communication; high-frequency communication for vehicles can be accomplished by other antennas.

[0049] The number of magnetoelectric antenna elements 3 depends on the bandwidth required by the design. The center frequency of the magnetoelectric antenna element is changed by adjusting the length of the magnetostrictive layer of each element. Connecting multiple antennas with different operating frequencies in series can increase the bandwidth of the antenna array. Figure 1 The ellipsis 5 indicates the omitted magnetoelectric antenna element.

[0050] By connecting multiple magnetoelectric antenna elements in series, the receiving bandwidth and radiation efficiency of the antenna array can be significantly improved. This design not only compensates for the bandwidth limitations of a single antenna element but also enhances the antenna's directivity and gain, making it a promising candidate for applications in low-frequency bands and long-distance communications.

[0051] The above Figure 2 In this design, the antenna base 2 is planar. To reduce the shielding effect of the metal vehicle frame on electromagnetic signals, the antenna needs to be mounted on the outside of the metal frame, such as the roof. Since the surface of a car is curved, the antenna base 2 of the magnetoelectric antenna array needs to be externally curved to conform to the vehicle surface. The following section will illustrate this. Figure 3 and Figure 2 Two examples illustrate the layout under a bent antenna base.

[0052] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric antenna device provided in this application Figure 2 ,like Figure 2 As shown, the antenna base 2 is curved, and the specific curvature of the curve depends on the bending angle at the antenna mounting location on the vehicle. The antenna housing 1 can be configured with the same curved shape as the antenna base 2, or it can be configured with other shapes for the housing. Figure 2 The image shows a case where the antenna housing 1 and the antenna base 2 have the same curved shape. Figure 3 In the middle, the antenna housing 1 has a certain height, therefore, the orientation of the magnetoelectric antenna can be aligned with... Figure 3The directions shown are consistent, that is, the length direction of the magnetoelectric antenna element 3 is parallel to the tangent direction of the curved shape of the antenna base 2. Because the antenna housing has a high profile, the magnetoelectric antenna will not touch the antenna housing, therefore, it can be set parallel to the tangent direction of the curved shape.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the array arrangement is more suitable for receiving electromagnetic waves perpendicular to the ground. The tilt angle of each row of magnetoelectric antenna elements in the magnetoelectric antenna array relative to the direction perpendicular to the ground depends on the curvature of the antenna base 2 at its location.

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetoelectric antenna device provided in this application Figure 2 ,like Figure 3 As shown, the antenna base 2 is curved, and the specific curvature of the curve depends on the bending angle at the antenna mounting location on the vehicle. The antenna housing 1 can be configured with the same curved shape as the antenna base 2, or it can be configured with other shapes for the housing. Figure 3 The image shows a case where the antenna housing 1 has the same curved shape as the antenna base. Figure 3 In the middle, the antenna housing 1 has a certain height, but it is relatively low (belonging to a low profile). If according to... Figure 2 This method would cause the magnetoelectric antenna to come into contact with the outer casing. Therefore, the orientation of the magnetoelectric antenna element 3 can be aligned with... Figure 4 The directions shown are consistent, meaning the length direction of the magnetoelectric antenna element 3 is perpendicular to the tangent direction of the curved shape of the antenna base. This arrangement ensures the magnetoelectric antenna will not touch the antenna housing 1.

[0055] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, this arrangement is also suitable for receiving electromagnetic waves perpendicular to the ground.

[0056] In the above Figure 5 Based on the embodiment, the magnetoelectric antenna unit 3 can also be rotated 90° inwards towards the paper or rotated 90° outwards towards the paper. Both of these configurations are more suitable for receiving electromagnetic waves parallel to the ground.

[0057] Based on any of the above embodiments, the electrical signal output by the magnetoelectric antenna array needs to be amplified by a low-noise amplifier and a bandpass filter. In one implementation, both the low-noise amplifier and the bandpass filter are configured as two-stage amplification. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The signal, after passing through a low-noise amplifier 6 and a bandpass filter 7, and then a second-stage amplifier 8 and a second-stage bandpass filter 9, outputs a low-noise signal to terminal 10. This two-stage amplification and filtering circuit effectively reduces noise and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the output signal. Terminal 10 is responsible for demodulating the received signal and extracting the valid information to send to the user.

[0058] The following section introduces a single magnetoelectric antenna element.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a structural architecture diagram of the magnetoelectric antenna unit provided in this application. ​ As shown, the magnetoelectric antenna element 3 is composed of an upper magnetostrictive layer 31, a piezoelectric layer 32, and a lower magnetostrictive layer 33. The upper magnetostrictive layer 31 (i.e., the first magnetostrictive layer) has the same dimensions as the lower magnetostrictive layer 33 (i.e., the second magnetostrictive layer). The width of the magnetoelectric antenna element can be 2 mm. Different magnetostrictive layer lengths are determined for the design frequency of the magnetoelectric antenna element. The resonant frequency of the antenna is inversely proportional to the length of the antenna, and the length of the antenna depends on the length of the magnetostrictive layer. The input wire 41 is connected to the positive terminal of the piezoelectric layer, and the output wire 42 is connected to the negative terminal of the piezoelectric layer.

[0060] When connecting two magnetoelectric antenna elements in series with a wire, it is necessary to ensure that the positive terminal of the piezoelectric layer is connected to the negative terminal of the piezoelectric layer of the next adjacent magnetoelectric antenna. That is, if the input wire of the first magnetoelectric antenna element is on the upper side of the piezoelectric layer and the output wire is on the lower side of the piezoelectric layer, then the input wire of the adjacent second magnetoelectric antenna element in the series circuit needs to be placed on the lower side of the piezoelectric layer and the output wire on the upper side of the piezoelectric layer. The input and output positions of the two adjacent magnetoelectric antenna elements in the piezoelectric layer need to be reversed.

[0061] The connecting layer 11 can be made of an adhesive material with a buffering function. The bonding surface with the antenna needs to ensure that the antenna vibration is not suppressed, and at the same time, it needs to have a certain vibration buffering capacity to alleviate the vibration from the car.

[0062] ​ A schematic diagram showing the structural details of the magnetoelectric antenna unit provided in this application is shown below. ​ As shown, the upper magnetostrictive layer consists of three layers of magnetostrictive material 311 (Metglas), which are bonded together by an epoxy resin layer 312. The piezoelectric layer 32 is bonded to both the upper and lower magnetostrictive layers via the epoxy resin layer 312. The input conductor 41 needs to be positioned below the epoxy resin layer and connected to the upper electrode of the piezoelectric layer 32, thus connecting the positive electrode of the piezoelectric layer 32. The output conductor 42 needs to be positioned above the epoxy resin layer and connected to the lower electrode of the piezoelectric layer 32, thus connecting the negative electrode of the piezoelectric layer 32. The lower magnetostrictive layer consists of three layers of magnetostrictive material 311 (Metglas), which are bonded together by an epoxy resin layer 312. The unit of the magnetoelectric antenna is composed of multiple layers of composite materials. The epoxy resin layer is responsible for connecting the energy transfer between different material layers, and its thickness needs to be kept as thin as possible.

[0063] The piezoelectric layer 32 is used to convert mechanical deformation (deformation caused by the magnetostrictive material layer) into electrical signals. This layer achieves magnetoelectric coupling through its combination with the magnetostrictive material layer, thereby radiating or receiving electromagnetic waves.

[0064] The magnetostrictive layer can consist of three layers of Metglas, but in practice, different numbers of layers can be used, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 10. The choice of these layers mainly affects the magnetoelectric performance of the antenna. More layers may improve the overall performance of the material, but as the number of layers increases, the thickness of the epoxy resin layer also increases, which may affect the overall power transfer efficiency.

[0065] The lower magnetostrictive layer also consists of three layers of Metglas, although different numbers of layers, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 10, can actually be used. The layers are bonded together with epoxy resin. Similar to the upper magnetostrictive layer, the lower layer performs the same function: it deforms under the influence of an external magnetic field, thereby enhancing the magnetoelectric coupling effect of the antenna.

[0066] The epoxy resin layer 312 plays a crucial role in the design of magnetoelectric antennas, acting as an adhesive to connect different layers (such as the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers) and ensuring energy transfer from one layer to another. The epoxy resin layer needs to be kept as thin as possible, as excessive thickness can reduce energy transfer efficiency. Other adhesives can be used instead of epoxy resin layers, such as polyurethane, acrylic resins, cyanoacrylates, and polyimide adhesives.

[0067] In the above ​ In the proposed embodiment, the magnetostrictive layer consists of three layers of Metallas. With too many layers, the epoxy resin layer, acting as an interlayer binder, becomes significantly thicker, potentially affecting the overall energy transfer efficiency. Simulation experiments and real-world tests show that the magnetostrictive layer composed of three Metallas layers performs optimally.

[0068] The thickness of the magnetoelectric antenna element can be between 0.5mm and 1mm.

[0069] This application also provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body, on which a magnetoelectric antenna device according to any of the above embodiments is disposed.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of this application will readily conceive of by those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

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