Integrated antenna device and its phase calibration method

Abstract

The present invention provides an integrated antenna device and a phase calibration method that can be assembled as a large antenna array and that can obtain the phase error between each patch antenna unit in the integrated antenna device through a simple calculation. [Solution] The integrated antenna device 100 includes an antenna array formed by a plurality of patch antenna units and a beam shaping integrated circuit. The patch antenna units, which are installed on the first surface of the substrate, are arranged symmetrically around the center of the antenna array, and each patch antenna unit includes a first feed point and a second feed point. The beam shaping integrated circuit, which is installed on the second surface of the substrate, is connected to the first and second feed points of the patch antenna units. The first and second feed points of the patch antenna units are located outward relative to the array center of the antenna array of the patch antenna units, and the beam shaping integrated circuit overlaps with the central region of the antenna array.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device, and particularly to an integrated antenna device and a phase calibration method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Millimeter wave generally refers to electromagnetic waves with wavelengths from 1 mm to 10 mm, and the corresponding frequency range is approximately 30 GHz to 300 GHz. Since millimeter waves have higher frequencies, they can provide a wider bandwidth, thereby supporting higher data transmission speeds. Millimeter wave technology has already been widely applied and can significantly improve network capacity and speed. However, because millimeter waves have relatively short wavelengths, they are easily shielded and attenuated by obstacles during the propagation process, resulting in a smaller coverage area. To solve this problem, beamforming technology has been introduced.

[0003] Beamforming is a technology that controls the transmission direction of a signal by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each patch antenna unit in an antenna array. By concentrating signal energy in a specific direction, beamforming can increase signal strength, reduce interference, and improve the reliability and efficiency of wireless communication.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An antenna array for realizing beamforming usually includes a large number of patch antenna units. Therefore, if any one of the patch antenna units or other passive elements fails, it will affect the beamforming effect of the entire antenna array. If the entire antenna array is disassembled for maintenance due to the failure of just one patch antenna unit, both the maintenance time and the maintenance cost will be very uneconomical. In addition, the estimation and calibration of phase errors between a large number of patch antenna units are more complex and challenging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides an integrated antenna device and a phase calibration method thereof that can solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated antenna device includes an antenna array formed by a plurality of patch antenna units and a beamforming integrated circuit. The antenna array is mounted on a first surface of a substrate. These patch antenna units are arranged symmetrically around the array center of the antenna array, and each of these patch antenna units includes a first feed point and a second feed point. The beamforming integrated circuit is mounted on a second surface opposite the first surface of the substrate and is connected to the first and second feed points of each of these patch antenna units. Each of these patch antenna units includes a first linear radiation portion having a first polarization direction and a second linear radiation portion having a second polarization direction. The first linear radiation portion includes a first feed point, and the second linear radiation portion includes a second feed point. The extension direction of the first linear radiation portion is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second linear radiation portion. The first and second feed points of each of these patch antenna units are located outward relative to the array center of each antenna array of the patch antenna unit, and the beamforming integrated circuit overlaps with the central region of the antenna array.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array of the integrated antenna device includes a first patch antenna unit, a second patch antenna unit, a third patch antenna unit, and a fourth patch antenna unit arranged in a 2x2 matrix format. A phase calibration method for the integrated antenna device includes the following steps: Receiving a first radio frequency signal from the far field via the first and second patch antenna units. Mixing the radio frequency signals generated by the first and second patch antenna units in response to the first radio frequency signal to generate a first mixed signal. Transmitting a second radio frequency signal to the far field via the first and second patch antenna units. Mixing the radio frequency signals generated by the first and second patch antenna units in response to the second radio frequency signal to generate a second mixed signal. Determining a first phase error between the first and second patch antenna units based on the amplitude ratio of the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The integrated antenna system provided by the embodiments of the present invention can be assembled as a large antenna array, making it possible to independently replace or maintain parts of the large antenna array, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention allow for the acquisition of phase errors between each patch antenna unit in the integrated antenna system through simple calculations, significantly reducing the difficulty of phase compensation and improving antenna performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of an integrated antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] These are schematic three-dimensional views of an integrated antenna device from different viewing angles according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] These are schematic three-dimensional views of an integrated antenna device from different viewing angles according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram of a plurality of patch antenna units and a feed point according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram of a plurality of patch antenna units and a feed point according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] This is a schematic diagram of a plurality of patch antenna units and a feed point according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of a phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the radiation field patterns of multiple patch antenna units according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be referenced in detail, and examples of exemplary embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals for the same elements will be used in the accompanying drawings and description to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0011] The directional terms such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" mentioned in this text are merely references to the directions shown in the attached drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0012] In the attached drawings, each drawing illustrates the general characteristics of a method, structure, or material used in a particular embodiment. However, these drawings should not be construed as defining or limiting the scope or properties included in these embodiments. For example, for clarity, the relative dimensions, thickness, and location of each film layer, region, or structure may be reduced or enlarged.

[0013] In the following embodiments, identical or similar elements are given the same or similar reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, features in different embodiments can be combined with each other in non-contradictory circumstances, and any simple equivalent changes and modifications based on this specification or the claims are included within the scope of this patent.

[0014] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., as used herein or in the claims, are used solely to name different elements or to distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not intended to limit the quantity of elements, nor to limit the manufacturing or installation order of elements. Furthermore, the placement of one element / film layer on (or above) another element / film layer may include situations in which the element / film layer is directly placed on (or above) the other element / film layer and the two elements / film layers are in direct contact, and situations in which the element / film layer is indirectly placed on (or above) the other element / film layer and one or more elements / film layers are present between the two elements / film layers.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an integrated antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are schematic stereoscopic views of the integrated antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles. Please refer to Figures 1, 2A, and 2B together.

[0016] In some embodiments, the integrated antenna device 100 includes an antenna array formed by a plurality of patch antenna units Ant_1, Ant_2, Ant_3, and Ant_4, and a beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1. Based on some embodiments, the plurality of patch antenna units Ant_1, Ant_2, Ant_3, and Ant_4 of the integrated antenna device 100 can radiate radio frequency (RF) signals into the surrounding environment. Based on some embodiments, the plurality of patch antenna units Ant_1, Ant_2, Ant_3, and Ant_4 of the integrated antenna device 100 can receive RF signals from the surrounding environment.

[0017] In some embodiments, the integrated antenna device 100 includes a substrate 140. The antenna array is mounted on a first surface of the substrate 140. That is, multiple patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 are mounted on the first surface of the substrate 140. In some embodiments, the multiple patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 may be multiple metal patches printed on the substrate 140. The antenna patterns of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 are identical. As shown in Figure 2A, the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 are arranged symmetrically around the array center C10 of the antenna array. The patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 are mounted symmetrically with respect to a first axis L11 and a second axis L12. The first axis L11 and the second axis L12 are perpendicular to each other. The first axis L11 and the second axis L12 intersect at the array center C10 of the antenna array. In some embodiments, patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 can be distributed at equal intervals at the four corners of the substrate 140. The substrate 140 may also include an insulating dielectric layer, and the dielectric material of the insulating dielectric layer may be ceramic, polytetrafluoroethylene, or other insulating material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 are arranged in a 2×2 matrix form. The distance between two adjacent ones of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 is half of the wavelength of the operating environment corresponding to the center frequency of the operating frequency band of the antenna array. To illustrate with an example, assume that the center frequency of the operating frequency band of the antenna array is 30 GHz, and this antenna array operates in vacuum or air. Then, half of the wavelength of the operating environment corresponding to the center frequency (in this example, the vacuum wavelength) is about 0.5 cm. That is, assuming that the center frequency of the operating frequency band of the antenna array is 30 GHz, the distance from the geometric center point of the patch antenna unit Ant_1 to the geometric center point of the patch antenna unit Ant_4 may be 0.5 cm. Further, the distance from the geometric center point of the patch antenna unit Ant_1 to the geometric center point of the patch antenna unit Ant_2 may also be 0.5 cm in the same way.

[0019] In some embodiments, each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 may be a dual-polarization antenna, and thus each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 can include two feeding points. Specifically, the patch antenna unit Ant_1 can include a first feeding point F11 and a second feeding point F12. The patch antenna unit Ant_2 can include a first feeding point F21 and a second feeding point F22. The patch antenna unit Ant_3 can include a first feeding point F31 and a second feeding point F32. The patch antenna unit Ant_4 can include a first feeding point F41 and a second feeding point F42. These feeding points are used to transmit the radio frequency signal from the transmission conductor to the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 or to transmit the received electromagnetic wave signal from the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 to the transmission conductor.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 has a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction orthogonal to the first polarization direction. The first polarization direction may be a vertical polarization direction, and the second polarization direction may be a horizontal polarization direction. The first feeding points F11, F21, F31, F41 are arranged such that each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 transmits and receives based on the first polarization direction. The second feeding points F12, F22, F32, F42 are arranged such that each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 transmits and receives based on the second polarization direction. That is, in some embodiments, the first feeding points F11, F21, F31, F41 are arranged to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the vertical polarization direction, and the second feeding points F12, F22, F32, F42 are arranged to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the horizontal polarization direction. Thereby, each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 can radiate radio frequency signals from any linear polarization to elliptical polarization and circular polarization.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 can include a first linear radiation portion having a first polarization direction and a second linear radiation portion having a second polarization direction. The first linear radiation portions of each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 respectively include the first feeding points F11, F21, F31, F41, and the second linear radiation portions of each of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 respectively include the second feeding points F12, F22, F32, F42. The extending direction of the first linear radiation portion is perpendicular to the extending direction of the second linear radiation portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the substrate 140 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) having a laminated structure. The printed circuit board can include a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers. The conductive layers of the printed circuit board can be arranged to include different circuit patterns.

[0023] In some embodiments, the beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 is mounted on the surface of the substrate 140. The beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 is mounted on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the substrate 140. The beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 can control the signal phase and amplitude of patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4, thereby enabling beam shaping functionality by focusing transmitted and received signals in a specific direction. The beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 may include a plurality of phase shifters and a plurality of power amplifiers. In some embodiments, the beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 may be connected to the substrate 140 via conductive bumps (e.g., ball grid array (BGA) bumps, but the present invention is not limited thereto).

[0024] In some embodiments, one conductive layer of the substrate 140 may include a grounding patch and be arranged as a grounding layer. The grounding layer in the substrate 140 is arranged to provide a grounding level to the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 and the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4.

[0025] In some embodiments, the integrated antenna device 100 may further include surface-mount components mounted on the surface of the substrate 140, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, power amplifier ICs, or other passive elements. The surface-mount components can be connected to the beam-forming integrated circuit BFIC1 via a conductive layer of the substrate 140.

[0026] In some embodiments, the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 is connected to the first feed points F11, F21, F31, F41 and the second feed points F12, F22, F32, F42 of each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4. More specifically, the substrate 140 may have conductive vias, and the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 can be electrically connected to the first feed points F11, F21, F31, F41 and the second feed points F12, F22, F32, F42 of each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 via these conductive vias and conductive wiring in the conductive layer of the substrate 140.

[0027] In some embodiments, the positions of the first power supply points F11, F21, F31, and F41 are distributed symmetrically with respect to the first axis L11 and the second axis L12, and the positions of the second power supply points F12, F22, F32, and F42 are distributed symmetrically with respect to the first axis L11 and the second axis L12.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lengths of the radio frequency signal transmission paths between patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 and beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 are substantially identical. The electrical lengths of these radio frequency signal transmission paths between patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 and beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 are substantially equal. That is, the lengths of the radio frequency signal transmission paths from the first feed points F11, F21, F31, F41 of patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 to beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 are substantially equal. The radio frequency signal transmission paths from the second feed points F12, F22, F32, F42 of patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 to beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 are substantially equal. The radio frequency signal transmission paths between patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 and beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 are reciprocal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first feed points F11, F21, F31, F41 and the second feed points F12, F22, F32, F42 of each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 are located outward from the array center C10 of each antenna array of the patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4. The beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 also overlaps with the central region of the antenna array. In some embodiments, the center point of the central region of the antenna array is the array center C10 of the antenna array.

[0030] In some embodiments, the center of the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 is projected onto the array center C10 of the antenna array along the normal direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the surface of the substrate 140. That is, the orthogonal projection of the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 onto the first surface of the substrate 140 lies in the central region of the antenna array.

[0031] In this way, the first feed points F11, F21, F31, F41 and the second feed points F12, F22, F32, F42 of each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 are located away from the array center C10, so that the radio frequency signal transmission path between the first feed points F11, F21, F31, F41 and the second feed points F12, F22, F32, F42 of each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 and the beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 can be extended. Therefore, the radio frequency signal transmission path between the beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 and each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 can be further dispersed. By further dispersing the radio frequency signal transmission path between the beam shaping integrated circuit BFIC1 and each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4, signal interference between radio frequency signal transmission paths can be reduced. Furthermore, the difficulty of layout and spatial constraints when installing surface-mount components on the surface of the substrate 140 can also be reduced.

[0032] In some embodiments, the integrated antenna device 100 further includes a connection section 110. The integrated antenna device 100 can communicate with an external device and transmit electrical signals via the connection section 110. In some embodiments, the connection section 110 may include a plurality of copper poles (for example, copper pole CP1 in Figure 2B) mounted on the substrate 140.

[0033] In some embodiments, the connection unit 110 is configured to receive external power supplies VDD1 and VDD2, so that the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 can receive external power supplies VDD1 and VDD2 via the connection unit 110. The connection unit 110 can also be configured to connect to the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 via a bus interface 120. More specifically, the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 may have a bus port, and the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 can receive external control data via the bus port and the connection unit 110. The bus interface 120 may be, for example, a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI). The connection unit 110 can also be configured to transmit radio frequency signals to the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1. More specifically, a common port of the beamforming integrated circuit BFIC1 can receive radio frequency signals RF_A and RF_B provided externally from the connection unit 110.

[0034] In some embodiments, each first linear radiating portion of patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 includes first feed points F11, F21, F31, and F41, and each second linear radiating portion of patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 includes second feed points F12, F22, F32, and F42. Furthermore, each of patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 includes multiple radiating portions, which have a four-lobed structure.

[0035] Figures 3A to 3C are schematic diagrams of multiple patch antenna units and feed points according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3A, in some embodiments, the patch antenna unit Ant_1 may include a first linear radiating portion 311a, a second linear radiating portion 312a, and multiple field pattern adjustment portions 313. The first linear radiating portion 311a extends along the X-axis, and the second linear radiating portion 312a extends along the Y-axis. The multiple field pattern adjustment portions 313 have a four-lobed structure. That is, the multiple field pattern adjustment portions 313 form a cross-symmetric structure, and each of the multiple field pattern adjustment portions 313 is a rectangular / sector / wedge-shaped radiator symmetrically arranged within the four-lobed structure. The multiple field pattern adjustment portions 313 can be used to adjust the field pattern to increase bandwidth. The first linear radiating portion 311a and the second linear radiating portion 312a are installed in the cross-shaped gap formed by the multiple field pattern adjustment portions 313. The first linear radiation portion 311a can transmit and receive radio frequency signals corresponding to the first polarization direction via the first feed point F11. The second linear radiation portion 312a can transmit and receive radio frequency signals corresponding to the second polarization direction via the second feed point F12.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 3A, the width of the metal microstrips in the first linear radiating portion of each antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 can be partially widened based on the placement of the feed point. Similarly, the width of the metal microstrips in the second linear radiating portion of each antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 can be partially widened based on the placement of the feed point.

[0037] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the first linear radiating portion 311a includes a first sub-radiator 311_1 and a second sub-radiator 311_2. There is a gap between the first sub-radiator 311_1 and the second sub-radiator 311_2, and the first linear radiating portion 311a extends through and penetrates this gap. The first feed point F11 and the second feed point F12 of the patch antenna unit Ant_1 are located outside the array center C10 of the antenna array of the patch antenna unit Ant_1. Specifically, the first feed point F11 is located on the first sub-radiator 311_1, away from the array center C10. The second linear radial portion 312a has both ends, and the second feed point F12 is located at the outer end of the second linear radial portion 312a relative to the array center C10.

[0038] Similarly, patch antenna units Ant_2 to Ant_4 can each receive radio frequency signals corresponding to the first polarization direction. Patch antenna units Ant_2 to Ant_4 can each receive radio frequency signals corresponding to the second polarization direction.

[0039] However, in order to clarify the explanation and illustrate it clearly, Figure 3A shows the antenna pattern using patch antenna unit Ant_1 as an example. However, as can be understood, the antenna patterns of patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 are the same. Therefore, the antenna patterns of the other patch antenna units Ant_2 to Ant_4 can be easily inferred by referring to the explanation above, so a repeated explanation will not be provided here.

[0040] It should be particularly explained that due to various factors such as manufacturing tolerances and positional differences of the antenna units, phase errors exist between patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4. However, phase errors between patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 have a negative impact on beam shaping. For example, if unexpected phase errors exist between patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4, it can cause deviations in the main lobe direction of the beam, changes in beam width, and even beam distortion. In embodiments of the present invention, the integrated antenna device 100 can efficiently estimate the phase errors between patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 using simple calculations and processes, and perform phase compensation advantageously. Examples are described below.

[0041] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a plurality of patch antenna units and a feed point according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3B and comparing it with Figure 3A, the width of the metal microstrips in the first linear radiating portions of each antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 is not widened based on the installation of the feed point. Similarly, the width of the metal microstrips in the second linear radiating portions of each antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 is not widened based on the installation of the feed point. For example, the width of the metal microstrips in the first linear radiating portion 311b and the second linear radiating portion 312b of antenna unit Ant_1 does not change due to the installation of the feed point.

[0042] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of a plurality of patch antenna units and feed points according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3C and comparing it with Figure 3A, in some embodiments, the first linear radiation portion 311c corresponding to the first polarization direction is not located on the surface of the substrate 140 but is embedded within the substrate 140. That is, the first linear radiation portion 311c is located on one intermediate layer in the multilayer structure of the substrate 140, and the second linear radiation portion 312c is located on the surface layer in the multilayer structure of the substrate 140.

[0043] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 3A and 4 for clarity, in step S402, a first radio frequency signal coming from the far field is received via a first patch antenna unit (in this example, for example, patch antenna unit Ant_1) and a second patch antenna unit (for example, patch antenna unit Ant_4). The first and second patch antenna units are located on the same side of the antenna matrix. Specifically, the first radio frequency signal is transmitted from the far field to the two patch antenna units on the same side to generate information for calculating the phase error.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first radio frequency signal may include a first polarization signal having a first polarization direction or a second polarization signal having a second polarization direction. That is, the first polarization signal and the second polarization signal may be transmitted via a far field, and phase errors corresponding to different polarization directions may be estimated, respectively. The first polarization signal and the second polarization signal may be vertically polarized signals or horizontally polarized signals, respectively.

[0045] In step S404, the first patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_1) and the second patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_4) mix the radio frequency signals generated by each unit in response to the first radio frequency signal to generate a first mixed signal.

[0046] In some embodiments, when a first radio frequency signal arriving from a far field is received, the signal-feed phase of the first patch antenna unit and the signal-feed phase of the second patch antenna unit are set to have a phase difference of 180 degrees to generate a first mixed signal corresponding to destructive interference.

[0047] To explain in more detail, when a vertically polarized signal in a first radio frequency signal coming from a far field that is orthogonal to the plane in which the antenna array is located (boresight) is received, the signal feeding phase of each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 can be set to 0 degrees or 180 degrees, respectively. More specifically, the signal feeding phase RF1_B of patch antenna unit Ant_1 can be set to 0 degrees. The signal feeding phase RF2_B of patch antenna unit Ant_2 can be set to 0 degrees. The signal feeding phase RF3_B of patch antenna unit Ant_3 can be set to 180 degrees. The signal feeding phase RF4_B of patch antenna unit Ant_4 can be set to 180 degrees. If the phase difference between the signal feeding phase of patch antenna unit Ant_1 and the signal feeding phase of patch antenna unit Ant_4 is set to 180 degrees, the radio frequency signals generated by patch antenna units Ant_1 and Ant_4 in response to the first radio frequency signal will cause destructive interference.

[0048] Ideally, if the phase difference between the signal-feed phase of patch antenna unit Ant_1 and the signal-feed phase of patch antenna unit Ant_4 is set to 180 degrees, the radio frequency signals generated by patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4 in response to the first radio frequency signal will completely cancel each other out. However, due to the phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4, an error will occur in the destructive interference.

[0049] To explain in more detail, the patch antenna unit Ant_1 responds to the first radio frequency signal. JPEG2026085240000002.jpg1295 can be generated, and the patch antenna unit Ant_4 responds to the first radio frequency signal. The file JPEG2026085240000003.jpg14127 can be generated. Here, θ represents the phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4. By sum-subtraction-product operations, the first mixed signal can be derived as follows:

[0050]

number

[0051] When θ=0, it indicates that there is no phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4, and the first mixed signal is equal to 0.

[0052] In step S406, the second radio frequency signal is transmitted to the far field via the first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit. Specifically, two patch antenna units located on the same side of the array can be used to transmit the second radio frequency signal to the far field and generate information for calculating the phase error.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second radio frequency signal may include a third polarization signal having a first polarization direction or a fourth polarization signal having a second polarization direction. That is, the third polarization signal and the fourth polarization signal may be transmitted via the integrated antenna device 100, thereby enabling the implementation of phase errors corresponding to different polarization directions. The third polarization signal and the fourth polarization signal may be vertically polarized signals or horizontally polarized signals, respectively.

[0054] From another perspective, in some embodiments, the first radio frequency signal received from the far field and the second radio frequency signal transmitted to the far field are both vertically polarized signals, and the phase error can be estimated with respect to the vertical polarization direction. The first radio frequency signal received from the far field and the second radio frequency signal transmitted to the far field are both horizontally polarized signals, and the phase error can be estimated with respect to the horizontal polarization direction.

[0055] In step S408, the first patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_1) and the second patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_4) mix the radio frequency signals generated in response to the second radio frequency signal to generate a second mixed signal. Specifically, the far field can receive two radio frequency signals from patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4.

[0056] In some embodiments, when a second radio frequency signal is transmitted to a far field, the signal feeding phase of the first patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_1) and the signal feeding phase of the second patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_4) are set to have a phase difference of 0 degrees to generate a second mixed signal that corresponds to constructive interference.

[0057] To explain in more detail, when a vertically polarized signal in the second radio frequency signal is transmitted to the far field, the signal feeding phase of each patch antenna unit Ant_1 to Ant_4 can be set to 0 degrees or 180 degrees, respectively. More specifically, the signal feeding phase RF1_B of patch antenna unit Ant_1 can be set to 0 degrees. The signal feeding phase RF2_B of patch antenna unit Ant_2 can be set to 180 degrees. The signal feeding phase RF3_B of patch antenna unit Ant_3 can be set to 180 degrees. The signal feeding phase RF4_B of patch antenna unit Ant_4 can be set to 0 degrees. If the phase difference between the signal feeding phase of patch antenna unit Ant_1 and the signal feeding phase of patch antenna unit Ant_4 is set to 0 degrees, the radio frequency signals of patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4 received from the far field will cause constructive interference. However, due to the phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4, errors occur in constructive interference.

[0058] To explain in more detail, the patch antenna unit Ant_1 is, JPEG2026085240000005.jpg1295 can be transmitted, and the patch antenna unit Ant_4 is, The image JPEG2026085240000006.jpg13118 can be transmitted. Here, θ represents the phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4. By sum-difference-product calculations, the second mixed signal can be derived as follows:

[0059]

number

[0060] When θ=0, it indicates that there is no phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4, and the signal amplitude of the second mixed signal generated by the far field is twice that of the first mixed signal.

[0061] In step S410, a first phase error is determined between the first patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_1) and the second patch antenna unit (i.e., patch antenna unit Ant_4) based on the amplitude ratio of the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first phase error described above can be determined based on the amplitude ratio between the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal. In some embodiments, the first phase error is twice the amplitude ratio between the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal. Specifically, the amplitude ratio between the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal is as follows:

[0063]

number

[0064] When θ is sufficiently small, JPEG2026085240000009.jpg3150 approaches θ / 2. In other words, the phase error is 1 / 2. Since it will be close to JPEG2026085240000010.jpg3150, the phase error can be estimated to be twice the amplitude ratio of the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal.

[0065] As a supplementary explanation, we assume that the phase error θ is usually less than step / 2, and that the step is 5.625 degrees (0.098 rad). Here, step represents the step angle of the phase adjustment, i.e., the minimum increment of each phase adjustment. In this case, θ < 0.049.87. As can be seen from this, the relative error that determines the phase error by the direct amplitude ratio is less than 1 / 1000. In other words, the determination of the phase error by the direct amplitude ratio is sufficiently accurate.

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the radiated field patterns of multiple patch antenna units according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, curves 402 and 401 are the radiated field patterns generated by applying patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4, respectively. When the phase difference between the signal-feed phase of patch antenna unit Ant_1 and the signal-feed phase of patch antenna unit Ant_4 is 180 degrees, curve 403 is the radiated field pattern generated by applying patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4 simultaneously. Since curve 403 belongs to a symmetric field pattern, it is more ideal to estimate the phase error via patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4. Symmetric field patterns can provide a more uniform and simplified field environment, making the calculation of the phase error more accurate and efficient.

[0067] In some embodiments, a second phase error can be determined between a third patch antenna unit and a fourth patch antenna unit. The third and fourth patch antenna units are located on the same side of the antenna matrix. For example, the third and fourth patch antenna units may be patch antenna unit Ant_3 and patch antenna unit Ant_2 shown in Figure 3A, respectively. The method for determining the second phase error between the third and fourth patch antenna units is similar to the method for determining the first phase error between the first and second patch antenna units in steps S402 to S410, and therefore will not be described here.

[0068] In some embodiments, a third phase error can be determined between a first patch antenna unit and a third patch antenna unit. The first and third patch antenna units are located diagonally opposite each other in the antenna matrix. For example, the first and third patch antenna units may be patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_3 shown in Figure 3A, respectively. The method for determining the third phase error between the first and third patch antenna units is similar to the method for determining the first phase error between the first and second patch antenna units in steps S402 to S410, and therefore will not be described here.

[0069] Therefore, after determining the phase errors between each patch antenna unit, in some embodiments, phase compensation of the antenna array can be performed based on the first phase error between the first and second patch antenna units, the second phase error between the third and fourth patch antenna units, and the third phase error between the first and third patch antenna units. As shown in Figure 3A, the amount of phase compensation for all patch antenna units Ant_1 to Ant_4 can be determined based on the first phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_4, the second phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_2 and patch antenna unit Ant_3, and the third phase error between patch antenna unit Ant_1 and patch antenna unit Ant_3.

[0070] As described above, in the embodiments of the present invention, the integrated antenna device can be assembled as a large antenna array, making it possible to independently replace or maintain a portion of the large antenna array, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, since the phase error between each patch antenna unit in the integrated antenna device can be obtained by simple calculations, the difficulty of phase compensation can be greatly reduced, and the antenna performance can be improved.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are merely for illustrating the technical solutions of the present invention and do not limit the invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments described above, a person ordinary in the art should understand that it is still possible to modify the technical solutions described in the embodiments described above, or to replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalent ones. Furthermore, these modifications or replacements should not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of each embodiment of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] The integrated antenna device and its phase calibration method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used for antenna devices and antenna phase calibration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 110 Connection part 120 bus interface 140 circuit boards 311a, 311b, 311c 1st linear radiation part 311_1 First Sub-Radiator 311_2 Second Sub-Radiator 312a, 312b, 312c second linear radiation part 313 Multiple Radiating Parts 401, 402, 403 curves Steps S402, S404, S406, S408, S410 Ant_1~Ant_4 Patch Antenna Unit BFIC1 Beamforming Integrated Circuit C10 Array Center CP1 Copper Pillar F11, F21, F31, F41 First power supply point F12, F22, F32, F42 Second power supply point L11 1st axis L12 2nd axis RF_A, RF_B Radio frequency signal RF1_B, RF3_B, RF2_B, RF4_B signal feeding phase VDD1, VDD2 external power supply

Claims

1. An antenna array formed by a plurality of patch antenna units and installed on a first surface of a substrate, wherein the plurality of patch antenna units are arranged symmetrically around the array center of the antenna array, and each of the plurality of patch antenna units is connected to the antenna array including a first feed point and a second feed point, A beam shaping integrated circuit is installed on a second surface of the substrate facing the first surface and connected to the first and second feed points of each of the plurality of patch antenna units, Includes, Each of the plurality of patch antenna units includes a first linear radiation portion having a first polarization direction and a second linear radiation portion having a second polarization direction, wherein the first linear radiation portion includes the first feed point, and the second linear radiation portion includes the second feed point, and the extension direction of the first linear radiation portion is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second linear radiation portion. An integrated antenna device in which the first and second feed points of each of the plurality of patch antenna units are located outside the array center of each of the antenna arrays of the plurality of patch antenna units, and the beam shaping integrated circuit overlaps with the central region of the antenna array.

2. The integrated antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of patch antenna units are arranged in a 2x2 matrix, and the distance between two adjacent patch antenna units is half the wavelength of the operating environment corresponding to the center frequency of the operating frequency band of the antenna array.

3. The integrated antenna device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of patch antenna units has a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction perpendicular to the first polarization direction, the first feed point is arranged such that each of the plurality of patch antenna units transmits and receives based on the first polarization direction, and the second feed point is arranged such that each of the plurality of patch antenna units transmits and receives based on the second polarization direction.

4. The integrated antenna device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of patch antenna units further includes a plurality of field pattern adjustment parts, and the plurality of field pattern adjustment parts have a four-lobed structure.

5. The integrated antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the lengths of the radio frequency signal transmission paths from the plurality of first feed points of the plurality of patch antenna units to the beam shaping integrated circuit are substantially equal to each other, and the lengths of the radio frequency signal transmission paths from the plurality of second feed points of the plurality of patch antenna units to the beam shaping integrated circuit are substantially equal to each other.

6. The integrated antenna device according to claim 5, wherein the center of the beam-forming integrated circuit is projected onto the array center of the antenna array along a direction perpendicular to the surface of the second substrate.

7. The integrated antenna device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection portion that receives an external power supply, is connected to the beam shaping integrated circuit via a bus interface, and is arranged to transmit radio frequency signals with the beam shaping integrated circuit.

8. The integrated antenna device according to claim 7, wherein the connection portion includes a plurality of copper pillars installed on the second substrate.

9. A phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device, wherein the antenna array of the integrated antenna device includes a first patch antenna unit, a second patch antenna unit, a third patch antenna unit, and a fourth patch antenna unit arranged in a 2x2 matrix format, and the method is The first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit are used to receive a first radio frequency signal coming from a distant field, The first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit mix the radio frequency signals generated in response to the first radio frequency signal to generate a first mixed signal. The second radio frequency signal is transmitted to the remote field via the first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit, The first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit mix the radio frequency signals generated in accordance with the second radio frequency signal to generate a second mixed signal, Based on the amplitude ratio of the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal, a first phase error is determined between the first patch antenna unit and the second patch antenna unit. A phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device, including the antenna device itself.

10. A phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to claim 9, wherein when the first radio frequency signal arriving from the distant field is received, the phase difference between the signal feeding phase of the first patch antenna unit and the signal feeding phase of the second patch antenna unit is set to 180 degrees, thereby generating the first mixed signal corresponding to destructive interference.

11. A phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to claim 9, wherein when the second radio frequency signal is transmitted to the remote field, the phase difference between the signal feeding phase of the first patch antenna unit and the signal feeding phase of the second patch antenna unit is set to 0 degrees, thereby generating the second mixed signal corresponding to constructive interference.

12. The second phase error between the third patch antenna unit and the fourth patch antenna unit is determined, To determine the third phase error between the first patch antenna unit and the third patch antenna unit, A phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to claim 9, further comprising:

13. A phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to claim 12, further comprising performing phase compensation of the antenna array based on the first phase error, the second phase error, and the third phase error.

14. A phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to claim 9, wherein the first radio frequency signal includes a first polarization signal having a first polarization direction or a second polarization signal having a second polarization direction.

15. The phase calibration method for an integrated antenna device according to claim 9, wherein the first phase error is twice the amplitude ratio of the first mixed signal and the second mixed signal.

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