Signal transmitting apparatus, electronic device, and communication base station

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of wireless communications, and provided thereby are signal transmitting apparatus, an electronic device, and a communication base station, which are used to reduce costs and power consumption. The signal transmitting apparatus comprises a first functional device, a second functional device, and a filling structure. The first functional device comprises at least one feed source. The feed source is used for transmitting an electromagnetic signal. The second functional device comprises a plurality of transmission units. Each transmission unit is used for changing a physical state of the electromagnetic signal traversing the transmission unit. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal comprises one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction, and frequency. The second functional device is at least partially opposite to the first functional device. The filling structure is located between the first functional device and the second functional device. Dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different.

Description

[0001] The present application claims a priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310827434.8, filed on July 06, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated into the present application by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and in particular to a signal transmitting apparatus, an electronic apparatus, and a communication base station.BACKGROUND

[0003] Because high-frequency band wireless communication has the advantages of larger communication bandwidth and higher communication system capacity, wireless communication technologies are gradually developed to high frequency bands. However, high frequency bands correspond to smaller electromagnetic wavelengths. This means that corresponding components are smaller and have higher design requirements, resulting in higher costs and power consumption.

[0004] In addition, current communication base stations generally use phased arrays as transmitting antennas to transmit wireless signals. The functions of the phased arrays depend on the structures such as phase shifters, amplifiers, switch matrices, and radio-frequency (RF) chains. With the development of antennas on a super-large scale, the scale of structures such as phase shifters, amplifiers, switch matrices, and RF chains also increases, which further increases costs and power consumption.SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of embodiments of the present application is to provide a signal transmitting apparatus, an electronic apparatus, and a communication base station, for reducing costs and power consumption.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions.

[0007] In a first aspect, a signal transmitting apparatus is provided, and the signal transmitting apparatus includes: a first functional device, a second functional device, and a filling structure. The first functional device includes at least one feed. The feed is used to transmit an electromagnetic signal. The second functional device includes multiple transmission units. The transmission units are used to change physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission units. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal includes one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction, and frequency. The second functional device and the first functional device at least partially face each other. The filling structure is located between the first functional device and the second functional device. At least two positions in the filling structure have different dielectric constants.

[0008] In a second aspect, an electronic apparatus is provided, and the electronic apparatus includes: the signal transmitting apparatus according to the first aspect.

[0009] In a third aspect, a communication base station is provided, and the communication base station includes: the signal transmitting apparatus according to the first aspect.

[0010] In the signal transmitting apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application, by setting the first functional device and the second functional device partially facing to each other, setting the at least one feed in the first functional device for transmitting the electromagnetic signal, and setting the multiple transmission units in the second functional device to change the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the multiple transmission units, different feeds can be selected to transmit the electromagnetic signals, and the transmission units can be used to manipulate the electromagnetic signals to form directional beams with different exit angles. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, the first functional device and the second functional device can be used to replace RF chain and phase shifter with more complicated structure. In this way, the structure of the signal transmitting apparatus can be simplified to make the apparatus smaller, and costs and power consumption of the signal transmitting apparatus can be reduced. Even if antennas are developed on a super-large scale, costs and power consumption can be also greatly reduced.

[0011] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the filling structure is set between the first functional device and the second functional device, and dielectric constants of at least two locations in the filling structure are different, so that the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the feed can be better focused on the second functional device to further reduce power consumption and costs, and more channels can be constructed between the first functional device and the second functional device, thereby increasing channel complexity, enhancing beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus, and further simplifying the structure of the signal transmitting apparatus.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] To describe the technical solutions in the present application more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings provided for some embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only the drawings of some embodiments of the present application. A person of ordinary skill in the art may further derive other drawings from these accompanying drawings. In addition, the accompanying drawings in the following descriptions may be regarded as schematic diagrams, and are not intended to limit the actual dimensions of products involved in the embodiments of the present application. FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a communication base station provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of another communication base station provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of an electronic apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of a signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement method of feeds provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 14 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 15 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 16 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 17 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 18 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 19 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 20 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 21 is a structural diagram of yet another signal transmitting apparatus provided by some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The technical solutions in some embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, but not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those ordinary skilled in the art fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0014] In the whole specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, the term "including" is interpreted as open and inclusive, meaning "including but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "some embodiments", "example", "some examples", or the like are intended to indicate that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics related to the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. The above terms may not refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable manner.

[0015] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for description purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, the features with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0016] In some embodiments, "coupling", "connection", and their extension expressions may be used. For example, the term "connection" may be used in the description of some embodiments to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical contact or electrical contact with each other. For another example, the term "coupling" may be used in the description of some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical contact or electrical contact. However, the term "coupling" may also mean that two or more components do not directly contact each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other. The disclosed embodiments are not necessarily limited to the content of this specification.

[0017] "At least one of A, B, and C" includes a combination of A only, B only, C only, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C. "A and / or B" includes three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0018] In this specification, "used for" means an open and inclusive language, which does not exclude devices that are applicable to or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. In addition, the use of "based" means open and inclusive, because the process, steps, calculations, or other actions "based" on one or more of conditions or values may be based on additional conditions or values that are exceeded in practice.

[0019] As used herein, "parallel", "vertical", and "equal" include and are similar to the stated situation, which is within the range of acceptable deviations as determined by those of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement being discussed and the errors associated with a specific amount of measurement (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallel and approximate parallel, where the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallel can be, for example, the deviation within 5°. "Vertical" includes absolute vertical and approximate vertical. The acceptable deviation range of approximate vertical can be, for example, the deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equal and approximate equal, where the acceptable deviation range of the approximate equal may be, for example, the difference between the two equal is less than or equal to 5% of any one of them.

[0020] This specification describes an exemplary embodiment with reference to a cross-sectional view and / or a plan view as an ideal example drawing. In the accompanying drawings, the layer thickness and area are enlarged for clarity. Therefore, a change in the shape relative to the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing technologies and / or tolerances can be envisioned. Therefore, the exemplary embodiment should not be interpreted as limited to the shape of the area shown herein, but includes a shape deviation caused by, for example, manufacturing. For example, a rectangular area usually has bending features. Therefore, the areas shown in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shape of the area of the device, and are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Embodiment of the present application provides a communication base station. The communication base station is located between a communication network and a communication device (e.g., a mobile communication device) to implement electromagnetic signal transmission between the communication network and the communication device.

[0022] The communication base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station (also called a small base station), a relay base station, or an access point (AP). For example, a communication base station may be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), a next generation node base station (gNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a relay node (RN), or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. In systems using different radio access technology (RAT) technologies, names of the devices with the communication base station function may be different. For example, a long term evolution (LTE) system may be referred to as an eNB or an eNodeB, and a 5G system or a new radio (NR) system may be referred to as a gNB. A specific name of a communications base station is not limited in the present application.

[0023] The network architecture of the mobile communication network (including but not limited to 3G, 4G, 5G and future mobile communication networks) in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first communication node and a second communication node. In some examples, the first communication node may be a base station and the second communication node may be a terminal. In another examples, the first communication node may be a terminal, and the second communication node may be a base station. In yet another examples, in a device-to-device communication scenario, both the first communication node and the second communication node may be terminals. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0024] There are multiple structures of the above communication base station. For example, the structures of the communication base station may include a distributed structure, a tower structure, and a pole structure.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication base station. As shown in FIG. 1, a communication base station includes a bracket 100 and an antenna 200. The bracket 100 is installed on the ground or on the roof, and the antenna 200 is installed on the bracket 100. In the embodiments of the present application, there is no special restriction on the installation mode of the antenna 200. The antenna 200 may be a 4G antenna or a 5G antenna. For example, the antenna 200 may be a 4G or 5G antenna used for multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO). In the embodiments of the present application, there is no special restriction on the specific type of the antenna 200.

[0026] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the communication base station further includes a controller 300. The controller 300 is coupled to the antenna 200. The controller 300 is used to manage radio channels, and the antenna 200 is used to transmit or receive an electromagnetic signal.

[0027] For example, when the antenna 200 performs wireless communication, the controller 300 can allocate wireless channels for voice services received by the antenna 200. After receiving the electromagnetic signal, the antenna 200 extracts information (e.g., voice service information) carried in the electromagnetic signal, and transmits the information through a radio channel allocated by the controller 300.

[0028] The embodiments of the present application further provide an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (pad), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an artificial intelligence (AI) device, an intelligent wearable device (e.g., a smart watch or smart wristband), an in-vehicle device (e.g., an in-vehicle radar), an intelligent home device and / or a smart city device, a detector, a drone, or a mapping device, etc. A specific type of the electronic apparatus is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a structure of an electronic apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic apparatus includes an antenna 400. The electronic apparatus can use the antenna 400 to transmit energy or electromagnetic waves. Exemplarily, the electronic apparatus may use the antenna 400 to perform wireless communication, or perform wireless detection (or sensing).

[0030] When the electronic apparatus uses the antenna 400 for wireless communication, the electronic apparatus can transmit electromagnetic signals outward and receive external electromagnetic signals through the antenna 400. The electromagnetic signals may carry communication data, for example, a call request.

[0031] When the electronic apparatus uses the antenna 400 to perform wireless detection, the electronic apparatus can transmit an electromagnetic signal for detection by using the antenna 400, receive the electromagnetic signal reflected by a detected object, and determine information about the detected object in the external environment according to the reflected electromagnetic signal. The information about the detected object includes, for example, location information and a moving speed of the detected object.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, some embodiments of the present application further provide a signal transmitting apparatus 500. The signal transmitting apparatus 500 can transmit electromagnetic signals. In some embodiments, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 can further receive electromagnetic signals. The signal transmitting apparatus 500 may be used as the antenna 200 in the communication base station or the antenna 400 in the electronic apparatus.

[0033] The above signal transmitting apparatus 500 has multiple structures, and can be configured as required. The following provides a schematic description of the structures of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] In some possible examples, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 includes an antenna module 1. The antenna module 1 includes a first functional device 11 and a second functional device 12. The first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are arranged at intervals, that is, there is a gap between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are not in direct contact. The distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 may be set as required. This is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0035] The first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 at least partially face each other. That is, a projection of the first functional device 11 on a reference plane and a projection of the second functional device 12 on the reference plane at least partially overlap. The reference plane is perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the above first functional device 11 includes at least one feed 111. The number of feeds 111 may be one or more. In both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, multiple feeds 111 are shown as an example. The following description also uses multiple feeds 111 as an example.

[0037] There are multiple arrangement methods of the multiple feeds 111, which can be selected as required. (a), (b), and (c) in FIG. 7 each shows an arrangement method of the feeds 111 respectively.

[0038] Exemplarily, as shown in (a) in FIG. 7, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged in a linear array. That is, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged on a same straight line, and there is, for example, a gap between two adjacent feeds 111. In addition, the multiple feeds 111 can also be arranged on a same curve.

[0039] Exemplarily, as shown in (b) and (c) in FIG. 7, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged in a two-dimensional planar array. That is, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged on a two-dimensional plane in accordance with a specific rule (which may be set as required). For example, as shown in (b) in FIG. 7, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged in a rectangular array. As shown in (c) in FIG. 7, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged in a ring array.

[0040] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 5, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged in a curved surface array. That is, the multiple feeds 111 are arranged on a spatial curved surface, and the projections of the multiple feeds 111 on a reference plane are arranged in a two-dimensional planar array. For example, the reference plane is tangent to the geometric center of the spatial curved surface.

[0041] The above feed 111 is used to transmit an electromagnetic signal. The feed 111 has a capability of actively transmitting electromagnetic signals. Each of the multiple feeds 111 can transmit electromagnetic signals independently. In addition, the feed 111 can also have a capability of receiving electromagnetic signals. Optionally, the feed 111 may be a half-wavelength dipole, a monopole, a microstrip antenna, a slot antenna, a horn antenna, or another antenna structure that has an electromagnetic signal transmission capability and an electromagnetic signal receiving capability. A specific form of the feed 111 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the second functional device 12 includes multiple transmission units 121. For example, the number of the transmission units 121 are two, three, or more.

[0043] There are multiple arrangement methods of the transmission units 121, which can be selected and set as required.

[0044] Exemplarily, the multiple transmission units 121 may be arranged in a linear array, a two-dimensional planar array, or a curved surface array. Details can refer to the descriptions of the arrangement methods of the multiple feeds 111, and are not described herein again. In the antenna module 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application, the arrangement method of the multiple feeds 111 of the first functional device 11 may be same as or different from the arrangement method of the multiple transmission units 121 of the second functional device 12.

[0045] The transmission unit 121 is a passive electromagnetic unit, that is, the transmission unit 121 does not have the capability of transmitting electromagnetic signals independently. Each of the multiple transmission units 121 has a capability of manipulating an electromagnetic signal. Accordingly, the transmission unit 121 is used to change a physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission unit 121. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal includes one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, frequency, and polarization direction.

[0046] For example, when the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is amplitude, there is a difference between the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal before the electromagnetic signal passes through the transmission unit 121 and the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal after the electromagnetic signal passes through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is phase, the phase of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 is different from the phase of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is frequency, the frequency of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 is different from the frequency of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is the polarization direction, the polarization direction of the electromagnetic signal before the electromagnetic signal passes through the transmission unit 121 is different from the polarization direction of the electromagnetic signal after the electromagnetic signal passes through the transmission unit 121.

[0047] Exemplarily, among the multiple transmission units 121, at least two transmission units 121 have different manipulating effects on electromagnetic signals. For example, the at least two transmission units 121 include a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit. The first transmission unit can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through the first transmission unit by π / 2, and the second transmission unit can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through the second transmission unit by π / 4.

[0048] The transmission unit 121 may be static or dynamic.

[0049] When the transmission unit 121 is static, the transmission unit 121 has a fixed electromagnetic signal manipulating feature. The hardware of the transmission unit 121 has frequency selectivity. In the embodiments of the present application, change amounts of the physical state of the electromagnetic signals that pass through the transmission unit 121 at different frequencies may be different. However, the change amount of the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission unit 121 at a specific frequency is fixed. The change amounts of the physical state of the electromagnetic signals passing through different transmission units 121 at the specific frequency may be same or different. For example, a transmission unit 121 can delay the phase of an electromagnetic signal passing through it at a frequency of 30 GHz by π / 2, and the phase delay amount is constant and unchangeable. The phase delay amount of the electromagnetic signal that passes through another transmission unit 121 at the frequency of 30 GHz may be π / 2, π / 4, or another phase delay amount that helps improve beamforming capability. A phase response of a static transmission unit can be changed by changing the shape of a metal tile on the unit and the thickness of a dielectric substrate of the unit.

[0050] When the transmission unit 121 is dynamic, the second functional device 12 can change the state of each transmission unit 121 in real time, so that the transmission unit 121 can dynamically adjust the change amount of the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission unit 121. For example, at a first moment, a transmitting unit 121 may delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmitting unit by π / 2, and at a second moment, the transmitting unit 121 delays the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmitting unit by π. In the embodiments of the present application, for example, a structure such as a diode, a triode, a liquid crystal material, or a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) may be used to control a change of the state of the transmission unit 121.

[0051] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 further includes a signal processing module 2 and a feed selection module 3. One end of the feed selection module 3 is coupled to the signal processing module 2, and the other end of the feed selection module 3 is coupled to multiple feeds 111 in the antenna module 1, that is, the other end of the feed selection module 3 is coupled to the first functional device 11. The signal processing module 2 is used to generate a first electromagnetic signal. The feed selection module 3 is used to select at least one target feed from the multiple feeds 111, so that the target feed transmits the first electromagnetic signal.

[0052] Exemplarily, the signal processing module 2 includes an RF chain. The RF chain is used to convert a received digital signal into an electromagnetic signal, and convert a received electromagnetic signal into a digital signal.

[0053] The above target feed can be determined by the signal processing module 2. After determining the target feed, the signal processing module 2 may send an identity (ID) of the target feed to the feed selection module 3. The feed selection module 3 may select the target feed from the multiple feeds 111 in accordance with the ID of the target feed, and control the continuity of the target feed, so that the target feed transmits the first electromagnetic signal generated by the signal processing module 2.

[0054] Exemplarily, the feed selection module 3 includes an automatic switching circuit. The automatic switching circuit can conduct the target feed in accordance with the instruction of the signal processing module 2.

[0055] Because the feed 111 has a capability of transmitting electromagnetic signals, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 provided in the present application can be used as a transmit antenna to transmit electromagnetic signals outward. FIG. 8 shows an electromagnetic signal transmitting process of a signal transmitting apparatus 500 (or antenna module 1). For example, in a coordinate system shown in FIG. 8, a center point of the first functional device 11 is used as the origin, and a direction in which the center point of the first functional device 11 points to a center point of the second functional device 12 is used as the positive direction of the X-axis. For example, the central point of the first functional device 11 is the geometric center of the first functional device 11, and the central point of the second functional device 12 is the geometric center of the second functional device 12.

[0056] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 8, when the signal transmitting apparatus 500 serves as a transmit antenna to transmit an electromagnetic signal outward, the signal processing module 2 generates a first electromagnetic signal, and sends the first electromagnetic signal to the feed selection module 3. The feed selection module 3 may select at least one target feed (for example, the first feed 111a and the second feed 111b in FIG. 8) from the multiple feeds 111 of the first functional device 11 to transmit the first electromagnetic signal. The multiple transmission units 121 in the second functional device 12 may manipulate the first electromagnetic signal transmitted by the at least one target feed (or referred to as beamforming), so that the first electromagnetic signal transmitted by the at least one target feed forms at least one directional beam (for example, directional beam 1 and directional beam 2 shown in FIG. 8) after passing through the multiple transmission units 121 in the second functional device 12. Pointing directions of different directional beams may be different, and exit angles (that is, angles between the pointing directions and the X-axis) of the different directional beams may also be different. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the pointing direction of the directional beam 1 extends downward of the X-axis. The pointing direction of the directional beam 2 extends upwards of the X-axis. In addition, the exit angle of the directional beam 1 is smaller than that of the directional beam 2.

[0057] By selecting different feeds 111 to transmit electromagnetic signals, the electromagnetic signals (or directional beams) radiated by the second functional device 12 can have different exit angles, so that different directional beams can be switched and different signal receiving ends can be served.

[0058] It can be understood that in related technologies, an RF chain or a combination of an RF chain and a phase shifter is usually used to perform phase adjustment on electromagnetic signals transmitted by a transmit antenna, so as to implement directional transmission of wireless signals. In the embodiments of the present application, the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are used. The at least one feed 111 of the first functional device 11 can be used to transmit electromagnetic signals, and multiple transmission units 121 of the second functional device 12 can be used to manipulate the electromagnetic signals to form directional beams with different exit angles. That is, in the embodiments of the present application, the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 may be used to replace the more complicated RF chain and phase shifter. In this way, the structure of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 can be simplified to facilitate the miniaturization of components, and costs and power consumption of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 can be reduced. Even if antennas are developed on a super-large scale, costs and power consumption can also be greatly reduced.

[0059] In addition, the design of the feed 111 and the transmission unit 121 can more conveniently implement a larger effective aperture and obtain a larger beamforming gain.

[0060] Further, if the feed 111 has a capability of receiving electromagnetic signals, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 provided in the present application can also be used as a receiving antenna to receive external radiated electromagnetic signals.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are used to transmit electromagnetic signals, the exit angle range of the directional beam may be relatively small. Therefore, if the coverage range of the directional beam needs to be increased or the directional beam can be transmitted in the preset direction, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 (or the antenna module 1) needs to be moved.

[0062] In addition, a vacuum is set between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, or air is filled between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. In this way, when the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is large, the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the first functional device 11 may not be completely received by the second functional device 12, which affects signal transmission of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 (or the antenna module 1). To enable the second functional device 12 to receive sufficient electromagnetic signals from the first functional device 11 and reduce impact on electromagnetic signals transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500 (or the antenna module 1), the power of the first functional device 11 needs to be increased, and costs and power consumption easily increase.

[0063] Based on this, in some possible embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21, the antenna module 1 of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 further includes a filling structure 13. The filling structure 13 is located between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. In the structures shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21, the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13, and the second functional device 12 are sequentially arranged from left to right in the figures. In addition, in the structures shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21, the plane on which the first functional device 11 is located (that is, the plane on which the first functional device 11 is located to support and fix the structure of the feed 11), and the plane on which the second functional device 12 is located (that is, the plane on which the second functional device 12 is located to support and fix the structure of the transmission unit 121) are taken as an example. In addition, the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are disposed in parallel. A cross-sectional area of the structures shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21 is perpendicular to the plane on which the first functional device 11 is located. For example, the X-axis shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21 is the same as the X-axis shown in FIG. 8, the Y-axis shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21 is the same as the Y-axis shown in FIG. 8, and the cross-sectional area of the structures shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 21 is perpendicular to the Z-axis shown in FIG. 8.

[0064] A space between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 forms a cavity (for example, a peripheral boundary of the first functional device 11 is connected to a peripheral boundary of the second functional device 12 to form the cavity), and the filling structure 13 is filled in the cavity. After passing through the filling structure 13, the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the feed 111 of the first functional device 11 are incident to the second functional device 12.

[0065] At least two locations in the filling structure 13 have different dielectric constants. That is, the dielectric constants at different locations of the filling structure 13 are non-uniform. The filling structure 13 is set, so that the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 may also be referred to as a non-uniform dielectric cavity.

[0066] The electromagnetic signals transmitted by the feed 111 can be reflected and / or scattered at different locations with different dielectric constants. The filling structure 13 has multiple locations with different dielectric constants, so that the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the feed 111 can change a traveling direction multiple times in the filling structure 13, and better focus on the second functional device 12. In this way, the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the feed 111 can be basically received and transmitted by the second functional device 12, so that costs and power consumption can be reduced without increasing the power of the first functional device 11.

[0067] In addition, the setting of the filling structure 13 can construct more channels between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, increase channel complexity, and enhance the beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus 500. In this way, the exit angle range of the directional beam emitted by the second functional device 12 can be increased, and the coverage range of the directional beam can be increased. When it is required that the directional beam can be transmitted in the preset direction, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 (or the antenna module 1) does not need to be moved, which further simplifies the structure of the signal transmitting apparatus 500.

[0068] The dielectric constants at different locations of the filling structure 13 can be set as required. A larger dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 indicates a smaller distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 (that is, a smaller cavity size in an arrangement direction of the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12). In this way, the size of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 (or the antenna module 1) can be effectively reduced, which facilitates small-scale design or light-thin design, facilitates installation, and reduces costs and power consumption.

[0069] In addition, on the basis that the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is reduced, it can be further ensured that all electromagnetic signals transmitted by the feed 111 can be radiated to the second functional device 12 and transmitted, which helps further reduce power consumption.

[0070] It can be understood that the material with a larger dielectric constant has a stronger absorption capability for electromagnetic signals. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, the material to be filled between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 can be determined based on the required dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 and the electromagnetic signal absorption capability of the filling structure 13.

[0071] The filling structure 13 can be set in multiple ways as required. The following uses the accompanying drawings to illustrate how to set the filling structure 13. However, the setting ways of the filling structure 13 is not limited to this.

[0072] In a first possible embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the structure of the filling structure 13 is a single-layer structure. In this case, the dielectric constant in the filling structure 13 can be gradually set. The dielectric constant in the filling structure 13 can be changed in multiple ways, and can be set as required.

[0073] It should be understood that the spatial distribution of the dielectric constant in the filling structure 13 may be represented by a function, for example, ε x,y,z = f(x, y, z), where ε x,y,z indicates the dielectric constant with the point whose coordinate is (x, y, z) in the filling structure 13.

[0074] In some examples, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 changes linearly in a first direction. For example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 increases linearly. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases. For example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 decreases linearly. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually decreases.

[0075] Here, the arrangement direction of the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13, and the second functional device 12 is defined as a second direction. For example, the second direction is parallel to the extension direction of the X-axis shown in FIG. 9, and the second direction is the same as the positive direction of the X-axis. An angle range between the first direction and the second direction is 0° ~90° . An angle between the first direction and the second direction is, for example, 0° , 10° , 30° , 40° , 65° , or 90° .

[0076] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 0° , for example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the X-axis shown in FIG. 9, and is the same as the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0077] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90° , for example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the Y-axis shown in FIG. 9, and is the same as or opposite to the positive direction of the Y-axis. For another example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the Z-axis (the Z-axis is not shown in the figure, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis), and is the same as or opposite to the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0078] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 45° , the angle between the first direction and the positive direction of the Y-axis is from 45° to 135° .

[0079] Exemplarily, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 meets the following relationship: f x y z = 1 + a 1 x − x 0 + b 1 y − y 0 + c 1 z − z 0 × ε , where f(x, y, z) is the dielectric constant with the point whose coordinate position in the filling structure 13. a 1 , b 1 , and c 1 are coefficients, and are not 0 at the same time. ε is the preset dielectric constant. (x 0 , y 0 , z 0 ) is a reference point, and the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 at the reference point is the preset dielectric constant ε. The reference point may be set randomly. Optionally, the reference point may be a central point of the first functional device 11, a point other than the central point of the first functional device 11, a central point of the second functional device 12, a point other than the central point of the second functional device 12, or any point on a line connecting the central point of the first functional device 11 and the central point of the second functional device 12.

[0080] The above "preset dielectric constant" is related to the material of the filling structure 13. For example, the "preset dielectric constant" is the same as the dielectric constant of the material of the filling structure 13. When the material of the filling structure 13 changes, the preset dielectric constant changes accordingly.

[0081] For example, when the center point of the first functional device 11 is used as the reference point (which may also be referred to as the origin, in this case, x 0 =0, y 0 =0, and z 0 =0), and the direction in which the center point of the first functional device 11 points to the center point of the second functional device 12 is used as the positive direction of the X-axis to establish the coordinate system, f(x, y, z) = (1 + a 1 x) × ε.

[0082] That is, b 1 and c 1 are both 0, and f(x,y,z) is a first-order function of x. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases.

[0083] Optionally, a 1 = 3 d , b 1 =0, and c 1 =0, d is a distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. In this case, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 meets the following relationship: f x y z = 1 + 3 x d × ε.

[0084] In the case of x=0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (that is, the dielectric constant at the position where the surface of the filling structure 13 near the first functional device 11 is located) is ε. In the positive direction along the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases. In the case of x=d, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (that is, the dielectric constant at the position where the surface of the filling structure 13 near the second functional device 12 is located) increases to 4ε.

[0085] Exemplarily, when a 1 and b 1 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is a first-order function about z. Along the positive direction of the Z-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases. When a 1 and c 1 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is the first-order function of y. Along the positive direction of the Y-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases. When none of a 1 , b 1 , and c 1 are 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can gradually change respectively along the positive direction of the X-axis, the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0086] In other examples, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 changes non-linearly along the first direction. Along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 does not change in proportion.

[0087] For example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 exponentially increases. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases, and a rate at which the dielectric constant increases is also increasing. For another example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 decreases exponentially. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually decreases, and the rate at which the dielectric constant decreases is also increasing.

[0088] Exemplarily, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 meets the following relationship: f x y z = 1 + a 2 x − x 0 n + b 2 y − y 0 n + c 2 z − z 0 n × ε , where f(x, y, z) is the dielectric constant with the point whose coordinate position in the filling structure 13. a 2 , b 2 , and c 2 are coefficients, and are not 0 at the same time. ε is the preset dielectric constant. n≥2, and n is integer. (x 0 , y 0 , z 0 ) is a reference point, and the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 at the reference point is the preset dielectric constant ε. The reference point may be set randomly. Optionally, the reference point may be a central point of the first functional device 11, a point other than the central point of the first functional device 11, a central point of the second functional device 12, a point other than the central point of the second functional device 12, or any point on a line connecting the central point of the first functional device 11 and the central point of the second functional device 12.

[0089] The above "preset dielectric constant" is related to the material of the filling structure 13. For example, the "preset dielectric constant" is the same as the dielectric constant of the material of the filling structure 13. When the material of the filling structure 13 changes, the preset dielectric constant changes accordingly.

[0090] For example, when the center point of the first functional device 11 is used as the reference point (which may also be referred to as the origin, in this case, x 0 =0, y 0 =0, and z 0 =0), and the direction in which the center point of the first functional device 11 points to the center point of the second functional device 12 is used as the positive direction of the X-axis to establish the coordinate system, f(x, y, z) = [1 + (a 2 x) n< ] × ε.

[0091] That is, b 2 and c 2 are both 0, and f(x, y, z) is an n-order function of x. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the n-th power of x.

[0092] Optionally, a 2 = 1 d , b 2 =0, and c 2 =0, d is a distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. In this case, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 meets the following relationship: f x y z = 1 + x d n × ε.

[0093] In the case of x=0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (that is, the dielectric constant at the position where the surface of the filling structure 13 near the first functional device 11 is located) is ε. In the positive direction along the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases with the n-th power of x. In the case of x=d, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (that is, the dielectric constant at the position where the surface of the filling structure 13 near the second functional device 12 is located) increases to 2ε.

[0094] Exemplarily, when a 2 and b 2 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is an n-order function about z. Along the positive direction of the Z-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the n-th power of z. When a 2 and c 2 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is an n-order function of y. Along the positive direction of the Y-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the n-th power of y. When none of a 2 , b 2 , and c 2 are 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can gradually change respectively along the positive direction of the X-axis, the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0095] The materials of the filling structure 13 include, for example, medium materials. The medium materials include but are not limited to resin materials, glass, and FR-4 material.

[0096] Taking the FR-4 material as an example, the gradient design of the dielectric constant of the filling structure13 can be implemented by adjusting the concentration of the doped elements at different positions in the filling structure13.

[0097] In the embodiments of the present application, the filling structure 13 whose dielectric constant gradually changes is filled between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. A scattering-rich environment can be constructed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 to enhance the beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus 500.

[0098] In a second possible embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the structure of the filling structure 13 is a structure in which multiple film layers are stacked in sequence. For example, the filling structure 13 includes multiple stacked filling medium layers 131. The number of filling medium layers 131 can be two, three, four, or more. Three filling medium layers 131 (for example, the first filling medium layer 131a, the second filling medium layer 131b, and the third filling medium layer 131c) are shown in FIG. 10.

[0099] The multiple filling medium layers 131 included in the filling structure 13 may be stacked in sequence along the first direction.

[0100] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 0° , for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the multiple filling medium layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0101] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90° , for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the multiple filling medium layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the Y-axis. For another example, the multiple filling medium layers 131 are stacked along a positive direction of the Z-axis (the Z-axis is not shown in the figure, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis).

[0102] Further, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is another angle, the multiple filling medium layers 131 may also be stacked along the corresponding direction.

[0103] Among the multiple filling medium layers 131 included in the filling structure 13, two adjacent filling medium layers 131 have different dielectric constants. The relationship between the dielectric constants of the two adjacent filling medium layers 131 can be set as required. For example, in the first direction, the dielectric constants of the multiple filling medium layers 131 increase, decrease, increase first and then decrease, or decrease first and then increase.

[0104] Optionally, in the filling structure 13 shown in FIG. 10, the dielectric constant of the first filling medium layer 131a is different from the dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b, and the dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b is different from the dielectric constant of the third filling medium layer 131c.

[0105] For example, the dielectric constant of the first filling medium layer 131a is greater than the dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b. The dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b is greater than the dielectric constant of the third filling medium layer 131c.

[0106] For another example, the dielectric constant of the first filling medium layer 131a is less than the dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b. The dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b is less than the dielectric constant of the third filling medium layer 131c.

[0107] For another example, the dielectric constant of the first filling medium layer 131a is less than the dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b. The dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b is greater than the dielectric constant of the third filling medium layer 131c. The dielectric constant of the first filling medium layer 131a and the dielectric constant of the third filling medium layer 131c may be the same or different.

[0108] For another example, the dielectric constant of the first filling medium layer 131a is greater than the dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b. The dielectric constant of the second filling medium layer 131b is less than the dielectric constant of the third filling medium layer 131c. The dielectric constant of the first filling medium layer 131a and the dielectric constant of the third filling medium layer 131c may be the same or different.

[0109] Because the dielectric constants of the two adjacent filling medium layers 131 are different, the electromagnetic signals sent by the first functional device 11 may be reflected on the contact surfaces (refer to the following descriptions) of the two adjacent filling medium layers 131.

[0110] The filling structure 13 is layered, and the dielectric constants of different filling medium layers 131 are set, so that after an electromagnetic signal sent by the first functional device 11 enters the filling structure 13, the electromagnetic signal is reflected for multiple times inside the filling structure 13, and then is sent to the second functional device 12. The second functional device 12 radiates the electromagnetic signal outward. In this way, a unique channel can be constructed between the first functional device 11 and the first functional device 11, so that the specially constructed channel can be used to enhance the beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus 500.

[0111] In the filling structure 13, dielectric constants at locations of a same filling medium layer 131 are the same. That is, the dielectric constants at different locations of the same filling medium layer 131 are set evenly. This helps reduce difficulty in preparing the filling medium layer 131, and further reduces difficulty in preparing the filling structure 13.

[0112] In addition, the dielectric constant at each location of the same filling medium layer 131 may be different. The change trend of the dielectric constant at each location of the filling medium layer 131 is the same as, for example, the change trend of the filling structure 13 in the first possible embodiment. Details are not described herein again. In this way, the complexity of the channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is further increased, and the beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 can be further enhanced.

[0113] In the above filling structure 13, as shown in FIG. 10, two adjacent filling medium layers 131 are in contact. The first filling medium layer 131a and the second filling medium layer 131b that are adjacent to each other are used as an example. A surface of the first filling medium layer 131a that is close to the second filling medium layer 131b and a surface of the second filling medium layer 131b that is close to the first filling medium layer 131a overlap, and form a contact surface between the first filling medium layer 131a and the second filling medium layer 131b.

[0114] The contact surface of the two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 are planar or curved.

[0115] The multiple contact surfaces in the filling structure 13 may have the same or different shapes. For example, multiple contact surfaces have a same shape. In this case, all the multiple contact surfaces may be planar or curved. For another example, different contact surfaces have different shapes. In this case, some of the multiple contact surfaces may be planar, and other contact surfaces may be curved.

[0116] By setting the shape of the contact surface, the complexity of the filling structure 13 can be increased, thus improving the complexity of the channel.

[0117] The materials of the above filling structure 13 include, for example, medium materials. The medium materials include but are not limited to resin materials, glass, and FR-4 material. The materials of different filling medium layers 131 may be the same or different.

[0118] In a third possible embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 19, the filling structure 13 includes a fixed medium layer 132 and multiple first microstructures 133. The multiple first microstructures 133 are located in the fixed medium layer 132. The fixed medium layer 132 encloses each first microstructure 133 to fix the position of the first microstructure 133 and the relative position between different first microstructures 133.

[0119] The first microstructures 133 are distributed inside the fixed medium layer 132. A contact surface between the first microstructure 133 and the fixed medium layer 132 may be equivalent to an outer surface of the first microstructure 133.

[0120] The dielectric constant of the first microstructure 133 is different from the dielectric constant of the fixed medium layer 132. In this way, the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the first functional device 11 can be reflected and / or scattered on the outer surface of the first microstructure 133. The multiple first microstructures 133 whose dielectric constants are different from the dielectric constant of the fixed medium layer 132 are set in the fixed medium layer 132. The outer surface of the first microstructures 133 can be used to increase the area ratio of the location at which the electromagnetic signals can be reflected and / or scattered, thereby facilitating the construction of more complicated channels between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and further enhancing the beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus 500.

[0121] Exemplarily, the dielectric constants of the multiple first microstructures 133 may be the same or different.

[0122] A size of the first microstructure 133 is less than a wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500, that is, a sub-wavelength size. The sub-wavelength size refers to a size smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus. In this case, the first microstructure 133 is a microstructure with the sub-wavelength size.

[0123] Exemplarily, a frequency of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500 is 30 GHz, and the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal is about 1 cm. In this case, the sub-wavelength size is, for example, less than 1 cm. It should be noted that the sub-wavelength size is a relative concept, which is determined by the wavelength of transmitted signals.

[0124] It can be understood that the structure of the first microstructure 133 is a three-dimensional structure. The sub-wavelength size of the first microstructure 133 means that at least two independent points can be found on the outer surface of the first microstructure 133, and the two points meet the following requirements: (1) the normal directions of the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 at the two points are parallel; (2) a distance between the two points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500. For example, for a three-dimensional sphere, if two intersection points of any straight line passing through the center of the sphere and the surface of the sphere meet the above condition (1), and a distance between the two intersection points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500, the three-dimensional sphere is a sub-wavelength microstructure. For another example, for a cube, if two center points on any two opposite surfaces meet the above condition (1), and a distance between the two center points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500, the cube is a sub-wavelength microstructure. For another example, for a cylinder, if two intersection points of any straight line perpendicular to and intersecting the central axis of the cylinder and the surface of the cylinder meet the above condition (1), and a distance between the two intersection points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500, the cube is a sub-wavelength microstructure. It can be seen that on a common three-dimensional geometry, there may be more than one group of points that meet condition (1). For a three-dimensional microstructure, there may also be more than one group of points that meet both conditions (1) and (2).

[0125] By setting multiple microstructures with sub-wavelength size at different locations in the filling structure 13, the equivalent dielectric constants of these locations can be changed, so as to construct a rich scattering channel in the filling structure 13 and improve the beam adjustment and control capability of the signal transmitting apparatus 500. On the other hand, because the multiple filled first microstructures 133 have the sub-wavelength size, the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the feed 111 or the electromagnetic signals received by the transmission unit 121 may interact with the first microstructures 133, for example, exciting evanescent wave, so as to bring super-resolution focusing performance, so that the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the feed 111 or the electromagnetic signals received by the transmission unit 121 can better focus to the specified position after passing through the first microstructures 133. For example, by setting the size of the first micro structure 133 in at least one direction to the sub-wavelength size, the signal transmitting apparatus 500 can well focus on the feed 111 of the first functional device 11 when receiving an externally radiated electromagnetic signal, so that the receiving strength of the externally radiated electromagnetic signal is improved, and a better signal-to-noise ratio is obtained.

[0126] In some examples, in the multiple first microstructures 133, a distance between two adjacent first microstructures 133 is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500. That is, the distance between the two adjacent first microstructures 133 is a sub-wavelength size.

[0127] Optionally, in the multiple first microstructures 133, a distance between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 is a sub-wavelength size. Alternatively, in a part of the multiple first microstructures 133, a distance between two adjacent first microstructures 133 is a sub-wavelength size.

[0128] By setting the distance between two adjacent first microstructures 133 to the sub-wavelength size, when the signal transmitting apparatus 500 receives an externally radiated electromagnetic signal, the focusing effect of the electromagnetic signal can be further improved, and the energy focused on the feed 111 of the first functional device 11 can be further increased, so that the receiving strength of the externally radiated electromagnetic signal can be further improved.

[0129] The multiple first microstructures 133 can be arranged in multiple ways, which can be selected as required.

[0130] Exemplarily, multiple first microstructures 133 are periodically arranged. In this way, the arrangement regularity of the first microstructures 133 is improved.

[0131] For example, the above "periodical arrangement" refers to that the multiple first microstructures 133 may be arranged into multiple microstructure rows along the positive direction of the X-axis, and the multiple microstructure rows may be equally spaced along the positive direction of the Y-axis or equally spaced along the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0132] Further, the distance between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 is the same.

[0133] Exemplarily, multiple first microstructures 133 are randomly arranged. In this way, the difficulty in preparing the filling structure 13 is reduced.

[0134] The first microstructures 133 have multiple shapes, and can be configured as required.

[0135] In some examples, the shape of the first microstructure 133 includes but is not limited to a sphere shape, an ellipsoid shape, a cube shape, a cuboid shape, a tetrahedron shape, a cylinder shape (which may also be referred to as a rod shape or a wire shape).

[0136] The multiple first microstructures 133 may have a same or different shapes.

[0137] Optionally, the multiple first microstructures 133 have a same shape. For example, the shape of the multiple first microstructures 133 is one of a spherical shape, an ellipsoid shape, a cube shape, a cuboid shape, a tetrahedron shape, and a cylinder shape.

[0138] Optionally, the multiple first microstructures 133 have different shapes. For example, the shapes of the multiple first microstructures 133 include at least two of a sphere shape, an ellipsoid shape, a cube shape, a cuboid shape, a tetrahedron shape, and a cylinder shape.

[0139] The shape of the first microstructure 133 is relatively regular, which facilitates setting of the size of the first microstructure.

[0140] When the first microstructure 133 is in a spherical shape, the size of the first microstructure 133 is the diameter of the first microstructure 133. The diameter of the spherical first microstructure 133 is set to the sub-wavelength size, so that the size of the spherical first microstructure 133 in either direction is the sub-wavelength size. In this way, the receiving strength of the signal transmitting apparatus 500 for external radiated electromagnetic signals can be further improved.

[0141] When the first microstructure 133 is in a cube shape, a cuboid shape, or a tetrahedron shape, the size of the first microstructure 133 includes at least one of multiple side lengths of the first microstructure 133. If the side length is used as the size of the first microstructure 133, the design difficulty of the first microstructure 133 can be simplified.

[0142] In addition, when the shape of the first microstructure 133 is a cube shape or a cuboid shape, the size of the first microstructure 133 may further include the length of the diagonal of the cube or the cuboid. If the shape of the first microstructure 133 is a tetrahedron, the size of the first microstructure 133 may further include a height of the tetrahedron based on one of its planes.

[0143] When the first microstructure 133 is in a cylindrical shape, the size of the first microstructure 133 is at least one of the diameter and the length of the first microstructure 133. When the diameter and / or the length are / is used as the size of the first microstructure 133, the design difficulty of the first microstructure 133 can be simplified.

[0144] In some examples, when the first microstructure 133 is in a cylindrical shape, the length of the first microstructure 133 is greater than the diameter of the first microstructure 133.

[0145] For example, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500. That is, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is a sub-wavelength size. Further, the length of the first microstructure 133 is greater than the sub-wavelength size.

[0146] For another example, the length of the first microstructure 133 is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500. That is, the length of the first microstructure 133 is a sub-wavelength size. Further, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is also a sub-wavelength size.

[0147] It can be understood that, because the length of the cylinder is greater than the diameter of the cylinder, but there is small difference between the sizes of the sphere, the cuboid, the cube, and the tetrahedron in different directions, the arrangement method of the first microstructure 133 in the shape of a cylinder is different from that of the first microstructure 133 in the shape of a sphere, a cuboid, a cube, or a tetrahedron.

[0148] Exemplarily, in the structures shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG. 15, the spherical first microstructures 133 are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns. The arrangement of the first microstructure 133 in a cuboid shape, a cube shape, or a tetrahedron shape is basically the same as that of the first microstructure 133 in a spherical shape.

[0149] Exemplarily, in the structures shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19, the cylindrical first microstructures 133 are located in the same column. The axis of the cylindrical first microstructures 133 is parallel to the second direction or is disposed at an acute angle to the second direction. In this way, the cylindrical first microstructure 133 can be easily fixed.

[0150] Further, materials of the first microstructures 133 in different shapes may be different. The materials of the first microstructures 133 with the same shape may be the same or different.

[0151] Exemplarily, when the shape of the first microstructure 133 is one of a sphere shape, a cuboid shape, a cube shape, and a tetrahedron shape, the first microstructure 133 may be formed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and resin materials with a preset dielectric constant. Alternatively, the first microstructure 133 may be formed of a metal material or a non-conductive material, and the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 is coated with a coating with high reflectivity. The materials of the coating include metal materials, such as silver and copper. In addition, the materials of the first microstructure 133 are not limited to this. If the materials of the first microstructure 133 are different, more diversified dielectric constant distribution may be formed in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and more complicated channels may be constructed, so as to improve the beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus.

[0152] Exemplarily, when the first microstructure 133 is in a cylindrical shape, the material of the first microstructure 133 includes a non-metal material or a metal material. The non-metal materials include but are not limited to PMMA, resin materials, and glass. The metal materials include but are not limited to copper and silver. In this case, the first microstructure 133 may be referred to as, for example, an acrylic rod, a metal rod, a copper wire, or a silver wire. The first microstructure 133 can be set in a linear manner or bent manner.

[0153] In the first, second, or third possible embodiment, the cavity of the filling structure 13 between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 has multiple filling modes, which can be set as required. The following describes the filling mode of the filling structure 13 in a schematic manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. It can be understood that the shape of the surface on which the first functional device 11 or the second functional device 12 is located may affect the overall shape of the filling structure 13, but does not affect the filling mode of the filling structure 13.

[0154] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 and FIG. 17, the filling structure 13 can fill the cavity, so that a sealed cavity is formed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. Specifically, to increase the effective transmit aperture of the transmitting apparatus, the size of the second functional device may be set larger than that of the first functional device. In this case, the cross-sectional view of the filling structure 13 is trapezoidal, and correspondingly, the entire filling structure 13 is ladder-shaped. A side of the filling structure 13 close to the first functional device 11 is in contact with the first functional device 11. A side of the filling structure 13 close to the second functional device 12 is in contact with the second functional device 12.

[0155] Exemplarily, in the first and second possible embodiment, the filling structure 13 fills the cavity. In the third possible embodiment, that the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 is spherical or cylindrical is used as an example. The fixed medium layer 132 fills the cavity, and the first microstructure 133 is evenly distributed inside the fixed medium layer 132.

[0156] In other examples, as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 16 and FIG. 18 to FIG. 19, the filling structure 13 may fill a part of the cavity, so that an open cavity is formed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12.

[0157] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 18, there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11. In this case, the filling structure 13 is close to the second functional device 12, and is in contact with the second functional device 12. It can be considered that the filling structure 13 is fixed on the second functional device 12. The spacing between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application, and may be set as required.

[0158] Exemplarily, in the third possible embodiment, that the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 is spherical or cylindrical is used as an example. The fixed medium layer 132 is in contact with the second functional device 12, there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the first functional unit 11, and the first microstructures 133 are evenly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0159] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 19, there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12. In this case, the filling structure 13 is close to the first functional device 11, and is in contact with the first functional device 11. It can be considered that the filling structure 13 is fixed to the first functional device 11. The spacing between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application, and may be set as required.

[0160] Exemplarily, in the third possible embodiment, that the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 is spherical or cylindrical is used as an example. The fixed medium layer 132 is in contact with the first functional device 11, there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the second functional unit 12, and the first microstructures 133 are evenly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0161] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 16, there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the second functional second 12. In this case, for example, a shell may be installed on the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13, and the second functional device 12 to fix the filling structure 13.

[0162] Exemplarily, in the third possible embodiment, that the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 is spherical is used as an example. The fixed medium layer 132 is filled in the middle of the cavity, there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the first functional device 11, there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the second functional device 12, and the first microstructures 133 are evenly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0163] In a fourth possible embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the filling structure 13 includes multiple second microstructures 134. For example, air is filled in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and the dielectric constant of the second microstructure 134 is different from the dielectric constant of the air.

[0164] The electromagnetic signals transmitted by the first functional device 11 can be reflected and / or scattered on the outer surface of the second microstructure 134. In this way, the outer surface of the second microstructure 134 can be used to increase the area ratio of the position where the electromagnetic signal can be reflected and / or scattered, thereby facilitating the construction of a more complicated channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and further enhancing the beam adjustment capability of the signal transmitting apparatus 500.

[0165] The size of the second microstructure 134 is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus 500. The meaning of "size of the second microstructure 134" is the same as the meaning of "size of the first microstructure 133" in the third possible embodiment. Details are not described herein again.

[0166] The length of the second microstructure 134 is less than a distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. Multiple positions of the second microstructure 134 are provided in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12.

[0167] For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the second microstructure 134 is connected to the first functional device 11. That is, the second microstructure 134 is fixed on a side of the first functional device 11 and the side is close to the second functional device 12, and there is a gap between the second microstructure 134 and the second functional device 12. The distances between any two adjacent second microstructures 134 may be the same or different. An area occupied by the multiple second microstructures 134, for example, covering the first functional device 11.

[0168] For another example, as shown in FIG. 20, the second microstructure 134 is connected to the second functional device 12. That is, the second microstructure 134 is fixed on a side of the second functional device 12 and the side is close to the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the second microstructure 134 and the first functional device 11. The distances between any two adjacent second microstructures 134 may be the same or different. An area occupied by the multiple second microstructures 134, for example, an area covering the second functional device 12 or a part of the second functional device 12.

[0169] The shape of the second microstructure 134 is, for example, a rod shape. Further, the shape of the second microstructure 134 is, for example, a wire shape. For example, when the second microstructure 134 is in a wire shape, the materials of the second microstructure 134 include non-metal materials or metal materials. The metal materials include but are not limited to copper and silver. In this case, the second microstructure 134 may be referred to as a copper wire or a silver wire. The second microstructure 134 can be set in a linear manner or bent manner.

[0170] By setting the size in at least one direction of the second microstructure 134 to the sub-wavelength size and setting the connection position of the second microstructure 134, the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the first functional device 11 can be converted into evanescent wave and propagated in the second microstructure 134, and finally converted into a guided wave and radiated outwards through the second functional device 12. In this way, channels with super-resolution can be constructed, the number of user connections can be significantly increased, and the performance of the wireless communication system can be effectively improved.

[0171] The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any change or replacement within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be determined based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A signal transmitting apparatus, wherein the signal transmitting apparatus comprises: a first functional device comprising at least one feed, the at least one feed being configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal; a second functional device comprising multiple transmission units, the multiple transmission units being configured to change a physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the multiple transmission units, and the physical state of the electromagnetic signal comprising one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction, and frequency, wherein the second functional device and the first functional device at least partially face each other; and a filling structure, located between the first functional device and the second functional device, wherein at least two locations in the filling structure have different dielectric constants.

2. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a dielectric constant of the filling structure changes linearly in a first direction; and the first functional device, the filling structure, and the second functional device are arranged in a second direction, and an angle range between the first direction and the second direction is from 0° to 90° .

3. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the dielectric constant of the filling structure meets the following relationship: f x y z = 1 + a 1 x − x 0 + b 1 y − y 0 + c 1 z − z 0 × ε , wherein, f(x, y, z) is a dielectric constant of a point whose coordinate position is (x, y, z) in the filling structure, a1, b1, and c1, are coefficients and are not 0 at the same time, ε is a preset dielectric constant on a reference coordinate point (x0, y0, z0).

4. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a dielectric constant of the filling structure changes non-linearly in a first direction; and the first functional device, the filling structure, and the second functional device are arranged in a second direction, an angle range between the first direction and the second direction is from 0° to 90° .

5. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the dielectric constant of the filling structure meets the following relationship: f x y z = 1 + a 2 x − x 0 n + b 2 y − y 0 n + c 2 z − z 0 n × ε ; wherein, f(x, y, z) is a dielectric constant of a point whose coordinate position is (x, y, z) in the filling structure, a2, b2, and c2 are coefficients and are not 0 at the same time, ε is a preset dielectric constant on a reference coordinate point (x0, y0, z0), n≥2, and n is integer.

6. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filling structure comprises multiple filling medium layers stacked in sequence along a first direction, and two adjacent filling medium layers have different dielectric constants; and the first functional device, the filling structure, and the second functional device are arranged in a second direction, an angle range between the first direction and the second direction is from 0° to 90° .

7. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein dielectric constants at all locations in a filling medium layer are the same.

8. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein two adjacent filling medium layers are in contact, and a contact surface of the two adjacent filling medium layers are planar or curved.

9. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filling structure comprises: a fixed medium layer; and multiple first microstructures located in the fixed medium layer; wherein a size of a first microstructure is less than a wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus, and a dielectric constant of the first microstructure is different from a dielectric constant of the fixed medium layer.

10. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a distance between two adjacent first microstructures is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus.

11. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the multiple first microstructures are periodically arranged.

12. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a shape of a first microstructure comprises a sphere shape, a cube shape, a cuboid shape, a tetrahedron shape, or a cylinder shape.

13. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: when the shape of the first microstructure is the sphere shape, a size of the first microstructure is a diameter of the first microstructure; when the shape of the first microstructure is the cube shape, the cuboid shape, or the tetrahedron shape, the size of the first microstructure comprises at least one of multiple side lengths of the first microstructure; or when the shape of the first microstructure is the cylinder shape, the size of the first microstructure is at least one of a diameter and a length of the first microstructure.

14. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein when the shape of the first microstructure is the cylinder shape, a diameter of the first microstructure is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus, and / or a length of the first microstructure is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus.

15. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first functional device, the filling structure, and the second functional device are arranged in a second direction; and wherein an axis of the first microstructure is parallel to or disposed at an acute angle to the second direction.

16. The signal transmitting apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to claim 15, wherein there is a gap between the filling structure and the first functional device, and / or there is a gap between the filling structure and the second functional device.

17. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filling structure comprises multiple second microstructures, and a size of a second microstructure is less than a wavelength of the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the signal transmitting apparatus; wherein the multiple second microstructures are connected to the first functional device, or the multiple second microstructures are connected to the second functional device.

18. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmitting apparatus further comprises: a signal processing module, configured to generate a first electromagnetic signal; and a feed selection module, one end coupled to the signal processing module, and the other end coupled to the multiple feeds; wherein the feed selection module is configured to select at least one target feed from the multiple feeds, so that the at least one target feed transmits the first electromagnetic signal.

19. The signal transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the multiple feeds are further configured to receive electromagnetic signals.

20. An electronic apparatus, wherein the electronic apparatus comprises: the signal transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A communication base station, wherein the communication base station comprises: the signal transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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