DUAL-FREQUENCY ANTENNA AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

The dual-frequency antenna design, featuring a filter unit that separates and phase-adjusts electromagnetic waves between two frequency bands, addresses the limitation of fixed beam orientation in existing solutions, enabling efficient jet scanning and flexible operation in satellite communications.

DE112022007376T5Pending Publication Date: 2025-05-08BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD +1
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE112022007376
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-06-15
Publication Date
2025-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing dual frequency array antenna solutions can only achieve fixed beam orientation and do not support jet scanning, which is necessary for efficient two-frequency operation in satellite communication systems.

Method used

A dual-frequency antenna design comprising a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, arranged oppositely, with a filter unit between them. The filter unit reflects electromagnetic waves of the first frequency band and transmits those of the second frequency band, allowing for phase adjustment and jet scanning capabilities.

Benefits of technology

The proposed antenna design enables efficient jet scanning in two-frequency operation, allowing for flexible beam orientation and improved performance in satellite communication systems while maintaining a simplified structure and reduced costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a dual-frequency antenna and an electronic device belonging to the field of communications technology. The dual-frequency antenna according to the present disclosure comprises a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit arranged opposite each other, and a filter unit provided between the first and second antenna units; wherein one operating frequency of the first antenna unit belongs to the first frequency band; and one operating frequency of the second antenna unit belongs to the second frequency band; wherein the filter unit is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and to transmit an electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band.wherein the first antenna unit is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and reflect the received electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band through the filter unit; wherein the second antenna unit is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band transmitted through the filter unit and reflect the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of communications technology and relates in particular to a dual-frequency antenna and an electronic device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In satellite communications or similar applications, the transmitting and receiving antennas typically operate on different frequencies. To simplify the system and reduce costs, the antenna must implement transmit-receive co-capability, meaning it must be suitable for dual-frequency operation. Currently, existing dual-frequency reflective array antenna solutions often only provide a fixed beamwidth and do not offer beamswidth scanning. Therefore, the urgent technical challenge is to provide a dual-frequency antenna capable of beamswidth scanning. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art by providing a dual-frequency antenna and an electronic device.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dual-frequency antenna comprising a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit arranged opposite each other, and a filter unit provided between the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit; wherein an operating frequency of the first antenna unit belongs to the first frequency band; and an operating frequency of the second antenna unit belongs to the second frequency band; The filter unit is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and transmit an electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band; The first antenna unit is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and to reflect the received electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band through the filter unit; The second antenna unit is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band transmitted through the filter unit and to reflect the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band.

[0005] The first antenna unit comprises at least one first sub-array; and the second antenna comprises at least one second sub-array; The first sub-array comprises a first dielectric substrate and a second dielectric substrate arranged opposite each other, a first phase-adjusting structure provided between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and a first radiating section provided on the first dielectric substrate; wherein the filter unit is provided on a side of the second dielectric substrate facing away from the first dielectric substrate; wherein the first phase-adjusting structure is electrically connected to the first radiating section and is configured to adjust the phase of the first frequency band electromagnetic wave received by the first radiating section and to radiate a phase-shifted electromagnetic wave through the first radiating section; The second sub-array comprises a third dielectric substrate and a fourth dielectric substrate arranged opposite each other, a second phase-adjusting structure provided between the third dielectric substrate and the fourth dielectric substrate, a second emission section provided on the third dielectric substrate, and a reference electrode layer provided on a side of the fourth dielectric substrate facing away from the third dielectric substrate; wherein the third dielectric substrate is provided on a side of the filter unit facing away from the second dielectric substrate;wherein the second phase-adjusting structure is electrically connected to the second radiating section and is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band received by the second radiating section and to radiate a phase-shifted electromagnetic wave through the second radiating section.

[0006] Orthographic projections of the first sub-array and the second sub-array onto a plane where the filter unit is located do not overlap.

[0007] There are a plurality of first sub-arrays and a plurality of second sub-arrays, and the number of first sub-arrays is less than the number of second sub-arrays; wherein the first sub-arrays and the second sub-arrays are each arranged in an array, and wherein an orthographic projection of one of the second sub-arrays onto a plane on which the filter unit is located covers an orthographic projection of at least one of the first sub-arrays on the plane on which the filter unit is located.

[0008] The first phase-adjusting structure comprises a first feed section and a first phase-shift section electrically connected to the first feed section; wherein the first feed section is further electrically connected to the first radiation section; wherein the first phase-shift section comprises a first electrode layer provided on a side of the first dielectric substrate facing the second substrate, a second electrode layer provided on a side of the second dielectric substrate facing the first dielectric substrate, and a first adjustable dielectric layer provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0009] The first sub-array further comprises a first driver signal line and a second driver signal line; wherein the first driver signal line is electrically connected to the first electrode layer; and the second driver signal line is electrically connected to the second electrode layer.

[0010] In this configuration, for one of the first sub-arrays, the first emitting section is located on the side of the first dielectric substrate facing away from the first phase-adjusting structure, and the first emitting section is electrically connected to the first feed section through a first through-hole that passes through the first dielectric substrate.

[0011] In this arrangement, for one of the first sub-arrays, the first emitting section is located on the side of the first dielectric substrate facing away from the first phase-adjusting structure, with orthographic projections of the first emitting section and the first feed section onto the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlapping.

[0012] The second phase-adjusting structure comprises a second feed section and a second phase-shift section electrically connected to the second feed section; wherein the second feed section is further electrically connected to the second radiation section; wherein the second phase-shift section comprises a third electrode layer provided on a side of the third dielectric substrate facing the fourth substrate, a fourth electrode layer provided on a side of the fourth dielectric substrate facing the third dielectric substrate, and a second adjustable dielectric layer provided between the third electrode layer and the fourth electrode layer.

[0013] The second sub-array further comprises a third driver signal line and a fourth driver signal line; wherein the third driver signal line is electrically connected to the third electrode layer; and the fourth driver signal line is electrically connected to the fourth electrode layer.

[0014] In this configuration, for one of the second sub-arrays, the second radiation section is located on the side of the third dielectric substrate facing away from the second phase-adjustment structure, and the second radiation section is electrically connected to the third feed section through a second through-hole that passes through the third dielectric substrate.

[0015] In this arrangement, for one of the second sub-arrays, the second radiation section is located on the side of the third dielectric substrate facing away from the second phase-adjustment structure, with orthographic projections of the second radiation section and the third feed section onto the third dielectric substrate at least partially overlapping.

[0016] There are a plurality of first sub-arrays, wherein the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate of each of the first sub-arrays are shared; wherein there are a plurality of second sub-arrays, wherein the third dielectric substrate and the fourth dielectric substrate of each of the second sub-arrays are shared.

[0017] The reference electrode layer includes a reflective layer.

[0018] The filter unit comprises several patterning units, where the patterning units are patches and / or rings.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device comprising a dual-frequency antenna according to one of the preceding points. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a first phase shifter in a first sub-array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of AA' in Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of BB' in Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of a second phase shifter in a second sub-array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of CC' in Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of DD' in Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a correspondence between first sub-arrays and second sub-arrays according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a further correspondence between first sub-arrays and second sub-arrays according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a patterning unit of a frequency-selective surface of a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In order to enable the person skilled in the relevant field to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention is described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings and the specific embodiments.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the usual meanings as understood by a person with general knowledge in the field to which this disclosure belongs. The words "first," "second," and the like used herein do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but serve only to distinguish different components. Likewise, the words "one," "one," or "the," and the like, do not signify any quantitative limitation, but represent the presence of at least one. The words "comprise" or "contain," and the like, mean that an element or part preceding the expression includes elements or parts and their equivalents listed following the same expression, without excluding any further elements or parts.The words "connect" or "connected" and the like are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can also include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "on," "under," "left," "right," and the like are used only to express relative positional relationships. If the absolute position of a described object changes, the relative positional relationships may also change accordingly.

[0022] Before describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that the filter unit in the embodiments of this disclosure comprises, but is not limited to, a frequency-selective surface. In the following description, only one filter unit with a frequency-selective surface is used as an example for illustrative purposes.

[0023] In a first aspect, it shows Fig. 1 A schematic representation of the structure of a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dual-frequency antenna comprising a first antenna unit 1 and a second antenna unit 2 arranged opposite each other, and a frequency-selective surface 3 provided between the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2. An operating frequency of the first antenna unit 1 belongs to the first frequency band; and an operating frequency of the second antenna unit 2 belongs to the second frequency band. For example, the lowest frequency of the first frequency band is higher than the highest frequency of the second frequency band. That is, when the first frequency band and the second frequency band are compared, the first frequency band has a high frequency, and the second frequency band has a low frequency. Accordingly, the first antenna unit 1 is a high-frequency antenna and the second antenna unit 2 is a low-frequency antenna.In the embodiment of the present disclosure, only the first antenna unit 1 as a high-frequency antenna and the second antenna unit 2 as a low-frequency antenna are taken as examples for illustration.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency-selective surface 3 is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and to transmit an electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band. The first antenna unit 1 is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and to reflect the received electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band through the frequency-selective surface 3; the second antenna unit 2 is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band transmitted through the frequency-selective surface 3 and to reflect the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency-selective surface 3 is configured to reflect high-frequency electromagnetic waves and transmit low-frequency electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the frequency-selective surface 3 corresponds to a low-pass filter that completely reflects the electromagnetic waves in a high-frequency antenna and acts as a grounding layer for the high-frequency antenna, while simultaneously transmitting low-frequency electromagnetic waves without impairing the absorption of the low-frequency electromagnetic waves by the low-frequency antenna, thus forming an antenna that performs beam scanning in dual-frequency operation. Such an antenna can operate at different frequencies and has a simplified structure and lower cost. In some examples, Fig. 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a dual-frequency antenna according to embodiments of the present invention; as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first antenna unit 1 comprises at least one first sub-array 10. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first sub-arrays 10 is taken as an example. For instance, the first antenna unit 1 comprises N×N first sub-arrays 10, where N ≥ 2 and N is an integer.Each of the sub-arrays can comprise a first dielectric substrate 11 and a second dielectric substrate 12 arranged opposite each other, a first phase-adjusting structure 13 provided between the first dielectric substrate 11 and the second dielectric substrate 12, and a first radiating section 14 provided on the first dielectric substrate 11; the first phase-adjusting structure 13 is electrically connected to the first radiating section 14, and the first phase-adjusting structure 13 is configured to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic waves of the first frequency band received by the first radiating section 14 and to radiate the phase-shifted electromagnetic waves through the first radiating section 14.

[0026] Furthermore, the frequency-selective surface 3 is provided on the side of the second dielectric substrate 12 facing the second antenna unit 2, and the frequency-selective surface 3 corresponds to a grounding electrode layer of the first antenna unit 1. For example, the frequency-selective surface 3 is formed on the side of the second dielectric substrate 12 facing away from the first phase-adjusting structure 13, and the frequency-selective surface 3 comprises M×M pattern units 31. The pattern units 31 can be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the first sub-arrays 10, i.e., the number of pattern units 31 is equal to the number of first sub-arrays 10 (M=N). Obviously, the number of pattern units 31 of the frequency-selective surface 3 and the number of first sub-arrays 10 can also be different.For example, a plurality of first sub-arrays 10 arranged in an array corresponds to a patterning unit 31. For example, a patterning unit 31 also corresponds to a first sub-array 10, and the number of patterning units 31 is greater than the number of first sub-arrays 10.

[0027] In some examples, referring further to Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second antenna unit 2 comprises at least one second sub-array 20. In this embodiment, a plurality of first sub-arrays 10 is taken as an example. For instance, the first antenna unit 1 comprises P×P first sub-arrays 10, where P ≥ 2 and P is an integer. Furthermore, since in the embodiment of this disclosure a first frequency band has a high frequency and a second frequency band has a low frequency, the size of the second sub-array 20 is somewhat larger than the size of the first sub-array 10, and the number of second sub-arrays 20 is less than the number of first sub-arrays 10, i.e., P < N. However, the number M of the patterning units 31 of the frequency-selective surface 3 and P are not necessarily equal.Each of the second sub-arrays 20 can comprise a third dielectric substrate 21 and a fourth dielectric substrate 22, arranged opposite each other, a second phase-adjustment structure 23 provided between the third dielectric substrate 21 and the fourth dielectric substrate 22, a second radiation section 24 provided on the third dielectric substrate 21, and a reference electrode layer 25 provided on one side of the fourth dielectric substrate 22 facing away from the second phase-adjustment structure 23, the reference electrode layer 25 serving as a reflection layer. The third dielectric substrate 21 is located on one side of the frequency-selective surface 3 facing away from the first antenna unit 1.The second phase-adjusting structure 23 is electrically connected to the second radiating section 24 and is configured to phase-shift the electromagnetic waves of the second frequency band received by the second radiating section 24 and to radiate the phase-shifted electromagnetic waves through the second radiating section 24. The reference electrode layer 25 includes, but is not limited to, a grounding layer. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference electrode layer 25 is taken as an example of a grounding layer.

[0028] In some examples, both the first phase-adjusting structure 13 and the second phase-adjusting structure 23 can be phase shifters. For ease of differentiation between the first phase-adjusting structure 13 and the second phase-adjusting structure 23, the phase shifter corresponding to the first phase-adjusting structure 13 is referred to as a first phase shifter, and the phase shifter corresponding to the second phase-adjusting structure 23 is referred to as a second phase shifter. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter can be either single-wire phase shifters or differential two-wire phase shifters. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter are both taken as differential phase shifters as examples.The first adjustable dielectric layer in the first phase shifter and the second adjustable dielectric layer in the second phase shifter each comprise, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal layer. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the first adjustable dielectric layer and the second adjustable dielectric layer are both taken as examples of liquid crystal layers, the liquid crystal layer serving as the first adjustable dielectric layer is, for the sake of simplicity, referred to as a first liquid crystal layer 133, and the liquid crystal layer serving as the second adjustable dielectric layer is referred to as a second liquid crystal layer 233.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a first phase shifter in a first sub-array 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-section of AA' in Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of BB' in Fig. 3; As in Fig. As shown in Figures 3-5, the first phase shifter comprises a first feed section 131 and a first phase-shift section 132, which is electrically connected to the first feed section 131, and the first feed section 131 is further electrically connected to the first emission section 14. The first phase-shift section 132 comprises a first electrode layer provided on a side of the first dielectric substrate 11 facing the second dielectric substrate 12, a second electrode layer provided on a side of the second dielectric substrate 12 facing the second dielectric substrate 12, and a first liquid crystal layer 133 provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.For example, the first electrode layer comprises a first main conductor 1321 and a plurality of first branches 1322 connected and arranged side by side in the extension direction of the first main conductor 1321; the second electrode layer comprises a second main conductor 1323 and a plurality of second branches 1324 connected and arranged side by side in the extension direction of the second main conductor 1323, and orthographic projections of a first branch 1322 and a second branch 1324 onto the first dielectric substrate 11 overlap at least partially.In one example, the first main line 1321 and the second main line 1323 each comprise a first end section and a second end section arranged opposite each other; the first feed section 131 is provided on the first dielectric substrate 11, and the first feed section 131 can be a one-to-two power divider comprising a first main path 1311, a first branch path 1312, and a second branch path 1313 connected to the first main path 1311; the first branch path 1312 is directly connected to a first end section of the first main line 1321, and the second branch path 1313 is coupled to a first end section of the second main line 1323 (i.e., orthographic projections of the second branch path 1313 and the first end section of the second main line 1323 onto the first dielectric substrate 11 overlap at least partially).The first main path 1311 is electrically connected to the first emitting section 14. For example, if the first emitting section 14 is provided on one side of the first dielectric substrate 11 facing the first liquid crystal layer 133, the first emitting section 14 is directly electrically connected to the first main path 1311, and if the first emitting section 14 is provided on one side of the first dielectric substrate 11 facing away from the first liquid crystal layer 133, the first emitting section 14 is electrically connected to the first main path 1311 via a first through-hole passing through the first dielectric substrate 11, or the first emitting section 14 and the first main path 1311 are coupled (i.e., orthographic projections of the first emitting section 14 and the first main path 1311 onto the first dielectric substrate 11 overlap at least partially).

[0030] It should be noted that both the input and output of the electromagnetic wave are realized through the first main path 1311 of the first feed section 131, so it should be understood that an matching impedance is provided at the second end section of the first main line 1321 and at the second end section of the second main line 1323, respectively, to reduce transmission loss.

[0031] In some examples, where the first antenna unit 1 includes the first phase shifter described above, each of the first sub-arrays 10 can include not only the structure described above, but also a first driver signal line and a second driver signal line, with a first driver signal line electrically connected to the first electrode layer. For example, the first driver signal line is electrically connected to the first main line 1321, and the second driver signal line is connected to the second electrode layer; for example, the second driver signal line is electrically connected to the second main line 1323. The first driver signal line applies a first voltage to the first main line 1321, and the second driver signal line applies a second voltage to the second main line 1323.The first and second voltages create an electric field between the first branch 1322 and the second branch 1324, deflecting liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 133 to change the dielectric constant of the first liquid crystal layer 133 and thus achieving a phase shift of the electromagnetic wave. The first driver signal line and the second driver signal line can each be located on the first dielectric substrate 11 and the second dielectric substrate 12, respectively. The second driver signal line, located on the second dielectric substrate 12, extends to the perimeter of the second dielectric substrate 12 and is electrically connected to a first feed line located on the first dielectric substrate 11 via an electrically conductive golden sphere.After that, the first supply line and the first driver signal line are each connected to corresponding connection bond pads and finally connected to a circuit board integrated with a first driver chip.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of a second phase shifter in a second sub-array 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-section of CC' in Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of DD' in Fig. 6; As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6-8, the second phase shifter comprises a second feed section 231 and a second phase-shift section 232, which is electrically connected to the second feed section 231, and the second feed section 231 is further electrically connected to the second emission section 24. The second phase-shift section 232 comprises a third electrode layer provided on a side of the third dielectric substrate 21 facing the fourth dielectric substrate 22, a fourth electrode layer provided on a side of the fourth dielectric substrate 22 facing the third dielectric substrate 21, and a second liquid crystal layer 233 provided between the third electrode layer and the fourth electrode layer.For example, the third electrode layer comprises a third main conductor 2321 and a plurality of third branches 2322 connected and arranged side by side in the extension direction of the third main conductor 2321, the fourth electrode layer comprises a fourth main conductor 2323 and a plurality of fourth branches 2324 connected and arranged side by side in the extension direction of the fourth main conductor 2323, and orthographic projections of a third branch 2322 and a fourth branch 2324 onto the third dielectric substrate 21 overlap at least partially.In one example, the third main line 2321 and the fourth main line 2323 each comprise a first end section and a second end section arranged opposite each other; the second feed section 231 is provided on the third dielectric substrate 21, and the third feed section can be a one-to-two power divider comprising a second main path 2311, a third branch path 2312, and a fourth branch path 2313 connected to the second main path 2311; the third branch path 2312 is directly connected to a first end section of the second main line 2323, and the fourth branch path 2313 is coupled to a first end section of the fourth main line 2323 (i.e., orthographic projections of the fourth branch path 2313 and the first end section of the fourth main line 2323 onto the third dielectric substrate 21 overlap at least partially).The second main path 2311 is electrically connected to the second emitting section 24. For example, if the second emitting section 24 is provided on a side of the third dielectric substrate 21 facing the second liquid crystal layer 233, the second emitting section 24 is directly electrically connected to the second main path 2311; and if the second emitting section 24 is provided on a side of the third dielectric substrate 21 facing away from the second liquid crystal layer 233, the second emitting section 24 is electrically connected to the second main path 2311 via a fourth through-hole passing through the third dielectric substrate 21, or the second emitting section 24 and the second main path 2311 are coupled (i.e., orthographic projections of the second emitting section 24 and the second main path 2311 onto the third dielectric substrate 21 overlap at least partially).

[0033] It should be noted that both the input and output of the electromagnetic wave are realized through the second main path 2311 of the second feed section 231. Therefore, it should be understood that an impedance matching is provided at the second end section of the third main line 2321 and at the second end section of the fourth main line 2323, respectively, to reduce transmission loss. If the second emitting section 24 is located on the side of the third dielectric substrate 21 facing away from the second liquid crystal layer 233, an insulating layer is provided between the layer on which the frequency-selective surface 3 is located and the layer on which the second emitting section 24 is located, because the frequency-selective surface 3 is an electrically conductive structure.

[0034] In some examples, when the second antenna unit 2 includes the second phase shifter described above, each of the second sub-arrays 20 can include not only the structure described above, but also a third driver signal line and a fourth driver signal line, with a third driver signal being electrically connected to the third electrode layer. For example, the third driver signal line is electrically connected to the third main line 2321, and the fourth driver signal line is connected to the fourth electrode layer; for example, the fourth driver signal line is electrically connected to the fourth main line 2323. The third driver signal line applies a third voltage to the third main line 2321, and the fourth driver signal line applies a fourth voltage to the fourth main line 2323.The third and fourth voltages create an electric field between the third branch 2322 and the fourth branch 2324, deflecting liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 233 to change the dielectric constant of the second liquid crystal layer 233, thereby generating a phase shift of the electromagnetic wave. The third and fourth driver signal lines can each be located on the third dielectric substrate 21 and the fourth dielectric substrate 22, respectively. The fourth driver signal line located on the fourth dielectric substrate 22 extends to the perimeter of the fourth dielectric substrate 22 and is electrically connected to a second lead located on the third dielectric substrate 21 via an electrically conductive golden sphere.Afterwards, the second supply line and the third driver signal line are each connected to corresponding connection bond pads and finally connected to a circuit board integrated with a second driver chip.

[0035] It should be noted that the above illustration shows only one structure of an exemplary phase shifter, but the phase shifter in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and that various forms of phase shifters may be used in the antenna of the embodiments of the present disclosure, which are not listed here.

[0036] In some examples, the dimensions of the first radiating section 14 and the second radiating section 24 are related to the operating frequencies of the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2, and the dimension (area) of the second radiating section 24 is larger than the dimension (area) of the first radiating section 14. However, the dimensions of the first radiating section 14 and the second radiating section 24 each determine the dimensions of the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2.In individual drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is taken as an example that an orthographic projection of the first emission section 14 onto the first dielectric substrate 11 covers an orthographic projection of the first phase adjustment structure 13 onto the first dielectric substrate 11, and an orthographic projection of the second emission section 24 onto the first dielectric substrate 11 covers an orthographic projection of the second phase adjustment structure 23 onto the first dielectric substrate 11.

[0037] Specifically, it shows Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a correspondence between first sub-arrays 10 and second sub-arrays 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the difference in the dimensions of the first radiation section 14 and the second radiation section 24 is relatively small when the operating frequencies of the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2 are approximately equal. Furthermore, there is no overlap of the orthographic projections of the first sub-array 10 and the second sub-array 20 onto a plane on which the frequency-selective surface 3 is located.For example, several first sub-arrays 10 in the first antenna unit 1 form several first sub-array groups arranged side-by-side along a second direction, each first sub-array group comprising several first sub-arrays 10 arranged side-by-side along a first direction; and several second sub-arrays 20 in the second antenna unit 2 form several second sub-array groups arranged side-by-side along the second direction, each second group comprising several second sub-arrays 20 arranged side-by-side along the first direction. The first sub-array groups and the second sub-array groups are arranged alternately, and the second sub-arrays 20 and the first sub-arrays 10 are offset in the first direction.

[0038] Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an alternative correspondence between first sub-arrays 10 and second sub-arrays 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, an orthographic projection of a second sub-array 20 onto a plane containing the frequency-selective surface 3 covers orthographic projections of a plurality of first sub-arrays 10 arranged in an array onto a plane containing the frequency-selective surface 3, provided there is a comparatively large difference in the operating frequencies of the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2. It should be noted that the orthographic projection of the second sub-array 20 onto the plane containing the frequency-selective surface 3 does not necessarily cover all orthographic projections of the first sub-arrays 10 onto the plane containing the frequency-selective surface 3.Because there is an overlap of the orthographic projections of the second sub-array 20 and the first sub-array 10 onto the plane on which the frequency-selective surface 3 is located, the second radiation section 24 of each of the second sub-arrays 20 is covered by the first radiation section 14. The electromagnetic waves emitted by the second radiation section 24 can then be further radiated by coupling with the first radiation section 14, thus improving the radiation efficiency of the second antenna unit 2 and reducing transmission loss.

[0039] In some examples, the polarization directions of the individual first sub-arrays 10 in the first antenna unit 1 can be the same or different, as can the polarization directions of the individual second sub-arrays 20 in the second antenna unit 2. The polarization direction of the first sub-array 10 in the first antenna unit 1 and the polarization direction of the second sub-array 20 in the second antenna unit 2 can be the same or different. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2 can be selected, depending on the application scenario, to perform a beam scanning function, and the other exists as a fixed oriented reflecting surface. Obviously, both the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2 can be used for fixed alignment or for beam scanning.

[0040] In some examples, the first dielectric substrate 11 and the second dielectric substrate 12 of the first sub-arrays 10 in the first antenna unit 1 are shared, as are the third dielectric substrate 21 and the fourth dielectric substrate 22 of the second sub-arrays 20 in the second antenna unit 2. In this way, the first antenna unit 1 and the second antenna unit 2 are simple in design and easy to implement.

[0041] Some examples show Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a patterning unit 31 of a frequency-selective surface 3 of a dual-frequency antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; As in Fig.As shown in Figure 11, the frequency-selective surface 3 comprises a plurality of patterning units 31, all of which are patches and / or rings. For example, the patterning unit 31 comprises a circular ring (a), a rectangular ring (b), a cross-shaped ring (c), a circular patch (d), a square patch (e), a cross-shaped patch (f), and the like.

[0042] In some examples, the first radiation section and the second radiation section 24 in the embodiments of this disclosure can each be radiation patches. The shapes of the radiation patches can be rectangular, circular, triangular, octagonal, etc. Obviously, the radiation component is not limited to the radiation patch, but can also be a dipole, etc. The selection of the radiation patches can be specifically adjusted as required.

[0043] In some examples, the first dielectric substrate 11, the second dielectric substrate 12, the third dielectric substrate 21, and the fourth dielectric substrate 22 in the embodiments of this disclosure can be glass substrates, printed circuit boards (PCBs), etc. The materials of the first dielectric substrate 11, the second dielectric substrate 12, the third dielectric substrate 21, and the fourth dielectric substrate 22 are not limited in the embodiments of this disclosure. In a second aspect, an embodiment of this disclosure further provides an electronic device comprising the dual-frequency antenna mentioned above. The antenna system provided by an embodiment of this disclosure further comprises a transmit / receive unit, a radio frequency transmitter / receiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filter unit.The antenna in the antenna system can function as either a transmitting or a receiving antenna. The transmitting / receiving unit can include a baseband and a receiving port, with the baseband providing a signal from at least one frequency band, such as a 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc., and transmitting the signal of that frequency band to the radio frequency transmitter / receiver. After the antenna in the antenna system receives a signal, it can be processed by the filter unit, power amplifier, signal amplifier, and the radio frequency transmitter / receiver, and then transmitted to the receiving port in the transmitting / receiving unit. The receiving port could be, for example, a smart gateway.

[0044] Furthermore, the radio frequency transmitter / receiver is connected to the transmit / receive unit to modulate the signal transmitted by the transmit / receive unit or to demodulate the signal received by the antenna and then transmit it back to the transmit / receive unit. Specifically, the radio frequency transmitter / receiver may include a transmit circuit, a receive circuit, a modulation circuit, and a demodulation circuit. After the transmit circuit has received various types of signals provided by the baseband, the modulation circuit can modulate these signals and then transmit them to the antenna. The signals received by the antenna are transmitted to the receive circuit of the radio frequency transmitter / receiver, the receive circuit transmits the signals to the demodulation circuit, and the demodulation circuit demodulates the signals and then transmits them to the receive terminal.

[0045] Furthermore, the radio frequency transmitter / receiver is connected to the signal amplifier and the power amplifier. The signal amplifier and the power amplifier are then connected to the filter unit, and the filter unit is connected to at least one antenna. When transmitting signals through the antenna system, the signal amplifier is used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the signals output by the radio frequency transmitter / receiver and then transmit them to the filter unit. The power amplifier is used to amplify the power of the signals output by the radio frequency transmitter / receiver and then transmit them to the filter unit. The filter unit may specifically include a duplexer and a filter circuit. The filter unit combines the signals output by the signal amplifier and the power amplifier and, after filtering out interference, transmits them to the antenna that radiates the signals.When signals are received by the antenna system, they are transmitted to the filter unit. After filtering out interference, the filter unit then transmits the received signals to the signal amplifier and the power amplifier. The signal amplifier amplifies the received signals and increases their signal-to-noise ratio. The power amplifier further amplifies the power of the received signals. The signals received by the antenna are then processed by the power amplifier and the signal amplifier and transmitted to the radio frequency transmitter / receiver, which forwards them to the transmitting / receiving unit.

[0046] In some examples, the signal amplifiers may include different types of signal amplifiers, such as low-noise amplifiers, without any restriction being imposed here.

[0047] In some examples, the electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further comprises a power management unit, wherein the power management unit is connected to the power amplifier to supply the power amplifier with a voltage for amplifying the signal.

[0048] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to these. For a person skilled in the art, various variations and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these variations and improvements will also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[1] A dual-frequency antenna comprising a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit arranged opposite each other, and a filter unit provided between the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit; wherein an operating frequency of the first antenna unit belongs to the first frequency band; and an operating frequency of the second antenna unit belongs to the second frequency band; wherein the filter unit is configured to reflect an electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and transmit an electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band; wherein the first antenna unit is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band and reflect the received electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band by the filter unit; wherein the second antenna unit is configured to receive the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band transmitted through the filter unit and reflect the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band. [2] The dual-frequency antenna of claim 1, wherein the first antenna unit comprises at least a first sub-array; and the second antenna comprises at least a second sub-array; wherein the first sub-array comprises a first dielectric substrate and a second dielectric substrate arranged opposite each other, a first phase-adjusting structure provided between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and a first radiating section provided on the first dielectric substrate; wherein the filter unit is provided on a side of the second dielectric substrate facing away from the first dielectric substrate; wherein the first phase-adjusting structure is electrically connected to the first radiating section and is configured to adjust a phase of the electromagnetic wave of the first frequency band received by the first radiating section and radiate a phase-shifted electromagnetic wave through the first radiating section; wherein the second sub-array comprises a third dielectric substrate and a fourth dielectric substrate arranged opposite each other, a second phase adjustment structure provided between the third dielectric substrate and the fourth dielectric substrate, a second radiating section provided on the third dielectric substrate, and a reference electrode layer provided on a side of the fourth dielectric substrate facing away from the third dielectric substrate; wherein the third dielectric substrate is provided on a side of the filter unit facing away from the second dielectric substrate;wherein the second phase adjusting structure is electrically connected to the second radiating section and is configured to adjust a phase of the electromagnetic wave of the second frequency band received by the second radiating section and radiate a phase-shifted electromagnetic wave through the second radiating section; [3] A dual-frequency antenna according to claim 2, wherein orthographic projections of the first sub-array and the second sub-array onto a plane on which the filter unit is located do not overlap. [4] A dual-frequency antenna according to claim 2, wherein there are a plurality of first sub-arrays and a plurality of second sub-arrays, and a number of the first sub-arrays is less than a number of the second sub-arrays; wherein the first sub-arrays and the second sub-arrays are each arranged in an array, and wherein an orthographic projection of one of the second sub-arrays onto a plane on which the filter unit is located covers an orthographic projection of at least one of the first sub-arrays on the plane on which the filter unit is located. [5] The dual-frequency antenna according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the first phase adjustment structure comprises a first feeding section and a first phase shift section electrically connected to the first feeding section; wherein the first feeding section is further electrically connected to the first radiating section; wherein the first phase shift section comprises a first electrode layer provided on a side of the first dielectric substrate facing the second substrate, a second electrode layer provided on a side of the second dielectric substrate facing the first dielectric substrate, and a first tunable dielectric layer provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. [6] The dual-frequency antenna according to claim 5, wherein the first sub-array further comprises a first drive signal line and a second drive signal line; wherein the first drive signal line is electrically connected to the first electrode layer; and the second drive signal line is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. [7] A dual-frequency antenna according to claim 5, wherein for one of the first sub-arrays, the first radiating section is located on a side of the first dielectric substrate remote from the first phase adjustment structure, and the first radiating section is electrically connected to the first feeding section through a first through-hole passing through the first dielectric substrate. [8] Dual-frequency antenna according to claim 5, wherein for one of the first sub-arrays the first radiating section is located on a side of the first dielectric substrate facing away from the first phase adjustment structure, wherein orthographic projections of the first radiating section and the first feeding section onto the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlap. [9] The dual-frequency antenna according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the second phase adjustment structure comprises a second feeding section and a second phase shifting section electrically connected to the second feeding section; wherein the second feeding section is further electrically connected to the second radiating section; wherein the second phase shifting section comprises a third electrode layer provided on a side of the third dielectric substrate facing the fourth substrate, a fourth electrode layer provided on a side of the fourth dielectric substrate facing the third dielectric substrate, and a second adjustable dielectric layer provided between the third electrode layer and the fourth electrode layer. [10] The dual-frequency antenna according to claim 9, wherein the second sub-array further comprises a third drive signal line and a fourth drive signal line; wherein the third drive signal line is electrically connected to the third electrode layer; and the fourth drive signal line is electrically connected to the fourth electrode layer. [11] A dual-frequency antenna according to claim 9, wherein for one of the second sub-arrays, the second radiating section is located on a side of the third dielectric substrate remote from the second phase adjustment structure, and the second radiating section is electrically connected to the third feed section through a second through-hole passing through the third dielectric substrate. [12] Dual-frequency antenna according to claim 9, wherein for one of the second sub-arrays the second radiating section is located on a side of the third dielectric substrate facing away from the second phase adjustment structure, wherein orthographic projections of the second radiating section and the third feeding section onto the third dielectric substrate at least partially overlap. [13] A dual-frequency antenna according to claims 2 to 4, wherein there are a plurality of first sub-arrays, the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate being shared by each of the first sub-arrays; wherein there are a plurality of second sub-arrays, the third dielectric substrate and the fourth dielectric substrate being shared by each of the second sub-arrays. [14] A dual-frequency antenna according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the reference electrode layer comprises a reflective layer. [15] Dual-frequency antenna according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the filter unit comprises a plurality of patterning units, wherein the patterning units are patches and / or rings. [16] An electronic device comprising a dual-frequency antenna according to any one of claims 1-15.