Antenna module and wireless communication device

Abstract

To provide an antenna module that precisely adjusts the beam angle of a phase-controlled array antenna.SOLUTION: An antenna module and a wireless communication device for a low-earth-orbit satellite system include an antenna array including multiple groups of antenna units 12, and a phase shifter array including multiple groups of phase shifters 22. The antenna units 12 of each group include N antenna units 12. The phase shifters 22 of each group include N phase shifters 22 corresponding to the N antenna units 12, and the phase shifters 22 include a first phase shifter, an Nth phase shifter, and N-2 intermediate phase shifters disposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter. The phase of an input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the smallest unit input phase in the phase shifter 22, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, and the multiple is 0 or any integer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more particularly to an antenna module and a wireless communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional Low Earth Orbit Satellite System (LEOSS), multiple antenna units are arranged at a predetermined distance to form a phase-controlled array antenna, with each antenna unit connected to a phase shifter. Adjacent phase shifters input a fixed phase difference, allowing the multiple antenna units to form a beam with a specific directional angle. However, if the phase difference input from adjacent phase shifters is the smallest adjustable, non-divisible unit of the phase shifter, the phase control angle becomes the smallest adjustable angle of the beam of the phase-controlled array antenna. Because this phase control angle cannot be subdivided, the beam angle of the phase-controlled array antenna is not precise and some imperfections occur. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In view of the above, the present invention provides an antenna module and a wireless communication device for solving the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an antenna module for a low earth orbit satellite system, comprising: an antenna array including a plurality of groups of antenna units; and a phase shifter array including a plurality of groups of phase shifters; Each group of said antenna units includes N antenna units; the phase shifters of each group include N phase shifters arranged corresponding to the N antenna units; the N phase shifters include a first phase shifter, an Nth phase shifter, and N-2 intermediate phase shifters disposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter; a phase of an input signal to the antenna unit corresponding to each of the N phase shifters is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase of the phase shifter, The N is a positive integer of 3 or more, and the multiple is 0 or any integer.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present application, a wireless communication device for a low earth orbit satellite system includes: an antenna array including a plurality of groups of antenna units; and a phase shifter array including a plurality of groups of phase shifters; Each group of said antenna units includes N antenna units; the phase shifters of each group include N phase shifters arranged corresponding to the N antenna units; the N phase shifters include a first phase shifter, an Nth phase shifter, and N-2 intermediate phase shifters disposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter; a phase of an input signal to the antenna unit corresponding to each of the N phase shifters is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase of the phase shifter, The N is a positive integer of 3 or more, and the multiple is 0 or any integer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned antenna module, N-2 intermediate phase shifters are interposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter, and the phases of the input signals of the N phase shifters are multiples of the smallest unit input phase in the phase shifter (i.e., the input phases of the N phase shifters are all multiples of the smallest unit input phase in the phase shifter), thereby making the angle of the beam formed by the antenna array finer and allowing the antenna module to have higher beam adjustment precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna module provided by an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna module provided by some embodiments of the present application; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna module provided by a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna module provided by a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna module provided by a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna module provided by a fourth embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the technical aspects of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and are not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0009] When an element is described as being "electrically connected" to another element, the connection may be directly connected to the other element, or an intermediate element may be present. Furthermore, when an element is described as being "electrically connected" to another element, the connection may be a contact connection (e.g., a wire connection) or a non-contact connection (e.g., a non-contact coupling).

[0010] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terms used in the present specification are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

[0011] The following disclosure provides many different examples or instances for realizing different structures of the present application. To simplify the disclosure of the present application, components and configurations of specific instances are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. Furthermore, the present application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different instances for brevity and clarity, without indicating a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations being discussed.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments and features of the embodiments may be combined with each other if not inconsistent.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides an antenna module 100 applicable to a type of Low Earth Orbit Satellite System (LEOSS). In some embodiments, the antenna module 100 can be applied to a wireless communication device, which is an electronic device that performs wireless communication with the LEO, but is not limited to such an electronic device. The antenna module 100 forms a beamforming signal and transmits and receives radio beams to realize wireless communication between the wireless communication device and the LEO.

[0014] In some embodiments, the antenna module 100 may include an antenna array 10, a phase shifter array 20, and a frequency modulation (RF) distribution network 30. The antenna module 100 and the phase shifter array 20 are in turn connected to the RF distribution network 30.

[0015] The antenna array 10 includes multiple groups of antenna units 12. Each group of antenna units includes at least N antenna units 12. In some embodiments, the multiple antenna units 12 are arranged in a preset-shape array to form a set of N*M preset-shape antenna units. The preset shape may be a two-dimensional planar array, including, but not limited to, a linear, rectangular, square, equilateral triangle (or equilateral triangle), or isosceles triangle. That is, the antenna units in each group are arranged in a preset shape. The spacing between the antenna units 12 may be adjustable and set differently depending on the preset shape. The antenna array 10 is used to transmit and receive radio beams at specific directional angles (or beamforming angles). In some embodiments, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3.

[0016] The phase shifter array 20 may include multiple groups of phase shifters (or phasers) 22. Each set of phase shifters may include N phase shifters 22 arranged corresponding to the N antenna units 12. In some embodiments, one phase shifter 22 is connected to each antenna unit 12 in the antenna array 10. The phase shifter 22 adjusts the phase of the input signal of the corresponding antenna unit 12 so that the corresponding antenna unit 12 can preset the phase and transmit a radio beam. Correspondingly, the phase shifters in each group are arranged in a predetermined shape, such as a line, a rectangle, a square, a planar equilateral triangle (or a planar equilateral triangle), or a planar isosceles triangle, corresponding to the antenna units in each group. In some embodiments, the phase shifter array 20 and the antenna array 10 may form a beamforming signal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the N phase shifters 22 in each group of phase shifters may include a first phase shifter, an Nth phase shifter, and multiple intermediate phase shifters disposed between the first and Nth phase shifters. Here, the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter are the first and last two phase shifters in the group, respectively, and the remaining multiple intermediate phase shifters are arranged between the first and last two phase shifters. For example, when N is 3, each group of phase shifters may include three phase shifters 22, namely, a first phase shifter, a second phase shifter, and a third phase shifter. Here, the second phase shifter is an intermediate phase shifter disposed between the first and third phase shifters. Furthermore, when N is 5, each group of phase shifters may include five phase shifters 22, namely, a first phase shifter, a second phase shifter, a third phase shifter, a fourth phase shifter, and a fifth phase shifter. Here, the second phase shifter, the third phase shifter, and the fourth phase shifter are three intermediate phase shifters arranged between the first phase shifter and the fifth phase shifter, and the first phase shifter, the Nth phase shifter, and the multiple intermediate phase shifters arranged between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter are phase shifters 22 with the same specifications.

[0018] In some embodiments, N-2 intermediate phase shifters may be interposed between the first and Nth phase shifters in each group of N phase shifters 22. For example, when N is 3, one intermediate phase shifter may be interposed between the first and third phase shifters in each group of three phase shifters 22. When N is 5, three intermediate phase shifters may be interposed between the first and fifth phase shifters in each group of five phase shifters 22.

[0019] In some embodiments, each phase shifter 22 has a minimum unit input phase Φm. For example, if the input phase is divided equally into 64 equal parts of 360 degrees (°), each equal part is approximately 5.625 degrees, and the minimum unit input phase Φm of each phase shifter 22 may be 5.625 degrees. Two adjacent antenna units 12 are separated by a distance d. The phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters 22 have a fixed phase difference Φ. This allows the antenna array 10 to transmit a radio beam having a specific directivity angle θ. Here, the specific directivity angle θ of the radio beam can be obtained by formula (1).

[0020]

number

[0021] The RF distribution network 30 is connected to each phase shifter 22 in the phase shifter array 20. The RF distribution network 30 is used to provide radio frequency signals to the phase shifters 22 and the antenna unit 12.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2 , in an antenna module 100 according to some embodiments, an antenna array 10 includes multiple groups of antenna units 12, each group including at least N antenna units 12, which are linearly arranged, with adjacent two antenna units 12 spaced apart by the same distance d. Each antenna unit 12 is connected to a corresponding phase shifter 22. The phase shifters 22 are further connected to an RF distribution network 30 to form transmission and reception paths for radio beams. The number of antenna units 12 is equal to the number of phase shifters 22, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the antenna units 12 and the phase shifters 22. That is, each group of phase shifters also includes N phase shifters 22. In each group of phase shifters, the phase difference between the phases of input signals to the corresponding antenna units 12 between two adjacent phase shifters 22 is the minimum unit input phase of the phase shifter 22. That is, the difference between the input phases of two adjacent phase shifters 22 is the minimum unit input phase Φm. For example, from the first phase shifter to the Nth phase shifter, the phase sequence of the signals input to the corresponding antenna units 12 is 0, Φm, 2Φm, 3Φm, 4Φm ..., (n-1)Φm. The specific directivity angle (or beamforming angle) for transmitting and receiving the antenna array radio beam is θ = θm, that is, the minimum adjustable angle (or minimum angular beamforming degree) of the antenna array 10 is θ = θm. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the angle between the beamforming angle (beamforming angle / direction) and the axis (Boresight) is the minimum adjustable angle (or minimum beamforming angle) θm of the antenna array 10, and the angle between the beamforming wave front and the plane of the antenna array 10 is the minimum adjustable angle (or minimum beamforming angle) θm of the antenna array 10.

[0023] For example, the phase difference Φ between the phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters 22 is the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φ = Φm = 5.625°. The center frequency of the radio frequency input signal is 11.7 GHz (gigahertz), and the wavelength λ of the radio frequency input signal is 25.641 mm (millimeter). When the spacing d between two adjacent antenna units 12 is 12 mm, the specific directivity angle θ of the resulting radio beam is calculated by substituting formula (1), which means that the minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 is approximately 1.913°.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 , in the antenna module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array 10 includes multiple groups of antenna units 12, each of which includes at least N antenna units 12. The N antenna units 12 are linearly arranged, with adjacent two antenna units 12 spaced apart by the same distance d. Each antenna unit 12 is connected to a corresponding phase shifter 22. The phase shifters 22 are further connected to an RF distribution network 30 to form transmission and reception paths for radio beams. The number of antenna units 12 is equal to the number of phase shifters 22, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the antenna units 12 and the phase shifters 22. That is, each set of phase shifters includes N phase shifters 22. In each set of phase shifters, the phase of the input signal to the corresponding antenna unit 12 of each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the minimum input phase of the phase shifter 22. Here, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, and the multiple is 0 or any integer.

[0025] In some embodiments, in each set of phase shifters, the phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter are two different multiples of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22. For example, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the first phase shifter is 0 times the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 0. The phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the Nth phase shifter is 1 times the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm. Thus, the phase difference Φ between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter is 1 times Φm, i.e., Φ=Φm. The phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifter provided between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter is located in the range of [0, Φm] and is a multiple of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22. That is, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifter can be 0 or Φm.

[0026] In some embodiments, for the N phase shifters 22 in each group of phase shifters, the phase of the input signal to the corresponding antenna unit 12 of each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22. The phase of the input signal to the corresponding antenna unit 12 of each phase shifter 22 can be calculated through formula (2) or formula (3).

[0027] If the Nth antenna unit 12 is an odd-numbered antenna unit 12, or the Nth phase shifter 22 is an odd-numbered phase shifter 22, i.e., N is an odd number, the phase of the input signal to the corresponding antenna unit 12 of the phase shifter 22 can be calculated through formula (2).

[0028]

number

[0029] If the Nth antenna unit 12 is an even-numbered antenna unit 12, or the Nth phase shifter 22 is an even-numbered phase shifter 22, i.e., N is an even number, the phase of the input signal to the corresponding antenna unit 12 of the phase shifter 22 can be calculated through formula (3).

[0030]

number

[0031] In some embodiments, N-2 intermediate phase shifters are interposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter. The input phase of each intermediate phase shifter is equal to or between the input phase of each first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter in each group of phase shifters. For example, when N is 3, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the first phase shifter is 0 times the input phase Φm of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 0. The phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the third phase shifter is 1 times the input phase Φm of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm. As a result, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifter (i.e., the second phase shifter) is located in the range of [0, Φm] and is a multiple of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifter (second phase shifter) may be 0 or Φm.

[0032] In some embodiments, when N-2 intermediate phase shifters are interposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter, the input phase of each intermediate phase shifter increases or decreases in order and is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase of the intermediate phase shifter. For example, when N is 5, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the first phase shifter is 0 times the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 0. The phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the fifth phase shifter is 1 times the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm. As a result, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifters (second phase shifter, third phase shifter, and fourth phase shifter) is located in the range of [0, Φm] and is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase of the phase shifter 22. That is, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifters (the second phase shifter, the third phase shifter, and the fourth phase shifter) is 0 or Φm, and the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifters gradually increases or decreases. For example, in a specific embodiment of the gradually increasing case, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the second phase shifter is 0, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the third phase shifter is Φm, and the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the fourth phase shifter is Φm. In another specific embodiment of the gradually increasing case, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the second phase shifter is 0, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the third phase shifter is 0, and the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the fourth phase shifter is Φm.

[0033] 3, each phase shifter set includes three phase shifters 22, and each antenna unit set includes three antenna units 12. That is, there is one set of antenna units for every two intervals d (2d). The phase difference Φ between the first phase shifter and the third phase shifter is 1 times Φm, i.e., Φ=Φm. In this case, the specific directivity angle θ of the radio beam transmitted by the antenna array 10 is calculated using formula (1).

[0034]

number

[0035] As an example, if the phase of the input signal to the corresponding antenna unit 12 of each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, where Φm=5.625°, the center frequency of the radio frequency input signal is 11.7 GHz (gigahertz), the wavelength λ of the radio frequency input signal is 25.641 mm (millimeter), and the spacing d between two adjacent antenna units 12 is 12 mm, then the specific directivity angle θ of the radio beam obtained by substituting formula (1) is approximately 0.957°. That is, the minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 is approximately 0.957°.

[0036] In the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 2, the phase difference between the first phase shifter and the third phase shifter is twice the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 2Φm. In the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 3, the phase difference between the first phase shifter and the third phase shifter is the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22. The specific directivity angle of the wireless beam of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 3 may be 1 / (N-1) of the specific directivity angle of the wireless beam of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 2, and when N is 3, it becomes 1 / 2. As shown in Tables 1 and 2, Table 1 is an example of phase values of input signals from the phase shifters of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 2 to the corresponding antenna units 12, and Table 2 is an example of phase values of input signals from the phase shifters of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 3 to the corresponding antenna units 12. Here, the units of the phase values are degrees (°).

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] [Table 2]

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4 , in an antenna module 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array 10 includes multiple groups of antenna units 12. Each group of antenna units includes at least N antenna units 12 linearly arranged along the X direction and M antenna units 12 linearly arranged along the y direction, forming an N*M planar rectangular array. Here, the N antenna units 12 are linearly arranged along the x direction at equal intervals dx, i.e., two adjacent antenna units 12 in the x direction are spaced apart by the same interval dx. The M antenna units 12 are linearly arranged along the y direction at equal intervals dy, i.e., two adjacent antenna units 12 in the y direction are spaced apart by the same interval dy. In some embodiments, the intervals dx and dy may not be equal. Each antenna unit 12 is connected to a corresponding phase shifter 22. The phase shifter 22 is further connected to an RF distribution network 30 to form the transmission and reception paths of the radio beam. The antenna units 12 have the same number as the phase shifters 22, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between them. That is, each group of phase shifters also includes N*M phase shifters 22. In each group of phase shifters, the phase of the input signal to the corresponding antenna unit 12 of each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, and the multiple is 0 or any integer.

[0040] In some embodiments, in each group of phase shifters, the phases of the input signals of the first and Nth phase shifters to the corresponding antenna units 12 along the x direction are two different multiples of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, and the phases of the input signals of the first and Nth phase shifters to the corresponding antenna units 12 along the y direction are two different multiples of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22. For example, along the x direction, the phase of the input signal from the first phase shifter separated by two spacing distances dx (i.e., 2dx) to the corresponding antenna unit 12 is 0 times the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 0, and the phase of the input signal from the Nth phase shifter to the corresponding antenna unit 12 is 1 time the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm. As a result, the phase difference Φ between the first and Nth phase shifters along the x direction is 1 time Φm, i.e., Φ=Φm. In the y direction, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the first phase shifter separated by two spacing distances dy (i.e., 2dy) is 0 times the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 0, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the Nth phase shifter is 1 time the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm, and the phase difference Φ between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter along the y direction is 1 time Φm, i.e., Φ=Φm. Thus, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifter provided between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter along the x and y directions is located in the range of [0,Φm] and is a multiple of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, i.e., the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the intermediate phase shifter along the x and y directions can be 0 or Φm.

[0041] For example, in a specific embodiment of the incremental case, the phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to the first and third phase shifters along the x direction are 0 and Φm, respectively, and the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the second phase shifter along the x direction is 0. The phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to the first and third phase shifters along the y direction are 0 and Φm, respectively, and the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the second phase shifter along the y direction is 0. In another embodiment of the incremental case, the phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to the first and third phase shifters along the x direction are 0 and Φm, respectively, and the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the second phase shifter along the x direction is Φm. The phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to the first and third phase shifters along the y direction are 0 and Φm, respectively, and the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the second phase shifter along the y direction is Φm.

[0042] In some embodiments, for the N*M phase shifters 22 in each group of phase shifters, the component angles θx and θy of a specific directivity angle in the x and y directions of the radio beam (or beamforming signal) transmitted by the antenna array 10 are obtained through formula (4).

[0043]

number

[0044] For example, when N and M are 3, i.e., the third phase shifter 22 in the x and y directions respectively sets the minimum unit input phase Φm for the input signal. The phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm = 5.625°. If the center frequency of the radio frequency input signal is 11.7 GHz (gigahertz), the wavelength λ of the radio frequency input signal is 25.641 mm (millimeter), and the spacing distance d between two adjacent antenna units 12 is 12 mm, then by substituting formula (4), the component angle θx of the specific pointing angle θ of the radio beam in the x direction is calculated to be approximately 0.975°, i.e., the minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 in the x direction is approximately 0.975°. A component angle θy of the specific directivity angle θ of the radio beam in the y direction is approximately 0.975°, i.e., the minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 in the y direction is approximately 0.975°. In the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 2, the phase difference between the first phase shifter and the third phase shifter is twice the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 2Φm. In the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 3, the phase difference between the first phase shifter and the third phase shifter is the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22. The specific directivity angle of the radio beam of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 4 may be 1 / (N-1) of the specific directivity angle of the radio beam of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 2, and is 1 / 2 when N is 3.

[0045] For example, if N and M are 5, the fifth phase shifter 22 in the x and y directions respectively sets the minimum input phase Φm for the input signal. The phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the minimum input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm = 5.625°. If the center frequency of the radio frequency input signal is 11.7 GHz (gigahertz), the wavelength λ of the radio frequency input signal is 25.641 mm (millimeters), and the spacing distance d between two adjacent antenna units 12 is 12 mm, then by substituting formula (4), the component angle θx of the specific pointing angle θ of the resulting radio beam in the x direction is calculated to be approximately 0.478°, i.e., the minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 in the x direction is approximately 0.478°. The component angle θy of the specific pointing angle θ of the radio beam in the y direction is approximately 0.478°. That is, the minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 in the y direction is approximately 0.478°. In the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 2, the phase difference between the first phase shifter and the fifth phase shifter is four times the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., 4Φm. In the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 4, the phase difference between the first phase shifter and the fifth phase shifter is the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22. The specific directivity angle of the radio beam of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 4 may be 1 / (N-1) of the specific directivity angle of the radio beam of the antenna module 100 shown in FIG. 2, i.e., 1 / 4 when N is 5.

[0046] In some embodiments, for the N*M phase shifters 22 of each group of phase shifters, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 can be calculated using different formulas based on the arrangement position of the phase shifter 22. If the arrangement of the (N,M)th phase shifters 22 in the x and y directions is all odd, i.e., (odd, odd), the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N,M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated using formula (5).

[0047]

number

[0048] When the arrangement of the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 in the x direction is even and the arrangement in the y direction is odd, i.e., (even, odd), the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated using formula (6).

[0049]

number

[0050] When the arrangement of the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 in the x direction is odd and the arrangement in the y direction is even, i.e., (odd, even), the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated using formula (7).

[0051]

number

[0052] If the arrangement of the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 in the x and y directions is all even, i.e., (even, even), the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated using formula (8).

[0053]

number

[0054] As can be seen from the calculations of formulas (4) to (8), the specific directivity angle θ=θm / 2 of the radio beam transmitted by the antenna array 10. Therefore, the beamforming resolution (or the beam minimum adjustable angle) can be increased by two times, so that the beam minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 becomes smaller and the adjustable beam transmission of the antenna array 10 becomes more accurate.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5 , in an antenna module 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array 10 includes multiple groups of antenna units 12. Among the multiple groups of antenna units 12, N antenna units 12 are linearly arranged along the x direction at equal intervals d, and M antenna units 12 are linearly arranged along the y direction at equal intervals d. This forms an N*M antenna array, with the antenna units 12 in two adjacent rows staggered, and the antenna units 12 in two adjacent columns staggered. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple groups of antenna units include antenna units 12 in two adjacent rows, with one antenna unit 12 between two adjacent antenna units 12 in one row being adjacent to the other row and staggered relative to the two antenna units 12 in the other row. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the antenna units in each group form the N antenna units 12 in two adjacent rows. Between two adjacent antenna units 12 in one row, there is one antenna unit 12 adjacent to another row and offset from the two antenna units 12. More specifically, each group of antenna units includes at least two adjacent antenna units 12 located in the a-th row and one antenna unit 12 located in the a+1-th or a-1-th row. Furthermore, one antenna unit 12 located in the a+1-th or a-1-th row is disposed between two adjacent antenna units 12 located in the a-th row, and one antenna unit 12 located in the a+1-th or a-1-th row is disposed at an equal distance d from two adjacent antenna units 12 located in the a-th row. Thus, the antenna units in the group are arranged like a planar equilateral triangle (or a planar equilateral triangle). In some embodiments, a is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M. Each antenna unit 12 is connected to a corresponding phase shifter 22. The phase shifter 22 is further connected to an RF distribution network 30 to form the transmit and receive paths of the radio beams.The number of antenna units 12 is equal to the number of phase shifters 22, and they correspond one-to-one. That is, each group of phase shifters also includes two adjacent phase shifters 22 located in the a-th row and one phase shifter 22 located in the a+1-th row or the a-1-th row. In each group of phase shifters, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, and the multiple is 0 or any integer.

[0056] In some embodiments, in each group of phase shifters, the phases of input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters in the x direction are two different multiples of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22. For example, the phase difference of signals input to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters spaced apart by a spacing distance d in the x direction is a multiple of Φm, i.e., 0, Φm, 2Φm, 3Φm, 4Φm, ..., (n-1)Φm. For example, in one group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters spaced apart by a spacing distance d in the x direction are 0 and Φm, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to one phase shifter arranged in the other adjacent row may be 0 or Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters spaced apart by a distance d along the x direction are Φm and 2Φm, the phase of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be Φm or 2Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters spaced apart by a distance d along the x direction are 2Φm and 3Φm, the phase of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be 2Φm or 3Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters spaced apart by a distance d along the x direction are 3Φm and 4Φm, the phase of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be 3Φm or 4Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters separated by a spacing distance d along the x direction are 4Φm and 5Φm, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be 4Φm or 5Φm.

[0057] In some embodiments, the component angles θx and θy of the specific directivity angle in the x and y directions of the radio beam (or beamforming signal) transmitted by the antenna array 10 among the N*M phase shifters 22 can be obtained through formula (9).

[0058]

number

[0059] In some embodiments, in each group of phase shifters 22 arranged in a planar equilateral triangle (or a planar equilateral triangle), the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 can be calculated using different formulas depending on the arrangement position of the phase shifter 22. When M of the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 is an odd number, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N, M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated using formula (10).

[0060]

number

[0061] When M of the (N,M)th phase shifter 22 is an even number, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N,M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated according to formula (11).

[0062]

number

[0063] As can be seen from the calculations of formulas (9) to (11), the specific directivity angle of the radio beam transmitted by the antenna array 10 is θ=θm / 2, so the minimum adjustable angle of the beam of the antenna array 10 is smaller, and the beamforming resolution (or the minimum adjustable angle of the beam) can be increased by two times, so that the adjustable beam of the antenna array 10 is transmitted more accurately.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6 , in an antenna module 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array 10 includes multiple groups of antenna units 12. Among the multiple groups of antenna units 12, N antenna units 12 are linearly arranged along the x direction at equal intervals dx, and M antenna units 12 are linearly arranged along the y direction at equal intervals dy. This forms an N*M antenna array, with the antenna units 12 in two adjacent rows staggered, and the antenna units 12 in two adjacent columns staggered. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple groups of antenna units include antenna units 12 in two adjacent rows, with one antenna unit 12 between two adjacent antenna units 12 in one row being adjacent to the other row and staggered relative to the two antenna units 12 in the other row. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the antenna units in each group form the N antenna units 12 in two adjacent rows. Between two adjacent antenna units 12 in one row, there is one antenna unit 12 adjacent to another row and offset from the two antenna units 12. More specifically, each group of antenna units includes at least two adjacent antenna units 12 located in the a-th row and one antenna unit 12 located in the a+1-th or a-1-th row. Furthermore, the one antenna unit 12 located in the a+1-th or a-1-th row is disposed between two adjacent antenna units 12 located in the a-th row. The two adjacent antenna units 12 located in the a-th row are disposed at an equal distance dx, and the one antenna unit 12 located in the a+1-th or a-1-th row is disposed at an equal distance dy from the two adjacent antenna units 12 located in the a-th row. Thus, the antenna units of the group are arranged to form a planar isosceles triangle. In some embodiments, a is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M. Each antenna unit 12 is connected to a corresponding phase shifter 22 .The phase shifters 22 are further connected to an RF distribution network 30 to form transmit and receive paths for radio beams. The number of antenna units 12 is equal to the number of phase shifters 22, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the two. That is, each group of phase shifters also includes two adjacent phase shifters 22 located in the a-th row and one phase shifter 22 located in the a+1-th or a-1-th row. In each group of phase shifters, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase of the phase shifter 22, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, and the multiple is 0 or an arbitrary integer.

[0065] In some embodiments, in each group of phase shifters, the phases of input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters in the x direction are two different multiples of the input phase of the smallest unit of the phase shifter 22. For example, the phase difference of signals input to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters spaced apart by a spacing distance d in the x direction is a multiple of Φm, i.e., 0, Φm, 2Φm, 3Φm, 4Φm, ..., (n-1)Φm. For example, in one group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters spaced apart by a spacing distance d in the x direction are 0 and Φm, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to one phase shifter arranged in the other adjacent row may be 0 or Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters separated by a distance d in the x direction are Φm and 2Φm, the phase of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be Φm or 2Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters separated by a distance d in the x direction are 2Φm and 3Φm, the phase of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be 2Φm or 3Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters separated by a distance d in the x direction are 3Φm and 4Φm, the phase of input signals to antenna units 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be 3Φm or 4Φm. In another group of phase shifters, if the phases of the input signals to the antenna units 12 corresponding to two adjacent phase shifters separated by a spacing distance d along the x direction are 4Φm and 5Φm, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to one phase shifter located in the other adjacent row can be 4Φm or 5Φm.

[0066] In some embodiments, for the N*Mth phase shifter 22 of each group of phase shifters, the component angles θx and θy of a specific directivity angle in the x and y directions of the radio beam (or beamforming signal) transmitted by the antenna array 10 can be obtained through formula (12).

[0067]

number

[0068] In some embodiments, in each group of phase shifters 22 arranged in a planar isosceles triangle, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 can be calculated using different formulas depending on the arrangement position of the phase shifter 22. When M of the (N,M)th phase shifter 22 is an odd number, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N,M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated using formula (13).

[0069]

number

[0070] When M of the (N,M)th phase shifter 22 is an even number, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to the (N,M)th phase shifter 22 can be calculated according to formula (14).

[0071]

number

[0072] As an example, the phase of the input signal to the antenna unit 12 corresponding to each phase shifter 22 is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase Φm of the phase shifter 22, i.e., Φm = 5.625°. If the center frequency of the radio frequency input signal is 11.7 GHz (gigahertz), the wavelength λ of the radio frequency input signal is 25.641 mm (millimeter), and the spacing distance d between two adjacent antenna units 12 is 12 mm, then, by substituting formula (1), the specific pointing angle θ of the radio beam in the x direction is approximately 3.829°. By substituting formula (12), the component angle θx of the specific pointing angle θ of the radio beam in the x direction is found to be approximately 1.918°. That is, the minimum adjustable angle of the antenna array 10 in the x direction is approximately 1.918°.

[0073] As can be obtained by calculating from formulas (12) to (14), the specific directivity angle of the radio beam transmitted by the antenna array 10 is θ=θm / 2, so that the minimum adjustable angle of the beam of the antenna array 10 is smaller, and the beamforming resolution (or the minimum adjustable angle of the beam) can be increased by two times, so that the adjustable beam of the antenna array 10 is transmitted more accurately.

[0074] In the antenna module according to the embodiment of the present application, N-2 intermediate phase shifters are interposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter, and the phases of the input signals of the N phase shifters are multiples of the smallest unit input phase of the phase shifter, i.e., the input phases of the N phase shifters are all multiples of the smallest unit input phase of the phase shifter, thereby making the angle of the beam formed by the antenna array finer and enabling the antenna module to have higher beam adjustment precision.

[0075] The above embodiments are used only to describe the technical aspects of the present invention, not to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical aspects of the present invention may be modified or replaced with equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical aspects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may also make other changes to the design used in the present invention within the spirit of the present invention, as long as they do not deviate from the technical effect of the present invention. Any such changes based on the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100 Planar printed antenna 100 Antenna Module 10 Antenna Array 20 Phase Shifter Array 30 RF Distribution Network 12 Antenna unit 22 Phase Shifter d, dx, dy spacing distances Φ, Φm phase, phase difference θ, θm, θx, θy angles λ wavelength

Claims

1. 1. An antenna module for a low earth orbit satellite system, comprising: an antenna array including a plurality of groups of antenna units; and a phase shifter array including a plurality of groups of phase shifters; Each group of said antenna units includes N antenna units; the phase shifters of each group include N phase shifters arranged corresponding to the N antenna units; the N phase shifters include a first phase shifter, an Nth phase shifter, and N-2 intermediate phase shifters disposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter; a phase of an input signal to the antenna unit corresponding to each of the N phase shifters is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase of the phase shifter, 1. An antenna module for a low earth orbit satellite system, wherein N is a positive integer of 3 or more, and the multiple is 0 or an arbitrary integer.

2. 2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the N antenna units are arranged two-dimensionally.

3. Among the plurality of groups of antenna units, there are adjacent two rows of the antenna units, The antenna module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that between two adjacent antenna units in one row, there is one antenna unit adjacent to another row and positioned offset from the two antenna units.

4. 2. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, in the N-2 intermediate phase shifters between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter, the input phase of each of the intermediate phase shifters is equal to the phase of each of the first phase shifters in each group and the phase of the Nth phase shifter, or is between the phase of each of the first phase shifters in each group and the phase of each of the Nth phase shifters.

5. 5. The antenna module according to claim 4, wherein, in the N-2 intermediate phase shifters between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter, the input phase of each intermediate phase shifter increases or decreases sequentially and is a multiple of the smallest unit input phase of the intermediate phase shifter.

6. 1. A wireless communication device for a low earth orbit satellite system, comprising: the wireless communication device includes an antenna array including a plurality of groups of antenna units, and a phase shifter array including a plurality of groups of phase shifters; Each group of said antenna units includes N antenna units; the phase shifters of each group include N phase shifters arranged corresponding to the N antenna units; the N phase shifters include a first phase shifter, an Nth phase shifter, and N-2 intermediate phase shifters disposed between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter; a phase of an input signal to the antenna unit corresponding to each of the N phase shifters is a multiple of the minimum unit input phase of the phase shifter; The wireless communication device is characterized in that N is a positive integer of 3 or more, and the multiple is 0 or an arbitrary integer.

7. 7. The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein the N antenna units are arranged two-dimensionally.

8. Among the plurality of groups of antenna units, there are adjacent two rows of the antenna units, The wireless communication device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that between two adjacent antenna units in one row, there is one antenna unit adjacent to another row and positioned offset from the two antenna units.

9. 7. The wireless communication device of claim 6, wherein, in the N-2 intermediate phase shifters between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter, the input phase of each intermediate phase shifter is equal to the phase of each first phase shifter in each group of phase shifters and the phase of the Nth phase shifter, or is between the phase of each first phase shifter in each group of phase shifters and the phase of each Nth phase shifter.

10. 10. The wireless communication device according to claim 9, wherein, in the N-2 intermediate phase shifters between the first phase shifter and the Nth phase shifter, the input phase of each intermediate phase shifter increases or decreases sequentially and is a multiple of the smallest unit input phase of the intermediate phase shifter.

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