Array Antenna and Communication Device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose an array antenna and a communication device. The array antenna includes a plurality of radiating antenna units, a plurality of dummy antennas, and a printed circuit board. The plurality of radiating antenna units are configured to radiate or receive electromagnetic signals. The plurality of dummy antennas are disposed within the array, and the plurality of dummy antennas do not radiate or receive electromagnetic signals. Each dummy antenna includes a carbon oil embedded resistor and a feeder, the feeder is connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor, and both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are disposed on an inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. According to the embodiments of the present application, a unit pattern consistency characteristic that is the same as or similar to that of a regular array antenna can be implemented without affecting the radiation efficiency and scan performance of the array antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to an array antenna and a communication device.

Background Art

[0002] An array antenna with an irregular arrangement is a technical means for suppressing an array scan grating lobe, reducing the number of channels, and increasing the gain. In an array antenna, the consistency of the element pattern is an important index for ensuring characteristics such as array gain and pointing accuracy. Therefore, the method of processing the non-radiating part and the dummy part of the irregular array is important for the array performance.

[0003] In some scenarios, in order to improve the consistency of array units in a regular array, a plurality of dummy antennas may be arranged around the array, and the load of the dummy antennas and chips of the array is surface-mounted on the bottom layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) by using surface mount technology (SMT). However, for an irregular array with a compact arrangement and having a large number of dummy antennas arranged therein, there is not enough space to arrange the SMT load. As a result, the layout space of the PCB is occupied.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide an array antenna and a communication device. The array antenna and the communication device in the embodiments of the present application may implement a unit pattern consistency characteristic similar to that of a regular array without affecting the radiation efficiency and scan performance of the array antenna, and further, may not occupy the layout space of the printed circuit board.

[0005] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an array antenna for use within a communication device. The array antenna includes a plurality of radiating antenna units and a plurality of dummy antennas, and the processing implementation of the array antenna is a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB). The plurality of radiating antenna units are configured to radiate or receive electromagnetic signals. The plurality of dummy antennas occupy a plurality of positions within the array but do not radiate these signals. Each dummy antenna includes a carbon oil embedded resistor and a feeder, the feeder is connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor, and both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are disposed on an inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board.

[0006] In the present embodiment of the present application, the carbon oil embedded resistor is connected to the feeder end of the dummy antenna for use as a load of the dummy antenna. In this way, the same unit pattern coherence as that of a regular antenna array can be implemented without affecting the radiation efficiency and scan performance of the array antenna, and the appearance encryption function can be further maintained. In the present embodiment of the present application, the carbon oil embedded resistor is disposed on an inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board, and as a result, the layout space of the printed circuit board is not occupied.

[0007] In an optional implementation, both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are disposed on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; or the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are disposed on different layers of the printed circuit board. In this way, the same unit pattern coherence as that of a regular antenna array can be implemented, and the appearance encryption function can be further maintained.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the shape and size of the dummy antenna are the same as or similar to the shape and size of the radiating antenna unit.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the carbon oil embedded resistor is made of a carbon oil material having wave absorption characteristics. Based on such a design, the dummy antenna may have good wave absorption characteristics.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the multilayer printed circuit board includes a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer stacked in sequence. Both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder within each dummy antenna can be disposed between the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer. The carbon oil embedded resistor is disposed in the inner layer of the printed circuit board, so that the layout space of the printed circuit board is not affected.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the carbon oil embedded resistor and the metal layer may be disposed on the same layer of the multilayer circuit board, and the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistor is not greater than the thickness of the metal layer.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the array antenna further includes a power divider. The power divider includes an input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The input port is connected to a radio frequency chip, and the first output port is connected to the second output port through a carbon oil embedded resistor.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the first output port and the second output port are each connected to one radiating antenna unit.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the power splitter includes a main path feeder, a first quarter-wavelength conversion line, a second quarter-wavelength conversion line, a first branch feeder, and a second branch feeder. The first end of the main path feeder is connected to the input port, and the second end of the main path feeder is connected to the first end of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line and the first end of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line. The second end of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line is connected to the first end of the first branch feeder, and the second end of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line is connected to the first end of the second branch feeder. The second end of the first branch feeder is connected to the first output port, and the second end of the second branch feeder is connected to the second output port. One carbon oil-embedded resistor is connected between the first end of the first branch feeder and the first end of the second branch feeder. In this way, good matching and insulation characteristics of the ports of the power splitter can be used to ensure that the unit patterns in the array are not distorted due to mutual coupling.

[0015] In an optional implementation, at least a part of the main path feeder and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power splitter are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a part of the first branch feeder and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power splitter are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a part of the second branch feeder and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power splitter are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a part of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power splitter are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a part of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power splitter are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board.

[0016] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes the above-described array antenna.

[0017] In the present embodiment of the present application, the same unit pattern consistency as that of a regular antenna array can be implemented without affecting the radiation efficiency and scan performance of the array antenna, and the appearance encryption function can be further maintained. In the present embodiment of the present application, the carbon oil embedded resistor is disposed on the inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board, and as a result, the layout space of the printed circuit board is not occupied.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Fig. 1a

[0019]

Fig. 1b

Fig. 1c

[0020]

Fig. 2

[0021]

Fig. 3

[0022]

Fig. 4

[0023]

Fig. 5

[0024]

Fig. 6

[0025]

Fig. 7

[0026]

Fig. 8

[0027]

Fig. 9a

Fig. 9b

[0028]

Fig. 9c

Fig. 9d

[0029]

Fig. 10a

[0030]

Fig. 10b

[0031]

Fig. 11

[0032]

Fig. 12

[0033]

Fig. 13a

Fig. 13b

Fig. 13c

[0034]

Fig. 14

[0035]

Fig. 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described. It is obvious that the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present application.

[0037] In the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or suggesting an order. For example, the first application and the second application, etc. are used to distinguish different applications, but are not used to explain a specific order of the applications. The features limited by "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, words such as "example" or "for example" are used to represent giving examples, instances or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "example" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be described as being more preferable or having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. Strictly speaking, the use of words such as "example" or "for example" is intended to present relative concepts in a specific manner.

[0038] The antenna is one of the most important front-end passive components of a communication device, and the antenna plays a very important role in improving the performance of communication products. With the rapid development of mobile communication and the large-scale application of 5G technology, base station antennas are being more and more widely applied. Large-scale array antennas are the current development trend of base station antennas.

[0039] It can be understood that array antennas can include array antennas with regular arrangements and array antennas with irregular arrangements. For example, in one scenario, Fig. 1a shows an array antenna with a regular arrangement, and the element spacing of the array antenna with a regular arrangement may be a fixed value. In another scenario, Fig. 1b shows an array antenna with an irregular arrangement, and the element spacing of the array antenna with an irregular arrangement is not a fixed value, and the array elements can be arranged in a sparse-dense manner. In another scenario, Fig. 1c shows an array antenna with an irregular arrangement, and the array antenna with an irregular arrangement may select some units from a regular array for operation, and the remaining part may be non-radiating dummies.

[0040] In an array antenna, the consistency of the element pattern is an important indicator for ensuring characteristics such as array gain and pointing accuracy. Therefore, the method of dealing with the non-radiating part and the dummy part of an irregular array is important for array performance.

[0041] In a possible scenario, in order to improve the consistency of the peripheral units of a regular array, dummies are designed around the array, and the load of the dummies and the chips of the array are surface-mounted on the bottom layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) by using surface mount technology (SMT). In this scenario, for an irregular array with a compact arrangement and a large number of dummies, there is not enough space to place the SMT load. As a result, the layout space of the PCB is occupied.

[0042] In another possible scenario, the dummy may be open or shorted at a certain terminal. However, in this scenario, the electromagnetic environment where the radiating antenna unit is located is different, and the radiation pattern of the radiating antenna unit is very different. As a result, the unit pattern consistency becomes low.

[0043] In another possible scenario, the way to handle the dummy may be to connect the feeder to the load in the inner layer. In this way, it can be guaranteed that the unit pattern has good consistency. However, the implementation of the embedded resistor in this scenario is a resistive copper foil. Specifically, the metal in this layer changes from the original copper to a lossy conductor with sheet resistance. As a result, the feeder loss of the radiating antenna in the same layer increases, and the efficiency of the antenna is greatly reduced.

[0044] Embodiments of the present application provide an array antenna and a communication device. In the embodiments of the present application, the same unit pattern consistency as that of a regular antenna array can be implemented without affecting the radiation efficiency and scan performance of the array antenna, and the appearance encryption function can be further maintained.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of an array antenna 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] The array antenna 100 may include a plurality of dummy antennas 10 and a plurality of radiating antenna units 20. It can be understood that the plurality of dummy antennas 10 and the plurality of radiating antenna units 20 can be arranged in an array. The array antenna 100 in this embodiment may be an irregular array. In other words, the plurality of dummy antennas 10 and the plurality of radiating antenna units 20 can be irregularly arranged in the antenna array. In another possible implementation, it can be understood that the array antenna 100 may be a regular array antenna. It should be noted that compared with a regular array, an irregular array may have an actual effect of suppressing grating lobes.

[0047] In this embodiment, it can be understood that the dummy antenna 10 is arranged at the array edge of the array antenna 100.

[0048] In this embodiment, the radiating antenna unit 20 may be a patch. In a specific implementation process, each radiating antenna unit 20 can be connected to a radio frequency chip (not shown in this figure) or a radio frequency component (not shown in this figure) through a microstrip or a stripline. In some embodiments, the radiating antenna unit 20 may be a radiating antenna with a multilayer structure.

[0049] In this embodiment, it can be understood that the plurality of radiating antenna units 20 can be configured to radiate or receive electromagnetic signals. For example, every two radiating antenna units 20 can be connected to one radio frequency chip. The radio frequency chip can radiate or receive electromagnetic signals through the radiating antenna unit 20.

[0050] In this embodiment, the plurality of dummy antennas 10 can occupy a plurality of positions within the array, but the plurality of dummy antennas 10 do not radiate these signals.

[0051] In an optional implementation, the dummy antenna 10 is not connected to a radio frequency component.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the shape and size of the dummy antenna 10 may be the same as or similar to those of the radiating antenna unit 20.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the structure of the dummy antenna 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. In the array antenna 100, it can be understood that each dummy antenna 10 includes a feeder 12 and a carbon oil embedded resistor 14. The feeder 12 may be a strip line feeder. In the present embodiment, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be disposed on an inner layer of a printed circuit board (PCB). It can be understood that the feeder 12 of the dummy antenna 10 does not have to be connected to a radio frequency chip or a radio frequency component. The feeder 12 of the dummy antenna 10 may be connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 on the inner layer of the printed circuit board. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be configured to match the load to the dummy antenna 10. In other words, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be used as a feeder terminal load of the dummy antenna 10.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the feeder 12 of the dummy antenna 10 and the feeder of the radiating antenna unit 20 are disposed on an inner layer of a multilayer printed circuit board in the form of a strip line. In this way, the array radiation characteristics are not affected and the appearance encryption function exists. In a possible implementation, it can be understood that one dummy antenna 10, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14, and the feeder 12 may be in the same layer.

[0055] It can be understood that the feeder 12 may be made of a metal material. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 and the metal layer (for example, the feeder 12) may be disposed in the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board, and the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 is not greater than the thickness of the metal layer.

[0056] It can be understood that the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 and the feeder 12 do not have to be located in the same layer. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may alternatively be connected to the feeder 12 through a via (not shown in this figure).

[0057] The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be disposed within the dummy antenna 10 or in another area of the entire array antenna 100.

[0058] In an optional implementation, as shown in FIG. 3, the dummy antenna 10 may include two carbon oil embedded resistors 14, and the two carbon oil embedded resistors 14 may be connected to the feeder 12 accordingly.

[0059] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 can be grounded. In some other embodiments, alternatively, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 need not be grounded.

[0060] Based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dummy antenna 10 absorbs only the energy of the radiating antenna unit 20. Therefore, the dummy antenna 10 in the embodiments of the present application does not perform secondary reflection. In this way, the problem that the secondary radiation of the dummy antenna causes distortion to the feeding antenna pattern can be avoided.

[0061] According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an irregular array antenna can have the same or similar unit pattern consistency as that of a regular array antenna without increasing the stacking complexity of the PCB layers.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a simulation diagram of the wave absorption characteristics of the dummy antenna 10 using a carbon oil embedded resistor. It can be seen from FIG. 4 that the reflection attenuation amount of the dummy antenna 10 within the operating frequency band is all less than -20 dB. It can be seen that by using the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 in the dummy antenna 10, a good wave absorption effect can be achieved. During actual measurement, it can be understood that the dummy antenna 10 may alternatively have wave absorption characteristics similar to those of the simulation results.

[0063] In some possible implementations, it can be understood that the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be made of a carbon oil material. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may have wave absorption characteristics. In the embodiments of the present application, the sheet resistivity of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 can range from 1 Ω / square to 5,000 Ω / square.

[0064] In some possible scenarios, it can be understood that carbon oil can be obtained by processing carbon powder (e.g., graphite) and epoxy resin. Therefore, when the carbon oil functions as a conductor, the carbon powder in the carbon oil may be conductive, and the conductivity of the carbon powder may be related to the particle size and content of the carbon powder. For example, a larger particle size or a larger number of carbon powder particles indicates a higher conductivity and a lower resistance of the carbon powder. For example, at room temperature, the ink of the carbon oil may be in a gel-like form, and the ink may be in a fluid gel-like form after being stirred. In other words, the ink of the carbon oil may be a thermosetting ink.

[0065] The above-mentioned sheet resistivity may be a resistance characteristic parameter of the carbon oil. For example, when a square ink pattern is printed with a specific thickness, the resistance value measured after the square ink pattern is cured is the sheet resistivity of the carbon oil. In the embodiments of the present application, the sheet resistivity of the carbon oil embedded resistor may be any value from 1 Ω / square to 5,000 Ω / square. In another implementation, it can be understood that the sheet resistivity of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may alternatively be any other value. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0066] The resistance value of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be related to the shape and sheet resistivity of the carbon oil embedded resistor.

[0067] It can be understood that the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 can be adjusted according to actual requirements. In a possible implementation, the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be smaller than or equal to the thickness of the metal layer where the carbon oil embedded resistor is located.

[0068] In some possible scenarios, the resistor can be arranged on the surface layer of the printed circuit board. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first resistor 31 may be arranged on the topmost layer of the printed circuit board 30, and the second resistor 32 may be arranged on the bottommost layer of the printed circuit board 30.

[0069] Compared with the scenario shown in FIG. 5, in the embodiment of the present application, the carbon oil silk screen process can be used in the inner layer of the printed circuit board. In other words, it can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, a thin carbon oil layer (i.e., the carbon oil embedded resistor) having sheet resistance characteristics can be printed in the inner layer of the printed circuit board.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 can have a specific pattern and thickness. For example, the shape of the carbon oil embedded resistor may be trapezoidal, rectangular, circular or another irregular pattern. This is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Two sides of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 can each be connected to a metal pattern. For example, one side of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be connected to a feeder, and the other side of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be connected to a ground cable.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 is arranged in the inner layer of the printed circuit board. One side of the carbon oil embedded resistor may be connected to the feeder 12, and the other side of the carbon oil embedded resistor may be connected to the ground pad 16.

[0073] Compared with the conventional solutions, in the embodiments of the present application, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 is used as the load of the dummy antenna, and as a result, the unit pattern consistency characteristics that are the same as or similar to those of the regular array antenna can be implemented without affecting the radiation efficiency and scan performance of the array antenna.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a diagram of another structure of the array antenna 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0075] The array antenna 100 may include a first metal layer 210, a first dielectric layer 220, a second metal layer 230, a second dielectric layer 240, a third metal layer 250, and a third dielectric layer 260 stacked in sequence.

[0076] It can be understood that the array antenna 100 may further include a fourth dielectric layer 270. The fourth dielectric layer 270 is disposed at a position below the third dielectric layer 260.

[0077] In this embodiment, by using a carbon oil silk screen process, a thin carbon oil layer can be printed on the surface of the fourth dielectric layer 270. In other words, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 of the dummy antenna 10 can be disposed in the fourth dielectric layer 270. In this embodiment, the feeder 12 of the dummy antenna 10 may be disposed in the fourth dielectric layer 270, and it can be understood that the feeder 12 is connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor 14. The feeder 12 can be disposed in the inner layer of the printed circuit board 40 in the form of a stripline.

[0078] The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 and the feeder 12 of the dummy antenna 10 can be disposed between the third dielectric layer 160 and the fourth dielectric layer 270.

[0079] The first metal layer 210, the first dielectric layer 220, the second metal layer 230, the second dielectric layer 240, the third metal layer 250, the third dielectric layer 260, and the fourth dielectric layer 270 stacked in sequence can form a multilayer printed circuit board 40.

[0080] In the foregoing description, it can be understood that the method of arranging the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 and the feeder 12 of one dummy antenna 10 is only used as an example for illustration. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 of each dummy antenna 10 can be arranged on the inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40.

[0081] Based on the foregoing embodiments of the present application, the dummy antenna 10 arranges the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 on the inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40 instead of the surface layer of the printed circuit board. Therefore, the array antenna 100 in the present embodiment of the present application can implement the unit pattern consistency characteristic similar to that of a regular array when guaranteeing the radiation efficiency and scan performance of the array antenna, and does not occupy the layout space of the PCB.

[0082] The array antenna in the present application can implement a radio frequency loading function by applying a carbon oil embedded resistor process on the inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board.

[0083] Please also refer to FIGS. 9a to 9d. FIG. 9a is a diagram of the amplitude obtained when the carbon oil embedded resistor is not used as a dummy load in the conventional solution. FIG. 9b is a diagram of the phase obtained when the carbon oil embedded resistor is not used as a dummy load in the conventional solution. FIG. 9c is a diagram of the amplitude obtained when the carbon oil embedded resistor is used as a dummy load according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 9d is a diagram of the phase obtained when the carbon oil embedded resistor is used as a dummy load according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0084] Compared with the conventional solution, it can be seen that in the present embodiment of the present application, when the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 is used as a dummy load, the consistency of the array pattern is significantly improved.

[0085] In a possible application scenario, for example, when the feeder of the antenna is located in the surface layer of the printed circuit board, both the T-type power divider and the Wilkinson power divider can be used in the array antenna. As shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, the T-type power divider 110 may include an input port P1, an output port P2, and an output port P3. The Wilkinson power divider 120 may include an input port P4, an output port P5, and an output port P6. The input port P4 may be connected to a radio frequency component, and the output port P5 is connected to the output port P6 through a resistor R1.

[0086] In another possible application scenario, for example, when the feeder of the antenna is located in the inner layer of the printed circuit board, the Wilkinson power divider 120 in FIG. 10b is limited by a resistor having a large size and cannot be used in the array antenna.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of a power divider 130 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the power divider 130 may include an input port P7, an output port P8, and an output port P9.

[0089] The power splitter 130 may further include a main path feeder 131, a quarter-wavelength conversion line 132, a quarter-wavelength conversion line 133, a branch feeder 134, and a branch feeder 135. The first end of the main path feeder 131 is connected to the input port P7, and the second end of the main path feeder 131 is connected to the first end of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 132 and the first end of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 133. The second end of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 132 is connected to the first end of the branch feeder 134, and the second end of the branch feeder 134 is connected to the output port P8. The second end of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 133 is connected to the first end of the branch feeder 135, and the second end of the branch feeder 135 is connected to the output port P9.

[0090] It can be understood that the input port P7 of the power splitter 130 may be connected to the radio frequency chip 140. In a certain scenario, the radio frequency chip 140 may output a signal to the input port P7 of the power splitter 130. The output port P8 may be connected to the output port P9 through the carbon oil embedded resistor 15. Specifically, the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 is connected between the first end of the branch feeder 134 and the first end of the branch feeder 135. The carbon oil embedded resistor 15 of the power splitter 130 may be disposed on the inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40. The carbon oil embedded resistor 15 between the output port P8 and the output port P9 functions as an insulating resistor.

[0091] In an optional implementation, in the power divider 130, at least a part of the main path feeder 131 and the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 can be located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40; at least a part of the branch feeder 134 and the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 can be located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40; at least a part of the branch feeder 135 and the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 can be located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40; at least a part of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 132 and the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 can be located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40; and at least a part of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 133 and the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 can be located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40.

[0092] It can be understood that the shape of the carbon oil embedded resistor may be trapezoidal, rectangular, circular or another irregular pattern. This is not limited in the present embodiment of the present application.

[0093] Based on the foregoing embodiments of the present application, the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 is connected between the output port P8 and the output port P9. Therefore, the input port and the output port of the Wilkinson power divider 130 may have good matching and insulation characteristics, ensuring that the unit pattern of the array antenna is not distorted due to mutual coupling.

[0094] Compared with the conventional solution, the power divider 130 in the present embodiment of the present application is not limited by the embedded resistor load with a large size and can be used in the array antenna.

[0095] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the output port P8 of the power divider 130 may be connected to one radiating antenna unit 20, and the output port P9 of the power divider 130 may be connected to one radiating antenna unit 20. In a certain scenario, the radio frequency chip 140 may radiate signals through two radiating antenna units 20 connected to the power divider 130. The power divider 130 may be a Wilkinson power divider.

[0096] In some possible implementations, it can be understood that the array antenna 100 may include a plurality of power dividers. As shown in FIG. 12, two power dividers are used as an example for illustration. Although FIG. 12 shows only the power divider 130 and the power divider 150, this should not be construed as a limitation. The power divider 130 may implement a one-to-many architecture, for example, a one-to-two architecture, a one-to-three architecture, or a one-to-four architecture. For example, the input port P7 of the power divider 130 may be connected to the radio frequency chip 140, the output port P9 of the power divider 130 may be connected to one radiating antenna unit 20, the output port P8 of the power divider 130 may be connected to the input port P10 of the power divider 150, the input port P10 of the power divider 150 is connected to the first end of the main path feeder 131, and the second end of the main path feeder 131 is connected to the first ends of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 132 and the quarter-wavelength conversion line 133. The second end of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 132 is connected to the first end of the branch feeder 134, the second end of the branch feeder 134 is connected to the output port P11, the second end of the quarter-wavelength conversion line 133 is connected to the first end of the branch feeder 135, and the second end of the branch feeder 135 is connected to the output port P12. One carbon oil embedded resistor 15 is connected between the first end of the branch feeder 134 and the second end of the branch feeder 135.

[0097] In one scenario, output port P11 may be connected to one radiating antenna unit 20, and output port P12 may be connected to one radiating antenna unit 20. Alternatively, in some other scenarios, output port P11 may be connected to the input port of another power splitter, and output port P12 may be connected to one radiating antenna unit 20. Alternatively, in some other scenarios, output port P11 and output port P12 may each be connected to the input port of one power splitter. By analogy, the present embodiment of the present application may implement a one-to-many architecture.

[0098] It can be understood that the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 in the present embodiment is made of the same material as the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 to 8. Specifically, both the carbon oil embedded resistor 15 and the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be made of a carbon oil material having wave absorption characteristics.

[0099] Based on the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a carbon oil embedded resistor process is used. As a result, the present application can integrate a dummy antenna or a radiating antenna unit with a one-to-many Wilkinson power splitter in the inner layer of a multilayer printed circuit board to replace the conventional T-type power splitter. In the present application, good matching and insulation characteristics of the ports of the Wilkinson power splitter can be used to ensure that the unit patterns in the array are not distorted due to mutual coupling.

[0100] It can be understood that the power splitter 130 may perform equal-amplitude and in-phase power splitting, or may perform unequal-amplitude or unequal-phase power splitting.

[0101] Hereinafter, the scattering characteristics and input and output characteristics under different conditions of the T-type power splitter will be described.

[0102] When the main port is the input, a =

[0100] TIt is. When the remaining two ports are balanced inputs, a =

[0011] T It is. When the remaining two ports are unbalanced inputs, a =

[0010] T It is. When the remaining two ports are unbalanced inputs, a = [0 1 e j50° T It is. When the main port is matched and the remaining two ports are equal-amplitude in-phase outputs,

Number

Number

Number

[0103] Hereinafter, the scattering characteristics and input and output characteristics of the Wilkinson power divider under different conditions will be described.

[0104] When the main port is an input, a =

[0100] T It is. When the remaining two ports are balanced inputs, a =

[0011] T It is. When the remaining two ports are unbalanced inputs, a =

[0010] T It is. When the remaining two ports are unbalanced inputs, a = [0 1 e j50° T It is. When the main port is matched and the remaining two ports are equal-amplitude in-phase outputs,

Number

Number

Number

[0105] When a T-shaped power divider is used for unequal amplitude and in-phase operation (i.e., unbalanced combining), mismatches and crosstalk occur at the remaining two ports, and distinct reflections exist. In addition, the dummy unit performs secondary reflections on the absorbed electromagnetic waves. As a result, the pattern of the radiating antenna unit deteriorates further.

[0106] Regarding the Wilkinson power divider, even when the power divider is in an unbalanced state, the remaining two ports can still be matched and insulated. Therefore, the power divider can have a good dummy absorption effect.

[0107] Figure 13a shows the pattern in a theoretical exception. Figure 13b shows the pattern of a Wilkinson power divider using an inner-layer embedded resistor. Figure 13c shows the pattern of a T-shaped power divider.

[0108] Comparing with the pattern in the theoretical exception shown in Figure 13a, it can be seen from Figure 13a and Figure 13b that the pattern shown by the Wilkinson power divider implemented by using the carbon oil embedded resistor in the present embodiment of the present application is very similar to the pattern in the theoretical exception shown in Figure 13a. However, the pattern of the T-shaped power divider shown in Figure 13c is significantly distorted.

[0109] Therefore, the carbon oil embedded resistor can meet the engineering implementation requirements of the inner layer power splitter in cable wiring, and furthermore, can guarantee ideal radiation performance.

[0110] FIG. 14 is a diagram of an application scenario of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 14, in a possible scenario, the array antenna 100 can be used within the base station 200. For example, the array antenna 100 can be used within a communication base station in the millimeter wave band and the sub - millimeter wave band. It can be understood that a plurality of base stations 200 can communicate with the integrated receiver transceiver 300.

[0112] Under constraint conditions, it can be understood that the Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of the beam within the geosynchronous satellite area < 60 dBm / 200M / beam.

[0113] In a conventional array design, the EIRP is limited when the aforementioned constraints are met, and the scan range within a large - space array is also limited. However, in an irregular array layout, when the aforementioned constraint conditions are met, the grating side - lobe suppression of the array can be improved, and the EIRP and scan range of the array can be increased.

[0114] Please refer to FIG. 15. An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 400. The communication device 400 may include the array antenna 100 described in the foregoing embodiments. It can be understood that the communication device 400 may include, but is not limited to, a base station or a gNB within a new radio (NR) system.

[0115] The foregoing implementation is only intended to illustrate the present application, and those skilled in the art should understand that it is not intended to limit the present application, provided that appropriate modifications and changes made to the foregoing implementation within the essential scope of the present application are included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An array antenna used within a communication device, where the array antenna comprises a plurality of radiating antenna units and a plurality of dummy antennas; The plurality of radiating antenna units are configured to radiate or receive electromagnetic signals; The plurality of dummy antennas are arranged within the array, and the plurality of dummy antennas do not radiate the electromagnetic signals or do not receive the electromagnetic signals; and Each dummy antenna has a carbon oil embedded resistor and a feeder, the feeder is connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor, and both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are arranged on an inner layer of a multilayer printed circuit board Array antenna.

2. Both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are arranged on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; or the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are arranged on different layers of the multilayer printed circuit board, the array antenna according to claim 1.

3. The shape and size of the dummy antenna are the same as or similar to the shape and size of the radiating antenna unit, The array antenna according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The carbon oil embedded resistor is made of a carbon oil material having wave absorption characteristics, The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The multilayer printed circuit board includes a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer stacked in sequence; and Both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder within each dummy antenna are arranged between the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The array antenna further comprises a power divider; and The input port of the power divider is connected to a radio frequency chip, and the first output port of the power divider is connected to the second output port of the power divider through the carbon oil embedded resistor The array antenna according to claim 1.

7. The first output port and the second output port are each connected to one radiating antenna unit, The array antenna according to claim 6.

8. The power divider has a main path feeder, a first quarter-wavelength conversion line, a second quarter-wavelength conversion line, a first branch feeder, and a second branch feeder; a first end of the main path feeder is connected to the input port, and a second end of the main path feeder is connected to a first end of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line and a first end of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line; a second end of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line is connected to a first end of the first branch feeder, and a second end of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line is connected to a first end of the second branch feeder; and a second end of the first branch feeder is connected to the first output port, a second end of the second branch feeder is connected to the second output port, and one carbon oil-embedded resistor is connected between the first end of the first branch feeder and the first end of the second branch feeder. The array antenna according to claim 6.

9. At least a part of the main path feeder and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; At least a part of the first branch feeder and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; At least a part of the second branch feeder and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; At least a part of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; and At least a part of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line and the carbon oil-embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board The array antenna according to claim 8.

10. A communication device comprising the array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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